Spring Hills got a taste of what the National Premier League women’s competition was like last season, and are keen for more.
Spring Hills showed plenty of positive signs in season number one in the state’s top flight, finishing mid-table.
Coach Tom Markovski said they learned a lot in season number one and were keen to take another step in the right direction this year.
“It’s been good and the squad is looking good and we’re looking to improve on last year,” he said.
“We were mid-table in our season and it was really pleasing to go and with four games to go we were safe but we couldn’t make finals though.
“It was a good learning curve. This year we want to go better and the aim is to play finals.”
Markovski said they had a different looking group from last season with only six players returning.
He said they had restructured their list for 2026.
“We had Japanese visa players last year,” he said. “We’ve bought in a few Americans this time and we’re trying to gel.
“It’s already a close knit group.”
Markovski said striker Marquax Clarke fits the system they’re looking to play and would work well with reigning Gold Medal winner Aleks Sinclair.
Aubrie Labno is another American who will add to the defence and Daniela Tobon has added to the midfield.
Youth was still a key focus for the side.
“We have more depth in the squad,” Markovski said.
“We have 11 or 12 experienced players and the rest were young.
“It’s a 26 game season this year, that’s an extra 22 games so we need the extra depth.
“We pride ourselves on the youngsters coming through.”
Spring Hills kicks off its season on 13 February against Keilor Park.
The Eagles are in their first season in the top flight.
“It’s a big local derby,” he said. “For us we want to get off to a good start at home and win the three points.
“The draw is pretty good for us but we’ll control how we want to play and what we are trying to work on.”
Markovski said they were also hoping to build on the girls results in the junior NPL competitions as well.
In its first season Spring Hills finished second, fourth and seventh across the three age groups making the club one of the best in the state.
Markovski said for a small club it was a fantastic effort.
He said this year all three junior girls NPL sides would be coached by females for the first time.
“Hopefully that will continue on in the 20s and senior women in the future.”
