New name for the Eagles

The region’s multi-premiership winning AFL team, The East Coast Eagles, have changed their name to The Sydney Hills Eagles.

The team’s General Manager, Tony Moran, said that the club voted to change at their recent Annual General Meeting, following their selection to play in the pre-eminent second-tier competition, the North East Australian Football League.

The Club has had a long association with AFL’s West Coast Eagles, which helped to develop the fledgling club into a highly successful one.

“Our Club’s name change is significant as we transition to the elite NEAFL Competition having won the last three AFL Sydney premierships,” Mr Moran said.

“We would like to thank the West Coast Eagles for their continuing support, and also congratulate the members, players and Board of The Sydney Hills Eagles for their vision in this momentous step in our Club’s development.”

Mr Moran said The Sydney Hills represented a strong brand for the region.

“Our Club is proud to have made the decision to become The Sydney Hills Eagles to position us strongly in the community, build our local supporter base and provide better branding opportunities for existing and new sponsors.”

The team’s ascension to the North East Australian Football League means they are the first Hills sporting team to play at a national level. The Sydney Swans Reserves, GWS GIANTS Reserves and Sydney University are the other Sydney based sides that will compete in the North East Australian Football League.

“What a great opportunity this will be for our juniors to gain exposure on the national stage, which may lead an elite-level professional career.

“If you love sport and love living in the Hills – here’s the chance you’ve been waiting for to support your home team in The Sydney Hills.

“I call on businesses in the area to join us on our journey onto the national stage and at the same time get behind some very talented local young sports people.”

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Councillor Greg Burnett, has welcomed the name change.
 
“This is a great move for the Club, and a great win for the community to have a local team named after the best place in NSW to live, work and play – The Sydney Hills,” Mayor Burnett said.
 
“Congratulations to the Eagles on their entry into the North East Australian Football League. This is the first sporting side in the Hills to compete at a state and national level – I urge residents and businesses to get behind the team and show their support,” he said.

The Sydney Hills Eagles will be fielding a team in the North East Australian Football League and AFL Sydney Premier Division competitions in 2012 as well as other senior grades and Under 18 sides.