The Numbers

Played	Won	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against
16	10	6	56	42

A Season on the Rise

The Engadine Eagles W7A-1 have taken another significant step forward in their second season, turning the promise of their debut campaign into tangible progress on the pitch. Across 16 matches, the Eagles recorded 10 wins and scored 56 goals, while the development of the squad was evident in their improved skills, confidence and understanding of the game. Most importantly, individual talent has increasingly developed into a connected team, with stronger teamwork and greater belief becoming hallmarks of the season.

For supporters, there is plenty to be excited about. The Eagles have shown they can compete, create and, most importantly, continue to improve. There is still plenty of football ahead for this young group, but season two has provided convincing evidence that this is a team heading in the right direction. There were, naturally, still the occasional moments when tactical awareness took a short break to admire the view in the clouds — something the Eagles will no doubt be working on bringing back down to earth in season 3.

Inside the Flock

Isla Bennett – “The Hunter”

Always on the lookout for her next opportunity, The Hunter proved to be a constant threat throughout the season, scoring several important goals when the Eagles needed them most. Her instinct in front of goal and willingness to take responsibility made her a player the opposition could never afford to ignore.

Her biggest impact, however, often came before the Eagles even had the ball. Leading the press from the front, Isla relentlessly closed down defenders, hunted in packs and forced rushed decisions that created opportunities higher up the pitch. Once The Hunter picked her target, there was rarely much time for the opposition to think about their next move.

Magic Moment – Away at Georges River, Isla produced the opening goal with a superb display of determination. She won the ball in a one-on-one challenge, drove forward with purpose and conviction, and finished confidently to find the back of the net.

Lucia Cali – “The Acrobat”

If there’s one thing you can count on with Lucia, it’s that the football is only half the show. The Acrobat combined quick feet, clever movement and fearless attacking play to create opportunities and score some memorable goals, while her pressing from opposition goal kicks became a real weapon for the Eagles. Her ability to close down defenders and force mistakes gave the team opportunities to win possession in dangerous areas, while her support during attacking raids helped keep pressure on the opposition.

And then there’s the celebration. Lucia’s trademark cartwheel has become one of the most recognisable sights of the Eagles’ season, executed with what can only be described as textbook technique. Her infectious enthusiasm, creativity and willingness to support her teammates make her a player who brings energy to everything she does — whether she’s chasing down an opponent, joining an attack or launching into yet another cartwheel.

Magic Moment – produced possibly her strongest performance of the season against Menai Hawks, scoring twice by relentlessly applying the high press, forcing errors and then finishing both chances with coolness and composure.

Matilda Neville – “Captain Courageous”

Has taken her game to another level this season, with her famous twinkle toes becoming even harder for defenders to contain. Her fancy footwork and sharp changes of direction have given her the confidence to take on opponents, while her growing vision has added another string to her bow. Matilda is now beginning to pick out clever passes and thread through balls that can unlock a defence and bring teammates into the game.

But what truly defines Captain Courageous is her willingness to embrace the challenge. She rarely takes a backward step, whether battling for possession, taking on a defender or throwing herself into the thick of the action. And when she scores, the trademark war cry — occasionally followed by a full slide onto her knees — leaves nobody in any doubt about just how much the moment means.

Magic Moment – at the Gala Day against the Eagles W7A-2s. She calmly brought the ball under control, lifted her head to assess her options, and then unleashed a long-range strike with expert technique. From the moment it left her boot, it never looked like missing.

Zoe Porter – “The Guardian”

Zoe brought an infectious energy to every game this season, combining speed, determination and a fearless approach that made her a constant threat. She found the back of the net with confidence and flair, regularly giving defenders plenty to think about whenever she pushed forward. As the season progressed, Zoe increasingly gravitated towards a defensive role, where her pace was matched by an excellent sense of positioning. She became adept at reading attacking raids, dropping into the right areas and putting herself between the opposition and goal before danger could develop.

Fast, fearless and always alert to what was unfolding around her, The Guardian became a reassuring presence at the back. Whether charging forward in search of a goal or calmly positioning herself to shut down an opposition attack, she brought the same energy and determination.

Magic Moment – At home against Lilli Pilli, Zoe produced a superb run-away goal, confidently switching the ball between her left and right foot as she drove forward before calmly guiding it into the net. It proved to be an important goal in a tightly contested win.

Matilda Shields – “The Sharpshooter”

A season has been defined by an uncompromising desire to improve. A genuine perfectionist and often her own harshest critic, she demands a great deal from herself and is constantly looking for ways to refine her game. That mindset has helped drive her development and has seen her become an increasingly reliable and technically accomplished player.

For all the analysis and self-expectation, however, there is one moment that brings out the biggest smile — scoring a goal. When The Sharpshooter finds the back of the net, the satisfaction is written all over her face. Her competitive edge, determination and ability to turn that focus into results have made her an important part of the Eagles’ campaign.

Magic Moment – A mazy run that saw her weave past several opponents before finishing from a tight angle to complete her hat-trick. The goal secured a dramatic late comeback win against Bosco — and, perhaps just as importantly, earned her some well-deserved bragging rights in the schoolyard.

Backroom Staff

Dane Neville – A massive thank you to our awesome manager for everything he’s done this season.

From organising substitutions to the exact second to ensure every girl received a fair and even amount of game time, to producing detailed, must-read match reports that somehow manage to capture every moment of every game.

From diligently entering match sheets and scores, to rounding up the cattle for ground control, he has quietly taken care of so many of the little jobs that keep everything running smoothly and make the whole experience easier for everyone.

Then there are the player profiles for our Players of the Match, and perhaps the biggest hit with the girls — gifting our player of the match with cards featuring some of the superstars of the women’s game. Those thoughtful little touches have meant so much to the girls and have made them feel genuinely recognised, celebrated and proud of their achievements.

I’ve also leaned on Dane countless times for tactical advice, training ideas and a second opinion, and I’m incredibly grateful to have him by my side. His knowledge, enthusiasm, attention to detail and willingness to help have made a huge difference, not only to the team, but also to me as a coach.

Thank you, Dane, for everything you’ve done and for going so far above and beyond.

Pia Cali, Poppy Neville, Lena Shields, Sidney Porter and Cora Bennett – A big shout-out to our amazing and supportive siblings!

Whether you were running the warm-up, helping out at training, cheering the team on from the sidelines on game days, or jumping in to sing the team song after a win, you were always there to support the girls.

Your enthusiasm and encouragement genuinely make a difference. The sideline support you provide gives the girls that extra bit of energy when they need it most.

Your support never goes unnoticed, and we love having you as part of the team!

The Final Word

A huge thank you to all the parents for creating such a positive, supportive and safe environment for the girls to learn, grow and simply enjoy playing soccer.

As a coach, you can teach skills, organise drills and guide the girls on game day, but it’s the environment around them that really makes the difference. Your encouragement, positivity and trust have allowed the girls to be themselves, make mistakes, build confidence and, most importantly, have fun.

I’m incredibly grateful for the way you’ve supported not only your own daughter, but every girl in the team. You’ve helped create a team where the girls feel comfortable, valued and encouraged to work hard, never give up and always have fun (our team’s three core principles).

It’s been a genuine privilege to coach them this season, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team we’ve built together.

Coach Blake.