It’s a new era for Keilor Park as it plays in the National Premier League women’s competition for the first time.
After building over a number of years, the Eagles have finally achieved their goal of playing in the state’s top flight this season.
Coach Liam Drury said that it was an exciting time for everyone.
“It’s a special season,” he said. “It’s been really cool and so much preparation for it.
“For a lot of them it’s the first time playing at this level and it’s a special season for the club being their first time.
“It’s the first time for me being head coach in this league. We take pride in that.”
The Eagles squad this season is very different to the one that saw them promoted after last season.
Drury said they were hoping to build a squad for the future with a lot of good young talent among the group.
He said a number of players didn’t want to go up into the NPLW competition and this season was a bit of a rebuild for the future.
“It is a really young squad,” he said. “For lots of the players it’s a good opportunity to have their first chance and look to step up for the first time.
“I’ve got good knowledge of the 18-21 age bracket and brought in the right players with some big talent.”
Drury said Tamsyn Smith is one player who has stayed on and stepped into a leadership role this season.
Among the signings for the Eagles are Abby Holmes and Maggie Lena, who are experienced players with international pedigree, Japanese pair An Sugamori and Runa Komidori, Ameera Makunja and Summer Caponecchia.
The Eagles kicked off their time in the NPLW against local rival Spring Hills.
The match finished in a 1-1 draw with Drury saying it was the most physical game they’d played in for a long time.
Drury said they were happy to take home a point and were looking ahead to their round two match with Alamein on Saturday.
He said before the match would be a good test which they were excited for.
It finished in an 0-0 draw.
Drury said they were keen to build into the season and see where it took them.
“We’re a new team looking to have a good run at the start of the season,” he said. “Number one is to not be in the bottom two and we want to push higher.
“We would love that. We know that it’s a hard league.”
