Round 1 Preview – League One Women’s
New names and new faces will take centre stage as Football NSW’s League One Women’s competition kick’s off this weekend.
There will be 13 teams fighting it out for the crown this season and the first battle starts this Saturday.
There are six games scheduled with the Match of the Round between St George FC and Bankstown City Lions FC headlining what will be a huge weekend of female football action.
Let’s get onto the preview!
Match of the Round: St George FC vs Bankstown City Lions FC, Sunday 2 March, 4:30pm, Barton Park
Our first Match of the Round has St George FC hosting Bankstown City Lions FC at Barton Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Saints return to their spiritual home in Barton Park ready to challenge for a title once again in the new season.
Nicole Besz once again will be the rock at the back for St George FC in keeping out the potent Lions attack.
Both Lulu Lozano and Ashley Kotevski have an eye for goal so they will add another quiver to the St George FC attack’s bow.
Bankstown City Lions FC had a good first season in League One Women’s now they set their sights on silverware.
The Lions were a high scoring side last season and they will want to repeat that formula starting on Sunday.
This game has top billing for the opening weekend being streamed LIVE on the Football NSW YouTube with Matt ‘Duckman’ Austin behind the microphone for this cracking contest.
South Coast Flame FC vs Hills United FC, Saturday 1 March, 3pm, Sir Ian McLennan Park
Kicking off the season is South Coast Flame FC vs Hills United FC at Sir Ian McLennan Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Flame made their home ground a fortress last season and they want to continue that pattern in 2025.
It is a chance for their quartet of new signings to impress including Abbey Crapp and Bessie Reithmuller.
Cristina Barraza is a livewire down the wing and the attacker will be key to the Flame getting something from the contest.
Hills United FC will unveil their new look side on the South Coast and hope to kick it off with three points.
One big change is between the sticks, Nicola Simmons taking up the gloves and she will be called upon to make some big interventions for the visitors.
Gemma Woolley and Jess Wootton will both feature up front for Hills United FC and hope to get on the scoresheet on debut.
SD Raiders FC vs Central Coast Mariners FC, Sunday 2 March, 3pm, Cirillo Reserve
SD Raiders FC host Central Coast Mariners FC kick us off at Cirillo Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
Last year’s Premiers kick off their campaign at Cirillo Reserve and they will want to pick up where they left off last season.
Coach Bojan Radmilo has a young squad at his disposal so they will be ready to go and kick off their season in style.
Taiana Almeida had a fantastic first season at the club with 21 goals and she will want to sizzle again in 2025.
Central Coast Mariners FC are another youthful side in the competition and they hope to take three points back up the highway.
Claire Denning returns for another year at the Mariners after a good campaign with 10 goals to lead the whole team.
Alongside her, Ava-Marie Carlson and Eliza Familton both were included in the A-League Women’s squad so they will be keen for a big year.
Inter Lions FC vs Blacktown City FC, Sunday 2 March, 5pm, Majors Bay Reserve
Inter Lions FC face off against Blacktown City FC in their game at Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts have rejuvenated their side and approach which can lead to a few more wins in 2025 for Inter Lions FC.
The Lions have some talented attackers in the squad with experience at the level including Hannah Charak and Kiara Coscia who are keen to impress.
They have brought in a good shot stopper in Amy Orphanides who might help them to keep the ball out of the net.
Blacktown City FC heads across town excited for a new season and aiming for a positive start to their campaign.
Amber Precious and Olivia Moar were both key contributors for Blacktown City FC last season and look to repeat the dose.
The visitors have won their opening fixture in the last two seasons and Michael Hawthorne’s side will be keen for a hat-trick at Majors Bay Reserve.
Marconi Stallions vs Camden Tigers FC, Sunday 2 March, 5pm, Marconi Stadium
Marconi Stallions FC welcome Camden Tigers FC to Marconi Stadium for their game on Sunday afternoon.
The Stallions start their season on home turf and burst out of the starting gates of the League One Women’s season.
Charmaine Marquinez had a stellar season last year with five goals from midfield and she will be pulling the strings again.
Defender Emma Voloder has been a stalwart at the Stallions with her tireless work and she will cover the whole field again on Sunday.
Camden Tigers FC have inched up the ladder each season and a quick start to this year will help them maintain that form.
The Tigers might rely on Samantha Cefai upfront to help them score goals starting with one away from home this weekend.
New signing Deana Caronna will partner Charlotte O’Flynn at the back to sharpen the Tigers defence to keep them in games.
Blacktown Spartans FC vs Nepean FC, Sunday 2 March, 5pm, Blacktown Football Park
Blacktown Spartans FC take on Nepean FC down at Blacktown Football Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Spartans start their life in League One Women’s with a big chance to make an impression in a local derby.
Milena Visser was a consistent goal scorer last season and she hopes that her form continues in her new colours starting this Sunday.
The dynamic duo of Angel Lynch and Lili Rosandic in defence will both be standouts for Spartans on the weekend.
Nepean FC hope it is a new year, new them and create a shock in the first round to welcome the newest member of the League One Women’s competition.
Gemma Morgan was one of the top scorers for Nepean FC in 2024 and she will be leant on again to find the back of the net.
Coach Josh Janka has been around the club for a while and he will look to instill his style on them from the opening kick-off.
Sutherland Strikers FC have the bye
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
