Women’s State League Preview 2013
Twelve teams, from Bathurst to Bankstown, Moorebank to Mt Druitt, will fight to be crowned Womens State League Champions for 2013.
As the girls put the final touches on their pre-season preparations, Football NSW roving reporter Joe Gorman takes us through what to expect and who to watch out for in this campaign.
APIA Leichhardt
After last season was plagued with injury troubles, this season head coach Tarek Madani has promoted several young players into a younger, fresher squad. With an eye on the future, Madani’s squad has an average age of just 18. The team is not without experience, however, and with co-captains Tanya Black and Jessica Abraham leading the side, APIA Leichhardt will be a force to be reckoned with this season.
Round 1: APIA v Gladesville. Lambert Park, 3pm.
Mt Druitt Rangers
The Rangers are entering a Super League side for the first time this season, and will be a surprise package for the competition. With former Matildas player Taryn Rockall at the helm, don’t be surprised if the Rangers cause a few upsets, particularly at their home fortress at Popondetta Park.
Round 1: Sydney Olympic v Mt Druitt. Blick Oval, 3pm.
Nepean FC
In his first season as head coach, James Rankine has assembled a strong squad at Nepean, mixing youthful exuberance with experience. Led by senior member Cherie Flusk, Rankine hopes his side will be very competitive despite a stop-start pre-season. With a view to develop as many locally based players as possible, Rankine will look to play a possession-based passing game.
Round 1: Nepean v Parramatta. Cook Park, 3pm.
Gladesville Ravens
The Ravens return to the State League this year, and with some canny off-season recruitment, they’ll certainly be one of the teams to watch. With a new Dutch technical director Sandra Awondatu, and a strong mix of experience and youth, the Ravens will look to play a dynamic and fluid style of football. Watch out for young guns Hannah Gestier, Maddie Paslis, Nicola Simmons and Rosy Browell, who will complement the stalwarts Alisha Hill, Fatty Agar, Kate Butler-Howell and Noelle Loyzaga. Expect a top four finish from the Ravens.
1st Round: APIA v Gladesville. Lambert Park, 3pm.
Bankstown City FC
For Bankstown, this will be historic year, with the establishment of a new women’s program. But while they may be the new kids on the block, Technical Director Dejan Strezovski is confident that the newcomers will provide stiff competition. Other sides will be wary of the young squad, which has an average age of just 20, and will be led by senior player Samantha Muscat.
1st Round: Bankstown City v Southern Branch. Jensen Park, 3pm.
Parramatta Ladyhawks
After finishing mid-table last season, the Ladyhawks will be hoping for improvement this time round. The girls from Granville will be hoping to make Melita Stadium their fortress in 2013.
Round 1: Nepean v Parramatta. Cook Park, 3pm.
Southern Branch
Southern Branch will have their eyes set firmly on the big prize this season after their strong showing in 2012. Despite losing a number of players in the off season due to work, travel and study, Southern Branch welcome back goalkeeper Josie Strong, who returns from Sydney Uni, while a number of younger girls will be promoted to senior football. With club captain Mel Leedham leading the squad, they’ll be one of the favourites in 2013.
Round 1: Bankstown City v Southern Branch. Jensen Park, 3pm.
Southern Districts Emeralds
This season the Emeralds are keeping it in the family, with returning junior Louise Howard taking up the dual role as women’s convener and playing in the side. Meanwhile, new signing Kristy Rohrer will also coach the under 14s, while Kristan McMahon will captain the side. Coach Sam Lentini is looking to promote young players from the area, but doesn’t think that will be a barrier to success. “We’ll shake em up” Lentini promises.
Round 1: Western NSW Mariners v Southern Districts. Proctor Park, 3pm.
St George Saints FC
After finishing in seventh place in 2012, the Saints will be looking to improve this season to reach the top four. The quiet achievers of the competition, the women from the southern suburbs will be no easy beats this campaign.
Round 1: St George v UNSW. St George Stadium, 3pm.
Sydney Olympic
Olympic always field strong teams, and this season looks to be no different. The Belmore-based side will be looking to improve on their mid-table finish in 2012. Discipline can at times be a problem for Olympic, but if they can find some consistency, they will provide stiff competition for any opponent.
Round 1: Sydney Olympic v Mt Druitt. Blick Oval, 3pm.
Western NSW Mariners
The Mariners finished in the bottom half of the table after going through a rebuilding phase last season. But after blooding several girls into senior football, they’ll have some extra experience to challenge for the title this time around. Led by senior players like Tegan Cox, the Mariners have also picked up several locals Lisa Matthews, Megan Embleton and Gillian Rosconi to round out a strong squad.
Round 1: Western NSW Mariners v Southern Districts. Proctor Park, 3pm.
UNSW Lions
The defending champions, UNSW will be firm favourites this year. Stopping the Lions from scoring will be a high priority for opponents, who will keep a close eye on 2012 Golden Boot winner Ayse Adalis. However, the Lions are hardly a one-woman show. New First Grade keeper Amy Seskin is shaping up to be a fine replacement for the outgoing Amanda Watson, while the club’s strong emphasis on developing local talent should produce some exciting prospects. Additionally, the club have added up and coming coach Alex Epakis to their already successful coaching staff of Sally Paterson and Greg Sharp. Paterson says "the squad is shaping up well, but it certainly has a different feel than last year. Our sights are on a top four spot at the end of the season, and we’ll see what happens from there". Indeed, the pressure will be on the Lions to lead the pack.
Round 1: St George v UNSW. St George Stadium, 3pm.
-By Joe Gorman
