By JARROD POTTER
UPDATE: The VWFL has not confirmed whether the clubs will be promoted next season. The league is set to make a decision on league structures later this year.
“WE’RE ready – we’ll be ready.”
There were the confident words from Cranbourne coach Kris Smith on the prospect of his side rising to the VWFL’s Premier Division for the 2016 season.
Win, lose or draw Cranbourne was assured of promotion to the top flight next season, with preliminary talks circulating that the VWFL could potentially promote the Eagles along with other Division 1 finalists Seaford, Knox and North Geelong.
It would cap off a return to the highest division for a south eastern side, after Cranbourne’s predecessor Berwick folded and had to concede its place in the competition at the start of 2014.
After two seasons in the lower divisions Cranbourne’s premiership success this year – built upon a powerful off-season – would prove a strong enough case for league promotion.
“We were the best team all year, only had the one loss and a draw, we worked our arse off and started this in November,” Smith said.
“Working hard, good numbers on the track, and set pretty high standards and the girls lived up to those standards and came home and got the job done when it counted.
Smith believes the side has shown its credentials with a sensational premiership season – on the back of a 16-1-1 record – and thinks Cranbourne could match it with the best in Premier Division with a solid off-season.
“We’ll be well prepared, recruit as hard as we can, chase players and develop our young ones and we’ll be ready,” Smith said.
