The Season

Played: 13, Won 4, Drew 6, Lost 3.

A larger field, bigger goals, positions, more players on the pitch, goal kicks, corner kicks, throw-ins, goalkeeping – there was a lot to learn for the W8A’s in 2024.

The squad was a mixture of experience and new faces. The girls quickly formed a tight bond and demonstrated a strong sense of teamwork and enthusiasm. It was a rollercoaster of a season filled with nail-biting excitement, heart stopping moments, and…a lot of draws!

The girls played every match in the right spirit. The improvement was evident and by the back-end of the season they were a force to be reckoned with, turning those draws into well-earned victories. In a season filled with growth, fantastic football and lots of laughter, the girls not only improved on the pitch but also forged friendships, making this a truly memorable journey.

The Players

Noa Brown – an astute signing from cross-city rivals Bosco, Noa had an excellent first season at Eagles, she delivered superb performances in defence. Demonstrating strength, speed and a strong sense of positional play and keen awareness allowed her to effectively neutralise many opposition raids. Noa’s consistent and reliable play was instrumental in the team’s success.

Francesca Burden – a big money transfer from the UK, negotiated by management hours before the transfer deadline. Francesca has speed in abundance; she never gives-up on the ball. Her strong sense of sportsmanship shines through on the pitch, as she is often the first person to help her teammates or even the opposition if an injury occurs. Francesca was outstanding between the posts and made many crucial saves during the season, she also managed to open her Eagles goal-scoring account with a crucial strike late in the season.

Pia Cali – our leading goal scorer and an incredible player, Pia delighted the Eagles faithful with her silky skills. She glides across the pitch effortlessly. Her powerful shots, quick feet and intelligent movement make her a nightmare for defenders. A feature in Pia’s game that can go somewhat unnoticed is her defensive workload; she contributes significantly to the team’s defensive efforts making her invaluable at both ends of the pitch. A star in the making, remember the name!

Layla Dryland – a prodigious talent, ‘the little General’ was a worthy recipient of our player of the year award, voted by her fellow teammates. Layla is football-mad and an absolute perfectionist on the pitch. A very mature footballer, she knows the ins and outs of the game and always makes the right decision. Layla naturally assumed the sweeper position and was a brick wall in defence. She turned away countless opposition goal scoring opportunities and made a number breathtaking clearances. Despite being a fixture in the back she also managed to score a wonderful goal in a crucial 2-2 draw against Cronulla RSL.

Frankie Mckenna – is a dedicated and determined player who consistently puts forth her best efforts on the pitch, her hard work and commitment have been evident in the rapid improvement throughout the season. Frankie made a number of attacking plays on goal, but also didn’t shirk any defensive responsibilities making many crucial tackles. Frankie was also outstanding as goalkeeper, her sharp reflexes and decisive positioning was crucial at keeping the opposition at bay.

Molly Mckenna – was at home in attacking and defensive roles. Her versatility and tireless work ethic ensures she contributes significantly, be it applying pressure, intercepting passes and making decisive runs. Molly has infectious optimism and a relentless drive that uplifts her teammates and contributes to the team’s morale. She was also able to unnerve several opposition goalkeepers with a number of potent shots on target.

Katherine Nanitsos – the ex-Miranda Magpie made the short trip down the Princes Highway to join the club. She was a formidable defensive presence on the field, combining strength with remarkable enthusiasm. Her dominant tackling and strength of her boot key aspects of her game. Katherine also brought a new attacking threat to the Eagles attack, a remarkable long throw that created countless attacking chances. She was also the first player in the team to attempt a header (on purpose) successfully and has now done it on multiple occasions.

Scarlett Perkovic – showcased her outstanding dribbling skills throughout the season, consistently manoeuvring past defenders with ease and creativity. In one of the highlights of the season, Scarlett scored a fantastic last-minute solo goal, weaving through the opposition and delivering a decisive strike that secured a dramatic draw for the Eagles, which sparked wild celebrations from their fans. A very special footballer with the world at her feet.

Everly Sankey – has a wealth of skill and a bright future ahead. Everly is a classic out-and-out striker known for her exceptional goal-scoring ability. Throughout the season she demonstrated a knack for finding the back of the net with precision and poise. Everly’s positioning, sharp finishing and relentless pursuit of the ball resulted in getting her name on the scoresheet multiple times.

Lena Shields – is a devoted and hardworking player. Her commitment and passion are evident in every match, as she always gives her all on the field.  Lena has the ability to control the ball effortlessly and deliver accurate and well-timed passes. In the final match of the season her skill and determination shone brightly as she scored a very impressive ‘Olimpico’ goal that will be long remembered.

The Backroom Staff

Adrian Perkovic – the experienced Croatian officially joined the coaching staff, putting pen to paper on a lucrative multi-year deal. Adrian is known for his creative and engaging training drills, he brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every practice and game. The squad adore him, not just for his expertise, but for his constant encouragement and positive energy. Adrian’s dedication and insight has been instrumental in taking the team to new heights, making him an invaluable addition to the coaching staff.

Vanessa Cali – balanced the role of manager, event planner, kit lady and team cheerleader. Whether it was organising team photos, co-ordinating charity events, ensuring ground control ran smoothly, allocating training kits to the new signings; she did it all with a smile on her face. Vanessa keeps everything running like clockwork, all while keeping the team’s spirits high.

Stefanie Shields – the unsung hero of the team tirelessly handles many duties with grace and dedication. She ensures every player gets fair time on the field, expertly handling substitutions. Beyond that she has organised awards, special treats & surprises for the team.  She epitomises ‘German efficiency’. The coaching staff would be lost without her.

The Final Word

Finally, a huge shout-out to all the brilliant parents for your unwavering support and endless positivity this season! You braved the early mornings, sideline chills and wet weather washouts all in your stride (with umbrellas in hand). Your cheers kept the team’s spirits high, even when Mother Nature tried to rain on our parade. Thanks for being the ultimate team behind the team.

Coach Blake.