Promotion is on the line for Spring Hills’ two senior sides heading into the final round of the FFV state league season.
A win for the Stallions against Keilor Wolves in men’s state league 5 west would guarantee second spot and promotion.
A draw or a loss would mean the Stallions would have to rely on third-placed Melbourne University losing or drawing with division winner Laverton Park.
Stallions coaching director Tom Markovski said promotion this season would be a bonus.
After being relegated last season, the Stallions turned to players seen as the future of the club.
“We started from scratch and got a lot of young boys in,” he said.
“We changed the structure and put our coach in for the last half a dozen games last season. All but three of our players are 21 or under.
“If we get promoted to state league 4, it’s an opportunity to keep developing. If we don’t get promoted this year, we’ll be disappointed and come back next year and win the league.”
Markovski said Ben Klapsas, Yonas Sisay, Jake Greenhorn and Zac Hancock had thrived on the challenges thrown at them this season.
The Stallions’ women need results to go their way to seal second spot in state league 3 west. Second place would earn Spring Hills a spot in a promotion play-off game.
The third-placed Stallions need to win their final-round match against Strathmore and hope ladder-leader Point Cook can defeat or draw with second-placed Hoppers Crossing.
Markovski said the club’s women’s program continued to be a focus. He said the club continued to build facilities to help its teams progress up the ranks.
“Our women are the main aim and we are pushing to play in the NPL,” he said.
“From our under-16s, 14 girls have played in our two senior teams. Six under-14 players have played in the under-16s. Our under-14 girls are undefeated.
“We have the facilities and a juniors set-up going which is better than some NPL
clubs.
“We have had a couple of NPL coaches asking why the girls aren’t in the NPL. They see the set-up we have here and want to stay with us.”
In other results, Melton Phoenix men’s side suffered a 1-0 loss to Golden Plains in state league 4 west. The loss ensures the Phoenix will finish last this season.
