NPL Women’s NSW 2026 Season Preview
The 2026 National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition is finally upon us. After a dramatic 2025 campaign, 14 clubs line up for 2026, chasing new goals, new rivalries and a fresh shot at silverware.
An off-season packed with coaching appointments, roster shake-ups and big-name recruits has set the stage for what looms as another gripping chapter in Australia’s leading state competition.
APIA LEICHHARDT
Coach: Brad Attard
2025 finish: 2nd (Runners up)
The girls from Lambert Park have become a powerhouse in women’s football since their promotion to the top tier of football in NSW. One Premiership, three league runner’s up medals, two grand final appearances and two Sapphire Cups, APIA Leichhardt have become a force to be reckoned with.
The only trophy that eludes them is the Championship trophy, one that Brad Attard and the club will have a keen eye on in 2026.
As is the case with APIA, there is little change to the playing roster with key players like Estelle Fragale, Mona Walker and captain Ash Letta (Crofts) all back again. They have added even more quality to their side with some fantastic signings including Maya Lobo, Talia Kapetanelis and the return of Tanya Borazio who missed 2025 through injury.
This is a team that will challenge for trophies on all fronts and will be another exciting watch in the 2026 season.
Squad List: Sophie Magus, Tanya Borazio, Maya Lobo, Mona Walker, Talia Kapetanellis, Jaime Beaufils, Ashlee Brodigan, Ashlie Letta, Lara Bosnich, Jordan Jasnos, Mia Golding, Paige Hayward, Estelle Fragale, Alicia Meuronen, Imogen Lane, Christina Kiceec.
BULLS FC ACADEMY
Coach: Marti Garces
2025 finish: 1st (Champions)
A season dreams are made of in 2025 for Marti Garces and Bulls Academy, doing the double and winning both the Premiership and the Championship.
It is never easy going back-to-back but the football the Bulls played last year will fill them with high expectation for the 2026 season. The likes of Gemma Ferris, Daniella Naeimi, Petria Phillips and of course Tami Souza, the Bulls haven’t lost much bite from the previous campaign.
They’ve added the likes of the exciting Olivia Vanderlaan and Sienna Hawkins, while replacing the outgoing Mio Nemoto with Nicole Simonsen. Expect to see the Bulls once more challenging for silverware to add to their phenomenal 2026 season.
Squad List: Arddun Surjan, Arna Hogarth-Scott, Asha Franklin, Ashley Henebery, Ashley Hughes, Claudia Valletta, Daniella Naeimi, Gemma Ferris, Jade Guichon, Jasmine Meli, Nicole Simonsen, Olivia Vanderlaan, Petria Phillips, Siena Hawkins, Tamires Souza, Tiana Milisavljevic.
GLADESVILLE RAVENS
Coach: Lauren Phelps
2025 finish: 8th
Much more was expected from the Gladesville Ravens in the previous season where they were anticipated to be challenging for finals football. They finished off the campaign mid-table, in the end, well out of finals contention. Lauren Phelps has a full season under her belt and has built the team she wants to now hope for a finals run.
They have lost some key players though, Lexie Moreno and Alyssa Ng Saad headlining that list. Wasting no time in replacing them, they have brought in a number of players including Hannah McNulty, Gisella Pipino, Angelina Scamardella and the evergreen Leena Khamis to lead the line. Remaining at Christie Park are the likes of Annabelle Daczko, Keisha Allen, Breanna Buccini and the returning Keiko Tanaka.
This could be the season the Ravens are playing finals football and will be confident they can throw themselves in the mix.
Squad List: Eliza Coleman, Elizabeth Gilbane, Annabelle Daczko, Keisha Allen, Keiko Tanaka, Gisella Pipino, Kora Villa, Annie Halls, Lara Brewis, Hannah McNulty, Morgan Roberts, Angelina Scamardella, Breanna Buccini, Teal Kilbride, Harriet Johnson, Kaylie Shannon, Makayla Kent, Leena Khamis, Ashleigh Stevens, Natalie Sproule, Isabella Stinziani, Anika Watson, Mia Diacogiorgis, Monique Lekkas, Anabelle Ghabach, Jemima Lockley, Angie Le Roux, Elisabeth Smyth, Angelina Zaiter, Jayla Li On Wing, Phoebe Riley, Sarah Passafaro, Laura Murtagh, Miku Sunaga, Alethea Levy, Molly Ewer, Donelle Moore.
HILLS UNITED
Coach: Allan Tasses
2025 finish: 1st (Football NSW League One)
They took the Football NSW League One competition out in style, winning both the Premiership and Championship to book their spot in the National Premier Leagues competition for 2026.
The top tier of football in NSW will be a tough ask for Hills United and knowing that, they have recruited a number of quality players including Erin Tavares, Olivia Sloan and Natalie Casha from Mt Druitt Town Rangers as well as New Zealand international Maddie Iro and American Paula Boza.
Allan Tasses at the helm is pleased with the balance of his squad and the players that have re-signed including Aisling Davidson, Brooke Hastie, Bella Donaldson, Elin Cemazar, Tamsin Buchanan and Monique Holder.
In their first season Hills will be pleased to secure their status in the top tier but with the recruitment done, could perhaps make a push for a finals place.
Squad List: Nicola Simmons, Helena Berridge, Aisling Davidson, Charlotte Hogan, Victoria Martin, Brooke Hastie, Paula Boza, Bella Donaldson, Ellen Berios, Bianca Xuereb, Natalie Casha, Zoe Murdoch, Maddison Tasses, Elin Cemazar, Tamsin Buchanan, Monique Holder, Olivia Sloan, Erin Tavares, Portia Berios, Madeleine Iro, Michelle Dal Bon, Neve Burns, Rachel Glendenning, Rhanni Plummer, Jessica Garrett, Keira Culnane, Amie Mastop, Zayra Plebani, Ava Paolini, Kyara O’Brien, Sara Malinowsky, Jamison Quinlan, Isabella Muscat, Katia Fragale, Emily Garrett, Libby Morris, Jorja Roach, Isabelle Pace, Grace Johns.
ILLAWARRA STINGRAYS
Coach: Steve Gordon
2025 finish: 6th
The Illawarra Stingrays pushed to the very end in 2026 and ended up finishing just outside the top four, missing out on finals. Steve Gordon will lead the south coast side once again but with a very different team to last season, losing veteran Caitlin Cooper and key players Siobhan Edwards and Alexia Karrys-Stahl will be tough to replace in the new season.
To try and fill the void, English visa player Aileen Williams has arrived, along with Ruby Egan-Brown and Annie Grove amongst a host of other names. The likes of captain Chloe Middleton and Kiara Rochaix will be in pink again and key in supporting the development of new young local stars coming through in the south coast.
With the departures the Stingrays have seen during the off season, repeating last seasons finish would be considered a success for 2026.
Squad List: Kiara Rochaix, Tara Cannon, Jasmine Limon, Chloe Middleton, Ella Giles, Aileen Williams, Ruby Egan-Brown, Kaelah Austin, Genevieve Nisbet, Adelaide Thompson, Annie Grove, Lana Elkordi, Lucy Baggio, Maddi Cachia, Helena Halios-Lewis, Caitlin Russell, Maddy Sawkins, Brooke Hudson.
MACARTHUR RAMS
Coach: Vic Guzman
2025 finish: 11th
A traditional powerhouse in the women’s game, the Macarthur Rams opted for a transitional year for them. A change of coach and a different approach where a number of young perspective players were promoted into the first team.
That group of players is now better for a year of experience, losing only a few names from their roster, including Lola Sossai, Libby Morris and Maya Lobo.
Arriving at Lynwood Park for the new season is the skilful Marcella Santos, Isabella Sollecito and the exciting Eliza Ammendolia. Chantelle Maniti will lead from the back, while Japanese import Sakura Nojima returns again and Tea Mucenski will be at the head of the attack.
An improvement on last season’s results is expected and if they can put things together, perhaps a sneaky run at the finals positions is on offer.
Squad List: Isabella Sollecito, Chantelle Maniti, Charlotte Hampshire, Mya Yaghi, Eliza Ammendolia, Tea Mucenski, Sakura Nojima, Marcella Santos, Matilda Dias Wadewitz, Liana Luong, Sophia Brokenshire, Halle Thomas, Issabella Coelho, Gabrielle Sarkis, Halle Callow, Abbie Puckett, Amalia Plummer.
MANLY UNITED
Coach: Tom Hopley
2025 finish: 5th
Manly United’s strong finish to 2025 almost saw them sneak into the top four and after a number of years being well outside of those positions, Tom Hopley would have been pleased they were once again challengers.
Some strategic recruitment has seen them bring in Kayla Osborn, Brinley Gentle and Sarah Moore. Those three have real quality and will undoubtedly bring an improvement to the Manly squad.
They did lose Leah Burton, Siahn Bozanic and long time goalkeeper Nicole Simonsen from their 2025 roster. The likes of Phoebe Gilbane, Ruby Jackson, Emily Minnet and Anita Zordan will all return to Cromer Park for the new season.
Finishing last season as they did, they will come into 2026 full of confidence and a side that will look to not only secure a finals spot but perhaps have the quality to challenge for the Premiership.
Squad List: Jodie Drever, Phoebe Gilbane, Grace Arnold, Emma Bates, Nicole Stuart, Ruby Jackson, Chloe O’Brien, Anita Zordan, Emily Minett, Alexia Forner, Lucy Richards, Brinley Gentle, Sarah Moore, Gemma Sweetnam, Ava Roberts, Mia Bales, Ariella Cabezas, Daisy Arrowsmith, Halle Smit, Ellie Kerr, India Horsley, Eva Morgante, Kaitlyn Chan, Vali Bradley, Bella Thompson, Sarah Whelan, Sof Lakic, Mackenzie Jeffs, Lucia Massaro, Caity Wallace, Chelsea McCredie, Ellie Enlund, Hailey Chappelow, Jaz Robinson, Kayla Osborn, Georgia Ritchie.
NORTHERN TIGERS
Coach: Fin Geraghty
2025 finish: 9th
After successive seasons in and around finals football, the Northern Tigers fell well short of the top four in 2025. Fin Geraghty takes the wheel at North Turramurra and will have quite the task on his hands.
They will need to replace the goals Hailey Johnson banged in last year, losing the lethal striker, along with Savanah Murray and Jade McAtamney.
Charlotte Mortlock has re-signed and will be looking to continue on from her outstanding 2025, with Beth Bernardi, Shadeene Evans and Lily McMahon all in the green and white for 2026.
Someone the Tigers will look to find the back of the net will be Young Matildas forward Tanaye Morris, while arriving from the US college system is defender Teagan Douglas.
A solid team assembled by Geraghty, they could make a push for the top four but need to be more consistent in 2026.
Squad List: Anna Norton, Izzy Keech, Amelia Feeney, Shadeene Evans, Bo Burton, Saffron Grass, Charlotte Mortlock, Lily McMahon, Olivia Cartwright, Piper Cosgrove, Beth Bernardi, Rosie Ewin, Chloe Walandouw, Teagan Douglas, Nicola Dominikovich, Aimee Longhurst, Tanaye Morris, Ellie Head, Olivia Riddel.
NORTH WEST SYDNEY SPIRIT
Coach: John Seroukas
2025 finish: 7th
Inconsistency cost NWS Spirit in 2025, having to settle for 7th place on the ladder when many expected more, despite them having a young talented side. They’ve had a coaching change as well, John Seroukas coming in and taking over as head coach.
Major changes have taken place in the playing roster as well, Victoria Martin, Kayla Osborn, Skye Halmarick, Erin Pridmore, Ariana Stoltzfus and Katie Offer have all moved on.
In come Jasmin Selva, Sabine Montenegro and Annalise Brewster, they will join Shani Cooney-Cross, Harper Pell and the exciting Mikaela Gavranic.
Spirit will be a somewhat unknown in the new season and will focus on consolidating after so much change during the off season.
Squad List: Jasmin Selva, Lucy Fuccenecco, Shani Cooney-Cross, Sabine Montenegro, Mikaela Gavranic, Annie Foote, Annalise Brewster, Jordyn Drysdale-Spencer, Harper Pell, Frankie Morrow, Aaliyah Browning, Tahlia Voskanian.
SYDNEY OLYMPIC
Coach: Sam McGowan
2025 finish: 12th
Last season Sydney Olympic survived relegation after a real scare, finishing in 12th place on the ladder. They have seen major upheaval and change and perhaps the biggest urnover, including in the dugout where Sam McGowan takes charge.
They lost key players like Alyssa Whinham, Tiana Fuller, Maya Fernandez, Sarah Yatim, Peta Trimis and Chloe Gordon amongst a whole host of names.
Arriving at Belmore will be Lola Sossai, Shelby Milton, Zoe Panagopoulos and American forward Morgan Witz, in what seems a great mix of experience and youth.
McGowan will be hoping to stabilise this squad and secure a safe position that Olympic can build on moving forward.
Squad List: Chloe Carmichael, Lauren Nada, Ava Arena, Shelby Milton, Ella Gattorna, Erin Diavatiotis, Lola Sossai, Tiana Petkovski, Helena Malesci, Ruby Nathan, Guiles Nicholas, Morgan Witz, Tara Baudana, Maya Braun, Lacey Wynne, Kyra Bolden, Kiana Woods, Chloe Golchini, Zoe Panagopoulos, Dina Kamoun, Ella Rochester, Natalia Giannakos, Matilda Bradley, Izzy Antoniou, Jamie Dalla-Camina, Leah Bonatakis, Zoe Tzakos, Rochelle Borromeo, Bella Youldon, Claudia Maycock, Ella Philpot.
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY SFC
Coach: Xavier Taylor
2025 finish: 10th
After an early scare in 2025, Sydney University steered themselves to safety with a few rounds to go. A coaching change see’s Xavier Taylor take over after spending a number of successful years at the club.
Another team with major changes, losing key players like Sofia Fante, Jen Kokoris, Charlotte Hogan, Ruby Egan-Brown, Jamie Beaufils, and of course Talia Kapetanelis means there are a number of players to replace.
They have brought in Emma Lefebvre, Kira Haverkock, Rebecca Cousins, Gigi Freeman, Claudia Pickett and Sophia Kelleher, in hope they can slot straight into a team looking to promote within.
It will be up to Maddie Van Dijk, Alice Thompson, Jenny Hill and Poppy Tay to step up and lead this team in what will be a difficult campaign.
Squad List: Hannah Callaghan, Charlotte Owen, Alice Thompson, Tahliya Sambrook, Amelia Kirby, Juliette Harris, Emma Lefebvre, Maddie Van Dijk, Poppy Tay, Jenny Hill, Sarah Farrow, Meg Simpson, Maria Tsavalias, Em Brewster, Kiara Bonora, Nour Hijazi, Ellen Hughes, Alexia Saltirov, Zanthe Juric, Isabella Raad, Asha Sutton.
UNSW FC
Coach: Zoran Naumovski
2025 finish: 3rd
UNSW took a major leap forward last season, finishing in third place and giving the league a serious shake. They come into 2026 with a new coach, Zoran Naumovski taking over as head coach but with great knowledge of the club.
They have released Allira Toby, Jasmin Limon, Marcella Santos, Maryam Mostaghimi and Trudy Camilleri but have added some serious quality to their squad which already had the likes of Aya Yamahata, Demi Koulizakis, Chloe Smith and Angelique Hristodoulou within it.
The long list of signed players includes Alexia Karrys-Stahl, Ava Collins, Jennifer Kokoris, Leah Burton, Lexie Moreno, Milan Hammond and Poppy Channing.
With the talent at Naumovski’s disposal, they come into the season as genuine competition favourites and there is no reason why the students couldn’t win all three trophies available to them in 2026.
Squad List: Erin Nayler, Beth Crawford, Katia Clement, Alexia Karrys-Stahl, Leia Puxty, Aya Yamahata, Poppy Channing, Demi Koulizakis, Lexie Moreno, Chloe Smith, Ava Collins, Mali Stanton, Sonali Singh, Leah Burton, Skye Cassachia, Angelique Hristodoulou, Georgia Plessas, Jennifer Kokoris, Milan Hammond, Priya Sciuraga, Tara Palmer, Akala Howell.
WESTERN CITY RANGERS
Coach: Milan Jovanovic
2025 finish: 4th
New name, new squad, new coach, a lot of new and a lot of change for the Western City Rangers for the 2026 season.
After their first season in the top tier and qualifying for finals football, as well as a Sapphire Cup final appearance, Milan Jovanovic comes in as the head coach with big shoes to fill.
He has seen the likes of Ella Buchanan, Kaiya Buchanan Rosie Galea, Leena Khamis and Ena Harada all leave, players the were stalwarts in the Rangers side last season.
The recruitment office had to work hard and brought in Brianna Clarke, Alexandra Huynh, Ivana Galic, Trudy Camilleri and Maryam Mostaghimi to fill the void.
Jovanovic will be focused on pushing his side to their limits and perhaps throwing themselves in the mix for finals football.
Squad List: Brianna Clarke, Renée Krstanovska, Ivana Galic, Alexandra Huynh, Charlotte-Paige Jonsson, Holly Williams, Asiyah Zreika, Trudy Camilleri, Clare Holder, Maryam Mostaghimi, Despina Vasiliadis, Roukayah Al Fararjeh, Gabriela Silva Batista, Jirelle Boutros, Jakeelie Hook, Trista Seara.
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS
Coach: Jamie Dib
2025 finish: 13th
Last season was a tough slog for the Western Sydney Wanderers, they finished in second last and after a solid start to the season, fell off as it progressed.
Jamie Dib is in charge again with a fairly similar squad to last season, adding in some quality young stars.
Lauren Nada, Olivia Vanderlaan, Jasmin Selva and Angelina Scamardella all moved on from Wanderers Football Park, while Alyssa Ng Saad, Annabella Keep, Savanah Murray and Annika Driscoll headline the incomings.
It will be another tough campaign for the Wanderers who will hope they are more competitive in the new season.
Squad List: Isabella Sultan, Alyssa McKenzie, Catalina Wyrzynski, Jade O’Brien, Zoe Edwards, Chelsea Barton, Ava D’Costa, Mary Dal Broi, Tessa Young, Frida (Frideriki) Karaberis, Annabelle Croll, Charlotte Bradshaw, Mia Nataly, Billy-Rose Taliai, Ruby Betro, Alara Turkkan, Madena Moussa, Hayley Muir, Ellie Alexander, Madeline Angel, Madison Gabila, Savannah Murray, Annabella Keep, Annika Driscoll, Mya Callil, Anika Stajcic.
