The 9 players you need to know ahead of the grand finals
The player’s you need to watch at this year’s Men’s and Women’s Premier League football grand finals. See who from your club made the list.
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Ahead of the 2023 Football Northern Territory Mens and Womens Premier League grand finals, the NT News sports team has identified the nine players to watch in the big dance.
MEN
MINDIL ACES
Raphiwit (Phil) Chindam: The keeper has been in fine form between the sticks for the Aces this season and will be full of confidence after keeping a clean sheet in the semis.
Uche Okwara: With 17 goals in 19 games, Okwara can score from nothing and will be one to watch.
Matt Wallace: Captain and the side’s central midfielder, Wallace has had a very turbulent season riddled by injury.
A player that goes box to box, he is a huge ‘in’ for the Aces and will be integral to their hopes of a title.
WOMEN
MINDIL ACES
Lauren Riley: A natural playmaker who commands the centre of the pitch, Riley sets up a lot of Mindil’s attacking raids and build-up play.
Greta Wood: A 13-year-old wonder-kid, the teenager has filled in for some big boots this season.
She has shown amazing instinct and an ability to keep a cool head in difficult situations.
Emma Ryan: Regarded as one of, if not the fastest player in the league, the winger finished the season with 10 goals to her name in only 10 games.
HELLENIC AC
Leesa Makrylos: Up front and one of the most prolific strikers this season, the captain kicked an impressive 14 goals in 17 starts and has been slated to carry her regular season form into the grand final.
Tayah Hartog: With the most clean sheets in the league this season, Hartog has been ever reliable between the posts, even scoring a penalty in the qualifying semi final.
Anastasia Koukouvas: The left-back has had a breakout season after being elevated into the WPL side.
She’s been very reliable in defence and has proven a big boost to the sides defensive record.
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