Edge Hill United eyes another FNQ treble ahead of big season

The defending champions will rely on the successful blend of veteran experience and youthful enthusiasm as they chase another year of dominating the FNQ Premier League.

THE champions will rely on the successful blend of veteran experience and youthful enthusiasm as they chase another year of dominating the FNQ Premier League.

Edge Hill United have set the standard in the FNQ Premier League these past few seasons, boasting a phenomenal win-loss record as they stocked the trophy cabinet with every piece of silverware available.

Edge Hill United’s Ari Isman. Picture: Alix Sweeney

They have lost just once in the past two years - a 2-1 loss at home against Marlin Coast on July 28 - and last year completed the perfect treble by winning every game on their way to the championship, premiership and Crad Evans Shield.

Any thought that the recent success would dent their enthusiasm and hunger for silverware is quickly shut down with the knowledge much of that roster has stuck together for a shot at going for yet another treble and becoming the first team to win three straight Crad Evans Shields since Stratford in 1975-77.

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There’s a lot of football to be played before then, with the return of the FFA Cup, a full three-round, 21-week regular season, and then finals, but with Crios O’Hare returning to the helm you just know they’ll be primed for another assault.

“It’s been good, there’s been a few departures but everyone else is back,” O’Hare said.

“We haven’t actually gone to bring anyone in.

“The record shows that we’ve got a lot of faith in our younger boys and we’ve brought Ollie Berry and Lachlan Psarros up into the senior squad for this year.

“They’re both only 15 so it’s great for them to be involved with our senior team.”

Edge Hill players celebrate a goal n the 2020 FNQ Premier League grand final. Picture: Stewart McLean

Berry played a few Premier League games last season and adapted well, while Psarros will serve as an understudy to Kev Ward, the man who is arguably the best goalkeeper in the region having less than half a goal per game last year.

The plan of bringing a few teenagers through to train with the senior team is a system O’Hare has used well in his two seasons as player-coach at the Tigers, and has ensured Edge Hill United has stayed atop the FNQ Premier League in recent years despite turnover of the roster.

Edge Hill United is preparing for their first pre-season hit-outs, ahead of a FFA Cup clash with the Bulls at Mareeba on Friday, April 5.

The Tigers were two of the last teams standing in the national knockout tournament last year before it was cancelled due to the coronavirus.

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Originally published as Edge Hill United eyes another FNQ treble ahead of big season