Grand Final Preview – Women’s State League
The Women’s State League Grand Final sees the top two teams from the regular season fittingly fighting it out for the Championship as Premiers APIA Leichhardt Tigers tackle the SD Raiders FC at Valentine Sports Park this Sunday at 5pm.
The game promises to be an exciting and intriguing one bringing a fitting ending to what has been a season full of twists and turns in the Women’s State League.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers and SD Raiders have proved to be the most consistent over the season and if their previous clashes are anything to go by, this Grand Final has all the ingredients to be an absolute classic.
APIA were clearly the dominant side throughout the year as they took out the Premiership by a massive 13 points over second placed Raiders only losing one game all year.
The Raiders were a little more inconsistent throughout the year but finished the regular season strongly to finish second in a congested fight for a top four place.
This form for the Raiders continued into the first week of the finals as they out enthused and out played a stunned APIA team to earn themselves a week off and a Grand Final spot.
Raiders coach and former Westfield Matildas star Catherine Cannuli will be wary of an APIA team ready for redemption as the experienced former footballer will know that the Tigers will be out to correct its mistakes on Grand Final day.
APIA meanwhile had their work cut out to secure a Grand Final spot as they outplayed a disappointing UNSW to keep their dreams of clinching the double alive. APIA will know they must raise their game if they are going to knock off the Raiders and avoid Grand Final disappointment for a second year a row.
APIA coach Matteo Maiorana will have his team primed for one more big performance as they look to end a fantastic year for the club on the ultimate high with a victory and yet another trophy to add to its cabinet at Lambert Park.
Overall a huge match will be on show on Sunday as Valentine Sports Park will be buzzing with sheer excitement as the Women’s State League season comes to an unfortunate end – but what a way to finish with this belter of a contest.
Match Details
Sunday 17th September
SD Raiders v APIA Leichhardt Tigers
Valentine Sports Park – Kick Off 5pm
-By Sebastian Kalos
