Article by Caitlin Arnold
Built on foundations set in 1976, the East Coast Eagles are a club that have withstood the test of time within the Sydney AFL competition. As one of the largest clubs in Sydney’s North-West, the Eagles will this year be adding yet another chapter to their already rich history books.
Beginning with the dropping of their registered club name for the past three years of the 'Sydney Hills Eagles', the club will return to their former title of the ‘East Coast Eagles' and with that will embark on a new challenge within the Premier Division after withdrawing from the NEAFL in which they had competed since 2012.
Facing financial difficulties and struggling to stay in touch with the higher ranking NEAFL entrants, the decision was made to forgo their NEAFL presence and move back to into the Premier Division with the hope of improving on their 2014 Premier placing of second last.
In spite of all the changes during the off-season, club stalwart and 2014 NEAFL Coach’s Award recipient Jon Vlatko is encouraged by the Eagles’ return to their comfortable beginnings.
“We really enjoyed the challenges the NEAFL competition provided, however there is a feeling that we are back ‘home’ in a very proud competition,” explains Vlatko.
“We loved fronting up against powerful clubs week in, week out, not to mention the AFL teams, however we feel this is where the East Coast Eagles belong today.
“We have kept a good number of players together over the last five years, so this should hold us in a competitive position."
Gradually rebuilding their brand within the Premier Division and looking to gain a ‘force to be reckoned with reputation’ in Divisions One, Three and Under 19s, Vlatko says that the club has been working hard during the off-season to ensure a strong start to 2015.
“We have been very fortunate to have an extremely hard working Board led by Peter Physick who has been influential in securing new and old sponsors to assist the club financially.
“A very special mention [must go] to Jon Gawley, Rodney Frost and Richard Lee for their outstanding efforts in leading the club into the upcoming season.
“The players and supporters proudly welcome 2015 sponsors The Kanebridge Group (their new ground sponsor), Vesta Homes, PMA Solutions, Mansfield Corporation, KFC and JATEC Transport to the Eagles family."
And despite confirmation that former half-forward Steve Doyle is eating their sponsor KFC out of house and home (holding a record unlikely to be broken according to Vlatko), the Eagles are said to have partaken in a tough pre-season under coach, Michael Sankey.
“We lifted our fitness levels to compete at the higher level.
“We have become a very close group led by fantastic coaches, so we will keep the same high expectations on each other.
“The boys have been training well and there is a genuine excitement about being back in the mighty Premier Division, especially as the East Coast Eagles.
“We have had good numbers each week and most importantly, great support from our fantastic sponsors, new and old.”
Impressing 150 gamer Vlatko so far in 2015 are Damien Charleston, Andrew McConnell, Trent Stubbs, Jack Dimery and their big bearded ruckman, Andrew Browning.
“I’ll have to mention my brother Jamie (Vlatko) too, otherwise he might have a crack at me,” a diplomatic Vlatko adds.
Following gruelling off and pre-seasons, the heat will remain on the Eagles in Round One as they take on defending back-to-back champions, Manly-Warringah at Kanebridge Oval, their newly named home ground.
“We watched them in the Grand Final last year and were very impressed by their skill and pace. Should be a cracking day and [we are] hoping to get a big crowd at Kanebridge Oval.”
Following all the action which has taken place at the Eagles prior to season 2015, Vlatko and his teammates now look forward to the first bounce of the Sherrin at a club they call home.
“We are a strong and united group, from the President down to the last man on the list. Our culture has become one of our trademarks and this will hopefully convert to our performance on the field.”
The East Coast Eagles will host the Manly-Warringah Giants at Kanebridge Oval on Saturday, 11 April 2015 at 2:10pm.
CRAZIEST, LAZIEST AND PATRICK SWAYZEST
Laziest person at the club?
“Trent Baker – if he says he will do something for ya, he will – [but] there is no reason to ask him every 6 months.”
Craziest person at the club?
“Damien Charleston – I’d have to say it’s a lot to do with his dance moves.”
Patrick Swayzest person at the club?
“Damien Charleston – see above. Close second is Trent ‘Snap Chat Selfie’ Stubbs.”
Last Modified on 04/03/2015 09:19
