Womens Premier League 2013 Season Preview

With the 2013 Womens Premier League about to kick off, Football NSW’s womens football journalist Pete Nowakowski previews the upcoming season and gives plenty of tips as to players to watch this season.
 

Blacktown Spartans Setting the Scene:
The Spartans have had a steady offseason. Head coach Stephen Neligan has made a few additions to his side from 2012 and will be looking to finish in the top half of the ladder and potentially push for a place in the finals series.
Looking to play some pretty football to match the beauty of Blacktown Football Park, the Spartans have plenty of experience mixed in with youth to challenge even the best of teams.
With the enthusiastic Gillian DeRooy named club captain for the year, the Spartans will be tough to beat at home, the biggest question will be whether they can contine that form away from home this season.
Round 1: 24^th March 2013
Blacktown Spartans vs Central Coast Mariners Academy
Blacktown Football Park
3pm kick off (first grade) 1pm kick off (reserve grade)
 
Central Coast Mariners Academy
What are their chances?:
The girls from the Central Coast have proved during the pre-season that they will be a side close to the top of the ladder and that is mostly down to the style of football that former Matildas midfielder and Central Coast Mariners Academy player-coach, Joanne Peters has the squad playing.
As is the story with most other teams, the tough task every off season is finding that balance of players who want to learn more alongside those who are can help teach and that is something special which we can see the Mariners have achieved.
Georgia Harris will be the unknown player this 2013 Womens Premier League campaign and it suits the youngster just fine. Keep an eye on the Mariners as they will be tough to beat this season. 
First home game:
Round 2 – 7^th April 2013
Central Coast Mariners Academy vs Sydney University
Pluim Park.
3pm kick off (first grade) 1pm kick off (reserve grade)
 
Illawarra Stingrays 
More of the same?:
The Stingrays have been the strongest womens football club in the Womens Premier League for a number of years and with the side that wear the famous pink, blue and white kit, it is obvious to see why.
The team have kept the core group of players together, and it is this level of consistency, which helps put a smile on the face of head coaches Steve Srbinovski and Graham Shaw.
It will come as no surprise that Michelle Carney will be the player to watch in 2013. Her ability to lead from the front, maintain a strong goal scoring record as well as act as a mentor for the younger players helps show exactly what the club is all about. It is a family. If the group work together this campaign, expect to see the Stingrays make their fifth Grand Final in the row.
Where can I see the Stngrays play?:  24^th March 2013
Illawarra Stingrays vs Northern Tigers
JJ Kelly Park
3pm kick off (first grade) 1pm kick off (reserve grade)
 
Inter Lions 
Will the Lions survive in 2013?:
In 2012, Inter Lions avoided relegation to the Womens State League on the final day of the competition thanks to the club championship points. In 2013, the club will be looking (and hoping) to not get into a similar situation.
Dez Marton has the role of head coach and with twice capped Matildas striker Catherine Cannuli amongst the ranks, Inter Lions will be looking to make it in the top half of the ladder this Womens Premier League season. 
The squad have the potential to do well, it will be up to them to make sure that they make Concord Oval a location travelling teams do not enjoy, then the team have a chance of something great in 2013.
Round 1 Fixture: 24^th March 2013
Inter Lions vs Northbridge FC
Concord Oval
3pm kick off (first grade) 1pm kick off (reserve grade)
 
Macarthur Rams The Champions:
2012 was the year of the Ram. The team played some of the prettiest football in the competition at times and had some big name players amongst their ranks.
Fast forward to 2013 and it is the former assistant coach Shane Duffy is now in control. And it is the side that Shane has assembled is enough to make even the best of coaches jealous. Trudy Burke (former Canberra United goalkeeper) will be between the posts. Just in front of her will be Elizabeth Ralston (a key part of the Sydney FC 2013 W-League Championship side). In the heart of midfield are current Matildas Renee Rollason and Kylie Ledbrook.
With the Matildas head coach, Hesterine de Reus rumoured to be keeping a close eye on a number of Macarthur Rams players this season; the goal is to make the 2013 Grand Final.
Match of the Round: 24^th March 2013
Marconi Stallions vs Macarthur Rams
Marconi Field 2
3pm kick off (first grade) 1pm kick off (reserve grade)
 
Manly United FC
Grant Lee, back to back Coach of the Year awards?:
Considered one of the best coaches in the Womens Premier League, Grant Lee has focused on creating what could in fact be his strongest Manly United squad in the history of the club.
Plying their trade at Cromer Park, the football direction is simple. Be both mentally and physically strong on the field, hold the ball and play with a smile on your face.
Manly have sometime of a dark horse label next to their name this season. The squad has the potential to do very well. On their day, Manly can and will beat anyone.
When can I see them play?
24^th March,
Manly United vs NWS Koalas
Cromer Park
3pm kick off (first grade) 1pm kick off (reserve grade)
 
Marconi Stallions
Enter the Stallions:
Marconi Stallions have recruited what could be considered as the strongest team in the competition with the likes of Teigan Allen, Nicola Bolger, Alanna Kennedy and Samantha Huynh all wearing the famous blue kit from Marconi.
Head coach Robert Pierce has had a strong pre-season with the club and has high expectations in 2013. However it won’t be a big name player who will steal the limelight for Marconi in 2013 that honour will go to the young keeper Bianca Alchi. It is the perfect combination between leadership, egotism and talent which makes Alchi the player to keep an eye on this season.
Marconi have a chance of creating something special in season. The squad can go all the way. The big question will be whether or not this will in fact be the year of the Stallion or not.
Match of the Round: 24^th March 2013
Marconi Stallions vs Macarthur Rams
Marconi Field 2
3pm kick off (first grade) 1pm kick off (reserve grade)
 
North West Sydney Koalas 
The Koalas best shot of glory:
Teresa Polias, Natalie Tobin, Chloe Logarzo, Ellyse Perry. These are just some of the names which Gerry Gomez can boast to have amongst his playing roster in 2013.
The Koalas went from strength to strength during their pre-season preparations and are continuing to learn more and more each session. Playing a high pressing counter attacking brand of football means that the team will be pushing their opposition for the full 90 minutes week in, week out.
The Koalas have the ability to make the finals series in 2013 in almost every age group because of their emphasis on player recruitment and making the club more than just a football team – instead making the atmosphere so friendly and welcoming for players, families and spectators.
When can I see them at home?:
Round 2 – 7^th April 2013
NWS Koalas vs Marconi Stallions
ELS Hall Park 2
3pm kick off (first grade) 1pm kick off (reserve grade)
 
Northbridge FC The dark horse of the competition:
Northbridge have been quietly going about their business in the off-season, picking up a number of young Matildas for their squad as well as Melbourne Victory keeper, Brianna Davey for their side.
Between the two coaches, Larry Bates and Andrew Mastoris, Northbridge have built a team who will surprise a lot of the rest of the competition. If underestimated, Northbridge FC will have a decent shot of making the top four in the competition.
Club Captain Hannah Bromley will be influential to her team’s success in 2013. Her leadership qualities on and off the field make her the perfect role model for the rest of the squad and the club as a whole. 
Come watch Northbridge play at home:
Round 2 – 7^th April 2013
Northbridge FC vs Manly United
3pm kick off (first grade) 1pm kick off (reserve grade)
 
Northern Tigers 
The Rise of the Tigers:
Having won the 2012 Womens State League Club Championship, Northern Tigers have been promoted to the Womens Premier League competition. The step up is big. The teams are stronger. The stakes are higher.
The Womens Premier League competition is a chance for the Northern Tigers to either sink or swim when up against some of the best players and clubs around. Despite that, there is always a hint that the Tigers are capable of doing anything.
Eric Daly and Frank Warnink have a well disciplined, well structured and great team aura oozing out of the club. Keep an eye on club captain Gab Dal Pozzo who has the magical ability to turn a match around at almost any moment.
When can I see them play?
Round 2 – 7^th April 2013
Northern Tigers vs Inter Lions
Mills Park
3pm kick off (first grade) 1pm kick off (reserve grade)
 
Sutherland Shire Football
Predictions for Sutherland Shire Football:
Sutherland should do well in 2013. A young team lead by keeper Georgia Rowntree and coached by Michael Michael have the unpredictable element to add to their arsenal of tricks this season as well as the opportunity to go out every Sunday and play pretty football. 
The club will hope for an upper-mid table finish come finals time, a goal which is isn’t out of reach for the club.
Playing their football at the Harrie Dening Centre, Sutherland Shire Football will be targeting their home form and trying to get as many points on the road as possible. If the club can achieve that, then come the end of the season and Sutherland Shire Football will quickly become the club to beat in the race for the Womens Premier League.
When do they play at home?
Round 2 – 7^th April 2013
Sutherland Shire Football Association vs Illawarra Stingrays
Harrie Dening Centre
3pm kick off (first grade) 1pm kick off (reserve grade)
 
Sydney University
Another big year for Sydney University
Having secured the signatures of Sian McLaren, Alesha Clifford and Samantha Spackman, Sydney University will be a force to be reckoned with in 2013.
Playing their football at Wilson Park Stadium, Sydney University have become known for their strong emphasis on their passing game as well as for their ability to counter in numbers.
Although there is no sign of the 2012 golden boot winner Jenna Kingsley anywhere near the team sheet, if she does appear then you can expect Sydney University to push on and make a spot in the top four of the ladder, or potentially even finish in the number one spot.
Round 1: 24th March 2013
Sydney University vs Sutherland Shire Football
Wilson Park
3pm kick off (first grade) 1pm kick off (reserve grade)