Futsal Premier League Open Women’s Season Preview
The Futsal Premier League Open Women’s competition returns this weekend for back-to-back seasons for the first time in a while.
With the introduction of a stop clock for the season ahead, larger squads are of importance ahead of season 2023. While the reintroduction of Boomerangs FS to the competition means it will be as competitive as ever on the pitch.
Let’s look at the prospects of each of our eight teams before kick off this weekend.
One of the key takeaways from the competition last season was how well youth performed stepping up into the Open categories and Dural Warriors will look to take advantage of that this time round.
Losing several players from last years squad they will have plenty of young talent stepping up and in a league improving year upon year, their goal remains qualifying for the semi-final stage of the competition. Sarah Easthope returns in goal to lead the team while Aisling Davidson, Rachel Perrins and Samantha Nagy all will feature throughout the course of the season.
Signs are looking more positive for 2023 regarding the Enfield Allstars. They struggled in the 2022 season but the word that comes to mind ahead of this season is balance when it comes to their squad.
Ernie Bivona will coach the side this season and he has brought in some experienced players to complement their youth. Kathryn Mladineo the most noteworthy of which, while Ashley Purcell has returned in goal after a promising season last year. Also keep an eye out for players from their under 17’s team to feature in the Open Women’s set up as the season progresses.
Eastern Suburbs Hakoah will be looking to go one game further in 2023. A team who reached the semi-finals last season, George Lethbridge will once again coach them for the upcoming season.
On the pitch, there are a lot of familiar faces in the side with six players from that semi-Final returning for this season. Tamires Souza and Caitlin Campbell the names that standout amongst the squad which has been bolstered by a few signings in Amalia Orphanides, Lauren Johnson, Taylor Galea and Ella Gatorna. Looking to capitalize on a firm foundation, will they go a game further this season?
Maybe, just maybe this is the year where Macarthur Quake takes the next step in their journey securing a trophy. Once again Mel Keith and Dave Smirthwaite lead what looks like a strong team in Sydney’s South-West.
Their squad is a mix of old and new in 2023 with some noteworthy pickups ahead of the new season. None more eye catching than that of Darcey Malone after time playing for Melbourne City. While Tara Baudana also returns to the pitch. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Mel Keith side without a fair share of promising youth as well.
After a 7th placed finish last season, Mountain Majik is another side looking to show improvement in the new season. Julian Lam takes up the coaching role as they look to compete in 2023.
If they are to succeed, a key player in that endeavor will be Clare Holder who impressed last season. She will be surrounded by plenty of youth in this squad so expect them to show a fearless streak on the pitch, they can shock a few sides in the division, let’s see how they go.
Another side who are sure to be challenging at the top of the table, Mascot Vipers have strengthened since their grand final defeat last season.
Firstly, we should mention a player who won’t be featuring this season in Tess Quilligan who has earned an A-League women’s chance. However, on paper the squad looks as strong as ever with Demi Koulizakis, Jessica Frampton and Marcella Santos joining them. While a lot of their 2022 squad returns with Sarah Moore, Trudy Camilleri and Mikayla Duong all returning among others. Enough to strike fear into any opposition in the competition.
Finally, we come to our reigning champions in UTS Northside who are looking for back-to-back triumphs in 2023. As such, there is a stability about the club coming into 2023 with Grant Lynch leading the side assisted by Hugh Brown.
The same applies on court with the major change being that of the promotion of their u17’s side to the senior side after impressing last season. While Leah Burton returns to the club from the Majik. And it would be amiss to not mention the return of Daisy Arrowsmith to the fray after her award-winning season last year.
Rounding out our preview are Boomerangs FS who are returning to the division this season. Coached by Kristian Collins, they are excited about the journey ahead as they push for the semi-finals of the competition.
Last season, they remarkably went undefeated in the second tier capping it of with a grand final win over South Coast Taipans. They should have some of the best talent in Capital football in their ranks in 2023.
Round One Fixtures this weekend:
Futsal Premier League Open Women’s R1 Fixtures
Mountain Majik Futsal Club v Eastern Suburbs Hakoah Futsal Club; Saturday 16 September, 3:30pm, Valentine Sports Park
Dural Warriors v Enfield Allstars; Saturday 16 September, 3:50pm, The Centre Dural
UTS Northside Futsal Club v Macarthur Quake Futsal; Saturday 16 September, 5:40pm, PCYC Dee Why
Mascot Vipers v Boomerangs FS to be played Sunday 26 November
Times are subject to change, check the competitions site for latest fixture information.
By Justin Smith
