Grand Final Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Women’s

The most anticipated game of the year is finally upon us in the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Women’s competition, the grand final.

Sydney University V North West Sydney Koalas

Arguably the two best and most consistent teams of the competition will lock horns on Sunday evening at Valentine Sports Park as Sydney University and the North West Sydney Koalas clash.

It has been an ongoing battle between the two from the Preseason Cup, until the final game of the regular season and now the playoff series.

Uni’s late flurry of wins in catch up games saw them pip the Koalas on the final day of the season by a solitary point to claim the Premiership.

That wound, along with the semi final loss are still very fresh in the Koalas memory, something they would like to set right.

Uni are currently on a run of six games without defeat, only registering one draw in that run, while the Koalas have lost twice in their last three games, one recently to Uni.

Having secured their spot in the final two weeks ago, Uni has had a week off to access and regroup themselves ahead of the game of the season.

For the Koalas though, their path was slightly tougher and after losing to Uni, they had to meet the form side of the competition, Manly United.

They showed grit and toughness, coming from behind to book another clash with University.

Interestingly, over the last three seasons, the Premiers have always made the Grand Final but have failed to claim the double and win the Championship.

Will Uni break the hoodoo or can the Koalas continue it?

KEY PLAYERS:

With influential players all over the park, it’s hard to pick one that could be the difference come Sunday for Uni. 

Evelyn Chronis and Georgia Yeoman-Dale are important in the Uni tactical setup, if their pace and skills are utilised down the wings, the Premiers could have the upper hand.

As for the Koalas, it’s hard to go past their talisman and top scorer Tara Andrews who has been in scintillating form this campaign.

The two Natalie’s, Penman and Tobin are both important parts of the Koalas engine room along with the colossal figure of Caitlin Campbell in defence.

ON THE SIDELINES:

Not only will there be key battles all over the pitch, probably the key one will take place on the touchline.

Two young coaches lock horns with similar football mentalities, Heather Garriock of Uni and Stephen Peters of the Koalas.

Garriock, a former Matilda, has done it all before, both as a player and last season as coach, guiding Uni to the Championship.

Having won the double as a player back in her playing days for the Marconi Stallions, she is now looking to do it as a coach.

Peters has stepped up this year and when no one thought the Koalas could do much, he has showed they are one of the best teams in the competition and lead them to the Grand Final.

TALE OF THE TAPE:

The teams are no strangers to each other in 2016, having already done battle four times.

The first win came back in the Preseason Cup Final, where Uni won comfortably and secured the first piece of silverware of the new season.

During the regular season campaign, again, Uni were successful, taking both wins, first a tight 1-0 win in April before they won much easier in July, taking all three points with a 3-0 victory.

Possibly the closest and most intense game between the two was played only two weeks ago.

Uni looked home and dry but the Koalas showed the fighting spirit that has got them where they are today.

It wasn’t enough though and for the fourth time this season, Uni won, 3-2 and thus secured their spot in the Grand Final. 

Grand Final Details
Sunday 28 August 2016
Valentine Sports Park
U13’s
Blacktown Spartans FC V FNSW Institute 8:30am
U15’s
Blacktown Spartans FC V FNSW Institute 10:15am
U17’s
Sydney University SFC V Blacktown Spartans FC 12:15pm
Reserve
Manly United FC V Blacktown Spartans FC 2:15pm
1st Grade

Sydney University SFC V NWS Womens Koalas 5:00pm