Eaglehawk aims to add Knockout Cup title to championship-winning run

CHAMPIONS in consecutive seasons, Eaglehawk’s women’s team is now aiming for Knockout Cup glory in the Football Federation Victoria central region action.In a remarkable championship campaign, Eaglehawk struck 87 goals to win the league title for a 10th time.The Hawks finished four points clear of Epsom in the championship race.Eaglehawk was beaten by Epsom and Colts United, and there were 11 goals scored in a free-flowing clash with Strathdale.A full pre-season fitness campaign paid off as Lifestyle Fitness trainers Johnny and Ben had the players in great shape for the championship race. The return of Paige Conder was a welcome one as she played a key role in midfield.Eaglehawk played this season without championship-winning captain Amy Skvarc, family duties, but is tipped to feature in 2011.Defender Bea Hunt, university, and goalkeeper Matilda Tornwall, who returned to Finland, did not play in the title defence.Maika Ruyter-Hooley once again showed her considerable skill in attack as she struck 35 goals to win the Golden Boot award.Ruyter-Hooley teamed brilliantly with rising star Chloe Parker. Another youngster to excel was Ailish Arcbold, who struck goals and also stopped many attacks.Key midfielders Conder, Carlee Frankel and new signing Emily Davies, from Spring Gully, kept the forward line well fed as they worked with the likes of Rose Dillon, Alissa Argus and first-year player Stacey Mathews.The Borough defence conceded marginally more goals this season to last, which was partially due to the loss of key defender Alex O’Toole at the halfway mark because of a knee injury.O’Toole was replaced by Emma Biggs who worked into the central position well.Anna Geary performed the sweeping duties, and was helped by the pace of marking defender Jess Pethybridge, who often took on the competition’s best strikers. Alicia Schepers and Tegan Raeburn were solid in wide midfield roles.Kathryn Ibbotson played as the No.1 keeper and marked her best season with the Hawks.Ibbostson is set to return to her Canberra club next season.Jennie Samuel and Saraya Arman provided valuable support roles with the ability to play across the park as needed to contribute to the goalscoring and defending duties.A last-minute transfer from Swinburne meant Melissa McKenzie was welcomed back to the team.McKenzie’s fitness and running ability could see her star in the upcoming Knockout Cup.After a successful championship defence, Eaglehawk will be looking to double up with the Knockout Cup on the line.It will be an extremely difficult decision for coach Ian Schepers to finalise the 16 that will go onto the team sheet.Every player is available for this Sunday’s quarter-final showdown with Epsom on the Hawks’ turf at Truscott Reserve in California Gully.