The FFA Cup season was short-lived for Spring Hills, eliminated in the qualifying round on Saturday 2-1 by Craigieburn City at Springside Recreation Reserve.
While the cup dream is over for the Stallions, the early exit was not totally unexpected and there were some positives to come out of the game.
“Disappointing to lose, but I think the boys played well,” Stallions’ football director Tom Markovski said.
“There was not a big emphasis put on that [the FFA Cup] because the boys we put out on the park was more our reserves’ team.
“We haven’t finalised our senior squad because it’s still six weeks away from the season.
“You live with the result – it was more about how we played.”
All but three of Spring Hills’ players were 18 or less. Despite their inexperience, most of the youngsters held up their ends well for the Stallions.
After playing just five senior games last season, Yonas Sisay put his hand up for a regular start at left back, with a strong showing.
“He’s up and down [the pitch], good on the ball, very composed for a young kid, and gets stuck in as well,” Markovski said.
“Players like that are the future of the club.”
Jordan Mancini, who endured an injury-interrupted season last year, made a promising start at centre back, Ben Klapsas provided speed on the right wing and Dylan Magro scored the Stallions’ single goal.
Markovski was encouraged by the performances of the young guns.
He envisages the average age of the team will be younger this year as the Stallions keep an eye towards the future.
By providing opportunities for youngsters in the senior team, the Stallions also hope to combat raids by the NPL clubs on their playing stocks.
“The idea at the club is that we’re going to put the young ones in there and get them right to go,” Markovski said.
“If we don’t get promoted this year, we want to be set up for the next three years, and that’s what we’re looking for at the moment.
“I’m sick of all these NPL teams not just taking our best players, but taking our teams.
“Our under 15s team last year … that played in an under 16s league and won that league… that whole team and the coach has gone to NPL.
“That’s the third team that has gone.
“It’s good though, it shows we’re doing the right things and developing the kids the right way.”
