Round 1 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW
The opening round of the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition is upon us, and with clubs eager to begin the new year strongly expect to see a thrilling weekend of action.
With football just around the corner, have a read of our Round 1 Preview to get some insight into what is in store for fans this weekend.
MATCH OF THE ROUND
Northern Tigers FC v NWS Spirit FC (6:30 P.M. Saturday)
The opening match of the season takes place at North Turramurra Recreation Area with Northern Tigers hosting NWS Spirit in what is set to be an exciting opener.
Two of the NPL Women’s top sides will be looking to kickoff the new campaign with a statement as they battle it out on what is set to be a cool evening in North Turramurra.
Undoubtedly still reeling from missing out on a finals spot by a single point at the conclusion of the 2023 season, the Tigers will hope that 2024 brings greater stability to give them the best opportunity possible at making a run at a top four finish.
By contrast, Spirit will be hoping to recapture the same form that cemented them in 3rd place come the end of last season. New head coach Tony Candy will want to build on the excellent work that was done by Tiana Gauci as he takes the reigns at Christie Park.
The two teams played out a 0-0 draw in Round 7 last year before the Tigers put in a dominant display and defeated Spirit 3-0 away in the reverse fixture.
APIA Leichhardt FC v Manly United FC (2:00 P.M. Sunday)
The historic Leichhardt Oval will play host to the matchup between 2023 Premiers APIA Leichhardt and a Manly United side looking to improve in 2024.
Having made several key signings across the pitch in the off-season, APIA are intent on going one step further and delivering the Championship trophy to the Lambert Park faithful.
One to watch for APIA is former Emerging Jets youngster Brinley Gentle, who notched 15 goals in the NPL Women’s last season.
For Manly United, retaining their core group of playing talent from recent seasons – including the likes of Nicole Simonsen, Phoebe Gilbane, Ruby Jackson, Emily Minett – gives them a foundation to succeed through their chemistry and to launch their season in style.
Neither team will want to get off to a lacklustre start so expect a tight contest in Lilyfield.
Football NSW Institute v UNSW FC (4:45 P.M. Sunday)
Football NSW Institute will begin their season against newly-promoted UNSW FC at Valentine Sports Park this Sunday afternoon.
Institute will be filled with plenty of hungry youngsters looking to make their mark on the competition. Several of the side’s youngsters earned moves to other NPL Women’s clubs in the off-season, meaning the opportunity is there for the next generation to hit their stride with guaranteed gametime on offer.
Recently promoted UNSW FC did not lose a single match throughout the regular season in 2023, and they will be intent on earning victory over Institute.
Securing the services of Sydney Olympic star Allira Toby will be a huge boost to UNSW’s prospects this season. The former A-League Women’s star joins a lineup that includes veteran A-Leagues striker Hannah Beard and previous Girondins De Bordeaux midfielder Margaux Montegut.
Blacktown Spartans FC v Bulls FC Academy (5:00 P.M. Sunday)
A captivating clash is set to unfold late Sunday afternoon at Blacktown Football Park when the Blacktown Spartans take on Bulls FC Academy to open their respective seasons.
After a difficult 2023 campaign where they were just able to stave off relegation, the Spartans head into 2024 renewed and determined to improve and to entertain the Blacktown faithful.
It all starts against a Bulls side that proved to be a surprise package in the NPL Women’s last year after their promotion from Football NSW League One in 2022.
Having endured defeat in the Grand Final against Macarthur Rams last season, this year the talent-stacked Bulls will set their sights on a trophy win.
Both teams will want to find their groove early on in the season and will be prepared for a tough match.
Sydney Olympic FC v Emerging Jets (5:00 P.M. Sunday)
Having just missed out on finals football in 2023, Sydney Olympic will be determined to establish a positive momentum early on as they welcome the Emerging Jets to Peter Moore Field on Sunday.
Olympic have lost some key talents in pre-season, with the likes of Allira Toby and stalwart Angelique Hristodoulou heading to UNSW FC and APIA Leichardt respectively. However, the side remains filled with dynamic talents and veteran NPL Women’s performers who possess the skillset and experience to lift their team.
For the Jets the new season offers a chance at a fresh start after a tough 2023 campaign, with plenty of new youngsters to be bedded into the lineup. Replacing the goals provided by the now departed Brinley Gentle will be at the top of the Jets’ priorities this year.
It was Olympic who came away with victory both times these two sides met in 2023, meaning the Jets will be determined to cause the home team some trouble.
Illawarra Stingrays v Macarthur Rams (5:00 P.M. Sunday)
Macedonia Park will give Illawarra Stingrays fans the chance to cheer on their team as they get set to take on Grand Final winners Macarthur Rams on Sunday.
The Stingrays were one of the brightest performers in the second half of the NPL Women’s competition last year.
Retaining the likes of Sakura Nojima, Danika Matos, Caitlin Cooper and Chloe Middleton will be essential to the Stingrays bettering their 6th place finish.
Macarthur will need to look elsewhere for a consistent goal scorer after Leena Khamis elected to leave the side in the off-season. 2023 Football NSW League One Golden Boot winner Bronte Trew may be the answer to head coach Stephen Peters’ problem.
With a quality squad assembled by coach Peters, many will be wondering whether the Rams can make it three Championship wins in a row, and the Stingrays will have their heart set on sparking some doubt in that plan early on.
Expect to see an entertaining match between two of the NPL Women’s most intriguing sides as they begin the new year.
Gladesville Ravens v Sydney University (5:10 P.M. Sunday)
The final match of Round 1 is set to pit the Gladesville Ravens against Sydney University at Christie Park.
An impressive attacking side throughout 2023, the Ravens will look to evolve their style after recruiting new coach Guillermo Rubio to lead the club following his promotion with UNSW FC.
The team hailing from northern Sydney will be committed to showing why their performances in the year prior were no fluke.
Sydney Uni were NPL Women’s Premiers in 2022, but the team were unable to back it up last year as they struggled for consistency.
With long-time coach Emily Husband departing for a role with the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League Women’s, the club have appointed the experienced Oz Rowley to lead the club into a new era.
Expect plenty of action as both sides compete to get their seasons off on the right foot.
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Check out the official NPL Women’s NSW Podcast season preview below.
-By Matthew Badrov
