13E Eagles Soar: Minor Premiers and Major Premier Champions in a Season to Remember

Three minutes left in extra time. The scoreboard read Engadine Eagles 1. Miranda Magpies 2. The tension at Preston Park was electric. Every Eagles player had pushed forward, pressing desperately for an equaliser.

Then came the moment. A corner kick. Set-piece specialist Koby stepped up. His delivery was Beckham-esque, a soaring arc that seemed to pause time itself. The Miranda keeper flapped, defenders scrambled, and the ball bent perfectly into the top corner. GOAL!

The Eagles erupted, sprinting toward their hero, chanting: “Koby! Koby! Koby!”

Some might call it luck, a freak kick, or a once-in-a-lifetime moment. But luck doesn’t hit the crossbar three times in one game, and it doesn’t repeat the exact same corner within the opening five minutes to make it 1- 0 Engadine Eagles. Perfected only days before in training, it was a reminder of what hard work, teamwork, and trust in each other can achieve.

As the final whistle blew, a full pitch invasion ensued with an explosion of emotion! The 13E Engadine Eagles fully deserved the win. Conceding a few unlucky goals didn’t take away from their performance. In a Grand Final, anything can happen.

A Season Built on Teamwork
That’s what defined the Eagles’ season. Training sessions weren’t just about drills or fitness. They were about ensuring each player can level up their skills and, most importantly, build chemistry and friendship. Week after week, that hard work translated onto the pitch. Confidence grew, bonds strengthened, and a strong team spirit manifested.

Coach Mikey’s constant reminder was simple: “Enjoy the journey, and let’s not worry about the destination.” As the season progressed, the team realised something special was within reach. The further they went, the more the nerves grew, but instead of letting it rattle them, the boys turned those butterflies into energy and focus.

In the weeks leading up to the finals, washed-out fields made training a challenge. Keeping the team connected took some creativity. With parents and boys still committed, we organised group PT sessions and pizza nights at the clubhouse so the boys could train, bond, and enjoy time together off the field.

Battling for Every Point
Make no mistake the road to the title wasn’t easy. While rivals like the Cronulla Stingrays scored three, four, or even five goals in a game, the Eagles fought for every single point. Most wins came by the narrowest of margins, earned through grit, resilience, and moments of brilliance that left parents cheering and breathless! And when it came to the season’s biggest showdowns against the strongest teams, the mighty Eagles rose to the occasion, proving week after week that they could handle pressure and deliver when it mattered most. From coming back from 3-1 down to snatch a 3-3 draw in the final five minutes, to winning a tight away game at Grays Point in the dying seconds with a perfectly timed corner and a cheeky “fox in the box” finish.

Why This Title Means So Much
For some players, being rejected from the higher-grade team before the season started was a tough experience, and for others, it meant a long journey of several seasons, never quite feeling they were good enough to play.

This year, in 2025, they proved everyone wrong and proved something to themselves.

The Minor and major wins weren’t just handed to them. They played for each other. It was earned through a shared understanding of every player knowing their role, combining a series of collective rock-solid defensive displays paired with flashes of creativity and moments of brilliance that will live long in the memory.

Manager – Jo Fuller
Coach – Mikey Hart

Goalie: Jet
Right Back: Koby
Centre Back: James, Levi, Harry
Left Back: Rhys
Midfield: Ben, Ryan, Seb, Bailey
Attacking Mid: Riley, Brannon, Flynn
Strikers: Rocco, Kaiden