NPL NSW women’s season preview: All 14 teams profiled ahead of the 2023 season
A massive NPL Women’s season is set to get underway, and NewsLocal has your ultimate guide to the year ahead. Check out our previews for all 14 clubs set to compete.
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The 2023 NSW NPL Women’s season kicks off March 12, with two new clubs in the mix for the 2023 title.
We preview each team ahead of the competition.
Blacktown Spartans FC
Coach: Lauren Phelps
Captain: Annabelle Daczko
Players to watch: Captain Annabelle Daczko’s decade-long tenure with the club will bring much needed experience to the side. Philippine internationals Eva Madarang and Carleigh Frilles have played at an international level and their experience and maturity is expected to lift the side throughout the season.
Surprise package: Newly promoted from the club’s under-18s side, Christa Oliva’s energy and work ethic could be the spark that secures wins for the Spartans this year.
Why they will be competitive: The club is in a rebuilding phase after losing a number of players in the off-season, but coach Phelps still believes they’ll be competitive. Promoting talent internally will mean the squad has pre-established relationships and can hit the ground running.
Last season: 10th
Gladesville Ravens
Coach: Andrew Galbraith
Captain: Kim Davey
Players to watch: Former young Matilda Chloe O’Brien has been recruited into the team from Manly United, and offers plenty of NPL and A League experience for the newly promoted club. Fellow recruit Keisha Allen is also hoped to add more experience to the team from her time with Blacktown Spartans.
Surprise package: Longtime stalwart of the club Liz Gilbane has consistently performed during her time with the team, and was instrumental in the side’s Championship campaign in NSW League One.
Why they will be competitive: The Ravens will have a point to prove after being promoted to the NPL for the 2023 season. A good team structure is in place, and they have a determination to fight to the very end.
Last season: League One Women’s Premiers and Champions
Bulls FC Academy
Coach: Jaime Gomez
Captain: Trudy Burke
Players to watch: Tamires Souza ended the 2022 season with a staggering 43 goals, a league high for the FNSW League One Women. The striker is back this year looking to pick up where she left off in a new competition. Avaani Prakash is another exciting name within the Bulls’ ranks. An attacking midfielder who was a part of the Junior Matildas last year. Small in stature but big on the field, a creative force who loves a goal contribution.
Surprise package: Peta Trimmis comes from the NSW Football Institute and is getting her first taste of senior football this season. Playing on the right, whether that be in attack or defence, she played representative football in U17s and has had a cracking preseason, so the club is hopeful she can leave her mark on the competition this season.
Why they will be competitive: Coach Gomez is in his first season with the Bulls and has been happy with the effort of his new side in the preseason so far, feeling his team has gelled and progressed as a group a lot. He backs them to be competitive in every game, seeing finals as an achievable target despite being the new kids on the block in the WNPL.
Last season: 3rd in FNSW League One Women (Northbridge Bulls FC)
Sydney University SFC
Coach: Emily Husbands
Co-Captains: Bianca Galic and Gabby Peak
Players to watch: Rojin Polat joins the side from SD Raiders and is a solid technical player to watch out for. Tess Quilligan has just broken into the 1st team, and has been described as a cool, calm and composed midfielder who will have a lot to offer this season. Her progression through the club’s ranks over the past few years has made her an exciting prospect.
Surprise package: Former Western Sydney Wanderers player Margaux Chauvet has signed with the club after a stint overseas with KF Reykjavik, and is expected to help solidify the centre defence.
Why they will be competitive: The club has promoted talent from within its own ranks, capitalising on existing relationships within the team over the past few years. They’re a really good technical team with a good defensive foundation.
Last season: Premiers (knocked out in semi finals)
Football NSW Institute
Coach: Lisa Warrener
Captain: Erin Gordon
Players to watch: Tahlia Franco is an exciting prospect in goal. Currently away with the Young Matildas squad, her experience playing a few games with Sydney FC will be invaluable to her young squad. Maddie Caspers is another talented young gun playing in an attacking midfield role. A good athlete who brings a unique and exciting attacking edge to the side.
Surprise package: Alice Thompson is a talented prospect from fullback. A strong attacking game to compliment her defensive capabilities, Thompson has high workrates, often overlapping her winger and joining in the attack, occasionally getting on the scoresheet as well.
Returning A League players: Indiana Dos Santos
Why they will be competitive: The Football NSW Institute will be looking to be more competitive than their disappointing 2022 11th place finish. A club very much focused on the promotion of youth talent and giving girls exposure to A-League possibilities, it’s a young side with plenty of potential who will be looking to punch above their weight against the big teams this year.
Last season: 11th
NWS Spirit FC
Coach: Tiana Gauci
Co-Captains: Nat Tobin and Erin Pridmore
Players to watch: Last season’s women’s player of the year Rola Badawiya was secured for the Spirit in the off-season from Sydney University and is a goal scoring machine. She came in second for the Golden Boot in 2022, and will surely be hoping to snatch that top spot this year. Veteran Nat Tobin will be back later in the season after she finishes her A League Women’s duty with Sydney FC, adding over 150 games’ worth of knowledge.
Surprise package: Teenagers Mary Stanic-Floody and Ella Abdul Massih have moved over from Football NSW Institute to add some experience to Spirit’s midfield and defensive stocks.
Returning A League players: Nat Tobin, Rola Badawiya, Mary Stanic-Floody, Ella Abdul Massih, Katie Offer, Sophie Harding
Why they will be competitive: Coach Gauci believes every single player in her squad contributes substantially to every result, and the new season will be no different. The team has had a promising pre-season, building relationships and camaraderie between the new and existing players.
Last season: 9th
Bankstown City FC
Coach: Matthew Costantini
Captain: Liana Gullo
Players to watch: Skye Casacchia is talented holding midfielder/defender who has been at the club for 12 years, coming through the junior ranks. She has matured and evolved into a player that is an essential on the team sheet every week, someone that coach Costantini can build around. Captain Liana Gullo is another essential for Bankstown City. Having been at the club for a long time now, she brings great leadership to the girls on and off the field, as well as providing quality in the midfield.
Surprise package: Steph Grimbilos has a terrific opportunity to stand up in goal for her side while first choice keeper Brianna Edwards is on A-League duty with the Wellington Phoenix. She has already stepped up in this role, and if she keeps her current form going she may cause some selection headaches down the line.
Returning A League players: Susan Phonsongkham, Demi Koulizakis, Paige Hayward, Brianna Edwards, Olivia Price, Tiana Jaber
Why they will be competitive: This is coach Costantini’s third year at the reigns of Bankstown City FC and the side has gotten stronger every year. It has been a commanding pre-season for the side defensively, having conceded just one goal in the four trial matches they have played so far. This was a goal for coach Costantini, believing his side conceded too many simple goals last year. Having finished in 6th last season, the side will be looking to make that extra leap to make their debut finals appearance, with Costantini believing on paper his side is strong enough to achieve this.
Last season: 6th
Sydney Olympic FC
Coach: George Beltsos
Captain: Teresa Polias
Players to watch: Club veteran Sarah Yatim has shown consistency during her time at the club, and is expected to be a threat to defences this season. Young up-and-comer Kiara De Domizio has also been with the club for a few years, and has only gotten better each year.
Surprise package: Maya Fernandez has outstanding technical ability, but still has room for improvement through other areas. She joins the team for 2023 from the Football NSW Institute.
Why they’ll be competitive: The culture at the club has always been competitive, and they are expecting to continue throughout the new season. The squad has a lot of new and young players which coach Beltsos believes lessens the pressure on them, but he insists the competitive culture is in the club’s DNA.
Last season: 5th
APIA Leichhardt FC
Coach: Spencer Prior
Captain: TBA
Players to watch: A consistent contributor to Shea Connor’s mammoth goal scoring effort last season, it’s a wonder Sophie Hoban didn’t get picked up by an A League Women’s side last season. Often going under the radar, Hoban is being pushed this year to get the recognition she deserves. New addition to the team this year, UK import Charlotte Young’s experience is hoped to help the younger players.
Surprise package: After a breakout season in the reserve team last season, Isabella Coco Di-Sipio joins the first grade side ready to bring her stellar goal scoring talent.
Returning A League Players: Natasha Prior, Jordan Jasnos, Tanya Borazio, Ash Crofts
Why they’ll be competitive: The team is a mix of A League experience and young talent, and has integrated well during the pre-season. Though they may not be in championship contention this year, they will certainly be pushing for a place in the finals.
Last season: 2nd
Emerging Jets
Coach: Sam Griffin
Captain: TBA
Players to watch: Lara Gooch is a skilful young talent playing for the Newcastle Jets who the club hopes will bring big things upon her return. With great technical ability and speed, she brings life to any midfield she’s a part of. Josie Allan is another exciting prospect for the side, signed on a scholarship to the Newcastle Jets in late 2022. Still just 16, the dynamic attacker shows ability beyond her years and is an exciting prospect.
Surprise package: Emma Dundas is another exciting youth prospect at the age of just 15. This will be her first year in the first grade, but she has been excelling in pre-season and is expected to grow into a big role for the club.
Returning A League players: Lara Gooch, Josie Allan, Chloe Walandouw
Why they’ll be competitive: In his first year with this team, coach Griffin believes the extra year of experience for the bulk of the squad that was retained from last year will help them be much more competitive this season. It’s a very youthful squad with lots of potential. Preseason has been good, and with the help of their A-League stars he thinks the side will improve a lot throughout the year.
Last season: 12th
Macarthur Rams FC
Coach: Stephen Peters
Captain: Sham Khamis
Players to watch: Kelli Brown is an exciting new acquisition for the reigning premiers. Brown comes from New Zealand and the club will be hoping she provides for her team in the attacking third. Bethany Gordon is another who the side will be eagerly awaiting her return from the Western Sydney Wanderers. At 25 years old, she brings great experience and quality to the Rams midfield.
Surprise package: Exciting young duo Maya Lobo and Tegan Bertolissio have just been called up for the Young Matildas for the qualifying stages of the U20’s Women’s Asian Cup. The pairing, alongside Indi Breier, make up an exciting triple swoop from the Football NSW Institute.
Returning A League players: Bethany Gordon, Melissa Caceres, Darcey Malone, Isabella Foletta, Lauren Keir, Sham Khamis, Madison McComasky
Why they will be competitive: Coach Peters’ side has retained 10 of the 11 starters from their triumphant grand final side from last year, plus added greater depth with a number of new recruits. The team vibes have been high during pre-season and there’s a lot of talent amid their ranks. The goal will be to go back-to-back, but the team is wary of how much harder the competition is becoming, so plan on just going about their business week by week.
Last season: Premiers (3rd in final standings)
Illawarra Stingrays
Coach: Steve Gordon
Captain: Michelle Carney
Players to watch: Coach Gordon highlighted two seasoned campaigners as players he thinks will be pivotal to his side’s success this year. Captain Michelle Carney first appeared for the club over a decade ago now, still maintaining the excellent work ethic that has helped her have such a successful career. A former Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers player, the striker still knows how to find the back of the net at age 41. Caitlin Cooper is another veteran for the Stingrays, solely focused on WNPL football having retired from professional football. The defender has represented a number of A-League Women’s clubs, bringing a lot of experience to the Stingrays at age 35.
Surprise package: Halle Callow is an exciting prospect who has risen through the junior ranks at the Stingrays. Still only 17, she is one to keep an eye on for the future, providing great threat in an attacking role, normally operating from the left.
Returning A League players: Sheridan Gallagher, Danika Matos, Chloe Middleton
Why they’ll be competitive: This is coach Gordon’s first stint in charge of a WNPL side, but he brings a lot of experience from his highly successful time with the Sutherland Sharks. He has implemented a three year plan for the team to promote young girl talent and encourage them to battle for first grade football/ Gordon has high expectations for this side, believing they’re more than capable of cracking into the top half of the table if they stay injury-free, stay in the right headspace and run their game properly.
Last season: 8th
Manly United FC
Coach: Tom Hopley
Captain: Ruby Jackson
Players to watch: Coming off the back of arguably her best season last year, Emily Minette is expected to continue her stellar form and lead from the front. Former Newcastle Jets A League Women’s player Paige Kingston-Hogg has been recruited for Manly for the upcoming season, her first appearance in the competition for two years. She’s expected to push hard this year in the hopes of getting back into the professional picture.
Surprise package: The club has a heavy focus on promoting talent within their organisation, with many players from last year’s under 18s squad getting the call up. After being called up to the Junior Matildas’ camp last year, it’s no surprise Sienna Dale has been recalled to the squad. The teenager still has lots to learn, and has been solid in her performance and energy at training.
Returning A League players: Kahli Johnson
Why they’ll be competitive: Manly’s emphasis on development and loyalty has resulted in a close-knit squad that understands each other. The majority of the promoted players this season have been with the club for most of their junior career, and know the style of play they need to bring to get results. The squad is believed to be much more competitive than last year, with competition for places extremely high.
Last season: 7th
Northern Tigers FC
Coach: Jake Stephenson
Captain: Hannah McNulty
Players to watch: Ashlee Brodigan was a goal scoring machine last season for the Tigers, netting the third highest tally in the league at 12. The forward, currently at the Newcastle Jets, will be looking to carry that momentum into 2023 when she returns for the Tigers. Claudia Cholakian is an exciting fresh arrival for the Tigers from Sydney Olympic. The 26-year-old Armenian international will look to boost the Tigers attack, either in a central attacking role or out wide. Coach Stephenson also hopes the new import will provide some experience and leadership for her new side.
Surprise package: Tara Watson has been in the Northern Tigers pathways for many years and will be pushing to play a part in the WNPL this year. A talented defender looking to make a name for herself.
Returning A League players: Ashlee Brodigan, Ella Tonkin, Shay Evans, Isabel Gomez
Why they’ll be competitive: The Tigers have retained the majority of the squad that made the grand final last year. Hannah McNulty is stepping up to the plate to take over the reigns as captain for the retiring Maddie Bart, which begins an exciting new leadership phase for the team. Coach Stephenson isn’t feeling the pressure of needing to back up from last season, rather he is focused on creating a good environment and his club to promote the growth of young players and support them on their journey, which in turn he believes will translate to positive performances on the football field. It’s a youthful side with a lot of potential for years to come.
Last season: Runners-up (4th in final standings)
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Originally published as NPL NSW women’s season preview: All 14 teams profiled ahead of the 2023 season
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