Arrive Alive Women?s Super League Finals Series Preview

The winner will proceed into the Grand Final next weekend to meet Central Coast Lightning.
Blacktown Spartans went through the first seventeen rounds of the competition undefeated. However, they?ve now had successive losses; one to Gladesville Ravens in the final round of the competition and then to Central Coast in last weekend?s major semi final. This can?t be good for Blacktown?s confidence as they now move into a sudden death match against one of the most talented but unpredictable sides in the competition.
Blacktown will require all of their big guns to be firing on Saturday. They?ve beaten APIA each time they?ve met this season; a 1-0 win at Francis Park in the first round being followed by a 3-1 win at Lambert Park in round two. Both were hard fought clashes where APIA had their opportunities but failed to capitalize.
APIA has been the enigma of the Arrive Alive Super League. No-one has doubted their potential to win the competition but they?ve rarely lived up to the hype as the season progressed. Two weeks out of the finals they still were not certain of being part of the title deciders. However, last weekend APIA stood up to score a resounding 4-0 win over Gladesville Ravens. It was the sort of performance that would have had those left in the finals more than a little bit worried.
Last weekend APIA?s big match players stood up to be counted; most importantly the very experienced Alicia Cavanagh. With the support of players like Frances Dimino and Natalie Spirovski, Cavanagh ripped the life from Gladesville?s title hopes with two well taken goals. A repeat performance tomorrow by this trio could see APIA spring a big upset.
Blacktown should be able to expect plenty of support at their home ground. That should lift them. APIA?s spirit will have been renewed by the strength of last week?s fine win.
This should be a blockbuster. Both sides have plenty of attacking ammunition. Defensively Blacktown look to have the edge on what we?ve seen this season but finals are a different type of football. This is a game that will be won by the team who wants it more. Who will that be?
I?ve thought long and hard about this match from a tipping point of view. I can see reasons to favor either side. I?m going to stick my neck out though and go for APIA. I just have the feeling that last week may be a turning point for them.
Whoever wins through you can be sure we?ll be treated to an epic Grand Final next weekend.
See you at the ground this weekend.
-By Ross Anderson