Coach: Fil Simao
2014 Finish: 3rd In many respects, the regular 2014 season was a standout campaign for Boroondara, with the newly promoted Eagles finishing third on ladder, well above their objective of avoiding relegation. After one point in the first two rounds, Boroondara’s season came to life with four wins (4-1 vs Ashburton, 3-0 vs Casey, 2-1 vs Cairnlea, 2-1 vs Box Hill) in as many matches, instilling the confidence and belief that held the team in good stead for the rest of the season.
Then it all fell apart in the finals, with a 4-0 defeat against Bulleen in the first week, backed up by a 5-0 trouncing at the hands of Heidelberg in the second, as the side struggled to cope with key omissions.
The state knockout cup was also a disappointing affair for the Eagles, bundled out in the third round by State League One outfit Melbourne University.
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New signings: The biggest loss for Boroondara this season will be Leah Barrett, who returns to America, with the commanding central defender a rock in defence and a powerful shot. The other two departures of note are Rhiannon Jacobs to Croydon and Hannah Ryan to Heidelberg.
In their places come in Sarah Jacobs, an American midfielder who has gone through the American college system and played in the Netherlands last season, along with Melbourne Victory Women’s mainstay Amy Jackson from South Melbourne, whose recent highlight includes a hat-trick against Adelaide United in the W-League.
Players to watch: All eyes would and should be on Racheal Quigley, following her excellent stint at Victory with eight goals, but she will be forced to watch from the sidelines for a prolonged period with a groin injury.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of other players to keep an eye on at the Eagles.
Ellen Turner has silky smooth skills on the ball, a decent turn of pace, and the knack for scoring and assisting goals as an attacking midfielder.
Tall and powerful striker Emma Hubbard is always a dangerous prospect, and will look improve on her 10 goal tally in 2014. Another player with 10 goals last campaign was Alex Gummer, and despite not featuring for Victory after signing just before the W-League season, will be looking to again build her W-League prospects. Anna Lanning is also one of the league’s top ‘keepers, and her ability between the sticks will again be key to keeping oppositions at bay.
What to expect in 2015: Boroondara will have to work hard to avoid a second season syndrome, especially considering some of the notable player movements between other WPL clubs strengthening their squads. The Eagles will go from hunters to the hunted. On the other hand, Fil Simao and his fledglings will have learnt from the highs and lows of their first WPL campaign – including their crumbling under pressure in crucial games – and should be better off for it. Expect a season of consolidation.