Grand Final Preview – State League Women’s
We have arrived at the final weekend of the State League Women’s season with APIA Leichhardt Tigers and SD Raiders to battle it out for the Championship.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers come into this weekend well rested after their 2-1 victory over Western NSW Mariners a fortnight ago.
The rest has been beneficial for Matteo Maiorana’s side as they have their whole squad at their disposal including top scorer Christina Ferreyra after her suspension.
At points of the season APIA played some irresistible football highlighted by scoring 56 goals across the season with Ferreyra supplying 20 of them which kept them in the top four all season.
The striker has paired well with Dana Buttigieg who has provided crucial goals to secure the premiership and put them into the Grand Final to complete a potent attack.
Behind them the midfield led by captain Lucy Gilfedder is the engine that drives the style Maiorana wants his side to stick to.
SD Raiders have been a tough proposition for the Premiers this season as they picked up four points throughout the season.
Catherine Cannuli has been a particular thorn with three goals in two appearances against the Tigers which has made for a good first season for the former W-League star.
The Raiders started the season on fire and a slight dip in the middle of the season to finish fourth and take the hard route past UNSW Lions and Western NSW Mariners to make the Grand Final.
Caterina Moio has sparked to life in the finals with a brace against UNSW then the opening goal to send them on their way last weekend.
In both their finals victories and throughout the season, the midfield has been key for the Raiders and Dominique Caridad plays a vocal role in keeping them solid especially against attacks like APIA.
Sasha Hammoud made some vital interceptions for SD Raiders against WNSW and will need to on point again to repel Ferreyra and Buttigieg.
Both sides will be confident in shutting down the opposite attack buoyed by two stars between in the sticks in Karrinda Moodley for SD Raiders and Courtney Halpin for APIA Leichhardt Tigers.
It has been a gripping season and both finalists played some quality football this season which makes this a fitting finale to a gripping season of State League action.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers vs SD Raiders, Sunday 18th September 2016, 5pm, Valentine Sports Park
-By Justin Davies
