League One Women’s Finals Series Round 1 Preview
Four teams enter the Football NSW League One Women’s finals crucible, and over a fast and furious fortnight, one will emerge as the 2026 Champions.
The Championship Series gets underway this weekend with two semi-final contests, as Marconi Stallions FC host South Coast Flame FC while Premiers SD Raiders FC face Newcastle Jets FC.
With a place in next weekend’s Grand Final on the line, there is plenty to play for.
Let’s get onto the preview!
Semi-Final #1: Marconi Stallions FC vs South Coast Flame FC
Saturday 29 August, 5:45pm – Marconi Stadium #2
Our first semi-final sees Marconi Stallions FC host South Coast Flame FC at Marconi Stadium #2 on Saturday evening.
The Stallions finished second on the League One Women’s ladder after briefly leading the competition and will now head into their second consecutive finals series.
They have built their season on a stoic defence, with Daniela Brekic and Emma Voloder consistently sweeping up any balls that come into their box.
Going forward, Pene Bonovas, Jasmyn Windsor and Kaitlin Kiparizov form a potent front three for the Stallions, combining for 24 goals this season.
Alongside them, Erinn Cleghorn and Ilana Kola bring plenty of pace to the attack and will look to stretch the Flame defence.
Elizabeth Kerkham has enjoyed a fantastic debut season for Marconi Stallions FC, and the shot-stopper will be crucial to their hopes of advancing on Saturday night.
Sisters Carissa Herrera and Marie Herrera make up the engine room for the Stallions and have drawn plenty of praise from coach Michael Beauchamp throughout the season.
Both Tania Baban and Hannah Voloder have made returns from injury during the second half of the season and bolster the Stallions’ attacking options heading into the finals.
Home-field advantage could also prove important as Marconi look to go one step further than last season and make the decider.
South Coast Flame FC finished third on goals scored, but it is already a huge achievement for the side to qualify for the finals for the first time.
The Flame have come close several times throughout the season, but they will now want to make a big impact and take another step towards the Grand Final.
Up front, Shaylee Meehan leads the way for the Flame with 15 goals, alongside winger Emily Kostovski, who has a knack for scoring important goals.
Midfielders Jessie Abbott and Abigail Jordan will look to pull the strings and create opportunities for their forwards to push forward.
There is also plenty of experience within the South Coast Flame line-up, with Amanda Radmilo and Amie Mastop both featuring in last year’s decider.
Coach Daniel Naumovski can also call upon the likes of Sariah Wilson and Lara Dipple from the bench if required late in the game.
If the Flame earn any set pieces, Alexis Malizis will be one to watch. She has shown plenty of wizardry from free-kicks and corners, something the Stallions will need to be wary of.
Custodian Sophie Emery was a big signing for the side in the off-season and will provide confidence between the sticks for the visitors.
The first semi-final will be streamed LIVE on the Football NSW YouTube channel, with Teo Pellizzeri bringing his knowledge to the contest.
Previous Meetings
Round 1: Marconi Stallions 1 defeated by South Coast Flame FC 3
Round 14: South Coast Flame FC 1 drew with Marconi Stallions FC 1
Semi-Final #2: SD Raiders FC vs Newcastle Jets FC
Sunday 30 August, 5:45pm – Valentine Sports Park Field 2
Premiers SD Raiders FC take on Newcastle Jets FC in the second semi-final at Valentine Sports Park Field 2 on Sunday evening.
SD Raiders swept all before them in 2026, collecting the Premiership and securing eligibility for promotion to the NPL Women’s NSW competition.
Now they will look to complete the set and finish their remarkable season with the Championship.
Brazilian star Taiana Almeida dazzled defences throughout the season, finishing with 28 goals and earning the Golden Boot.
Her partnership with Abigail Boag and Sophia Furia unlocked plenty of opposition defences and helped SD Raiders produce a mammoth 79 goals during the regular season.
Aoife Horgan scored 15 of those goals, with plenty likely to feature on the end-of-season highlight reel, and Newcastle Jets will need to be wary of her threat.
Captain Jessica Neville leads the side from the heart of defence and has been the heartbeat of the team over the last few campaigns.
Alongside her, Layne Knight and goalkeeper Natasha Pentecost helped form the stingiest defence in the league, conceding just 23 goals across the regular season.
Both Elana Topalidis and Shayla Malouf have made significant contributions for SD Raiders in 2026 and will be expected to put in another big shift on Sunday.
Coach Samir Al-Seblani has the side well drilled and, in his first season at the club, could potentially pick up three trophies with the side.
Newcastle Jets FC soared early in the season before experiencing a few wobbles, but ultimately took flight again to finish fourth on the League One Women’s ladder.
The headline act for Newcastle is Mackenzie Preston-Poole, who has thrilled in front of the cameras and shown she can score from anywhere on the park.
The other members of their attacking core — Layla Sharpe, Aaliyah Kilroy and Makayla Clifton — have also provided plenty of strong moments for the side throughout the campaign.
Matilda Fleming has been a revelation for the Jets since being promoted to the starting line-up in Round 23 and will be ready for the big occasion.
Goalkeeper Allie Boertje brings a calming presence to the young Jets side and could be called upon for some key saves against a dangerous SD Raiders attack.
Being able to bring talent such as Lara Turner and Navah Crofton from the bench is also a big boon for the Jets coaching setup if the contest remains tied late.
The Jets have lost both meetings against SD Raiders this season, but will be looking to flip the script on Sunday and keep their Championship dreams alive.
This game will be streamed LIVE on the Football NSW YouTube channel, with Cody Odeja behind the microphone for the clash.
Previous Meetings
Round 13: SD Raiders FC 4 defeated Newcastle Jets FC 1
Round 26: Newcastle Jets FC 2 lost to SD Raiders FC 3
By Justin Davies
