Arrive Alive Women?s Super League Semi Final Preview

In what has been a very competitive season four evenly matched sides now go into battle for the title of champions. Premiers and Club Championship winners, Blacktown Spartans, lead the way; this weekend meeting second placed Central Coast Lightning in the major semi final at Francis Park on Sunday. On Saturday afternoon the minor semi final sees the Gladesville Ravens face up against APIA Leichhardt Tigers, also at Francis Park.
Saturday?s match looks a blockbuster with both sides more than capable of going all the way if they can survive week one.
Gladesville Ravens came ever so closer to snatching the double chance that second spot offers before losing out to Central Coast Lightning on goal difference. The Ravens have proven to be a much more consistent side this season with a string of impressive performances. None would be a better indication of their credentials than their defeat of Premiers Blacktown Spartans last Sunday. The Ravens are a very determined bunch and, when they get themselves in the right mindset, their self belief is powerful. Their squad is a well balanced one and, whilst players like Ashley Hulme and Fatty Agar can provide inspiring performances, the likes of Mel Freckleton, Hannah Vousden, Georgena Attalah, Nikki Ridley and Naj Eid have been essential in the side?s success this season. Make no mistake, The Ravens will need everyone to contribute if they are to challenge for the title but this could be their year.
Speaking to a number of title contenders during the last few weeks I know that one team that no-one really wanted to meet in the finals was APIA. It?s not that The Tigers have looked particularly awesome this season but every opposing coach or player is aware of the potential this side has should they suddenly put it together. The big question is; can Coach Tarek Madani find the on switch for his erratic team now that the finals are here? Players like Natalie Spirovski and Alicia Cavanagh are no strangers to big games like this. APIA may lack some depth compared to some other Arrive Alive Women?s Super League clubs but, when they have their best squad on the field, The Tigers are capable of beating anyone. Captain Kylie Meehan will be looking at revving up the motors of her team so that they hit the ground running on Saturday; APIA can?t afford to play the game in two halves which, in recent weeks, seems to have become their style.
Both these teams have a credible chance of going all the way if they come up with a win this Saturday. I?m sure that there won?t be any prisoners taken in this one; I?m going to tip Gladesville Ravens; certainly because they?ve been one of the form sides of the season but also due to the fact that I can?t be confident of which APIA will show up to play.
The major semi final on Sunday at Francis Park sees the Premiers, Blacktown Spartans, up against Central Coast Lightning.
Blacktown were undefeated this season up until last weekend?s loss to Gladesville Ravens. The Spartans are very deserving of their title favoritism as they?ve coupled some grafting wins with a number of stellar football performances this season. There?s been any number of stars for Blacktown; but the one most opposition sides fear is the ?Bullet?, Lauren Vosota. Her sizzling pace is one thing but the girl can play football as well, being instrumental in a number of Blacktown wins this season. Lauren isn?t the lone ace in the Blacktown pack though. This Spartans side has been a well balanced unit this season. Personally, I?ve been very impressed with young Erin Connell?s efforts during 2010; she certainly seems a star on the rise. Blacktown?s defence, led by Captain Bronwyn Jarvis, has also proven very hard to break down. If Blacktown have taken no harm from last week?s defeat they?ll be very hard to beat on their home park.
Central Coast Lightning were the nominal Arrive Alive Women?s Super League title favorites with many pundits prior to the season commencing. Being the only remaining finalist from 2009 remaining in the league it was thought that the Central Coast girls would be very hard to toss. However, despite the odd performance where The Lightning have shown their true mettle, they?ve failed to dominate in quite the manner expected. That said, they?ve finished second on the competition ladder and now sit one game away from a Grand Final appearance. The Captain?s arm band has proven to be somewhat of a jinx in 2010 with Central Coast losing three players who?ve worn the mantle since the season commenced. Central Coast Coach Daniel Barrett will be looking for his big guns to step up to the mark this week , both to close down the Blacktown attacking weapons but also to inflict a little damage themselves. It?s anyone?s competition at this stage and Central Coast Lightning can?t be discounted as possible champions.
Another toss of the coin job here with both teams having strong claims as likely winners. However, on the form during the season proper, I have to go for Blacktown Spartans. They have a touch of that X factor about them and that may be enough to see them through on Sunday.
Now the true women?s football fan would take advantage of the fact that both semi finals are being held at Francis Park by possibly camping out overnight on the hill to catch both games. If you can?t run with that idea either game you pick as your football fix this weekend will be well worth your support. Hold on to your hats as this final series will be a beauty! 
See you at the ground.
-By Ross Anderson