Arrive Alive Women?s Super League Grand Final Preview

Both sides have sprung a surprise or two to get here; Central Coast grabbed second place on the ladder late in the competition proper before upsetting Premiers Blacktown Spartans in the Major Semi Final to advance to the title decider. APIA were in some danger of missing the finals altogether three weeks from the end of the competition but fought their way through before crushing Gladesville Ravens in the Minor Semi Final. The Tigers then knocked out Blacktown in a penalty shoot out last weekend.
Central Coast Lightning started the season as nominal title favorites. After the promotion to the Women?s Premier League of the top three sides in the 2009 Women?s Super League, Lightning were the only remaining semi finalist from last season?s competition. They looked to have strengthened their squad in the off season; even being mentioned as hopes of winning promotion. The Central Coast girls have fallen just short of that goal but a Grand Final victory would certainly soften the blow. Central Coast has had their ups and downs during the season. Injuries were a contributing factor to some of the season lows but Lightning seemed to have risen to the challenge of the big games as the season has drawn towards its climax.
Central Coast is a side who don?t necessarily have stand outs in their squad; they are a well balanced side, capable of playing some very attractive football. Their defeat of Blacktown in the Major Semi Final should be one that provides them with tremendous confidence coming into a game against an opponent they?ve had a loss and draw against in the two previous matches of 2010.
Your reporter is often taken to task about his description of APIA as the ?enigma? side of the Arrive Alive Women?s Super League. It?s a line that I can?t back away from. APIA has a very dominating look about them on paper. However, too often this season they?ve played way below their potential. For them to struggle into fourth place on the ladder is something I find hard to understand but, one the finals series got underway, the depth of experience in the side has come to the fore. APIA was much too good for a disappointing Gladesville Ravens side in week one of the finals before taking on Blacktown Spartans in last week?s Final. APIA was the better side last weekend but was unable to turn their advantage into goals. That the match went to penalties rather than being won in normal time probably sums up the frustration the players and some of their supporters must feel.
All that said APIA has gathered that important ingredient of momentum. Many of their stars are starting to fire; a point that would obviously put a twinkle in the eye of Coach Tarek Madani. APIA has so many players with big match experience; a factor which I feel proved to be a determining factor in last weekend?s win over Spartans.
This promises to be an outstanding finale to the season. Both teams are primed for a tough encounter. Apart from being good football sides the two combatants are not known for taking a backward step. No-one will be taking any prisoners!
I was one of those people who were tipping Central Coast Lightning at the start of the season. However, APIA have an ominous look about them. They are a side that every team in the finals were wary of. Now they are one step away from the trophy they are going to be very hard to beat.
I?m tipping an APIA Leichhardt Tigers Grand Final win. I?ll even nominate a 2-1 scoreline. Boy I?m getting daring in my old age!
There?s a magnificent support card of Grand Finals at Francis Park on Saturday with the following matches also on show;
Under 12 Girls APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Blacktown Spartans
Under 14 Girls Central Coast Lightning v Northern Tigers
Under 16 Girls Blacktown Spartans v Lady Hawks
Reserve Grade Eastern UNSW Lions v Gladesville Ravens
See you all at Francis Park this Saturday!
-By Ross Anderson