This article originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of Our Game Magazine.
Our friends at The Womens Game (thewomensgame.com) were kind enough to share their thoughts on the Westfield W-League. For up-to-date information on the W-League, follow The Womens Game on twitter at https://twitter.com/TheWomensGame.
Who will win the W-League in 2014 and why?
Ann Odong — Founder/Editor:
Sydney FC. They not only have the talent in the first XI, they have depth and a team cohesiveness bourne of the core team playing together for several seasons. They have arguably the best attack in the league and are solid defensively. In saying that, their closest challenger, Brisbane Roar, has the same ingredients, but I believe Sydney has the greater depth from 1–20.
Shell Barratt — Deputy Editor:
Canberra United will earn the Premiership because they are looking sharp in attack with an in-form Heyman. Canberra are also renowned for their consistency across the whole season, and have one of the world’s best goalkeepers, Lydia Williams. Sydney FC will beat Canberra United in the Grand Final to go back-to-back for the W-League Championship because Alen Stajcic has built the best SFC squad to date. Their strategic attacking buildup will be unstoppable by the time they warm up at the end of the season. Not even Williams can shot-block perfect football.
Cheryl Downes — Melbourne Correspondent:
I’m absolutely certain, with no lingering doubt, that Melbourne Victory will win the W-League this season. Think about it. We will have one coach for the entire season, we will have Jess Fishlock for almost the entire season, as well as Lisa De Vanna, Stephanie Catley, Brianna Davey and a spectacular team beyond that. Victory’s strength last season was teamwork and solidarity. We’ve got it made this time.
Sarah Groube — Canberra Correspondent:
Canberra, because their infrastructure off the field fosters high performance and they have bolstered their squad with three seasoned internationals. The bulk of their squad began with the team as teenagers and are getting stronger into their 20s in season six.
Daniel Hanney — Newcastle Correspondent:
Sydney FC will win the league because they have quality all over the park and good depth in the squad.
Beverley Quigley — Adelaide Correspondent:
Canberra. The team plays well together and seems to know exactly where each other are at times.
Dani Brady — Brisbane Correspondent:
Brisbane of course!! Ha! Because they’re awesome. They’re very keen to avenge last year’s dismal loss in the semifinal. Not gonna lie, they have to work on their collective belief and not let the pressure of being “the favorite” get to them. But these girls love to play football together and are highly competitive. Pride is on the line, plus a chance for the old heads of the team to prove themselves to Wilson and De Reus! Plenty of representative jerseys going to our Young Matildas!
Which team will be the biggest surprise?
Ann Odong: Adelaide United. New coach Ross Aloisi has recruited well and I think the team built on some solid professionals and infused with local young talent will surprise a number of the other teams.
Shell Barratt: Adelaide United, who will be a finals contender for the first time in W-League history.
Cheryl Downes: Melbourne Victory will be the biggest surprise. After a slow start to the season with a Round 1 thrashing from Sydney FC and a mediocre 2-0 victory against Adelaide United, Victory will be unstoppable.
Sarah Groube: Sydney FC. With a flood of players leaving, many left Sydney for dead this year. They still have quality across the park and have raced to the lead early in the season.
Daniel Hanney: Newcastle Jets. They will do better than expected but won’t make the finals.
Beverley Quigley: Adelaide United will be the surprise package. Still trying to find their feet at the moment, but when they do, watch out.
Dani Brady: Radelaide!
Which player will be the biggest surprise?
Ann Odong: Chloe Logarzo and Amy Harrison, two Young Matildas who both have had great seasons with the U-20 Women’s National Team and will be given much more game time in 2013–14. Logarzo
and Harrison are both reminiscent of Alen Stajcic signings: pacy, technically adept and with the versatility and mobility to play a number of positions.
Shell Barratt: Rosie Sutton of Perth Glory, if she gets the game time she deserves.
Cheryl Downes: Returning from pregnancy following the birth of daughter Holly, goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri will be the biggest surprise. In arguably the best condition of her career, Barbieri will be a force in the Adelaide United lineup and will be pushing hard for national selection. Expect the best.
Sarah Groube: Holly Houston for Canberra United will be a big presence when she makes her debut. Plucked from the Brisbane premier league, Houston has a stature similar to Matildas’ legend
Cheryl Salisbury and she could surprise oppositions.
Daniel Hanney: Jasmine Courtenay.
Beverley Quigley: Jenna McCormick. With only learning the position in the back lines this year she has already excelled and made a sturdy defender.
Dani Brady: Nicola Bolger of Sydney.
Who will be league MVP?
Ann Odong: Should be a midfielder like Lori Lindsey or Teresa Polias! Jodie Taylor or Michelle Heyman. Both players look set to score a swag of goals thanks to the impressive midfield they have supplying them with quality balls.
Shell Barratt: Michelle Heyman and Lydia Williams. Probably should be Jodie Taylor, but they don’t like giving those sorts of awards to internationals… 😉
Cheryl Downes: Jodie Taylor will be a strong contender after starting the season on fire, but once Jessica Fishlock arrives for Melbourne Victory, it will be Fishlock all the way. In a guest capacity last season, Fishlock was a standout and following her Seattle Reign FC experience, Fishlock will bring all that class, skill and tenacity back for the long haul.
Sarah Groube: Lori Lindsey will pick up plenty of votes for her honest work rate and consistent feeding of a talented forward line which should score plenty of goals.
Daniel Hanney: Jodie Taylor.
Dani Brady: Hard one. Heyman, Taylor, Rollason… I’ll go with Rollason 🙂