Football Tasmania: The key players set to shape NPL, WSL seasons
From the well known stars and rising stars to the imports with a point to prove, these are the players to watch during the NPL Tasmania and Women’s Super League seasons.
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The National Premier League Tasmania and Women’s Super League seasons officially kick off this weekend.
There is an eagerness across the competitions with plenty of excitement for what lays ahead this season.
Riverside Olympic NPL coach Helder Dos Santos Silva sums it up well.
“As the new football season approaches, fans and teams alike are filled with excitement and anticipation. This year’s season promises to be one of the most thrilling yet, with new players, intriguing matchups, and intense competition expected across all leagues,” he said when asked about his feelings heading into the campaign.
“Football in Tasmania is constantly evolving, and this season will likely witness new tactical formations and strategies.
“Coaches are continually adapting to the strengths and weaknesses of their squads, and innovative approaches to the game are expected to emerge as teams seek to outmaneuver their opponents, and it has been beautiful to watch the development of each team during these two years that I have been here.
“Tasmanian football is growing and becoming stronger with this approaches.
“Several highly anticipated matches could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the season.
“Hopefully we are only going to see rivalries on the pitch and not off it, and key fixtures could see decisive turns in the title race and the top 4 race as well, this the beauty of this sport.”
Games are set to be played on Friday night and ahead of the campaign, we’ve broken down some of the key players to keep an eye on this season.
See who made the list from your club.
NPL TASMANIA
Charlies Bidwell (Devonport Strikers)
His club’s best-and-fairest winner last season. Bidwell is a sensational in central midfield and can dictate a game against any opponent.
Alex Brown (Kingborough Lions)
An exciting young talent with a bright future ahead of him. Brown’s ability on the ball makes him a standout in the attacking midfield role. Has natural talent, excellent technical skills, is creative, quick, and versatile in attack.
Aidan Cann (Clarence Zebras)
The import is a new face at the Zebras this season. Expect the import to have one of the strongest aerial presences in the league standing at 6’5.
Sungung Choi (Launceston United)
The dynamic winger has made the move from Korea, knocking back offers from Hong Kong and Japan clubs to make Launceston his home this season.
Tom Divin (Glenorchy Knights)
Has made the move from South Hobart in the off-season. Excellent in the air and looks set to make an impact.
Mushi Kokubo (South Hobart)
An underrated player in the competition, Kokubo is a centre back with immense quality and experience. He will be vital for his side’s title charge and someone who will help support and guide those around him.
Eli Luttmer (Kingborough Lions)
Luttmer is a seasoned and experienced player with a strong leadership style. As a centre-back, his attributes go beyond just defending. The Lions’ newly appointed captain for season 2025 his key attributes are his strong leadership, tough tackling, aerial ability and composure. He is a tactical defender with good ball distribution.
Cameron Morris (Glenorchy Knights)
Has come through the ranks of Shrewsbury Town in England. A new signing in the off-season.
Kieran Mulraney (Devonport Strikers)
The skipper looms as a key factor in his side’s hopes this season. A strong presence at the back for his side.
Esteban Miranda Perez (Clarence Zebras)
A key import to look out for. He has joined from UTAS.
Aidan Sands (Riverside Olympic)
A new signing from Launceston City. Sands is capable of beating players one against one and hails from the UK.
Will Spicer (Launceston United)
A player who has risen through the ranks of the club and has now been named captain. Capable of playing in different positions but predominantly in midfield.
Thierry Swaby (Launceston City)
Finished as his club’s leading scorer last season and won every award City had to offer. A powerful striker who can tear through an opposition defence with direct runs into the box. He came through the Bristol City Academy in the UK.
Angus Taylor (Launceston City)
An Australian forward who has recently been playing in the American college system. He’s expected to add some x-factor in attack.
Alex Walter (South Hobart)
Walter is back after a stint of injuries last season and is starting to find some form and fitness. He has previously played in Melbourne and Queensland and is sure to add a lot of goals to his team this season.
Malolan Veeravalli (Riverside Olympic)
A fresh face addition into the Olympic squad. His journey has seen him spend time at home in the United States before short stints in England (Harrogate Town) and Poland.
WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE
Olivia Bekeleski (Taroona)
One of three Americans in Taroona’s ranks this season. Bekeleski will slot into central defence after a college career with Concord University.
Maddie Black (Kingborough Lions)
Black looms as a vital addition to the Lions’ defence this season. She was previously a star with Olympia Warriors.
Aaliyah Browning (South Hobart)
A young star on the rise for her side. Her composure in possession and strong passing ability brings a lot to the team.
Nichola Clark (Riverside Olympic)
Described by the club as “one of the most highly credentialed football leaders in the state”. Clark returns to the club where she is a former league winner.
Laura Davis (South Hobart)
A huge signing for South after joining from Kingborough Lions as Ken Morton’s reign takes shape. Davis scored 19 goals last season and is one of the big signings of the off-season.
Jenna Farrow (South Hobart)
An outstanding goalkeeper who coached Ken Morton described as a “fantastic leader on and off the pitch”. Her presence in goal will be an important factor.
Emily Funseth (Taroona)
The attacking midfielder joins from Montana in the United States. Her signing announcement on the club’s social media channels said she enjoys pressing the opposition high up the pitch.
Madi Gilpin (Riverside Olympic)
Returns to the club after a stint with Launceston United. Gilpin is an experienced player who is capable of playing in different areas of the pitch.
Georgia King (Devonport Strikers)
Enjoyed a standout season in defence during the 2024 campaign. King would go onto be named in the WSL Team of the Year.
Sara Klott (Taroona)
Klott’s blomissing career has taken her throughout her home country, the USA, and to Spain where she played at a semi-professional level. She can play across midfield and has a high work rate.
Whitney Knight (Devonport Strikers)
Last season’s competition best-and-fairest. A player with the ability to punish the opposition in a big way if given the chance. Finished with a competition equal-high 24 goals in 2024 including four games where she scored three or more goals.
Montana Leonard (Launceston United)
After working through two knee reconstructions, Leonard is set to return to the pitch. She adds plenty of class to the front line.
Sophie Munnings (Glenorchy Knights)
Represented Australia at the International Futsal Alliance World Championships last year. Munnings is tipped for a big season and is a highly skilled player.
Monique Pinkiewicz (Glenorchy Knights)
Set to add vital experience between the posts for the Knights this season. The club has pointed to her leadership as a key factor in her qualities.
Lucy Smith (Launceston United)
Part of her side’s leadership group, Smith will take on a heavy responsibility in attack after finishing with a team-high 15 goals last season.
Izzy Taylor (Riverside Olympic)
Won the club’s best-and-fairest last season after returning. Expected to take another step forward in her development.
Hannah Walsh (Kingborough Lions)
Set to return for a second season with the club. Walsh, a former player with English club Blackburn Rovers, scored 23 goals in 2024 and will be key to her side’s attacking efforts.
Jazmine White (South Hobart)
The former Devonport Strikers star will add plenty of firepower to Morton’s front line. White is a four-time competition Golden Boot winner and a two-time best-and-fairest.
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