Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League Grand Final Preview

What a Grand Final we have too with the defending champions Illawarra Stingrays taking on the talented Inter Lions for the title. Both teams are full of experienced, skilful players who are sure to provide plenty of excitement for what promises to be a big crowd.
The Lions are one of the few teams in this year?s competition with a positive record against The Stingrays. Back in Round 7 the two teams fought out a 1-1 draw at J.J.Kelly Park before the Round 16 clash at Concord Oval which saw Inter come out 2-1 winners. That defeat was the only one suffered by The Stingrays in 2010.
Illawarra Stingrays have looked the team to beat in the Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League since the first ball was kicked in the 2010 season. They have a wonderful squad of players, led by the girl who could be elected Mayor of Wollongong, if she wanted to run, Michelle Carney. Her loyalty to the Illawarra club, plus her brilliance on the field, has made her an inspirational leader of this star studded side. Whilst Carney pulls the strings that bring the Illawarra machine to life she is fortunate enough to be surrounded by a core of experienced players supplemented by some very promising youngsters. Coach Brett Wallin has a team with plenty of depth so, should anything go awry, the Illawarra mentor has a solid bench to call on. The Stingrays looked very impressive in beating Manly United FC 3-1 in the Major Semi Final. They dominated across the park for most of the game in a performance which would have worried any prospective Grand Final opponent. The Stingrays have given women?s football in the Illawarra area plenty of presence. They?ll have lots of support on Sunday.
The Stingrays were at last weekend?s Final as spectators. They are very confident that they have what it takes to make it back to back titles. I don?t believe that their confidence was swayed in any way by what they saw last Sunday. 
Inter Lions come into this match with a string of positive results through the second round of the competition. But even Coach Joe Baldacci believes that his team has only occasionally played to their potential this season. Given that they are now in the Grand Final, having won through two tight finals clashes with Macarthur Rams and Manly United FC, one wonders just how good this team really is when play to the limit of their capabilities. Some sideline observers rubbish this team as being too reliant on Captain Catherine Cannuli to score their goals but I?d then ask what any team should expect from a striker? Do Manchester United rely on Wayne Rooney? Do Chelsea look to Didier Drogba? Cannuli is similarly inspirational to her team as Carney is for Illawarra. Her individual brilliance is the spark of the Inter attack but she too has a fine array of players backing her up. There?s strength and experience in the Lions midfield, a reliable defensive line; giving you a side that shouldn?t fear any side. Last Sunday?s Final win over Manly wasn?t pretty. It didn?t show Inter Lions at their best. But they won the game. I see no reason to believe that they can?t win this one.
In assessing this game I was certainly in two minds. Looking at the statistics, remembering the effort produced by Illawarra Stingrays in the semi final and their form throughout the season I?d be inclined to think that the girls from Wollongong will take home the silverware again. But Inter Lions are one of those sides that just get you in. They have an X factor that means they can often produce things that other sides can?t. Grand Finals can often be won by that one moment of ?X?.
I?m going to enjoy this Grand Final. I don?t care who wins but I do hope that we see both teams at their best because then we?ll be in for a true football treat.
There is a quartet of other exciting Grand Finals also being played at Balls Paddock on Sunday. Those matches are:
Under 12 Girls Sutherland Sharks v Inter Lions
Under 14 Girls Macarthur Rams v Inter Lions
Under 16 Girls Western NSW Panthers v NWS Koalas
Reserve Grade Marconi Stallions v Manly United FC
I look forward to seeing a big crowd of women?s football supporters at ?The Paddock? come Sunday. Good luck everyone!

-By Ross Anderson