The biggest Senol NPLW Victoria season is in full swing and Box Hill striker Erin Keyt has been named the February New Balance Player of the Month, receiving the most votes from the commentary team over the first three weeks of the season.
Box Hill United got off to a rocky start with a loss to Essendon Royals in Round 1, but since Keyt joined the team in Round 2, they’ve bounced back with two consecutive wins, scoring 10 goals across those matches.
Keyt has returned to the top-flight of Victorian football after a season with Southern United and four years playing in the United States for Franklin Pierce University.
After spending last season in midfield, she has embraced the move back to the forward line but being named Player of the Month still came as a surprise.
“Honestly, I really didn’t expect it at all,” she said.
“It’s beem really good being back at Box Hill, I was there previously when I was finding my feet in my senior years but I am very happy being back playing NPLW.
“I’m just trying to do my part for the team and help us get back into winning form after losing the first game to Essendon, and I think we’ve done that.”
Keyt is enjoying a rare vein of form, scoring five goals in her first two matches of the season. She notched a hat-trick in Box Hill United’s 8-0 win over Bentleigh Greens and followed it up with a brace in last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Preston Lions in Round 3.
“It’s been amazing, I can’t really put it into words,” she said.
“I played as a midfielder last year, and being back as a striker this season feels so much better and I think it shows.”
Despite 31 NPLW appearances and four years of college soccer experience, Keyt joined the reigning champions knowing she’d have to work hard in pre-season to earn a starting spot. Having secured her place, she’s making the most of every opportunity.
“I definitely had to work hard for my starting spot, and they’ve been such a good group of girls to work with,” she explained.
“It’s so nice to have a team that backs me, it gives me confidence and we’ve got a really strong squad and coach too.”
This Friday night, Box Hill host Heidelberg United at 7:30pm in the 2025 NPLW Grand Final rematch, a clash set to be their toughest test yet. But Keyt is confident the squad is ready.
“We’ve worked pretty hard, and we’re going to keep pushing this week to try and get that win,” she said.
“It’s a big game for both sides, but hopefully we can come away with the win and the three points.”