Arrive Alive Women?s Super League 2010 Season Preview

The League has two new teams; Eastern UNSW Lions and Springwood United FC. I?m sure that all football lovers welcome the new girls into the fray. Missing from this year?s competition are last season?s top three sides; Inter Lions, Western NSW Panthers and Southern NSW. All three have been promoted to the Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League for season 2010. This leaves Central Coast Lightning as the highest ranked team still remaining from last season?s competition.
One would think that this may well entitle Central Coast to early favoritism for the 2010 competition. The Lightning girls finished off last season strongly; looking as if they were capable of causing much more damage in the semi finals than they actually did. They have a well balanced side that plays fast, attacking football. I?d certainly expect them to be right in the thick of things come finals time.
Sydney Tigers were expected to make a big splash upon their entry to the Arrive Alive Women?s Super League last season. Tarek Madani?s team gave glimpses of their best during the year but injuries and inconsistent form saw them stumble out of the finals race in the latter stage of the season. There are some new faces in The Tigers squad for 2010 and, if all can stay fit and healthy, expect Sydney Tigers to challenge hard for honors later in the year.
PCYC Lady Hawks, Gladesville Ravens and Blacktown Spartans all performed capably last season. Lady Hawks came onto the scene late but, given their rushed preparation, the girls put in a fine effort. The side improved as the season progressed and gave all their opposition a run for their money. Gladesville Ravens can mix it with any side on their day but have lacked the consistency to match the top sides. There is enough talent in their squad to push through to the finals this season if the team can come through in those ?crunch? games. They could prove the surprise packet. Blacktown Spartans were another side who were just off the pace in 2009. They pushed a number of the top sides but lacked the firepower to get away with the close ones. With the structure of the competition in 2010 The Spartans may well be capable of pushing towards the finals if they can buy a bit of good fortune.
Northern Tigers and St George FC didn?t have the best of seasons in 2009. Northern Tigers had a young squad who played with heaps of enthusiasm but lacked some direction. They did show plenty of promise though that, if the club could keep the team together, they may offer a strong future. Will that start in 2010? Well, it?s a big ask but if The Tigers can find themselves an ?old head? to lead the sprightly young fillies around the park they could do better than many expect. St George FC battled a long list of injuries and lack of depth last season. Once or twice the team showed what they may be capable of but they couldn?t put that together on a week to week basis. It will be interesting to see if St George can gather any momentum early and turn their fortunes around.
The expectations of the leagues two ?new girls?, Eastern UNSW Lions and Springwood United FC are anyone?s guess at this early stage. There?s been plenty of homework done to have the two clubs ready for battle from day one but the test comes on match day. Eastern UNSW has a tough game first up against Sydney Tigers. Springwood would appear to have, on paper at least, a less testing match up with St George FC. Early results will be important to maintain morale and keep the competitive edge. It won?t be an easy task but both teams are sure to give it their best shot. A finals berth would be a big result if either were able to achieve that by season?s end.
So, this weekend?s opening round of the Arrive Alive Women?s Super League sees the following matches;
Eastern UNSW Lions v Sydney Tigers at David Phillips Field
I?m expecting Sydney Tigers to start the season with a win here. Good luck to the Lions girls in their first match of the competition.
PCYC Lady Hawks v Blacktown Spartans at Melita Stadium
I don?t think there?ll be a lot in this one. A draw seemed a likely result but maybe the home ground advantage will get Lady Hawks home narrowly.
Gladesville Ravens v Northern Tigers at Peel Park
I?m going for The Ravens in this one. The Tigers will make them work for the points though.
Springwood United FC v St George FC
This looks like an interesting tussle. I?ll plump for the experienced Women?s Super League side here and tip a St George FC win.
Central Coast Lightning have the BYE.
Good luck to all the Arrive Alive Women?s Super League clubs in 2010. I look forward to getting out to plenty of matches and catching the action. I?m sure that we?ll see plenty of excellent football.
See you at the ground!
-By Ross Anderson