This season started as a big unknown. 9 boys came across from Heathcote to grading with no idea if they’d be able to stick together, little did we know that the Engadine boys from the previous season had lost the majority of their team and were short on numbers. The stars aligned and numbers worked out perfectly and our team was formed.

For a few pre season training sessions there was a bit of division between the boys who has spent the previous season as the competition. However, through some training drills and team bonding exercised it didn’t take long for the walls to come down and there was a glimpse of what these boys could do when they put teamwork first and foremost.

The boys worked hard at training and the results were showing on the pitch, with the boys winning most games with the occasional draw. Our first loss did not come until round 13.

We sat on top of the table for the majority of the season, but due to the competitiveness of the division, any little slip up would invite the competition right back in.

As we got closer to the end of the season, we knew we would be playing finals football but not what position we would finish in. It came down to the last round of the regular season where 3 teams could have finished as minor premiers. We ended up equal first on points but Lilli Pilli took the minor premiership on goal difference and would be our first opponent in the finals series.

With both teams having wins against the other, the game was there for either side to win. We started well and Henry finished off some good work from Cuba down the left side to put us in front 1-0 at half time. 5 minutes into the second half we were dealt a massive blow when our defensive organizer Chase was given a straight red card in a call which still baffles me but the less said on this the better. The boys looked frazzled for all of two minutes before it seemed to galvanize the boys. Each and every player stepped up and put on a defensive masterclass and held out Lilli Pilli to secure a place in the grand final.

Lilli Pilli and Como played a tight preliminary finals game that was still a draw after full time which meant we would see Lilli Pilli again in the grand final.

In our final training session before the grand final an offer of free McDonald’s was put on the table should the boys get the victory in the grand final. It may have been offered too early in the session though as the boy’s focus was not as intense and their attention seemed to be McElsewhere.

Grand Final day rolled around quickly; the boys were rightly nervous but ready to go none the less. The game started a little patchy with neither side able to assert their dominance. As the first half was nearing the end we started stringing passes together and were able to make a few breaks but with no goal to show.

The boys stepped it up in the second half and some team passing saw Henry get a few solid shots off at goal only to be denied by the Lilli Pilli goalkeeper. With about 10 minutes to go the hard work was finally rewarded with a goal, it may have been an own goal but it was due to the pressing and pressure from the boys. Lilli Pilli then stepped it up and we picked up a couple of knocks, forcing a reshuffle and had players playing out of position but still putting in maximum effort. Lilli Pilli made a few breaks to finish the game but our superstar goal keeper Tom found another gear and pulled off save after save that would make the highlight reel of any professional goalkeeper out there.

The final whistle sounded and the boys had done it. Premiers for the 2024 season and nothing short of what these boys deserved. This group of boys had competed so well throughout the entire season playing an attractive brand of football with a heavy emphasis on passing and team work. Each and every player is a credit to both the club and their parents.