For me, it’s the player movements across the competition that has me excited about the new Westfield W-League season. And I reckon it could be the year of one team that’s never won the title before.
Perth Glory have recruited brilliantly. Just look at some of the players in the purple shirt of the club this season. Sam Kerr is back in town alongside Westfield Matildas great Kate Gill. That’s some strike-force. Goals galore there and they’ll have a really strong squad around these two – possibly much stronger than in the past.
I see them as title contenders. I guess in the past they’ve lacked the support around those big name players – they’ve had Lisa De Vanna, Katie and Collette McCallum – but now with Mackenzie Arnold, Alannah Kennedy and Sammy, they have depth across the park.
Across the league I’m intrigued to see how the likes of Elise Kellond-Knight, Claire Polkinghorne and Tameka Butt – who have been playing in the highly skilful Japanese league – have developed since last season.
Playing in Japan would no doubt have helped this Queensland-based trio and hopefully some of the magic of playing in the league of the reigning world champions will rub off on our league.
But I’m also excited about some of the fringe Westfield Matildas.
One in particular is Chloe Logarzo. She’s just had an excellent season in the US as well as last season in the Westfield W-League where she was one of the up and comers.
This pacy striker is a rising star so now with a season under her belt both home and abroad, it will be interesting to see how she’s developed.
Can’t wait to see her in action for Sydney FC – she’ll be one definitely to watch under coach Alen Stajcic.
Georgia Yeoman-Dale has moved from Canberra United – one of the big guns of the league – to Newcastle Jets. That’s a good pick up for the Jets; she’ll provide a steadying influence on a young side even if she’s quite young herself. I’ve no doubt what she learnt at United, one of the most professional outfits in the Westfield W-League; will help the burgeoning culture at the Jets.
Beattie Goad is another name I love to talk about. I’m pretty sure I raved about her on ABC TV’s coverage all of last season!
The Victory starlet was my most exciting player and I was happy to see rules and regs allowing her to play at the age of 15.
Hopefully another stellar season from this teenager.
That’s just a snapshot across the league as the squads continue to change and develop ahead of the new season. Look forward to seeing you at the Westfield W-League this season – and it all kicks off in September.
