After a tough 2018 NPL NSW Women’s season, the ambitious Northern Tigers have been one of the standout teams in 2019 and one person that deserves much of the praise is club top scorer Daisy Arrowsmith.
Arrowsmith made the short move from local rivals the North Shore Mariners this year and she hasn’t looked back since, scoring 18 goals in the regular season, as well as adding another during the finals series.
Making the grand final has shown the massive strides Jason Eagar’s team have made in 2019 and the Tigers goal poacher says her and her teammates can’t wait for Sunday afternoon.
“As one of the first ever Northern Tigers teams to make the grand final in top tier NPL Women’s league, along with the u17s, it’s an unbelievable feeling, everyone is really excited.”
The striker has become one of the leaders of this team with her goal scoring prowess but she believes all this has been down to the team’s spirit.
“Being so close, we are all continually pushing and inspiring each other to be better.
“Everyone is a leader in their own way and we all have something different to offer.”
Having the likes of former Matildas Servet Uzunlar, Ellie Brush and Eliza Campbell in the team, the experience they offer is second to none.
Arrowsmith acknowledges this and the important role they play at the club.
“It’s extremely important to have the likes of Eliza, Servet and also Ellie Brush, who have all played at a very high level, commanding the team from the back.
“Their knowledge, leadership and skill is invaluable to have.”
A major factor and recipe to the Tigers success is the culture and togetherness at the club, in particular between the men’s and women’s teams.
The Tigers men’s team could be heard loud and proud at Arlington Oval a few weeks back, creating songs and chants for all players.
Arrowsmith hopes the self proclaimed ‘Kop’ will be in full voice on ‘Super Sunday’ at Valentine Sports Park.
“The Tigers men’s team have been fantastic with their support throughout the season and finals series, as have all the girl’s teams.
“The boys have created chants for our team which everyone at the club now knows.
“I’m sure everyone will be at VSP on Sunday chanting and cheering us on.”
As for the club culture, the Tigers looked to attract players that were able to fit in what the club believes in.
“The club culture at Tigers is that of a family and encourages values such as strong teamwork, hard work and effort with a positive mentality. This culture attracts certain types of players and I believe this is another reason why our team is so close knit.”
The Tigers haven’t been able to beat their grand final opponents Sydney University this season in three attempts but Arrowsmith believes in her teams abilities.
“Sydney Uni are obviously a very dangerous and strong team, with talent all over the park. They’ve had a fantastic season so far, but I back ourselves to get the job done on Sunday.”
Match Details
Sunday 1st September 2019
Sydney University v Northern Tigers
5:45pm – Valentine Sports Park #2
By – Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s Writer
Football NSW would like to thank the following organisations for their ongoing support of Football in NSW; TAFE NSW, Wholesale Trophies and the Official Ball Sponsor for the 2019 NPL NSW Competitions, MITRE.