League One Women’s 2022 Major Grand-Final Preview

The League One Womens competition ends with a worthy Grand Final between Gladesville Ravens and Hills United FC at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday at 5pm.

Sixteen teams started the competition in late February and have battled it out across 30 weeks of the regular season and the semi-finals to make it to the big dance on Sunday.

These two sides were first and second after the regular season ended but needed different paths to get to the decider. Hills United FC triumphed 1-0 against Northbridge Bulls FC whilst Gladesville Ravens got past UNSW FC on penalties 4-2, after it was 1-1 after extra time.

When these two met during the regular season, they split the results. Hills United FC won 1-0 when they traveled to Christie Park in Round 2 before Gladesville Ravens returned the favour with the same score line at Bella Vista Public School.

Gladesville Ravens FC

Crowned Premiers in the League One Womens competition after their fabulous performances across the whole season. Gladesville Ravens have shown in their work they are a close-knit club and their togetherness has helped them to achieve their results this season.

The Coach

Andrew Galbraith took over as first grade coach early in the campaign and has brought the squad together shown in their massive win streak which saw them soar up the ladder and finish the season achieving their goals in the Premiership and promotion.

Galbraith has built a dynamic squad which is shown with how they share their goals and is assisted by technical director Stephen Bott in the dugout.

Key Players

The Ravens have a side with threats across the park. Goalkeeper Romina Parraguirre has represented Chile and her calm demeanour between the sticks helps keeps them grounded.

Both Elizabeth Gilbane and Astreia Denby are workhouses in the defence while Georgia Vlangos can create from anywhere on the park and is the motivational leader of the side.

Up top, Gemma Woolley and Jess Wootton are two of the top goal scorers in the League One Womens competition and have an eye for goals. Both work in great combination alongside Anja Seeto to find the back of the net.

X Factor

One of the most experienced campaigners, Keiko Tanaka showed off her supreme skill with the opening goal of the semi-final. She struck a first-time volley which hit the post and hit the back of the net. Tanaka can produce a moment of magic which can settle the Grand Final.

Hills United FC

It has been a debut season to remember for Hills United FC. The club went with the motto to ‘make history’ with their campaign in 2022 and have done that. They went through the first 15 rounds undefeated and can cap it off with a Grand Final success.

The Coach

Alan Tasses is a well-known name around the League One Womens competition. He previously coached at Nepean FC with success which included a title in 2014 and is now chasing another with Hills United FC.

He has a wonderful group which has been together for a while at other clubs and it showed in how quickly they settled into the new digs. Hills United FC have shown that these new clubs came to compete in the League One Womens.

Key Players

Everything for Hills United FC starts from the back. Custodian Sarah Easthope is the one of the toughest keepers to beat in League One Womens and is the megaphone for the backline. Alongside captain Desiree Galea who will head and kick away any shots to go out a winner.

Between Aisling Davidson, Imogen Lane and set-piece maestro Annie Halls there is enough firepower from the Hills United FC to unlock the Ravens defence on the night.

At the pointy end of the pitch, Stefanie Trovato and Ellen Berios both have goal scoring pedigree and fired home some classic goals in the 2022 season. So, we’re set up for a fantastic clash between the two attacks.

X-Factor

One of the biggest strengths for Hills United FC is the firepower they possess on their bench to help change the game. Isabella Sciberras showed that with the winning goal last week and she could provide a similar impact on the big stage.

Don’t miss out on the final game of the FNSW League One Womens season which will kick off at 5pm at Valentine Sports Park.

If you can’t make the game, it will be broadcast exclusively on NPL.TV with Eric Subijano behind the microphone for the game.

By Justin Davies