Thursday, December 17, 2009

Westfield W-League grand final preview

So it's finally here, although in such a short 10-week season, it's more like it's already here. I hold out for a future with at least 14-rounds, so each team can play each-other. But that aside, let's look at the 2009 Grand Final first, because it's going to be a cracker. While Canberra United did deserve to be in the inagural decider in the 2008/09 season, the grand final against Roar was a bit of a fizzer just because injuries robbed United of a real chance to compete. Amy Chapman could only hobble due to a knee injury and Brisbane set-up the early goal through a counter-attack down the wing she was playing on. From there, they shut it out early. Saturday's game could still go the same way, but just on the way that both have played this year, I think it will be close - if not go down to the wire.

THE GAME-PLAN - If either team does want to wrap this up early, which let's face it, they do, then early goals will be key. But it's going to be a bit of a tricky mix. Because Brisbane have the best defensive line in the W-League and one of Australia's best goal-keepers, but Sydney FC's forward line is surely the most deadly. Michelle Heyman might have been a one-woman goal-scoring machine for the Mariners, but Sydney have so many scoring options. Sydney FC's defence is possibly their weak-spot, particulary with Alesa Clifford out suspended this week. But Brisbane's forward line will be missing Sasha McDonnell who is also suspended, who created plenty of chances against the Mariners last week. So on those musings, it looks like Sydney FC will create great chances but be shut-out by a great defence, while Brisbane may create less chances against what's seen as the weaker defence - although they are still very capable. So basically in my confusing little equation there I think it's going to take some spectacular efforts to open the scoring for either team, and both teams certainly have those players.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
SARAH WALSH (Sydney FC) Walsh is one of the best strikers in the world, when she sees a chance, she takes it as in last week's beautifully converted Kyah Simon cross. Very, very dangerous.
HEATHER GARRIOCK (Sydney FC) As much as Paaske and Rydahl add so much class to Sydney FC's midfield, the Sydney FC captain is just the heart and soul of the team. She's such a technically great player, but a gutsy one too.
TAMEKA BUTT (Brisbane Roar) If there was ever a game they needed Butt to score, it's this one. The winger is no stranger to it though, has bagged a hat-trick this year and is a competent finisher when needed. Could be the difference.
CASEY DUMONT (Brisbane Roar) So yes, I'll bring it up again. But that first penalty Dumont took against Sydney FC last year? This girl just has mountains of confidence in the big games. Has hardly set a foot wrong all year and will be very very hard to get past in Brisbane's goal.

THE TEAMS - So a straight swap for Sydney, with experienced defender Lisa Gilbert coming into the team for Alesha Clifford. Will Alen Stajcic start with Gilbert in the back though? Or perhaps 15-year-old Teigan Allen who has played for the Young Matildas and a few games this year? Kylie Ledbrook was great when she went back after Clifford's red last week, but I think she's too valuable for the midfield. For Brisbane if Courtney Beutel is fit then I'd assume she'd start for Sasha. Brisbane have named Jenna Tristram, but I think she's very, very unlikely to play. It could be a great chance for some of the Roar's young strikers, like Steph Latham, to get a go.
Referee: Kate Jacewicz
Sydney FC squad: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 2. Teigen ALLEN, 5. Lisa GILBERT 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL, 9. Sarah WALSH, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 12. Michelle CARNEY, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’NEILL, 18. Whitfield, BRITTANY 19. Leena KHAMIS, 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk)
In: Lisa GILBERT (promoted)
Out: Alesha CLIFFORD (suspended)
Unavailable: Nicola BOLGER (knee - season), Danielle BROGAN (knee – season)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9 Jenna TRISTRAM, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivi LUIK, 12. Steph LATHAM 13. Tameka BUTT, 15. Leah CURTIS 16. Lauren COLTHORPE 18. Courtney BEUTEL, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT, 20. Kate STEWART (gk), 21. Alisha FOOTE *two to be omitted*
In: Alisha FOOTE (promoted), Leah CURTIS (promoted), Jenna TRISTRAM (promoted), Stephanie LATHAM (promoted)
Out: Sasha MCDONNELL (suspended)
Unavailable: Emily GIELNIK (foot - season), Brooke SPENCE (ankle - season)
*Head-to-Heads: Played 3 Sydney FC wins 0, Brisbane Roar wins 1, Draws 2.

My prediction? It's almost too close to call, but I like the underdog and I think Brisbane will want to make up for only finishing third in the regular season. So the Roar to win 2-1, although I think Sydney FC are favourites and very much deserve to be.

Westfield W-League grand final week gossip

So the really interesting news will be who the ins and outs are today for each team, particulary with two suspsended players to replace (Sasha McDonnell at Brisbane and Alesha Clifford at Sydney), but before then here is a bit more gossip.

At Sydney, Linda O'Neill still seems to be suffering from the flu, see this story on fourfourtwo where it doesn't look likely she will be able to play much part. While you are there, check out Alen Stajcic's response to Lawrie McKinna's twittering. Seems he might give it a go next season! But Leena Khamis, who scored a great goal against Canberra in the semi, said told Sydney FC's website they are still very confident. All around the team everyone’s excited, we’re going in with a bit of confidence coming from last week’s game [semi-final],” said Sydney’s star striker Leena Khamis. “It’s our first Grand Final so everyones on a bit of a high. And who better to play in a final than Brisbane.” The last time the Sky Blues faced the Roar was back in round four, a game which resulted in points being shared after a one-all draw.
 “We almost dominated that game and we were unlucky to come away with the draw,” said the 23-year-old. The star striker feels Sydney will look to take control of the game early on. “The start of the game will be very crucial, probably the first 15 or 20 minutes,” said the forward. “The speed, the tempo and just the excitement of being in the Grand Final will show in the opening stages.”

“To get on top in the first 20 minutes will be important and get our ball rolling.”

While up in Brisbane, Karla Reuter, who scored the only goal in the semi-final win over the Mariners, has said that the Roar still have another level to reach. “We really all feel as though we have a lot more to give,” the 25-year-old said. “There’s only one game left and we can’t leave anything in the tank.” Check out the rest of the story on Reuter here.

On Saturday, expect to see a few familar Matildas faces who we haven't seen much of this season at the ground. Players like Kim Carroll, Danielle Brogan, Jenna Tristram and Caitlin Munoz are all being brought to the game so that Matildas medical staff can give them a once over and see if they may be ready for the World Cup qualifiers preparation, which will kick off in January with the first camp from the 14th to 17th.

In Canberra, United's management committee have offered to extend Ray Junna's contract for next year, but he's waiting to see how he goes in the ACT Academy of Sport role first. Apart from Stephen Roche at the Mariners, Junna is the only coach that isn't the state institute coach as well. But that didn't happen in Canberra as Robbie Hooker has had the role for years, but with Hooks set to take on Matildas in a full-time role next year, the job has opened. Junna has said he would love to continue, it's his first ever year coaching women's football, he is just waiting to see if it all works out.

And finally up at Newcastle, Wayne O'Sullivan gives his thoughts on the season over at the Newcastle Herald

And don't forget to check out all the predictions from a host of women's football experts and interested parties over at http://www.thewomensgame.com/. It seems all the money is with Sydney FC from the canvas of opinions.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Westfield W-League semi-final 2 - BRISBANE ROAR 1 bt MARINERS 0

So it's the final that I, apologies to Mariners fans here, I think everyone wanted to see when Brisbane Roar come down to Sydney to take on the Sky Blues at Shark Park next Saturday.
So how did they get there? A sole goal to defender Karla Reuter was the difference and in the end, a very similar story to yesterday. Experience won through over enthusiasm was combined with another well-founded football rule, that a team with 10-players often rises to the occasion. Today's was a bit different as it was Roar striker Sasha McDonnell who was red-carded after Brisbane had already scored, but to still hold-on facing an onslaught from a Mariners team that desperately wanted to score, was a decent effort. I was only able to catch patches of the game tying in with my other actual work, but I did see that tackle that left Mariner Jenna Kingsley with a possible broken leg. Coach Stephen Roche said in the press conference afterwards she went straight to hospital, but there didn't seem to be any hard-feelings. "Jenna.. she's in a pretty bad way I think, she might have a broken leg. She's gone to hospital. Yes, there was plenty of feeling. Good hard football, a very physical contest," Roche said.  It just seemed like it was that kind of game, tough, physical and unrelenting pressure from both teams. From what I did see, it was a cracking semi-final, exactly what finals football should be, close, physical and exciting and it had all of those.

THE WINNERS - BRISBANE ROAR
Jeff Hopkins said that the 6-0 thrashing of Newcastle last week had given them the boost they needed, yesterday and hopefully for next week too.
"The last game against Newcastle was excellent but before that we weren't firing on all cylinders," Hopkins said.
"But we got it right against Newcastle and this win will be a good confidence boost."
But just on the final, Brisbane will now be without striker Sasha McDonnell for the final because of her red-card, which puts both teams in very interesting positions. Because Sydney FC are down a defender, Alesha Clifford will be suspended from her red-card, and Brisbane down a striker. Courtney Beutel has been training again and played the last 15minutes, but is she fit enough to start? Jenna Tristram surely won't play after suffering yet another knee injury last weekend. And will Sydney go with Kylie Ledbrook in defence and add another midfielder, or bring in a defender to start? Some very interesting selections ahead.
*notes on quotes, yes, amazing insight there but unfortunately it's all that Sportal offered and there wasn't a media person on Brisbane's end to email me any quotes. Hopefully I will be able to get some better insight's for you all this week!

THE LOSERS - CENTRAL COAST MARINERS
Coach Stephen Roche. "A little bit gutted, when the send-off happened, well, but then we just didn't have enough gas left in the tank.
"We defended very well in the first half and I think that's something we learned from the first game, just how mobile they are, but first half I thought we nuliified pretty much anything they had. So pretty happy with the way that we defended and then the way we came out second-half was still good, then the send-off, putting all that pressure on but we just couldn't come up with it.
"There was nothing left in the tank there with anyone, at the end of the day they are a qulity team but we have well and truly matched it."
Does it bode well for next year? "Next year we will keep as many of them as we can, keep them with us and it's another year, for a pretty young team we'll come back next year and give it a bit more of a go, go one better.
 "We aimed to get to finals, so to get second and nearly pinch the premiership there wasn't much in that either, we're over the moon with that."
Westfield W-League player of the year Michelle Heyman. "It is disappointing to lose, though it has been a great season by all the girls - we have had a great season, and we'll be back to go a step better next season.
"It was tough, perhaps the marking was not as tight as last weekend against Sydney FC, though they were really well organised today and made it tough for us," Heyman said.
MATCH DETAILS
BRISBANE ROAR 1 (Karla REUTER 63’) bt CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 0 at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford.
Referee: Kirralee Gardener
Assistant referee: Catherine Nash and Liz Shorter
Fourth official: Pete McCallum
Central Coast Mariners line-up: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER (C), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE (13. Trudy CAMILLERI 73’), 4. Rachael DOYLE, 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY (8. Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI 45’), 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH
Substitutes not used: 7. Teresa POLIAS, 15. Elizabeth O'REILLY, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk)
Yellow cards: Michelle HEYMAN 75’
Red cards: Nil
Brisbane Roar line-up: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS (18. Courtney BEUTEL 75’), 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 11. Aivi LUIK, 13. Tameka BUTT (10.Lana HARCH 89’), 14.Sasha MCDONNELL, 16. Lauren COLTHORPE, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT (7. Pam BIGNOLD 68’)
Substitutes not used: 20. Kate STEWART (gk), 12. Steph LATHAM
Yellow cards: Lauren COLTHORPE 32’, Sasha MCDONNELL 33’/69’, Karla REUTER 48’
Red cards: Sasha MCDONNELL 69’

Westfield W-League semi-final 1 - SYDNEY FC 3 bt CANBERRA 0

So at the end of the day, the score looks a little lopsided. But the game was, despite going a player down 13minutes in when Alesha Clifford was handed a red for her tackle on Ashleigh Sykes, Sydney completely dominated and as Canberra captain on the day Lydia Williams said, it even appeared like some times they were the team with the extra player. All Sydney's stars, Garriock, Walsh, Khamis, Simon, Paaske and Rydahl, played brilliantly and in the end that was the difference. They just didn't let Canberra have any time or space on the ball, just kept hurrying them into doing things that ultimately didn't come off.
But it's enough from me, here's what the players and coaches thought of the first W-League semi-final of 2009.


THE WINNERS - SYDNEY FC
To coach Alen Stajcic, what did you think after the red-card? "Just a little bit worried, especially so early in the game when it could go to extra time, so yes, really worried but we re-organised well.
 "We had Kylie Ledbrook there and just lost a bit in midfield and young Linda was sick as well so I knew she couldn’t last long, so just that whole reshuffle, we had to play with 10 players that was always going to make it difficult.

"But in terms of the context of the game and then what happened on the field, the way we finished, I thought the last 20minutes of the first half we really started to get on top and carried it through most of the second half, so it was good discpline, good composure, good finishing and we probably could have got another one there at the end.
 "It’s one of the best performances I’ve ever seen, 10 players for 75minutes on a fairly hottish day against a good team, who haven’t lost that amount since Round 1, against a great goal-keeper, I’m really proud and it’s probably the best performance I’ve seen.
 "But the way we finished the game and knocked the ball around at times it looked like we had the extra player, especially switching to Kyah there on the side, the midfielders, Paaske, Heather and Julie, just ran their butts off, that whole midfield they were just dominating that midfield against a good player like Emily van Egmond, so really proud." Who would you like to play in the final? I’d like Central Coast as I’ve coached most of them over the last 4 or 5 years at NSWIS, I know Heather will probably say Brisbane, but just to get two Sydney teams up would be my preference.
And to captain Heather Garriock, did it feel like you were a player down on the field?
"Absoutely, it felt like a player down, I don’t think all three midfielders had ever done so much running, especially for me to say that, I’m one of the fitter ones.
 "It probably didn’t look it from the sidelines because we were knocking the ball around really well in patches, it broke down so time, because we are a pretty tricky team and sometimes we overplay it, in saying that, some of the football out there was magnificent.
 Having the final back at Shark Park next week? It can’t be better, myself and Walshy, Servet, we all live here and we are estatic it’s here, of course I'm from Campbelltown but I've been here for the last three or four years and it’s brilliant to be able to play in the shire, I coach here as well. The support in general is fantastic.
 A message to supporters? It was great to see some of the Cove there today, but hopefully we can get even more next week. But it helped so much, when we scored we could here them. The supporters were the extra player out there for us today."


THE LOSERS - CANBERRA UNITED
United's captain yesterday, Lydia Williams on what happened. On the day, while they player sent off, they wanted it more. That’s just the way football is. I think even though they had 10-players, it still felt like they had 11 or 12 on the park and at the end of the day you have to finish chances and at the end of the day they did and we didn’t.
To coach Ray Junna, on how Sydney FC just didn't allow Canberra any time at all on the ball. "It's just that, coming up against international players they just did the little things really well, we couldn’t dwell on the ball or take that extra look, because things were happening at a different pace.
"So hopefully the girls learn that from the game, we had a lot of 17 and 18-year-olds out there so hopefully they can put that in the memory bank and hopefully they will learn from it.
"They just didn’t get a chance on the ball, the one-twos, those little things, they didn’t allow us to do that. They overpowered us today, the first two goals were just a little bit sloppy too, just those little things again we spoke about letting people run across in front of you and those first two goals...then once they went two-up, they had it.
"But it was good to make it to the four and we’ll be back again next year."
On whether Canberra can keep the same squad, answered with much laughter from both Ray and Lydia, as with eight teenagers in the starting line-up today, most from Canberra, most of them are there to stay.
"They are all from Canberra, I don’t know where they are going to go, so they’ll definitely stay together," Junna said. "They are young, they can’t move out of home, so we will be staying together, you never know what will happen but hopefully we do stay together," Williams said.
Williams on if it was a bad way to end the season, "I think it was a bit disappointing, but at the end of the day it’s just a game and we’ll learn from it.
 "It’s the end of the season for us but we made it to the top-four which is what we wanted too, and we met all expectations that we set out for ourselves, so that’s a positive."
And does Junna think now that Sydney will win the league championship and premiership?
"Well they haven’t got a defence now, so I will be surprised if they win it. So they will give it a shake whoever they come up against. But anything can happen."

MATCH DETAILS
SYDNEY FC 3 9(Sarah WALSH 44', Leena KHAMIS 61’, Heather GARRIOCK 84’) bt CANBERRA UNITED 0 at Shark Park, Cronulla.
Referee: Casey REIBELT
Sydney FC Line-up: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 4. Alesha Clifford, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL, 9. Sarah WALSH (12. Michelle CARNEY 87’), 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’Neill (2. Teigan ALLEN 38’), 19. Leena KHAMIS (13. Catherine CANNULLI 85’)
Substitutes Not Used: 18. Brittany WHITFIELD, 20. CARLA Monforte (gk)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: 4. Alesha Clifford 13’
Canberra United Line-up: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (gk)(c), 2. Rebecca KTING, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Kahlia HOGG (6. Eleanor RAYMOND 86’), 7. Ellie BRUSH (c), 8. Emily VAN EGMOND, 10. Shu O TSENG, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Elyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET (11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI 61’)
Substitutes Not Used: 9. Grace GILL, 13. Thea SLATYER, 20. Jocelyn MARA (gk).
Yellow Cards: 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI 61’, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN 77’, 8. Emily VAN EGMOND 60’
Red cards: Nil

So one semi-final down and it's been confirmed that next week's final will be at Shark Park at 3pm on Saturday. So who will be turning-up to try and wrestle the premiership from Sydney FC? It will all unfold from 3pm today at Bluetongue Stadium. If you can't be there, watch it live on ABC TV.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Canberra United v Sydney FC - live!

So it's very very windy here at Shark Park, so windy that it's going to make it tough to score anything unless it's on the ground I think. But a very interesting battle here.

So the red card to Alesha Clifford in the 13minute, was it deserved? It was clearly in my line of sight and yes, it was. Nothing too bad about it, but clearly it was last defender stopping the goal. So it makes it very very interesting now, particulary if Canberra can score before half-time. Sydney FC may be down to 10-players, but they haven't looked like it yet. Very very even at the moment, with 13minutes to go until half-time.

Also, Lisa de Vanna is here walking around with a Sydney FC shirt on. Just a supporter or more? Am starting the rumour mill.

Interesting that Linda O'Neill was just subbed off, with defender Teigen Allen on. Subs before half-time are always an interesting affair, but even more so given that Sydney have gone more defensive already. Sure they are down to 10-players, but is Alen Stajcic really feeling that much pressure from Canberra that he feels he needs to go more defensive already? A small-up for Canberra in the mind-game. *Turns out, that O'Neill was sick, had the flu and Stajcic said afterwards he knew she wouldn't last the game, but going down an extra-player meant it had to happen sooner rather than later.

Great atmosphere here at Shark Park, there are about 50 of Sydney FC's cove here and chanting up a storm. The Capital Punishment supporters are also here in strong numbers.
GOAL! Sarah Walsh from a Kyah Simon cross. Sydney FC 1-0 up just before half-time. And now the Cove has really gone off, with flares. That kind of smell disgusting and there is smoke across the ground.

Half-time, SYDNEY FC 1 (Sarah Walsh 45') leading CANBERRA UNITED 0 at Shark Park.
A very even first-half where Sydney FC made the most of its chances to steal a 1-0 lead. As I said before, probably the only way goals will be scored in this game with the wind so strong like it is, on the ground or at very very close range, where Walsh was when she tapped in the cross. Sydney FC certainly don't look like they are playing with one less player though and United need to make the most of that if they can get back that goal and even try and win in the second-half. Sydney FC currently look like they will land its first W-League grand final spot at the moment though.

10minutes into the second-half, Sydney FC have dominated the opening parts of this half. Two great runs from Sarah Walsh created chances, but nothing that really pressured Lydia Williams. Although, just as I said that, Ashleigh Sykes found some space and outpaced Ledbrook, but then slowed up, was caught and didn't pull the trigger early enough. Bit better momentum for Canberra though. But Sydney FC just look too confident and organised on the ball. Walsh causing problems again, and Brush forces a throw-in on the left-side of the ground to stop the run. Heather Garriock puts in a cross from that throw-in that Simon almost, almost gets a touch too in the box. But still 1-0.

GOAL, 61st minute, Khamis gets onto a lovely ball in at the top of the box from Julie Rydahl and just gets enough on the header to loop it in over Williams. A great goal and looks like that's Sydney through to the grand final. Canberra made a sub directly after, Maciejewski on for Bisset.

70th minute, Sydney FC are still attacking well, Heather Garriock has pushed right forward and creating plenty of chances as Canberra have gone into their shells a bit. Would take a miracle for United to come back from here.

GOAL, 84th minute. And Sydney FC add another, this time it's Heather Garriock and she's deserving of it. Has been great all day. But wow, sloppy defence from Canberra there. Just gave Rydahl, then Walsh, then Garriock way too much time on the ball.

FULL-TIME, SYDNEY FC 3 (Sarah Walsh 45, Leena Khamis 61, Heather Garriock 84') bt CANBERRA UNITED 0 at Shark Park. Crowd 741.
Congratulations to the first team through to the 2009 W-League grand final, Sydney FC! Deserved to win. Back with more quotes etc later :)

Westfield W-League semi-final preview

So the time is finally upon us. For the four teams fighting it out for a place in the 2009 Westfield W-League season, it's all down to this weekend. Can Canberra United cause an upset like it did in last year's finals and knock out a team that finished above it, or will Sydney rise to its potential? Will the Mariners create a fairytale finish or will they fall to Brisbane Roar who have unfinished business after letting a chance to win the league championship slip away.

SATURDAY, SYDNEY FC v CANBERRA UNITED at Shark Park, Woolooware.
So Canberra United has never beaten Sydney FC, but the two teams have only played each other twice. Once this season, once last season. This year Sydney FC went 2-0 up thanks to Cathrin Paaske header from a corner in the 83rd minute. United then stole one back in the 89th minute, but it was a little too late. The first goal had been when Sarah Walsh just got a half a step lead on Nicole Sykes. Now Sykes is quick, very quick, but so is Walsh and that's all she needed. So convential thinking there is that United will have to be on top of every tiny detail to make sure Walsh, Paaske, Julie Rydahl, Kyah Simon or Heather Garriock don't get any room. The other strategy they could go for is an all-out attack, hope to get one early and really frustrate Sydney. Yesterday Canberra coach Ray Junna labelled Sydney's defence as 'suspect' and said they needed to get Sydney there, going in with nothing to lose, they would throw everything at the game. That's likely to mean Ellyse Perry will start in midfield again, where she dominated last week. Thea Slatyer isn't likely to get a start, but all things considered that's probably a good thing. Bronwyn Studman has been brilliant in centre-back since replacing Chiung Ying-Lin halfway through the season, plus Casey Reibelt is refeering the game. That's who sent Slatyer off within five minutes in that embarassing Adelaide game in 2008, and then the former Matildas centre-back was given a suspended sentence for confronting Reibelt after the game.
Another interesting point, that I detailed in the newspaper today, United will have eight players under the age of 20 in its starting line-up. That's some contribution from the teenage talent-pool in Canberra.
It will be a boost if Cian Maciejewski lines-up as well, she was excellent against Sydney in the first-game. I spoke to her yesterday and she's been cleared to play, now now it's just up to Ray Junna if he starts her.
But like Sydney coach Alen Stacjic earlier this week, Sky Blues captain Heather Garriock thinks that winning the league title was the confidence boost they need to make the grand final. “Winning the minor premiership gives us confidence going into the semis and finals. It’s definitely something we’ve worked towards all year but we haven’t finished the job yet,” said Garriock.
MATCH DETAILS
Local kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Casey Reibelt
Live and exclusive on ABC1 and ABC HD from 3.00pm AEDT
Sydney FC squad: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 2. Teigen ALLEN 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL, 9. Sarah WALSH, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 12. Michelle CARNEY, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’NEILL, 18. Brittany WHITFIELD, 19. Leena KHAMIS, 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk)
In: Julie RYDAHL (returns from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nicola BOLGER (knee - season), Danielle BROGAN (knee – season)
Canberra United Squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Rebecca KITING, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 6. Ellie RAYMOND, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Emily VAN EGMOND, 9. Grace GILL, 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACEIJEWSKI, 12. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 13. Thea SLATYER, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Jocelyn MARA
*one to be omitted*
In: Cian MACIEJEWSKI (return from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: LIN Chiung Ying (knee – season), Christine WALTERS (calf – indefinite), Sally SHIPARD(awaiting international clearance)

SUNDAY, CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (2nd) v BRISBANE ROAR (3rd) at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford. So the Mariners have been so good throughout the regular season this year, but this is what could bring them unstuck, pressure. Mariners coach Stephen Roche brought up earlier this week that plenty of his team had played NSW premier league finals this year, including Michelle Heyman, and five of them played in the winning team. But when it comes to finals, Brisbane do have quite a record. First of all withstanding Sydney FC's push to penalities in the semi-final last year and then smashing Canberra United in the final.
Interesting to see that Brisbane have named Jenna Tristram, but according to all reports she is no chance to play.  But former Brisbane captain Kate McShea is still confident they can score anyway after that 6-0 smashing of Newcastle last week. “We were struggling to find the back of the net in a few of the games, but after getting six goals last week, the flow has come back to the team," McShea said.
“We had a meeting as a team, at training we were probably a little bit lapse, and we have stepped up the quality and intensity at training and has now came out in the way we played on the weekend.
“We have had a good week at training working on our own game and not worrying about the opposition. If we do the things we do well then I think they will struggle to contain us.
"Courtney is back in training so Jeff will have a few selection problems." From the Mariners preview on their website, Jenna Kingsley said the team will have learnt plenty from when they played earlier this year.

"They did beat us last time, though we will be ready to play this weekend," Kingsley said.
"They are a really good side, they have a lot of experience, and they move the ball around really well, so we will need to be at our best to get over them and win."
It should be an interesting encounter as both teams have very different styles of playing, again I think early goals will be crucial. But I think that Brisbane should win. So still a possibility it could be a grand final re-match again next week, Brisbane v Canberra at Ballymore. Still, plenty to happen today. Good luck everyone!
MATCH DETAILS
Local kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Kirralee Gardener
Live and exclusive on ABC1 and ABC HD from 3.00pm AEDT
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER (C), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 5. Jessica SEAMAN, 7. Teresa POLIAS, 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 13. Trudy CAMILLERI, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 15. Elizabeth O'REILLY, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 17. Britt SIMMONS, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk)
*one to be omitted*
In: Caitlin COOPER (return from suspension), Britt SIMMONS (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI (knee – 1 week)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9 Jenna TRISTRAM, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivi LUIK, 12. Steph LATHAM 13. Tameka BUTT, 14.Sasha MCDONNELL 15. Leah CURTIS 16. Lauren COLTHORPE 18. Courtney BEUTEL, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT, 20. Kate STEWART (gk)
*two to be omitted*
In: Alisha FOOTE (promoted), Leah CURTIS (promoted), Jenna TRISTRAM (promoted), Courtney BEUTEL (return from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Emily GIELNIK (foot) Brooke SPENCE (ankle - season)

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Westfield W-League grand final - who will make it?

So the semi-finals are just days away now, and I bet there is nerves in every camp. But who is shaping up to be favourites?
Although I'm going against my own hopes here, I do think Sydney FC should beat Canberra on Saturday. I mean, just look at those players! Cathrin Paaske, Julia Rydahl, Heather Garriock, Sarah Walsh, Kyah Simon. They are all top international class players. Add in a backline that has held together very well strengthened by a solid performance from Nikola Dieter in goals, they have experience and class all over the park. And I think after speaking to Sydney FC coach Alen Stajcic this week, they know not to underestimate the fourth-placed team. When I asked him if losing last year's semi-final to Brisbane Roar on penalties had given the team extra motivation to make it, he said that game was crucial but maybe not for that reason.
"It was a good lesson for us, because we know anything is possible, we'll draw a bit of motivation from that because last year we were the team that just snuck into the four and we almost made it. So we'll know that anything can happen and make sure we are aware of that."
A few other answers...
Was winning the league championship really important? I think so. It was a real confidence booster, we really struggled with confidence last year and now we have a group of really talented players, so now to have the mix of both those things has been key.
Are you confident of beating Canberra? I just think that if we play to the level we are capable of, I don't think any other team can match us. Canberra do have a couple of weapons, Ashleigh Sykes and Tseng [Shu O] and Lydia [Williams] in goals is very hard to get past, but I'm pretty confident that if we can play to our potential then we should win.
And on Ellyse Perry, who this week is still likely to have one training session with Sydney FC in Sydney even though she will play for Canberra United this weekend? Perry lives in Sydney, so has trained with Sydney FC all season during the week, with one training session in Canberra each week before the games. "She's been training with us for two or three years, so I don't think she'll pick up anything extra this week, we might just kick her a bit harder (said with plenty of laughs)," Stajcic said.

But as for the talented Miss Perry herself, who this weekend will have another triple-treat with cricket for the NSW Breakers on Friday and Sunday, to fit in the W-League semi-final on the Saturday, she thinks Canberra are well placed for an upset. "I think the funny thing about finals, across any sport, is that it seems to bring teams to the same level. Just the weight that is placed on the game, it brings sides a lot closer together.
Perry also thinks that Sydney FC's greatest strength could also be it's greatest weakness. "I think all teams have weaknesses, Obviously Sydney have a team that has some quality players, but sometimes it can be a bit difficult if you have such a great team of individuals but things aren't going their way, maybe that could be a bit hard to deal with."
Perry nominated shutting down Sydney's attack as the crucial part of Canberra's chances.

And a quick word from Brisbane Roar, where Jeff Hopkins is pretty happy after his team's final round 6-0 smashing of Newcastle - a hit of form right when they needed it. "Apart from Jenna [Tristram], who injured her knee last weekend again, we'll have a full squad to choose from and we just put in a great performance on the weekend," Hopkins said. "The Mariners are a good side, we have a lot of respect for them, but we just found some form at the right time."

And don't forget to check out http://www.thewomensgame.com/ and check out the W-League team of the year story. Anyone not in there you think deserves to be so, or anyone who is in there that you think shouldn't be? Well let us know!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Westfield W-League awards - all the well-deserving winners here

So the Central Coast Mariners were the big winners in today's W-League awards, with no surprises in Michelle Heyman as the Julie Dolan Medal for Player of the Year. But Perth Glory, who missed the finals, and Canberra, who just snuck in, also both came away with plenty.
All the award-winners below, what do you think? Make sure you check out the great story on Sportal on Michelle, on how only two years ago she didn't see much of a career path in women's football. Now she's the best player in Australia. Well done Michelle!


Julie Dolan Medal - Player of the Year: Michelle Heyman, Central Coast Mariners

Players’ Player of the Year: Samantha Kerr, Perth Glory

Goalkeeper of the Year: Jillian Loyden, Central Coast Mariners

Young Player of the Year: (tied) Elise Kellond-Knight, Brisbane Roar and Ellyse Perry, Canberra United

Coach of the Year: (tied) Stephen Roche, Central Coast Mariners and Ray Junna, Canberra United

Referee of the Year: Kate Jacewicz

Golden Boot: Michelle Heyman, Central Coast Mariners – 11 goals

Goal of the Year: Samantha Kerr, Perth Glory – Round 8, Perth Glory v Sydney FC

Hat Trick Award: Michelle Heyman, Central Coast Mariners – Round 7, Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners and Tameka Butt, Brisbane Roar – Round 10, Newcastle United v Brisbane Roar

Fair Play Award: (tied) Sydney FC and Canberra United

And while you are thinking about who you think is the best player this year, why don't you check out three girls who think they are experts, ie myself, and two other girls who have done their all for W-League media coverage this year, Ann Odong and Fiona Crawford. We had a go at putting together who we think are our teams of the year and we'd love to hear what you think! Check the three teams out here, and then let us know by commenting away. And not that it's a competition or anything girls, but I'd just like to note that while of course we all had Heyman in our teams and most had Jillian Loyden, I was the only one that picked both Perry and Kellond-Knight in my team. That's one-point for me! Although interestingly, no-one picked Sam Kerr in their teams. Why didn't I? Because simply she didn't play that many games because of her Australian under-17 duties. She's certainly an amazing player, but I thought I'd go for players who have played more games this year and thought that might count in the awards too. But to win the players' player award after only playing half the season is certainly a great achievement. Well done Sam!

In other news, the joint-young player of the year Ellyse Perry will play for Canberra this weekend. She's going to put her amazing skills to the test again in another three-day split weekend. Cricket against Victoria on Friday, soccer against Sydney FC on Saturday, then cricket against Victoria on Sunday. How does she do it? I don't know, but she's amazingly great at both.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

We're a happy team at Canberra

So headed down to Canberra United recovery today where the mood was pretty much still amazement, particulary after co-captain Ellie Brush made the 2-0 result over Perth even more exciting after an early call. Late on Saturday night, Brush heard the score from another source, except that she heard Melbourne won 2-0 and when she did, there was actually 20minutes left in the Perth game.  But Brush had already sent a message to most of the team saying thanks for the season. So most of the Canberra girls were even more surprised to hear that Perth had actually won 2-0 and handed them the fourth finals spot.
 Although coach Ray Junna, who was very very confident Perth would get the job done anyway, wasn't too worried. "I think de Vanna went on in the 64th minute and it was nil-all, when it’s nil-all and Lisa comes on anything can happen," Junna said. "She had a point to prove and she scored the vital goal, you make these guestimations but it was good it came through."
 But while they were still soaking up every bit of their lucky-break, the talk has already started that they want to make the most of their chance against Sydney. Assistant coach Caitlin Munoz, who of course is an international striker herself but hasn't played this season due to injury, thinks they thoroughly deserve it.
 "I think the girls deserve it, they’ve worked really hard on areas where we were struggling at the start of the season, but now it’s coming good when we need it to," Munoz said. "I’m just so happy for the girls, they all wanted it so much, because we came second last year they want to try and get there again or even try and finish first. so I’m just happy for them, they are a good bunch of girls.
"A lot of teams underestimated us, but the young girls have done so well. Bronny [Studman] has come in and taken that spot at centre-back, same with the Sykes, they’ve improved a lot and Kahlia Hogg has improved a lot, so everyone has done their job and that’s kind of what has got us through."
And on Sydney FC? "They are going to be tough, they do have a lot of experienced players and they have been scoring goals which always helps," Munoz said. "On our day, anybody can win, if we can just keep doing what we are doing, if we can cut out their main ball-players I think we have a chance."
 And as for the actual game against Adelaide on Saturday that Canberra won 3-0 to complete it's part of the finals bargin? United did play well against Adelaide, but in reality should have killed off the game earlier. But midfielder Emily van Egmond, who along with Ellyse Perry was brilliant in the midfield, said they were just happy it was a much better performance than against Melbourne. “It was just a relief, after we scored the second I just didn’t want to stop scoring as we just had so many chances, but to get three was still a good result,” van Egmond said. “I think at training Reg helped us in the that last third where we needed it, last week our play up to halfway was magnificent but we just couldn’t get it together up front, this week was a lot more positive, we had all four midfield players creating chances so it was great.”
And Perry on finally getting the goal she deserves after her stellar season? “It's always nice to get on the scoresheet, but what's even more fantastic is playing with such a great bunch of girls, I’ve just enjoyed it so much this season, so it’s just the icing on the cake I suppose,” Perry said.

Westfield W-League semi-finals snapshot

So the details are here for the semi-finals weekend of the 2009 Westfield W-League. With Sydney and Canberra to meet on Saturday followed by the Mariners and Brisbane on Sunday.

SATURDAY, SYDNEY FC (1st) v CANBERRA UNITED (4th) at Toyota Park (or Shark Park), 3pm.
So Sydney FC claimed the league championship and what is seen to be the easier opponent in Canberra. But in this finals series, I don't think any team can be taken lightly. Remember how Canberra upset the Jets to make the grand final against the Roar last season? Sydney FC have won the only encounter between the two teams this year, 2-1 at McKellar Park. But it was one of those games that could have gone either way. Sydney's stellar line-up suggests it should have the experience to beat United's team of teenagers (the average age hovers around 18), but should be enthralling.

SUNDAY, CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (2nd) v BRISBANE ROAR (3rd) at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford. So Brisbane have smashed themselves back into some form, largely courtesy of a Tameka Butt hat-trick to make sure Newcastle finished with the wooden spoon thanks to the 6-0 win. But the Mariners are such a tricky team. They are very physical, but they use that to their advantage by playing a simple style of football, run the ball and then shoot. Brisbane only just escaped with a win thanks to an 81st minute Sasha McDonnell goal when these two teams met in Round 3 at Ballymore Stadium. Brisbane will no doubt be desperate to win after some up and down late season form cost them the chance to win back-to-back league titles.

But the best part about this weekend's W-League action? Both games will be LIVE on ABC TV. So everyone can watch every minute! Will be back later this afternoon with news from the Canberra camp and then more from the W-League awards in Sydney tomorrow.

Westfield W-League Round 10 review

Well, what can I say? WOW! Didn't that kind of live-up to expectations as a cracking final round?

To start off with Sydney FC lived-up to their more impressive team on paper and claimed a 1-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners to take the league championship title. It's the first-time Sydney FC have been on top of the table this season. Then Brisbane Roar found itself some much needed form by putting six goals past Newcastle and set-up what will be an interesting semi-final against the Mariners.
And then, well then the night really started to get interesting.

Adelaide United really pushed Canberra United in Canberra, but a goal from a corner just before half-time and then a strong-finishing Canberra scored two in the last four minutes so that a 3-0 win kept their finals chances alive. But they had to hold their breath for almost four hours as they waited, and waited, and waited to see what the result between Perth and Melbourne would be. Thanks to the live gameday tracker at thewomensgame.com, (thanks Ann!), I was paying close attention. Then when Lisa de Vanna scored in the 81st minute, well, amazing for Canberra, how heart-breaking for Melbourne. But the strategy of playing de Vanna off the bench paid major dividends. Katie Gill then sealed Perth's win and Canberra's finals spot with her goal in the 87th minute.

But I think most importantly, I think that the fourth finals spot came down to goal difference and then Perth were just one-point behind that, it shows that across the league there is more depth this year. Because next week I think either Melbourne or Perth, well particulary Perth now they have Katie Gill, could have been just as capable of causing an upset as Canberra United.

SYDNEY FC 1 (Leena KHAMIS 35’) bt CENTRAL COAST MARINERS 0 at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford.
Referee: Kate Jacewicz
Assistant referees: Liz Shorter and Katie Patterson
Fourth official: Laura Elliot
Central Coast Mariners line-up: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 5. Jessica SEAMAN (15. Elizabeth O'REILLY 77’), 9. Renee ROLLASON (c) (7. Teresa POLIAS 72’), 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR (13. Trudy CAMILLERI 60’), 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Rachel COOPER (gk)
Yellow Cards: Michelle HEYMAN 58’, Renee ROLLASON 59’, Jenna KINGSLEY 67’
Red Cards: Nil
Sydney FC line-up: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 2. Teigen ALLEN 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 9. Sarah WALSH (18. Brittany WHITFIELD 90’+1), 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 15. Kyah SIMON (12. Michelle CARNEY 90’+3), 16. Linda O’NEILL, 19. Leena KHAMIS (13. Catherine CANNULI 77’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil

BRISBANE ROAR 6 (Clare POLKINGHORNE 2’, Tameka BUTT 19’/26’/66’, Joanne BURGESS 81’, Lana HARCH 91’) bt NEWCASTLE JETS 0 at Wanderers Oval, Broadmeadows.
Referee: Kirralee Gardener
Assistant referees: Tanya De Boer and Catherine Nash
Fourth official: Penelope Nash
Newcastle Jets line-up: 1. Alison LOGUE (gk), 3. Pelay INGLES, 5. Stacey DAY (8. Bronte BATES 57’), 9. Kate HENSMAN, 10. Hayley CRAWFORD (c), 11. Carlie IKONOMOU, 13. Caitlin JARVIE (18. Leia SMITH 78’), 14. Hannah BREWER (17. Madeline SEARL 46’), 15. Renee CARTWRIGHT, 16. Kirstyn PEARCE, 19. Tara ANDREWS
Substitutes Not Used: Michelle GRIGG (gk)
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Brisbane Roar line-up: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 11. Aivi LUIK (12. Steph LATHAM 69’), 13. Tameka BUTT, 14.Sasha MCDONNELL (10.Lana HARCH 69’), 16. Lauren COLTHORPE, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT (7. Pam BIGNOLD 89’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Kate STEWART (gk)
Yellow Cards: Sasha MCDONNELL 49’
Red Cards: Nil

CANBERRA UNITED 3 (Ellie BRUSH 45’+1, Emily VAN EGMOND 86’, Ellyse PERRY 90’) bt ADELAIDE UNITED 0 at Deakin Oval, Canberra.
Referee: Peta McCallum
Assistant referees: Allyson Flynn and Brett Woodford
Fourth official: Gary Vandeburgt
Canberra United Line-up: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Rebecca KITING, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN (13. Thea SLATYER 51’), 5. Kahlia HOGG, 7. Ellie BRUSH (c), 8. Emily VAN EGMOND, 10. TSENG Shu O (12. Snez VELJANOVSKA 88’), 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET (9. Grace GILL 64’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Jocelyn MARA
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Adelaide United line-up: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk), 3.Renee HARRISON, 5.Ashlee FAUL, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 8.Ruth WALLACE, 9.Angela FIMMANO (19. Nenita BURGESS 78’), 11.Georgia CHAPMAN (6.Thomai KEZIOS 86’), 13.Lauren CHILVERS, 15.Tenneille BOALER (12.Katerina BEXIS 65’), 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH
Substitutes Not Used: 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk)
Yellow Cards: Karina ROWETH 52’
Red Cards: Nil

PERTH GLORY 2 (Lisa DE VANNA 81’, Katie GILL 87’) bt MELBOURNE VICTORY 0 at Clipsal Stadium, Inglewood.
Referee: Lee Corey
Assistant referees: Josh Mihevc and Josh Manella
Fourth official: Steve Muldoon
Perth Glory line-up: 1. Emma WIRKUS (GK), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Sam KERR, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (C), 9. Dani CALAUTTI (11. Lisa DE VANNA 63’), 12. Katie GILL, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 15. Alex SINGER, 17. Marianna TABAIN
Substitutes Not Used: 16. Sadie LAWRENCE, 18. Ellis GLANFIELD, 20. Zoe PALANDRI
Yellow Cards: Ella MASTRANTONIO 45’+1
Red Cards: Nil
Melbourne Victory line-up: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC, 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 4. Tal KARP (10. Deanna NICESKI 90’), 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 8. Katie THORLAKSON, 11. Julianne SITCH, 12. Monnique HANSEN-KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY (9. Stephanie CATLEY 77’), 14. Selin KURALAY
Substitutes Not Used: 18. Ursula HUGHSON, 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
Yellow Cards: Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY 51’, Katie THORLAKSON 90’+2
Red Cards: Nil

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Westfield W-League Round 10 preview

Hello peoples. So I will be keeping this short, because in about 12 hours I hope to have the review with all the action up for you. But your already know what's in stake in an awesome round 10 today anyway don't you? You don't? Well here is a sneak peek. The Mariners and Sydney play off for the league championship title today. Yep, 3pm at Bluetongue Stadium and if you can't get there, it will be LIVE on ABC TV. Don't miss it! With the Mariners on 22 points and Sydney FC on 20, if either team can get a win it will mean the title. My tip, I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that it could be Sydney.
The other games are no less exciting. Particulary with Canberra still able to sneak into finals, if it beats Adelaide United today and then Perth beats Melbourne Victory. Which I think is a 50/50 chance of happening. And then there is Brisbane Newcastle, where the Roar will be very keen to get back into form before finals, while the Jets could possibly avoid the spoon with a win - or even a draw. So yes, there is the potential for plenty of movement on the ladder in Round 10. Enjoy the day's action!
And also, while the FIFA men's World Cup draw is dominated all the international football news, there was another little interesting press release that says from 2015 - the women's World Cup will be expanded to 24 teams for development. A huge boost for women's football and Australian football, stay tuned for more news!

ALL GAMES TODAY
CENTRAL COAST MARINERS v SYDNEY FC at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford
Local kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Kate Jacewicz
Live and exclusive on ABC1 and ABC HD from 3.00pm AEDT
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 5. Jessica SEAMAN, 7. Teresa POLIAS, , 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 13. Trudy CAMILLERI, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 15. Elizabeth O'REILLY, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 17. Britt SIMMONS, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk). *one to be omitted*
In: Elizabeth O'REILLY, Britt SIMMONS.
Out: Caitlin COOPER (suspended – 1 week)
Unavailable: Caitlin COOPER (suspended – 1 week) , Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI (knee – indefinite)
Sydney FC squad: 1. Nikola DEITER (gk), 2. Teigen ALLEN 4. Alesha CLIFFORD, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK (c), 8. Julie RYDAHL, 9. Sarah WALSH, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Cathrine PAASKE, 12. Michelle CARNEY, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 15. Kyah SIMON, 16. Linda O’NEILL, 18. Brittany WHITFIELD, 19. Leena KHAMIS, 20. Carla MONFORTE (gk) *one to be omitted*
In: Michelle CARNEY (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nicola BOLGER (knee - season), Danielle BROGAN (knee – season)

NEWCASTLE JETS v BRISBANE ROAR at Wanderers Oval, Broadmeadow
Local kick-off: 4.00pm
Referee: Kirralee Gardener
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Alison LOGUE (gk), 3. Pelay INGLES, 5. Stacey DAY, 7. Gema SIMON, 8. Bronte BATES, 9. Kate HENSMAN, 10. Hayley CRAWFORD (c), 11. Carlie IKONOMOU, 12. Emma STEWART, 13. Caitlin JARVIE, 14. Hannah BREWER, 15. Renee CARTWRIGHT, 16. Kirstyn PEARCE, 17. Madeline SEARL, 18. Leia SMITH, 19. Tara ANDREWS, 20. Emma-Kate DEWHURST (gk) *two to be omitted*
In: Hannah BREWER (return from illness), Madeline SEARL (return from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Libby SHARPE (injured), Loren MAHONEY (injured), Amber NEILSON (suspended)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk) 2. Kate MCSHEA, 3. Karla REUTER 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Pam BIGNOLD, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9 Jenna TRISTRAM, 10.Lana HARCH, 11. Aivi LUIK, 12. Steph LATHAM 13. Tameka BUTT, 14.Sasha MCDONNELL 15. Leah CURTIS 16. Lauren COLTHORPE 18. Courtney BEUTEL, 19. Ellen BEAUMONT, 20. Kate STEWART (gk) *three to be omitted*
In: Alisha FOOTE (promoted), Lauren COLTHORPE (return from suspension), Leah CURTIS (promoted), Sasha McDONNELL (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Emily GIELNIK (foot – season) Brooke SPENCE (ankle - season)

CANBERRA UNITED v ADELAIDE UNITED at Deakin Football Stadium, Deakin.
Local kick-off: 5.00pm
Referee: Peta McCallum
Canberra United Squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Rebecca KITING, 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 6. Ellie RAYMOND, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Emily VAN EGMOND, 9. Grace GILL, 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 12. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 13. Thea SLATYER, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Jocelyn MARA *two to be omitted*
In: Rebecca KITING (promoted), Ellie RAYMOND (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: LIN Chiung Ying (injury – knee – season), Christine WALTERS (injury – calf – indefinitely), Sally SHIPARD (awaiting international clearance)
Adelaide United squad: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk), 2.Ebony WEIDENBACH 3.Renee HARRISON 5.Ashlee FAUL, 6.Thomai KEZIOS, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 8.Ruth WALLACE, 9.Angela FIMMANO, 11.Georgia CHAPMAN, 12.Katerina BEXIS, 13.Lauren CHILVERS, 15.Tenneille BOALER, 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH, 18.Rochelle KUHAR, 19. Nenita BURGESS, 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk), 21.Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY *three to be omitted*
In: Ebony WEIDENBACH (returns from injury), Thomai KEZIOS (promoted), Katerina BEXIS (promoted), Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY (promoted)
Out: Donna COCKAYNE (suspended)
Unavailable: Ruth BLACKBURN (ankle – season), Marijana RAJCIC (ankle – season)

PERTH GLORY v MELBOURNE VICTORY at Clipsal Stadium, Inglewood.
Clipsal Stadium, Inglewood
Local kick-off: 5.15pm (8.15pm AEDT)
Referee: Lee Corey
Perth Glory squad: 1. Emma WIRKUS (GK), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Sam KERR, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 8. Tanya OXTOBY (C), 9. Dani CALAUTTI, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Katie GILL, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 15. Alex SINGER, 16. Sadie LAWRENCE, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Ellis GLANFIELD, 19. Katarina JUKIC, 20. Zoe PALANDRI *one to be omitted*
In: Lisa DE VANNA (return from suspension)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Collette McCALLUM (ankle – season), Ciara CONWAY (knee – season)
Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 2. Vedrana POPOVIC, 3. Marlies OOSTDAM, 4. Tal KARP, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 8. Katie THORLAKSON, 9. Stephanie CATLEY, 10. Deanna NICESKI, 11. Julianne SITCH, 12. Monnique HANSEN KOFOED, 13. Katrina GORRY, 14. Selin KURALAY, 18. Ursula HUGHSON, 20. Nicole PAUL (gk)
In: Nil
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nil