After a year without finals football, the Illawarra Stingrays finished in fifth place last season and had a good run in the finals, ending their campaign a couple steps short of the grand final.
This year, Bruce Tilt will look to build on that and take his team further up the ladder and deeper into finals football.
The Stingrays have been fine advocates of the women’s game and accompanied with great results, they’d like to see that trend continue.
“We expect to try to build on the platform set from 2019 with strong performances on the park and a glowing profile off the park as a progressive club promoting the Women’s game to our community and beyond.”
That community involvement Tilt touches on is one of many points that make the Stingrays such an approachable club and a real favourite across the competition.
Due to unforeseen weather events such as the devastating fires and then heavy rains, the Stingrays haven’t quite completed the preseason they would have liked.
“One of our weaknesses has to be the disrupted pre-season with fires and rain and the like.
“We are not as prepared as the players would like but there is a good mix of young, enthusiastic players and some mature heads to keep the system working.
“Our strength will be the desire to get results so expect the Stingrays to be on a high at the back end of the game.
A legend of not only the Stingrays but women’s football, Michelle Carney will lead the Rays again and her importance to the girls in pink is second to none.
“Michelle is the evergreen player of the competition and has football sense a few paces ahead of the opponents.
“Her leadership role at the club is legendary and you can see the younger players enthused by her commitment and passion for the game.”
The Stingrays host last year’s grand finalists Northern Tigers at JJ Kelly Park in round one.
Major Singings: N/A
Major Departures: Erica Hollaway (Injury)
Up and Coming Star: Bronte Trew
Player to Watch: Margeaux Chauvet
By: Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s Writer