Spring Hills is setting its sights firmly on promotion in FFV state league 4 west.
After looking to consolidate their spot in the division last year, the Stallions have higher expectations this year, according to team manager Joe Febbraio.
This is the first time the Stallions have stayed in state league 4 for a second straight season after finishing third last season.
“Last year, it was about making sure we didn’t get relegated and it was obvious after six rounds that it wasn’t going to happen,” Febbraio
said.
“Western Eagles were the standout, so in the end we wanted the play-off spot. It was difficult, missing that spot.
“There are no play-offs this season, only a promotion spot … we are aiming for that.”
Febbraio said the Stallions had put in a big pre-season under coach David Maglovski, similar to those of recent years.
He said they would be finalising their squad in coming weeks, including a number of changes.
Josip Loncaric, who has moved to Fawkner, is the big out from the Stallions’ side.
“We have some change in players like most clubs,” Febbraio said. “A few are still training with us, but haven’t registered yet.
“We’ve almost covered for the losses and we also have two or three players looking to step up from reserves.
“We’ve had a goalkeeper change and three or four other changes. We’ve added some players from higher levels who will strengthen our squad.”
The Stallions played Westgate in round two of the FFA Cup on Friday night, having had a win in the first round courtesy of a forfeit by their opponents.
It was all one way traffic with Westgate winning 7-1.
Febbraio said before the game they didn’t have a full strength side in the match.
“Westgate is a division 2 side, so it’s a big challenge,” he said.
Febbraio said things were looking good across the club, with player numbers increasing.
Their women’s top side will play in state league 2 this season after claiming the state league 3 north and overall state league 3 titles last season. The women’s seconds will play in division 3.
“We’re attracting players from higher divisions,” said Febbraio of the club’s female teams. “We’ve had a number of players in Vic sides. Of the total players at the club, 26 per cent are female, which is quite a lot and it continues to grow.”
The Stallions’ senior men’s side will kick off their FFV state league 4 season on March 23 away to Laverton.
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