Arrive Alive Women?s Super League Round 18 Preview

For six teams this is where it ends for 2009; for four others the opportunity of winning the title as the premier team in the Arrive Alive Women?s Super League starts next week. Some questions remain to be answered in this remaining round of football, including just who will make up the four and what order the teams will finish in.
One side that has none of these worries is Inter Lions who guaranteed themselves the Premiership some weeks back and now prepare themselves for a major semi final on Sunday week. Who their opponent will be in that match will be decided this weekend.
In Bathurst second placed Western NSW Panthers will be attempting to consolidate their position with a win against Gladesville Ravens.
The Panthers are the only side to beat Inter Lions this season and would be looking forward to a return bout in the finals. Whilst they can?t miss the playoffs altogether they can finish as far back as fourth which would obviously make their task of winning the title a lot tougher. This Panthers side are a determined side who are always tough to beat. Given the importance of this match I expect that Coach Paul Waine will have them ready to fire on Sunday. Look out for a big game from Western?s inspirational Captain, Gillian Rosconi.
The Ravens late season resurgence has hit a snag in recent weeks with successive defeats to Southern NSW FC and Blacktown Spartans. The Ravens have played well in both games, but haven?t had a lot of luck in either game. The Gladesville girls will be keen to finish their season on a high and, if that means upsetting the Panthers apple cart, I?m sure they?ll be happy to do so! Over the last two months Gladesville have given the appearance of a side capable of playing finals football. It?s unfortunate that they?ll be dropping out after Sunday.
This should be an absorbing game of football. Last time the two teams met at Magdala Park there was little between them. The Panthers have more to play for though and that might just be the difference.
Down in Nowra the Southern NSW FC side will be playing for their finals spot when they take on Blacktown Spartans at Ison Park.
Southern could finish as high as second if results went their way but a loss may see them dip out altogether. The locals barely squeezed past PCYC Lady Hawks last Sunday and will be looking for a more dominant performance this weekend as a precursor for the finals. The Nowra girls have made a habit of playing finals football; a habit that may stand them in good stead for this all or nothing game. There?s plenty of ability in the Southern side and they?re capable of testing the more fancied teams should they make the playoffs.
Blacktown Spartans would like to finish their 2009 season with a bang. There?s been considerable improvement noted in the side?s performances this year but they?ve lacked a level of consistency. Last week?s win over Gladesville Ravens could probably be classed as an upset but The Spartans inability to win similar matches this season has been the difference between pushing for fourth spot and watching the finals from the stands. On their best form Blacktown can make life very difficult for Southern NSW FC.
This should be a good match but Southern rarely seem to lose important games at Fortress Ison. They?ll need to be careful though as Blacktown are capable of surprising.
At Melita Stadium the Central Coast Lightning?s finals spot goes on the line when they meet PCYC Lady Hawks.
PCYC, apart from a blemish against Inter Lions, have been playing a pleasing brand of football. It hasn?t necessarily been picking them up lots of competition points but it has earnt them plenty of respect. They?ve proven very competitive in the last five or six weeks which all goes well for the club in the future. Sunday will bring their debut season to an end but they have the chance of upending Central Coast in the process.
Central Coast Lightning also sit on the finals precipice. They could finish second; they could finish fifth though the later scenario would require a lot of ifs and buts elsewhere. It would be a tragedy if this team missed out as their football progressed considerably as the season has gone on. This is a team that?s quite capable of playing some outstanding attacking football. For mine they could prove the dark horse of the finals series if they win their way through. They?ll be determined not to let PCYC get in their way come Sunday.
Central Coast will certainly start the favourites in this game but PCYC?s new resolve make them a tough opponent. The Lightning will need to earn their finals place.
The Tigers do battle at Parklands Oval where the Northern variety takes on the Sydney variety. What?s this preoccupation everyone has with big cats?
Northern Tigers are the unfortunate ?winners? of this season?s wooden spoon. I must admit to finding that a little sad for such a gusty team of youngsters. A win in their final game of the season would be a great tonic for the girls but snatching a victory certainly won?t be easy. Maybe the Northern girls can get their ground Mascot, Tiger The Wonder Dog, to snap at a few Sydney Tigers heels to help out. Hang in there girls.
The Sydney Tigers have failed to fire this season. With the squad the club had on board for their inaugural season there would have been an expectation of better results. Injuries have had a telling effect on the team?s prospects but it just doesn?t seem to have come together for Coach Tarek Madani and his side. That said, there?s still a glimmer of hope for a finals spot. Yes, a few other results have to fall their way but a win in this match could be enough to see them through. Can The Tigers of Sydney rise to the occasion? 
The final match for review sees Inter Lions hosting St George FC at Ron Routley Field.
The Lions will have their sights set on the start of the finals next weekend. A mid week catch up game with St George some ten days ago produced a 7-0 win to the Minor Premiers in waiting. Inter have had a spectacular season built around a squad that many think would hold their own in the current Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League. It will be interesting to see how Coach Joe Baldacci will approach this match. With nothing to play for does he rest some of his stars or will he be keen to give them a solid hit out prior to the finals? We?re in for a mouth watering finals series if this team plays at their best.
St George FC were overjoyed to unload the wooden spoon last weekend with a well deserved win over Northern Tigers. The girls have done it tough this season with a mounting injury toll and plenty of youngsters having to step up to fill the void in the top grades. A game against the rampant Lions isn?t the ideal way to end such a disappointing season. St George will do their best but they?ll need plenty of good fortune to match motors with The Lions. Better luck in 2010 girls.
The Lions have a new title race ahead of them starting next weekend. They?ll be hoping that all their players get through Sunday in one piece. St George FC will be keen to put up a respectable performance in their 2009 finale.
Well, we now look forward to all the excitement of the finals of the Arrive Alive Women?s Super League, starting in a week?s time. Can anyone upset the Inter Lions juggernaut or will the girls from Concord take the Premiers/Champions double? Be ready for the answer in the coming weeks.
Good luck this weekend everyone.
 -By Ross Anderson