PlayStation4 NPL 2 NSW Womens 2017 Season Preview
The long off season has finally ended, the eight clubs from last season are joined by promoted Gladesville Ravens to round out a competitive and much anticipated PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Women’s season.
Bankstown City Lions
Bankstown City Lions come into the season, primed and ready to make a push for promotion after they kept most of the squad together from last season which included goal machine Samantha Muscat who narrowly missed out on the golden boot.
Head coach Troy Spink has added some experienced reinforcements after they finished in a disappointing 7th place in Joanna Martino (Spartans), Doris Osman (Marconi), and Lyndsay Kohlet (Sydney FC) as the Lions eyes are firmly set on securing promotion to PS4 NPL NSW Women’s this season.
Central Coast Mariners
After 2016 was a rebuilding phase for the Mariners, they have brought in some good talent in their squad to continue to provide a pathway to elite women’s football. Coach Mark Yule has also addressed the dearth of goals in his playing squad for 2017 – Candice Phelan has lit up the local competition and looks to help vault the Mariners up the ladder.
In addition to Phelan, Yule has brought in a new starting keeper in Jess Schultz from PS4 Northern NSW WPL and the return of captain Oriana Keane from an injury has provided a major boost to the squad which look to push for a finals position in 2017.
Gladesville Ravens
The newly promoted Ravens look to make an impact on their maiden bow in the PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s competition. Gladesville Ravens were promoted on their impressive form in the Club Championship despite finishing outside the finals in State League Womens.
They will enjoy the challenge of moving up the grade and with a young squad, hungry and playing a fast-paced style of football should fit right in PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s.
Captain and star Defender Alex Beattie will steer the ship for the newly promoted side as the Ravens hope to cause a stir as the new kids on the block.
Inter Lions SC
The Lions went agnogisingly close to glory last season, as they finished top of the table but lost a close fought Grand Final 3-2 to the promoted Northern Tigers FC.
Most of the team that swept the competition in 2016 has returned for another shot this season – which has pleased technical director Claude De Francesco.
He added that the squad is training well ahead of the season and despite not boasting any superstars, all work hard for each other and will be right up there fighting for major honours at the pointy end of the season once again.
Marconi Stallions
Marconi were relegated into the PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s competition after a disappointing 2016, so they are aiming to bounce right back into the top division but know the competition won’t be that easy as they will have to contest with a number of hungry clubs hoping to win promotion into the top tier league.
The Stallions have brought back some familiar faces for combined with some promising juniors to give the competition a real shake as they aim to play some positive football akin to the 2015 campaign which got them promoted originally.
One such player that will hope to show her attacking abilities is Hannah Voloder who will look towards dominating the goalscorer’s charts for the 2017 season.
Nepean FC
Following a disappointing return in 2016 where Nepean finished fifth just outside the finals series, the team from west has restocked their side with 12 new players for the upcoming season. The vibe around Cook Park has been positive as Nepean FC look continue their trend of improving their ladder position year on year which they have achieved for the last three seasons.
One such player that the club will look towards steering them in the right direction is Desiree Vassallo.
The Nepean FC skipper will have the task of leading her squad for the 2017 with the hopes of winning promotion on her mind.
They aim to play a fast-paced style of football for this season and the management at Nepean FC expect to achieve their aims for the upcoming season.
Southern Branch FC
Sixth position was a solid return from Southern Branch FC despite them missing finals football. Featuring a fertile nursery ground for footballers to progress through, Southern Branch has proved no pushovers in their seasons in NPL NSW 2 Women’s and will likely be a tough team for others to break down across the season in their chase for playing finals football again.
Sydney Olympic FC
It was a successful 2016 season for Sydney Olympic who finished fourth on the ladder but made their way all the way to the preliminary final which they narrowly lost to Inter Lions SC. Sydney Olympic coach George Beltsos is confident in the "mix around the squad to play their style of football and bring the trophy home."
The head coach has a right to be confident in the additions added highlighted by former NWS Koalas goalkeeper Chloe Avgoustou alongside midfielder Naomi Nguyen from Illawarra Stingrays combined with the experience heralded by co-captains Kate Halaska and Kalista Tsoupis to make 2017 a more successful season for Sydney Olympic.
Sutherland Shire FA
Beaten semi-finalists Sutherland Shire FA hope to make it a step further this season after they finished equal second with both Northern Tigers FC and Sydney Olympic FC, only dropped to third on goal difference.
The team from the Shire have been stalwarts of the PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s competition and will mix it well with all the teams again in 2017.
Tough defender Kellie Mutch will be one to look out for as she hopes to commandeer her troops to some silverware this season.
Round 1 Preview:
The season kick-offs with four mouth-watering contests which is highlighted by a repeat of the Preliminary Final last year – as Inter Lions head out to Belmore to face Sydney Olympic FC.
The other three fixtures include relegated Marconi Stallions hosting Southern Branch FC at Marconi Stadium #2 while Jensen Park is the venue for a resurgent Bankstown City Lions vs Nepean FC and to round off an entertaining week one Sutherland Shire FA host welcome promoted Gladesville Ravens for their first test of NPL NSW 2 Womens on Sunday evening at Kareela Synthetic Field at 7:10pm.
*Central Coast Mariners have the bye
-By Justin Davies, NPL2 NSW Women’s reporter
