Game changers to watch in inaugural Illawarra Women’s Premier League grand final
History is set to be made as the Woonona Sharks take on Shellharbour in the inaugural Illawarra Women’s Premier League grand final. See who the key players are looking to make a difference for their sides.
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The stage is set for history to be made this weekend as the Woonona Sharks take on Shellharbour in the inaugural Illawarra Women’s Premier League grand final.
After 15 rounds of regular season action and semi finals, the teams that finished in first and second on the ladder ultimately prevailed to set up the blockbuster clash between the competition heavyweights.
It’s an intriguing matchup between the two best women’s teams in the area, with Woonona motivated having already taken out the inaugural minor premiership for the competition.
However, the Sharks are yet to get the better of Shellharbour in 2023, having lost once and drawn twice in their three tight meetings to date.
While it’s truly a clash of the titans in the women’s division, there’s a lot of respect between both sides ahead of their momentous battle this weekend.
“We have a good relationship with their side and a great respect for their club more broadly,” said Ron Fogarty, head coach of Shellharbour.
“We know they have a strong combination of seasoned experience in their veterans and vibrant energy in their youth.
“Their midfield in particular is where their strength comes on, but we’re wary of their assets all over the park.
These showings of respect were echoed by the Woonona side, who will be additionally motivated having never taken out a premiership in the women’s division since its inception on the south coast.
The Sharks were runners up across both grades when the women’s division was first formed under the Football South Coast branch and remains the closest they’ve come to premiership glory.
“We’re out to rectify that this time round,” said Neil Castle, head coach of Woonona.
“There’s very little between the two sides. They’re a quality team that are very well coached with very few weaknesses.
“It’s ultimately the best of the best in the region against each other, which has really pushed the girls to the next level.”
Shellharbour triumphed over the Albion Park White Eagles 3-1 in their semi final to reach the big dance, while Woonona were pushed all the way to penalties before their win against UOW.
Now with just 90 minutes between both sides and history, it’s down to the players to step up and get the job done.
The coaches have picked out three key players from their sides that will be crucial to getting a result on the weekend.
Jessica Beale (Woonona)
Has been out for most of the year with injury but has come back with a bang in the striker role.
An x-factor talent that showed composure and nerve to slot home the winning penalty against UOW and book her team a finals berth.
Katelyn Leadbeatter (Shellharbour)
A really significant signing for the club in 2023.
Has led from the front and revolutionised their play style in the attacking third with a team-high 12 goals, including two against Woonona when they defeated them 3-0.
Nikita Woods (Woonona)
“Hands down one of the best players in the competition,” according to coach Castle.
Leads the league with 14 goals from the attacking midfield/no. 10 role as she looks to snag her own piece of personal history by bagging an inaugural golden boot.
Rilee Wagner (Shellharbour)
A strong utility player but has really found her home in the defensive midfielder role.
Plugs the holes with a strong defensive ability and has been consistent all season.
Fione Leafe (Woonona)
Started the year off as an attacker but due to injuries she moved into centre back, a role she had never played before.
Despite this, she’s made the role her own and is now one of the best in the competition.
Maggie Page (Shellharbour)
Another hole-plugger in the Shellharbour midfield alongside Wagner.
A stalwart in the defensive midfielder/no. 6 role, she gives everything each week and is a rock solid player.
Woonona have all three grades in grand finals for their women, while Shellharbour are out looking to spoil the party.
It’s history in the making with action kicking off at 4pm this Sunday at Ian McLennan Park.
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