The National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition has played a pivotal role in promising young gun Tegan Bertolissio’s football development that saw the 17-year-old earn herself an A-League Women’s contract with Canberra United following a successful season with the Macarthur Rams.

A regular feature in Stephen Peters’ squad this season, the versatile defender starred in what was a breakout year for the former Junior and now Young Matilda as she paid full credit to the NPL NSW Women’s competition.

“I believe the NPL NSW Women’s competition has had a massive impact on my development,” Bertolissio stated to Football NSW.

“This year was my first time playing in the women’s first grade competition and looking back at my performance from round 1 to the last round of the season, I feel I have grown and progressed as a footballer.

“Being able to learn from and play with and against a lot of experienced first grade players has played a big role in my development.”

Finishing runners-up to APIA Leichhardt FC for the Premiership, the Rams hit another gear in the finals series which saw them clinch a second successive Championship following a 2-0 victory over the Bulls FC Academy in the Final.

Bertolissio played a massive role in the Rams’ pursuit for silverware in 2023 so much so, she also earned herself a spot in this year’s NPL NSW Women’s ‘Team of the Year’ following her consistent performances that caught the attention of many, including Canberra United.

Not bad for a youngster that made the sudden jump from reserve grade football this season.

“The whole year for me has been one to remember.

“Coming from playing reserve grade all last year, to then making a big step up and playing my first season in first grade has been a time of transition and development for me.

“I had to work extremely hard to earn to the respect from my new teammates coming into the team and contest against quality players to earn my starting spot in the team at Macarthur Rams.”

Speaking on how the Canberra United offer came about, Bertolissio stated that it was thanks to the NPL she had the exposure to showcase her talent which caught the attention of Head Coach Njegosh Popovich.

“It all came about thanks to a midweek NPL NSW Women’s match with the Rams when I remembered seeing Njegosh watching.

“The following day my Dad got a phone call and it all started from there.”

Set for a massive A-League Women’s season, Tegan has also been ultra proud of her brother Joel, who too, has gained national attention thanks to the NPL following a huge year with the Bulls FC Academy which earned him a spot in Mile Sterjovski’s A-League side.

It’s been that competitive nature that has certainly spurred the Bertolissio siblings at home to reach new heights as Tegan further explained.

“It’s a very competitive household but Joel and I push each other to be better.

“We can both relate to each other’s football experiences, and we help each other through the highs and lows of football.

“When he watches my games, he is not afraid to critique me on how I can improve my game.

“As much as I hate him telling me what to do, I respect what he says because he is a very intelligent footballer.

“Having Joel has definitely helped me to develop as a young footballer.”

You can’t imagine a Macarthur Rams midfield without Melissa Caceres and it will be no different on Sunday when she lines up in the National Premier League NSW Women’s Grand Final. 

Being no stranger to a grand final build up week, Caceres is thrilled to be in this situation again.

“It’s great to be in this position again. We’ve worked hard to be here,” said Caceres.

“There are players in this team who will be taking part in their first senior grand final. It’s always an exciting time but the girls are relaxed and focused on the task ahead and we will prepare like we do every week.”

For the second consecutive year, Caceres will represent the Rams in the final game of the women’s season and will look to make it two Championship trophies in two years.

“Going back-to-back is massive, it’s not an easy thing to achieve but it would be great for the club if we can do this. It’s not something we’ve spoken about too much,” said the midfield magician.

“We just want to focus on the game and execute our plan and hopefully, if we do that, the result will follow.”

Caceres stated that this season has been different to last as they have been the team to beat from the opening fixture of the NPL NSW Women’s campaign.

“Last year I think we flew under the radar for most of the season, we grew and began to connect as the competition went on and to come out as grand final winners was a great achievement for the girls and the club,” Caceres said.

“This season we continued to build off the back of our successful year.

“We kept a good bulk of our squad, and also acquired some great new additions that have had a positive impact and allowed us to really take our game to another level.

“I think it has showed in our results and form during the competition.

“This team is capable of displaying some great football, we will look to continue our form into the grand final.”

Looking back over the last 24 months and the success that the Macarthur Rams have enjoyed, Caceres has acknowledged coach Stephen Peters and his staff.

“I think the coaching staff have worked hard on building a club culture and a style of football that the squad has really embraced,” said Caceres.

“I also believe we have great individuals that can change a game in any moment, but we have also come together to gel as a team most importantly and that’s because of the environment and quality we have at training every week.

“I think being able to win this grand final would be the optimal reward for the hard work put in by everyone at the club over the past two years.”

On their opponents, Bulls FC Academy, Caceres feels they deserve their place in the grand final and pinpointed some of their strengths.

“I think t Bulls have grown and improved as the season has gone on, coming in late to snatch a spot in the finals.

“They are secure defensively and also have players that are tidy on the ball and can create opportunities going forward.

“No doubt it’ll be a great game to watch for the neutral.”

2023 NPL NSW Women’s Grand Final

Sunday 17^th September

Bulls FC Academy v Macarthur Rams

Valentine Sports Park

6pm

By Nikola Pozder 

Coach Stephen Peters will lead his Macarthur Rams in their second consecutive National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s grand final this Sunday at Valentine Sports Park. 

They will be looking to go back-to-back after last year’s dramatic penalty shoot out win over the Northern Tigers.

This time it’s a different opponent as Peters goes up against the experienced Jaime Gomez and his tough to break Bulls FC Academy.

“It feels great to be in another final, we are super excited and looking forward to the challenge ahead,” said the talented coach.

“Yes, we can go back-to-back, it’s a final and anyone can win on their day.”

The Rams made considerable changes in the playing ranks during the offseason but kept a core group of players from the Championship winning squad.

“We have eight starters from last year’s Grand Final in this squad, continuity has been key and building on that continuity with quality additions has been the key difference,” said Peters.

“We are a tight unit with some wonderful combinations of youth and experience, been an absolute pleasure to coach them this season.”

It wasn’t the greatest of beginnings to this campaign but the Rams turned it around, made a real push for the Premiership and equalled Alex Epakis’ record with Sydney University SFC of going 18 matches undefeated.

“The season has been a true case of highs and lows and very few in between’s, he said.

“We started slow but that was natural given the lag of our returning A-League Women’s players and the new young additions to the squad.

“We managed a wonderful run of unbeaten games, the highest amount goals and clean sheets in the league so we are absolutely wrapped with how the regular season went.

“A big shout-out to APIA Leichhardt for the season they had, a true two horse race which was very exciting for everyone involved.”

Only a couple weeks ago the Rams and Bulls battled out an entertaining five-goal thriller that had everything but in the end, Macarthur came away with a last minute winner.

“Bulls FC Academy are a quality outfit, well coached with some individual talent across the squad,” Peters said.

“Jaime has done a great job with them. The game a few weeks back was a real arm wrestle and we expect the same in the upcoming game.

“Our preparations have been consistent all season and we will look to stay true to what has worked well for us this season.

“We’re looking forward to a Grand Final Macarthur Derby,” said the Rams coach.

2023 NPL NSW Women’s Grand Final

Sunday 17^th September

Bulls FC Academy v Macarthur Rams

Valentine Sports Park

6pm

By Nikola Pozder