League One Women’s 2023 Grand Final Preview
The League One Women’s big dance is finally here as Hills United FC take on St George FC at Valentine Sports Park for the right to be crowned 2023 Champions on Sunday night.
Hills United FC were the first side to confirm their spot after their 1-1 (3-2) shootout win over Central Coast Mariners on Saturday afternoon.
It was another game where the resilience of the Hills United FC side was tested after having to comeback from 1-0 down to bring it to extra time.
Captain Sarah Easthope led the way again with some fantastic saves to get them to that point and she will be tough to get past on Sunday.
The engine for Hills United FC is their midfield. Bianca Galayini and Juri Hiragwara will look to provide their strikers with the killer ball.
If things are level late into the contest, coach Alan Tasses might bring on super sub Kaylie Shannon who found the equaliser in the semi-final.
Hills United FC were defeated in the Grand Final last season and hope to lift the first trophy in their women’s program history.
St George FC scratched and clawed their way to the decider after a 2-1 win after extra time against UNSW FC in their semi-final.
Dubbed the “comeback queens” this season, St George FC have a never say die attitude which will serve them well on Sunday night.
There is plenty of experience sprinkled in the Saints side. Caitlin Campbell scored the winner in the semi-final and will be a danger from set pieces.
Up top, the front three of Jordan Baker, Kyla Vanderlaan and Morgan Maxwell might be a hard task to keep quiet.
St George FC’s backline is directed well by captain Nicole Besz and her voice will keep her team from giving Hills United FC many chances.
Custodian Amy Orphanides came on as an injury substitute in the semi-final and she will be confident between the sticks on Sunday.
Hills United FC won both games between the two clubs during the regular season but Grand Finals are a whole different beast for both sides to enjoy.
The Grand Final will be streamed live on NPL.TV on Sunday night. It will be the charismatic Eric Subijano behind the microphone for what shapes up to be a wonderful contest.
Previous Games:
Round 3: St George FC 0 defeated by Hills United FC 1
Round 16: Hills United FC 3 defeated St George FC 0
Match Details
Sunday 17 September
Hills United FC vs St George FC
6:30pm, Valentine Sports Park
*Match to be broadcast live and exclusive only on NPL.TV with commentary from Eric Subijano.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
