It’s a complete unknown for Keilor Park as it enters the Victorian Premier League 2 season this year.
Just a couple of seasons ago, the Eagles were playing in the FV state league 2 north-west competition.
After back-to-back promotions, they will play in the VPL for the first time.
“It’s a new challenge,” coach Sergio Sabbadini said. “It’s a bit of an unknown having not played these teams before.
“It’s a bit weird not knowing what to expect.”
Sabbadini said they had to strengthen their squid as they rose up a division again.
He said they felt like they had put together a stronger side than the past couple of years.
“We’ve kept the majority of players from last year and we’ve recruited four or five players which is normal,” he said.
“It’s looking OK.”
Among those who have signed with the Eagles include Graham Kelly from Essendon Royals, former captain James Johnson and Darcy Farrugia from Westgate.
Max Branov, Sam O’Halleron and Nikola Kostadinoski are other signigs for the Eagles.
Sabbadini said they would be missing a couple of their best players in round one, one through suspension and one through injury.
The Eagles started their season on Friday against the Eastern Lions, after deadline.
The Lions won 1-0.
Sabbadini said he was expecting a tough game against a side coached by a good mate.
He said they would be missing a couple of players in round one, one through suspension and one through injury.
After having high expectations the past few seasons, Sabbadini said this season would be different.
“We don’t know how other teams play,” he said. “After the first four or five games we will know.
“At the moment we’re preparing ourselves to play some good teams.
“We’ll start the year cautiously and have to look at what happens. We’ll look to make changes at half time if we need to.
“It’s a good tough start for us.”
