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Trio on top - Round 1 review

Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City have a foothold on the top of the Westfield W-League ladder following opening round wins over Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets respectively.

It is Perth who have the early goal difference thanks to 2 goals from Sam Kerr which earned Perth victory after the Wanderers had drawn level from two goals down.

Another Westfield Matildas star was at her inspirational best as Katrina Gorry helped set up Brisbane’s equaliser and then scored the winner, after Caitlin Foord had put the Sky Blues ahead following a stunning driving run. Saturday’s opening match in the 2016/17 season between two traditional rivals in Brisbane drew a record Westfield W-League regular-season stand-alone crowd of 3,105.

Champions Melbourne City went through last year’s maiden season undefeated, but they were made to work overtime against a resilient Jets and needed a lone early goal from Marianna Tabain to earn an opening win.

The opening Fox Sports/ABC TV match proved enthralling high-quality entertainment, with Melbourne Victory equalising on three occasions against Adelaide United, before the pair were forced to share the points in a six-goal thriller.

Next weekend’s round is highlighted by two epic TV matches as Canberra United host Melbourne City on Saturday 12 November (3pm), while Sydney FC host local rivals Western Sydney Wanderers a day later (2.30pm). Both matches will be played as part of Hyundai A-League double-headers.

Brisbane Roar 2 (Allira Toby 55’, Katrina Gorry 66’) Sydney FC 1 (Caitlin Foord 52’)

Saturday 5 November 2016

Spencer Park, Brisbane Kick-off: 4pm Referee: Casey Reibelt Brisbane Roar: Mackenzie Arnold (gk), Amy Chapman, Clare Polkinghorne (c), Angela Beard, Sunny Franco (Allira Toby 52’), Kaitlyn Torpey, Katrina Gorry, Maili Forbes (Natalie Tatham 55’), Summer O’Brien, Emily Gielnik (Abbey Lloyd 72’), Madlyn Evans Substitutes – Georgina Worth (gk) Cautions – Katrina Gorry 35’, Maili Forbes 41’ Sydney FC: Sham Khamis (gk), Liz Ralston, Servet Uzunlar, Teresa Polias (c), Nicola Bolger (Olivia Price 83’), Caitlin Foord, Natalie Tobin (Gabe Marzano 65’), Georgia Yeoman-Dale, Alanna Kennedy, Kyah Simon, Leena Khamis Substitutes – Sarah Easthope (gk), Panagiota Petratos Cautions – Teresa Polias 59’, Caitlin Foord 86’ Red card: Caitlin Foord 86’

Melbourne City 1 (Marianna Tabain 8’) Newcastle Jets 0

Sunday 6 November 2016 C.B. Smith Reserve, Fawkner, Melbourne Kick-off: 3pm Referee: Kate Jacewicz Melbourne City: Lydia Williams (gk), Teigen Allen, Lauren Barnes, Laura Alleway, Aivi Luik, Steph Catley (c) (Jacynta Galabadaarachchi 93’), Jess Fishlock, Erika Tymrak (Tyla Jay Vlajnic 83’), Rebekah Stott, Amy Jackson (Melina Ayres 80’), Marianna Tabain Substitutes – Kelsey Quinn (gk) Cautions – Aivi Luik 71’ Newcastle Jets: Kelsey Wys (gk), Elizabeth O’Reilly, Megan Oyster, Arin Gilliland, Cassidy Davis, Gema Simon (c), Emma Stanbury, Jen Hoy (Liana Danaskos 89’), Grace McIntyre, Jenna Kingsley (Libby Copus-Brown 79’), Ashlee Brodigan (Rhali Dobson 60’) Substitutes – Claire Coelho (gk) Cautions – none

Perth Glory 4 (Caitlin Doeglas 1’, Rosie Sutton 22’, Sam Kerr 68’, 83’) Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (Joanne Burgess 39’, Helen Petinos 50’)

Sunday 6 November 2016 nib Stadium, Perth Kick-off: 6.30pm Referee: Kelly Jones Perth Glory: Melissa Maizels (gk), Sarah Carroll, Kim Carroll, Alyssa Mautz, Patricia Charalambous (Natasha Rigby 84’), Carla Bennett (Vanessa DiBernardo 61’), Nicole Stanton, Rosie Sutton, Caitlin Doeglas (Shawn Billam 78’), Sam Kerr, Arianna Romero Substitutes – Gabrielle Dal Busco (gk) Cautions – Kim Carroll 20’, Patricia Charalambous 64’, Nicole Stanton 69’, Shawn Billam 92’ Western Sydney Wanderers: Casey Dumont (gk), Caitlin Cooper (c), Helen Petinos (Sophie Hancock 64’), Kendall Fletcher, Katie Stengel, Paige Nielsen, Eliza Ammendolia, Alexis Arlitt, Alix Roberts, Joanne Burgess (Chloe O’Brien 64’), Nikola Orgill Substitutes – Courtney Newbon (gk), Angelique Hristodoulou Cautions – None

Adelaide United 3 (Stella Rigon 13’, Adriana Jones 20’, Monica 73’) Melbourne Victory 3 (Natasha Dowie 16’, 64’, Selin Kuralay 81’)

Sunday 6 November 2016 Coopers Stadium, Adelaide Kick-off: 2pm Referee: Katie Patterson Adelaide United: Sarah Willacy (gk), Emily Hodgson, Monica, Ally Ladas, Stella Rigon (c), Sofia Huerta, Adriana Jones, Georgia Campagnale, Dragana Kljajic, Danielle Colaprico, Katie Naughton Substitutes – Claudia Jenkins (gk) Cautions – Georgia Campagnale 3’ Melbourne Victory: Bianca Henninger (gk), Alexandra Natoli, Alexandra Cheal, Melissa Taranto (Adriana Taranto 11’), Lia Privitelli, Ayesha Norrie (Selin Kuralay 72’), Natasha Dowie, Christine Nairn, Samantha Johnson, Gulcan Koca, Rachel Alonso (Kariah White 60’) Substitutes – Bethany Mason-Jones (gk) Cautions – Samantha Johnson 35’, Natasha Dowie 46’

  Canberra United – BYE

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Westfield W-league Round 2 Preview

All the squad news from round two of the Westfield W-League, headlined by TV matches featuring the Sydney derby and the visit of champs Melbourne City to Canberra United.

Canberra United v Melbourne City FC

 Saturday, 12 November 2016

Venue: GIO Stadium

Kick-Off: 3:00PM (Local) (3:00PM (AEDT))

Referee: Rebecca Durcau

Assistant Referee 1: Allyson Flynn

Assistant Referee 2: Nia Southwell

Fourth Official: Delfina Dimoski

TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 505 from 3.00pm (AEDT) and ABC TV from 3.00pm (AEDT)

Canberra United squad: 1.Trudy BURKE (GK), 2.Yukari KINGA, 4.Clare HUNT, 5.Jenna McCORMICK, 7.Ellie BRUSH, 8.Hayley RASO, 9.Jasmyne SPENCER, 10.Grace MAHER, 11.Michelle HEYMAN, 12.Hannah BREWER, 13.Celeste BOUREILLE, 14.Ashley SYKES, 16.Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 19.Nickoletta FLANNERY, 21.Georgia STEWART (GK), 22.Stephanie OCHS **one to be omitted**

Ins: Nil Outs: Nil Unavailable: 15.Emma CHECKER (Knee - 6 weeks) 20.Georgia BORIC (Concussion – 1 week)

Melbourne City FC squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (GK), 2 Teigen ALLEN, 3. Lauren BARNES, 4. Rachel BINNING, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Aivi LUIK, 7. Steph CATLEY (c), 10. Jessica FISHLOCK, 11, Erika TYMRAK, 12. Olivia ELLIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT, 14, Melina AYRES, 17, Marianna TABAIN, 18, Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI, 19. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 30. Kelsey QUINN (GK) **one to be omited**

Ins: 4. Rachel BINNING (promoted), 12. Olivia ELLIS (promoted) Outs: 15. Amy Jackson (unavailable) Unavailable: 9. Larissa Crummer (ankle – three weeks)

Perth Glory v Brisbane Roar FC

Saturday, 12 November 2016

 Venue: Dorrien Gardens

Kick-Off: 4:00PM (Local) (7:00PM (AEDT))

Referee: Lara Lee

 Assistant Referee 1: Matthew Southern

Assistant Referee 2: Shane Skinner

Fourth Official: Tom Dowle

Perth Glory squad: 1.Melissa MAIZELS (GK), 2.Sarah CARROLL, 3.Kim CARROLL, 4.Alyssa MAUTZ, 5.Patricia CHARALAMBOUS, 6.Carla BENNETT, 7.Nicole STANTON, 8.Shawn BILLAM, 9.Rosie SUTTON, 10.Vanessa DIBERNARDO, 14.Caitlin DOEGLAS, 17. Natasha RIGBY, 18. Gabby DAL BUSCO(GK), 20.Samantha KERR (c) 22.Arianna ROMERO

Ins: nil Outs: nil Unavailable: nil

Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Mackenzie ARNOLD (gk), 2.Nina FRAUSING-PEDERSEN, 3.Amy CHAPMAN, 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 6.Angela BEARD, 7.Sunny FRANCO, 8.Kaitlyn TORPEY, 10.Katrina GORRY, 11.Maili FORBES, 12.Allira TOBY, 13.Tameka BUTT, 14.Summer O’BRIEN, 15.Abbey LLOYD, 17.Emily GIELNIK, 18.Maddy EVANS, 19.Natalie TATHEM, 20.Georgina WORTH (gk) **one to be omitted**

Ins: 2.Nina FRAUSING-PEDERSEN (promoted), 13.Tameka BUTT (promoted) Outs: Nil Unavailable: 5.Brooke SPENCE (Quad – 1 week), 9.Cortnee VINE (Rested – 1 week)

Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers FC

Sunday, 13 November 2016

 Venue: Allianz Stadium Kick-Off: 2:30PM (Local) (2:30PM (AEDT))

Referee: Kate Jacewicz

Assistant Referee 1: Avrol Beecham

Assistant Referee 2: Ellie Hayes

 Fourth Official: Katie Patterson TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 505 from 2.00pm (AEDT) and ABC TV from 2.00pm (AEDT)

Sydney FC squad: 1.Sham KHAMIS (gk), 2.Teresa POLIAS (c), 3.Remy SIEMSEN, 4.Elizabeth RALSTON, 5.Gabrielle MARZANO 6.Servet UZUNLAR, 7.Nicola BOLGER, 11.Natalie TOBIN, 12.Olivia PRICE, 13.Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, 14.Alanna KENNEDY, 16.Hannah BACON 15.Sarah EASTHOPE (gk) 17.Kyah SIMON, 19.Leena KHAMIS, 20.Princess IBINI

Ins: 3.Remy SIEMSEN (return from international duty), 16.Hannah BACON (return from international duty), 20.Princess IBINI (return from international duty) Outs: 9.Caitlin FOORD (suspended – 1 week) Unavailable: Nil

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 1.Jada WHYMAN (gk), 2.Caitlin COOPER (c), 3.Nikola ORGILL, 5.Helen PETINOS, 6.Kendall FLETCHER, 7.Sarah YATIM, 8.Erica HALLOWAY, 9.Katie STENGEL, 10.Paige NIELSEN, 11.Georgia PLESSAS, 12.Rachel LOWE, 13.Eliza AMMENDOLIA, 14.Alex ARLITT, 15.Ellie CARPENTER, 18. Angelique HRISTODOULOU, 23.Joey BURGESS, 30.Courtney NEWBON (gk) **two to be omitted**

Ins: 1.Jada WHYMAN (gk) (return from international duty), 11.Georgia PLESSAS (return from international duty), 12.Rachel LOWE (return from international duty), 15.Ellie CARPENTER (return from international duty) Outs: 4.Chloe O’BRIEN (not selected), 16.Alix ROBERTS (not selected) Unavailable: 22.Casey DUMONT (leg – 3 weeks)

Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets

 Sunday, 13 November 2016

Venue: Lakeside Stadium

Kick-Off: 4:00PM (Local) (4:00PM (AEDT))

Referee: Rachel Mitchenson  Assistant Referee 1: Danielle Anderson  Assistant Referee 2: Sarah Wikeley  Fourth Official: Joanna Charaktis

Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Bianca HENNINGER (gk), 2.Alexandra NATOLI, 3.Alex CHEAL, 6.Annabel MARTIN, 7.Lia PRIVITELLI, 8.Ayesha NORRIE, 9.Natasha DOWIE, 10.Christine NAIRN (c), 11.MelindaJ BARBIERI, 13.Laura SPIRANOVIC, 15.Adriana TARANTO, 16.Samantha JOHNSON, 17.Gulcan KOCA, 19.Rachel ALONSO, 20.Bethany MASON-JONES (gk), 22.Caitlin FRIEND, 25.Kariah WHITE **two to be omitted**

Ins: 6.Annabel MARTIN (returns from international duty), 11.MelindaJ BARBIERI (returns from international duty), 13.Laura SPIRANOVIC (promoted), 22.Caitlin FRIEND (promoted)

Unavailable: Nil

Newcastle Jets squad:1.Kelsey WYS (gk), 2.Sophie NENADOVIC, 3.Elizabeth O'REILLY, 4.Megan OYSTER, 5.Arin GILLILAND, 6.Cassidy DAVIS, 7.Gema SIMON (c), 8.Emma STANBURY, 9.Jennifer HOY, 10.Rhali DOBSON, 13. Grace MACINTYRE, 15.Elizabeth COPUS-BROWN, 16.Liana DANASKOS, 17.Jenna KINGSLEY, 18.Clare WHEELER, 19.Ashlee BRODIGAN, 20.Claire COELHO (gk) **two to be omitted**

Ins: 2.Sophie NENADOVIC (Returns from International Duty), 18.Clare WHEELER (Returns from International Duty)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 12.Chloe LOGARZO (overseas – 2 weeks)

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Westfield W-League Round 1 Preview

All the squad news for Round 1 of the Westfield W-League 2016/17 Season as Melbourne City begin their title defence.

Saturday, 5 November 2016 Brisbane Roar FC v Sydney FC Venue: Spencer Park Kick-Off: 4:00PM (Local) (5:00PM (AEDT))

Referee: Casey Reibelt Assistant Referee 1: Sarah Ho Assistant Referee 2: Renae Coghill Fourth Official: Rebecca Durcau

Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Mackenzie ARNOLD (gk), 2.Nina FRAUSING-PEDERSEN, 3.Amy CHAPMAN, 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 5.Brooke SPENCE, 6.Angela BEARD, 7.Sunny FRANCO, 8.Kaitlyn TORPEY, 10.Katrina GORRY, 11.Maili FORBES, 12.Allira TOBY, 14.Summer O’BRIEN, 15.Abbey LLOYD, 17.Emily GIELNIK, 18.Maddy EVANS, 19.Natalie TATHEM, 20.Georgina WORTH (gk) **two to be omitted**

Ins: Nil

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 9.Cortnee VINE (international duty – 1 week), 13.Tameka BUTT (overseas – 1 week)

Sydney FC squad: 1.Sham KAMIS (gk), 2.Teresa POLIAS (c), 3.Gabrielle MARZANO, 4.Elizabeth RALSTON, 6.Servet UZUNLAR, 7.Nicola BOLGER, 9.Caitlin FOORD, 11.Natalie TOBIN, 12.Olivia PRICE, 13.Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, 14.Alanna KENNEDY, 15.Sarah EASTHOPE (gk) 17.Kyah SIMON, 19.Leena KHAMIS, 21.Penny PETRATOS

Ins: Nil Outs: Nil Unavailable: 3.Remy SIEMSEN (international duty – 1 week), 16.Hannah BACON (international duty – 1 week), 20.Princess IBINI (international duty – 1 week)

Sunday, 6 November 2016 Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory Venue: Coopers Stadium Kick-Off: 2:00PM (Local) (2:30PM (AEDT))

Referee: Katie Patterson Assistant Referee 1: Samuel Kuys Assistant Referee 2: Aaron Galanti Fourth Official: Maddison Kennedy

TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 505 from 2.00pm (AEDT) and ABC TV from 2.00pm (AEDT)

Adelaide United squad: 2.Cheyenne HAMMOND, 4.Emily HODGSON, 5.MÔNICA, 6.Ally LADAS, 7.Stella RIGON (c), 9.Marijana RAJCIC, 11.Sofia HUERTA, 12.Adriana JONES, 15.Georgia CAMPAGNALE, 16.Kelsey ZAFIRIDIS, 17.Dragana KLJAJIC, 18.Isabella SCALZI, 20.Sarah WILLACY (gk), 21.Claudia JENKINS (gk), 24.Danielle COLAPRICO, 25.Katie NAUGHTON **one to be omitted**

Ins: Nil

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 1.Eliza CAMPBELL (gk) (overseas – 1 week), 8.Emily CONDON (international duty – 1 week), 10.Racheal QUIGLEY (quad – 3 weeks), 14.Grace ABBEY (international duty – 1 week), 30.Alex CHIDIAC (international duty – 1 week)

Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Bianca HENNINGER (gk), 2.Alexandra NATOLI, 3.Alex CHEAL, 4.Melissa TARANTO, 7.Lia PRIVITELLI, 8.Ayesha NORRIE, 9.Natasha DOWIE, 10.Christine NAIRN (c), 13.Laura SPIRANOVIC, 14.Selin KURALAY, 15.Adriana TARANTO, 16.Samantha JOHNSON, 17.Gulcan KOCA, 19.Rachel ALONSO, 20.Bethany MASON-JONES (gk), 22.Caitlin FRIEND, 25.Kariah WHITE **two to be omitted**

Ins: Nil

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 6.Annabel MARTIN (international duty – 1 week), 11.Melindaj BARBIERI (international duty – 1 week)

Sunday, 6 November 2016 Melbourne City FC v Newcastle Jets Venue: C.B. Smith Reserve Kick-Off: 3:00PM (Local) (3:00PM (AEDT))

Referee: Kate Jacewicz Assistant Referee 1: Laura Moya Assistant Referee 2: Joanna Charaktis Fourth Official: Danielle Anderson

Melbourne City FC squad: 1.Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 2.Teigen ALLEN, 3.Lauren BARNES, 4.Rachel BINNING, 5.Laura ALLEWAY, 6.Aivi LUIK, 7.Steph CATLEY, 10.Jessica FISHLOCK, 11.Erika TYMRAK, 12.Olivia ELLIS, 13.Rebekah STOTT, 14.Melina AYRES, 15.Amy JACKSON, 17.Marianna TABAIN, 18.Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI, 19.Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 30.Kelsey QUINN (gk) **two to be omitted**

Ins: Nil

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 9.Larissa CRUMMER (ankle – 4 weeks)

Newcastle Jets squad: 1.Kelsey WYS (gk), 3.Elizabeth O'REILLY, 4.Megan OYSTER, 5.Arin GILLILAND, 6.Cassidy DAVIS, 7.Gema SIMON (c), 8.Emma STANBURY, 9.Jennifer HOY, 10.Rhali DOBSON, 11.Tara PENDER, 13. Grace MACINTYRE, 14.Brooke MILLER, 15.Elizabeth COPUS-BROWN, 16.Liana DANASKOS, 17.Jenna KINGSLEY, 19.Ashlee BRODIGAN, 20.Claire COELHO (gk) **two to be omitted**

Ins: Nil

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 18.Clare WHEELER (international duty – 1 week), 2.Sophie NENADOVIC (international duty – 1 week), 2.Chloe LOGARZO (international duty – 1 week)

Sunday, 6 November 2016 Perth Glory v Western Sydney Wanderers FC Venue: nib Stadium Kick-Off: 6:30PM (Local) (9:30PM (AEDT))

Referee: Kelly Jones Assistant Referee 1: Shane Skinner Assistant Referee 2: Arvin Shanmuganathan Fourth Official: Tom Dowle

Perth Glory squad: 1.Melissa MAIZELS (gk), 2.Sarah CARROLL, 3.Kim CARROLL, 4.Alyssa MAUTZ, 5.Patricia CHARALAMBOUS, 6.Carla BENNETT, 7.Nicole STANTON, 8.Shawn BILLAM, 9.Rosie SUTTON, 10.Vanessa DIBERNARDO, 11.Emily HENDERSON, 13.Jaymee GIBBONS, 14.Caitlin DOEGLAS, 15.Angelique STANNETT, 18. Gabby DAL BUSCO (gk), 20.Samantha KERR (c), 22.Arianna ROMERO **two to be omitted** Ins: Nil

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: Nil

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 2.Caitlin COOPER (c), 3.Nikola ORGILL, 4.Chloe O’BRIEN, 5.Helen PETINOS, 6.Kendall FLETCHER, 7.Sarah YATIM, 8.Erica HALLOWAY, 9.Katie STENGEL, 10.Paige NIELSEN, 13.Eliza AMMENDOLIA, 14.Alex ARLITT, 16.Alix ROBERTS, 17.Sophie HANCOCK, 18.Angelique HRISTODOULOU, 22.Casey DUMONT (gk), 23.Joey BURGESS, 30.Courtney NEWBON (gk) **two to be omitted** 

Ins: Nil 

Outs: Nil 

Unavailable: 1.Jada WHYMAN (gk) (international duty – 1 week), 11.Georgia PLESSAS (international duty – 1 week), 12.Rachel LOWE (international duty – 1 week), 15.Ellie CARPENTER (international duty – 1 week)

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Perth Glory preview

We run the rule over Perth Glory’s prospects for this season’s Westfield W-League.

History

Perth Glory have a mixed history in the Westfield W-League. They have finished in the bottom reaches of the ladder on several occasions, but also won the premiership two years ago following a second-placed finish two years prior. After a disappointing eighth-placed finish last term the Glory will be seeking to rebound and reach the finals for the third time.

This season

There has been a significant amount of player turnover in the west for coach Bobby Despotovski to deal with. Caitlin Foord’s return to her home state is a major blow, but there is plenty of experienced personnel on deck in her stead. US-based pair Alyssa Mautz, Arianna Romero have arrived, while Vanessa DiBernardo and Nicole Stanton are also back from the States for a second stint. If the Glory’s key players can stay fit, they are more than capable of doing some damage this season.

The captain

Sam Kerr has been a fixture in the Westfield W-League since debuting as a precocious 15-year in the first-ever season of the competition. Aside from a few years at Sydney FC, Kerr has proudly donned the Glory colours, and is now in her second season as captain. As a regular for the Westfield Matildas, Kerr follows in the footsteps of retired Western Australia greats Kate Gill and Collette McCallum. And Kerr, after missing a large chunk of last season through injury, is in bullish mood ahead of the new campaign.

“We’ll be disappointed if we don’t make the top four,” she said. “The W-League is such a short season and anything can change. We’re obviously excited. Everyone’s fit and ready to get the season started.”

First match: v Western Sydney Wanderers, nib Stadium, Perth, Sunday 6 November, 6.30pm (local) (Hyundai A-League double-header)

Ins: Alyssa Mautz (Chicago Red Stars, USA), Arianna Romero (IBV, Iceland), Jaymee Gibbons, Melissa Maizels (Canberra United), Rosie Sutton (Adelaide United), Abby Meakins, Roisin Connolly, Patricia Charalambous, Natasha Rigby

Outs: Mackenzie Arnold (Brisbane Roar), Katie Holtham, Danielle Brogan, Katie Schubert, Ella Mastrantonio, Shannon May, Caitlin Foord (Sydney FC), Ellie Lamonte

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Westfield W-League season launched

The stars of the Westfield W-League gathered in Sydney on Monday to launch the 2016/17 season of the Westfield W-League.

One local and one international star from each club were on hand to kick-start the new season under the tagline ‘Be Real Be Remarkable’.

The global nature of football was the focal point of proceedings via the unveiling of a mural in Pitt St Mall that details the many locations across the globe where Westfield W-League players have plied their trade.

Indeed over 20 nations have been represented in the Westfield W-League, with USA international Erika Tymrak and England forward Natasha Dowie among those in attendance today, while former Women’s World Cup winner Yukari Kinga of Japan is the headline recruit for Canberra United.

Also present were a host of Westfield Matildas stars including Brisbane Roar’s Clare Polkinghorne, Canberra’s Michelle Heyman, Melbourne City’s Steph Catley, Perth Glory’s Sam Kerr, Sydney FC’s Kyah Simon and Alanna Kennedy, as well Western Sydney Wanderers captain Caitlin Cooper.

The 2016/17 season commences this weekend with interest in women’s football at an all-time high, following the success of the recent Westfield W-League seasons, as well as breakthrough showings by the Westfield Matildas at the recent Rio Olympics and last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“I’m sure the players will take the game to new heights in the 2016/17 season of the Westfield W-League,” said Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop.

“This season we will have 19 double-headers along with the Hyundai A-League, with 14 of them on air.

“So Be Real, Be Remarkable, and get out there and support the Westfield W-League.”

This season’s competition opens with a traditional heavyweight match-up between Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC at Spencer Park on Saturday 5 November (4pm local).

Sunday’s matches include Melbourne City hosting Newcastle Jets (CB Smith Reserve, 3pm), Perth Glory at home to Western Sydney Wanderers (nib Stadium, 6.30pm local) and the TV match between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory at Coopers Stadium (2pm local, 2.30pm AEST).

The season will conclude with the Grand Final on Sunday 12 February.

FOX SPORTS and ABC Television will broadcast 14 matches throughout the regular season as well as every match in the 2017 Finals Series.

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Brisbane Roar preview

Brisbane Roar are traditional title challengers for the Westfield W-League but how are they shaping up this term.

History

Brisbane Roar boast a remarkable record in the Westfield W-League. They were maiden champions back in the first season, and competed in four of the first five Grand Finals. While there have been stumbles in recent years, many of the playing group are long-serving personnel with lengthy experience of what it takes to succeed. Even last season’s erratic campaign ended just a penalty shoot-out away from yet another Grand Final berth.

This season

Westfield Matildas regulars such as Clare Polkinghorne, Katrina Gorry and Emily Gielnik form the spine of the Roar roster, which has been boosted by the arrival of national team goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, American Maddy Evans and Danish defender Nina Frausing-Pedersen. Brisbane open with a match-up against old rivals Sydney FC on Saturday in a contest that should provide an insight into what the Roar are capable of this season.

The coach

There is a new face in the Brisbane Roar hot-seat with Mel Andreatta assuming the reins from Belinda Wilson during the off-season. Andreatta boasts a strong knowledge of the local women’s football scene, having most recently looked after the state’s brightest and best young players as NTC coach.

“The atmosphere (in the squad) is a positive one, and one where they know there is going to be a lot of challenges,” said Andreatta.

“They know there will be a lot of challenges provided by every team and when you have that level of competition you can’t be on the back foot, but you can see by the way the players are training they are ready for that.

“There is that history of success at the club and we wear that with pride, but with the knowledge that you have to keep working hard.

“Like any club, we have talked about expectations and, being the club that we are, we want to be in the finals series again.”

First match: v Sydney FC, Spencer Park, Brisbane, Saturday 5 November, 4pm (local)

Arrivals: Mackenzie Arnold (Perth Glory), Maddy Evans (Orlando Pride, USA), Sunny Franco (Sydney FC), Nina Frausing-Pedersen (Rosengard, Sweden), Brooke Spence (returns from injury)

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Melbourne City preview

A look at how champions Melbourne City are shaping up for their Westfield W-League title defence.

History

It is hard to imagine a more dynamic debut than that achieved by Melbourne City last year. An impressive recruitment drive saw the team manage to hit the ground running with a barely-believable 6-0 win at Sydney FC. It set the tone for a perfect campaign with a win in all 12 league games, before a penalty shoot-out semi-final victory over Brisbane Roar and a memorable Grand Final triumph over Sydney FC to round out the season.

This season

Melbourne City will find out over the coming months if it is harder to defend a title than win it in the first place. Though they have lost several world class players – Kim Little and Lisa De Vanna among them – there has been some impressively credentialed arrivals. Westfield Matildas superstar goalkeeper Lydia Williams and American internationals Erika Tymrak and Lauren Barnes would get a start in any team in the league. Remarkably City have never lost a Westfield W-League match, though they will face numerous challengers this season, including from a rejuvenated Melbourne Victory.

The captain

Melbourne City captain Steph Catley boasts a remarkable footballing resume – and she is still only 22. Catley has played for NWSL heavyweights Portland Thorns and Orlando Pride and has already accrued over 50 caps for the Westfield Matildas. After six seasons at Melbourne Victory, which included skippering the team to the 2014 championship, Catley is backing up for a second season wearing the City captain’s armband.

“We have put together a really good squad again this year, but I think it will be really tight this year because the other teams have brought in some great internationals,” said Catley.

“What we did last year was remarkable and very difficult to repeat. We want to play good football being a possession-based team, and we want to improve on last year in terms of the way we played.

“The other teams have recruited well and it will be a really strong competition. Sydney FC are looking really good with a great base of Australian players and they are always strong, as are Canberra who have one of the fastest forward lines I have ever seen.”

First match: v Newcastle Jets, CB Smith Reserve, Melbourne, Sunday 6 November, 3pm

Ins: Lydia Williams (Houston Dash, USA/Canberra United), Teigen Allen (Sydney FC), Lauren Barnes (Seattle Reign, USA), Erika Tymrak (FC Kansas City, USA), Jacynta Galabadaarachchi

Outs: Jennifer Beattie (Manchester City, England), Kim Little (Arsenal, England), Lisa De Vanna (Orlando Pride, USA), Beattie Goad (Stanford University, USA), Monique Iannella (Texas Longhorns, USA), Alex Chidiac (Adelaide United), Trudy Burke (Canberra United), Anisa Guajardo

[wleague]

Western Sydney Wanderers preview

In the first of our team previews, we run the rule over the new signings and team prospects for Western Sydney Wanderers in the fast-looming Westfield W-League season.

History

Western Sydney Wanderers head into their fifth campaign seeking a first-ever appearance in the semi-finals. Despite the lack of post-season action, the Wanderers have developed a habit of shocking highly credentialed opposition. Last season they finished just four points outside a finals berth.

This season

There has been a big turnover of players at Wanderland with at least half the squad changed from last season. The side might be short on headline-grabbing signings but there are high expectations for the American quartet of Kendall Fletcher, Paige Nielsen, Alex Arlitt and especially forward Katie Stengel. Ellie Carpenter and goalkeeper Jada Whyman are back after breakthrough campaigns, while there are intriguing returns to action after a season out for Jo Burgess and Casey Dumont.

The coach

A new face will be in the dugout for the Western Sydney Wanderers with Rich Byrne set for his Westfield W-League coaching debut. Byrne, who has experience in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and most recently at the helm of the NSW schoolgirls team, will be assisted by former Westfield Matildas midfielder Leah Blayney.

“First and foremost, the expectation is that when the players put on that shirt to play for the club, the people, the area … just simply that they make people proud,” Byrne said. “We will try and play entertaining football. That is my No.1 thing and where that takes us we will soon find out.

“The internationals have arrived which is great, and they have settled in smoothly. Obviously we would have preferred that they had been here throughout the pre-season, but having said that it is the same with the Young Matildas from our group who have been away for three weeks now.

“So it is just a case of juggling and managing, and of course it is the same for everybody. The calibre of players that have come over can fit into any system to be honest.”

First match: v Perth Glory, nib Stadium, Sunday 6 November, 6.30pm (local) First home match:  v Adelaide United, Marconi Stadium, Sunday 20 November, 3pm

Ins: Nikola Orgill (North Shore Mariners, NSW), Kendall Fletcher (Canberra United), Casey Dumont (Sydney FC), Jo Burgess (Marconi Stallions, NSW), Paige Nielsen (Seattle Reign, USA via Apollon Ladies, Cyprus), Georgia Plessas (Sydney FC), Sarah Yatim (North West Sydney Koalas, NSW), Alex Arlitt (FC Kansas City, USA), Katie Stengel (Washington Spirit, USA),

Outs: Teigan Micah (USA college), Carmelina Moscato (retired), Kendall Johnson (Portland Thorns, USA), Rachael Soutar (Sydney University, NSW), Liz Grey (Illawarra Stingrays, NSW), Michelle Carney (Illawarra Stingrays, NSW), Keelin Winters (retired), Hannah Beard (North West Sydney Koalas, NSW), Demi Koulizakis (USA college), Linda O’Neill (retired), Tara Pender (Newcastle Jets), Jordan Baker (Illawarra Stingrays, NSW)