The time is now for Ash Crofts to lift the Championship trophy

Ash Crofts will lead APIA Leichhardt FC on Saturday afternoon onto Jubilee Stadium for her team’s second consecutive National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Grand Final appearance as they take on Bulls FC Academy.

APIA suffered heartache last year losing the Grand Final in a penalty shootout against the Macarthur Rams.

It’s something that Crofts isn’t focusing on too much, her team and herself been preparing for this day since the beginning of pre-season.

“It’s a really great feeling being in the final! It’s a day in the calendar that every team pencils in before the season starts with the hopes of making it there so to be able to do it two years in a row is a proud feeling,” Crofts said.

Since her move from the Blacktown Spartans, Crofts’ has become an important piece in the puzzle at Lambert Park, with 2025 having a bit of an extra spark.

“This is my 3rd season with APIA and first as captain, so it has been a special year but everyone season has brought a different experience,” said Crofts.

“This season we really had to grind as a group when things were hard and I’m really proud of the group for that.”

Not only was the season a grind at times but APIA had to recover after losing the Premiership on the final day of the season to Sunday’s opponents.

“The girls are just so mentally strong, no matter what is thrown at them, they just band together and get on with what needs to be done!”

“Everyone sticks together and carries each other across the line, when things get hard there’s no complaints. It’s a really nice group to be a part of.”

The Bulls finished the regular season as Premiers and come into this one with a number of key players across the park.

Crofts acknowledges the threat the Bulls possess but knows what her side must do to deter the opposition.

“The bulls as a whole are a strong squad! I’m sure they will be well prepared and different players have stepped up each week so we will need to be at our best to stop them.”

APIA has their own weapons, none other than the prolific striker who scored 20 goals this season, but similarly to the Bulls, Crofts says her team has match winners throughout the squad.

“I think anyone has the potential to change the game, we’re prepared across the park, that if the moment is presented to any of us, we can take it!”