Words: Michael Flynn
Image: South Melbourne FC

South Melbourne FC captain Michael Eager is hoping to further the club’s impressive legacy in their Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 debut on Wednesday night.

Despite being the most successful club in Australian history, the match against Palm Beach SC marks South Melbourne’s first foray into the national stage of the tournament.

South Melbourne, who are affectionately known as ‘Hellas’ by their traditional Greek supporter base, are one of only four Australian clubs to win a continental title and last year added to their record four Grand Final triumphs in the former National Soccer League by being crowned PlayStation 4 NPL Victoria Champions for the first time.

Eager, who is New Zealand born and represented his country at youth level, said it will be an honour to lead the side onto the pitch in one of the biggest matches in the club’s recent history.

“It’s a moment that all those associated with South Melbourne have been looking forward to for a long time now and I’m very proud to be leading such a great club and top group of lads into the club’s first FFA Cup game,” Eager said.

“For me a football club is more than just about a group of players - it’s about history, the supporters and special moments like this - so I’m really looking forward to representing South Melbourne in such a significant game,” Eager said.

Eager will be a familiar face for many Queensland football fans following a stint with Redlands United that culminated in winning the 2012 Brisbane Premier League title.

“I absolutely loved my time up in Brisbane with Redlands United and am very grateful for the opportunity they gave me when I first arrived there in 2011,” Eager explained.

Eager added that his club has left no stone unturned in preparing for Wednesday’s match.

“I have spoken with a few ex-team mates from Queensland about Palm Beach, who have given me some useful information and I know our management team have also done their homework.”

“I think their biggest asset is their defensive organisation led by the experience of Kristian Rees. They don’t concede many goals and have one of the best defensive records in NPL Queensland so we will have to be very patient and hard-working to break them down.”

Eager was adamant that despite the greater hype surrounding second tier football in southern states, Queensland’s competition is just as technically adept.

“I certainly follow the weekly results and I think the standard of the league up there is very under-rated - there are clubs and players up there who are as good as any in Australia,” he concluded.

Fixture Details:
Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32
Palm Beach SC v South Melbourne FC
Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Wednesday, July 29
Kick-off - 7:30PM

Broadcast LIVE AND EXCLUSIVE on Fox Sports Channel 505

Tickets available at the official Palm Beach SC website