After a debut season focusing on establishing a team, Caroline Springs’ men’s side is keen to take it to the next level in Hockey Victoria’s winter season.
The Springers struggled at times last year, with a new side and with many still learning the game, but this season are expecting bigger things.
Springers’ coach David Gorton said they were in a position to have two teams this season.
Their top side will play in Metro A North West, having played in Pennant G last season.
He said while they expect some good results from the top side, the second side would allow them to support new and returning players.
“We’ll have a Metro A and Metro B team and with the way Hockey Victoria has restructured, we’ll take on some stronger clubs.
“We have Premier League ambitions, so we may as well be playing quality clubs with big memberships and integrate some of their coaching methodically.”
Gorton said pre-season form against some strong sides had shown they had improved during the off season.
They played games against Ballarat and Bendigo, splitting the results, and the trip to Ballarat helped them sign new players.
He said they had kept 16 players from last year’s squad of 20 while adding seven to eight new guys.
“Some of those guys have strong experience,” he said.
“It was about creating a viable squad … This year we’ll be a lot stronger.
“Every spot we are more experienced and have a fair spread and have a more than capable team.”
The Springers top side started their season on Saturday against Footscray.
Gorton said they were hoping to hit the ground running, with high expectations for the side.
“Last year was really about setting up a men’s side,” Gorton said. “On ability we should make the grand final if we’re able to keep our best side on the park.”
The Springers’ top women’s side starts their Vic League 2 season on Saturday against Melton, in the first derby between the two local sides.
