Estates staking a claim
Knights sharpening blades ahead of long awaited return to top flight
THERE is something brewing at Victoria Park.
After two decades in the wilderness, Estates Mighty Knights are sharpening the swords and fortifying the shields as they prepare for a return to the top flight of Townsville football.
The club, which received a $4000 grant from the state government to improve training facilities at their Railway
Estate home, has been approved by North Queensland Football to return to the Premier League in 2021.
And they have brought in some high-profile help to get them there.
Former Northern Fury technical director and Queensland State League, NPL and QPL coach Ken Mitchell has joined forces with the club to coach their top side next season.
He will be joined by Charlie Melville, who will be the Premier League assistant coach.
Estates president Paul Neary said it had been a long time coming but the region’s oldest club was proud to return to the top league.
“It has been a long time since we have been in Premier League,” he said. “We are the oldest club in town, we have a lot of great history.
“The founder of the club was Crad Evans, he was quite a well-known and influential figure in North Queensland football and we are carrying on his legacy.
“I think this is definitely something we have been aiming for over the last two years. It seems to be falling into place for us at the moment.”
The Irishman, who has been president of the club for two seasons, said they have built a revolution from the ground up through their junior ranks.
Despite the COVID pandemic throwing the game a curve ball, Estates still registered almost 150 kids across their junior program. The club also took out the men’s 2nd division title and Crad Evans Shield.
“I think family is at our core, we are family orientated club,” Neary said.
Estates are also planning on launching a women’s Premier League outfit and Youth men’s side ahead of the 2021 NQF season.
The club has asked for expressions of interest from players wanting to play in those grades next year.