2020 Herald Women's Premier League Grand Final Program by Northern NSW Football

0 2 0 2 L A N I F GRAND ACQUARIE FIELD M – 0 2 0 2 R E B SUNDAY 18 OCTO

FIRST GRADE – 5.30PM NEWCASTLE OLYMPIC FC V WARNERS BAY FC RESERVE GRADE – 2.00PM

NEWCASTLE OLYMPIC FC V ADAMSTOWN ROSEBUD JFC

UNDER 17s – 11.30AM

MEREWETHER UNITED FC V NEWCASTLE OLYMPIC FC

UNDER 14s – 9.00AM

MID COAST FC V MEREWETHER UNITED FC

GRAND FINALS 2020 SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 2020

CHAIR MESSAGE On behalf of Northern NSW Football’s Board of Directors, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome players and their families, coaches, support staff and club representatives to Macquarie Field for the 2020 Herald Women’s Premier League grand final. The Herald Women’s Premier League continues to be the region’s leading platform for elite female players to succeed and progress along the pathway into top flight leagues including the Westfield W-League and, ultimately, national representation with the Matildas. I would like to wish all teams the best of luck in today’s grand finals. I am sure spectators will enjoy watching the depth of talent on display across the day’s fixtures. I would like to thank our hosts, Adamstown Rosebud JFC, for hosting us here at Macquarie Field, providing a quality venue and facilities again this year. Northern NSW Football would like to acknowledge the continued support of the Newcastle Herald, our official media partner and naming rights sponsor of the Herald Women’s Premier League.

Wishing both teams every success The Newcastle Herald congratulates Newcastle Olympic and Warners Bay on their success in making the 2020 Herald Women’s Premier League grand final on Sunday and to all clubs for their efforts throughout a challenging season. The Herald have been the proud naming rights sponsor of Northern NSW Football's top-flight women's competition since its inception in 2009 because we believe in the importance of visibility for female sport. Through our continued support, we are proud to give a voice to the female footballers of our region.

Helene O’Neill Chair – Northern NSW Football

CEO’S MESSAGE I would like to join our Chair in extending a warm welcome to everyone attending the 2020 Herald Women’s Premier League grand finals at Macquarie Field. Thank you to Adamstown Rosebud JFC president Troy Anderson and his team for hosting us for today’s grand finals. Congratulations to the clubs, players and team officials who have qualified for today’s fixtures. I hope that all participants thoroughly enjoy their experience and that the best teams on the day are victorious. I would like to recognise the continued support of the Newcastle Herald for their ongoing promotion of our weekly fixtures through advertising and outstanding coverage across its print and digital platforms. Well done to today’s match officials, who should be proud of their appointment to the biggest fixtures of the year. Northern NSW Football’s sincere appreciation is extended to every referee who officiated throughout 2020. Your contribution is invaluable. NNSWF’s sincere gratitude is extended to all club volunteers for their perseverance and selfless dedication throughout what has been a very challenging season. The season would not have proceeded without your commitment to our great game. I look forward to witnessing four compelling matches which are contested fairly and supported respectfully.

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David Eland Chief Executive Officer – Northern NSW Football

GRAND FINALS 2020 SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 2020

FIRST GRADE LINE UPS

VS Shirt No.

Name

Shirt No.

Name

Hilary Anthony-Benson

Ally Boertje

Keely Gawthrop

Sian Keating

Jemma House

Kristy Martin

Sophie O’Brien

Elly Cook

Brooke Summers

Georgia Cook

Georgia Little

Ryley Field

Jessica Evans

Elodie Dagg

Tulia Palozzi

Sophia Laurie

Stacey Day

Ellie Brown

Laura Hall

Jen Hoy

Emily Frost

Annika D’amico

Sophie Phillips

Georgia Cooksey

Imogen Tusek

Jemma Lawson

Georgia Amess

Mattiese Loretan

Nat Wiseman

Nyah Bradley

Jacinta Johnson

Zoe Horgan

Danielle Nicol

Coach:

Craig Atkins

Coach: Assistant Coach: Assistant Coach: Manager:

Harmonie Attwill Steph Benito Michael Psarris Lisa O’Brien

Match Officials Referee: Alison Macready | Assistant Referees: Samantha Newell and Samantha Chapman Fourth Official: Georgina Markovich

HEAD TO HEAD

ROAD TO THE GRAND FINAL

Round 3 Warners Bay 0-4 Newcastle Olympic at John Street Oval

Newcastle Olympic Preliminary Final – Newcastle Olympic 2-1 Broadmeadow Magic (after extra-time) at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

Round 10 Newcastle Olympic 7-2 Warners Bay at Darling Street Oval

Warners Bay Minor semi-final – Merewether United 2-6 Warners Bay at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility Major semi-final Broadmeadow Magic 4-5 Warners Bay at Magic Park

GRAND FINALS 2020 SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 2020

HERALD WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL PREVIEW FIRST GRADE

Jack Antcliff

Macquarie Field – Sunday 5.30pm After more than 220 days since the first round of the Herald Women’s Premier League, 14 regular season rounds and a gruelling three-week finals campaign, the race for the championship title has come down to this. Premiers Newcastle Olympic against challengers Warners Bay at Macquarie Field. Never in its history has the Herald Women’s Premier League been played so deep into spring, nor in recent memory has the race for the title been so tight at the end of the regular season. The premiers, Newcastle Olympic, go into Sunday’s game as the favourites, though if 2020 has taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected. “The girls are quite proud of their achievement and for us, you just look at the start of the season, not really knowing too much of what we were able to produce through the year,” Olympic coach Harmonie Attwill said ahead of the decider. “We’ve progressively got better which is what you want to do.” High pressure training scenarios have been a feature of finals preparation for the women in blue, who finished the regular season on top of the table. “We go about it by setting a bit of a scene. If you are 1-0 down, what are you going to do? Really trying to get the girls to step through how they respond,” Attwill said.

Despite the occasion, the preparation will not change at Macquarie Field as Olympic look to put the perfect signature on an already spectacular season. “We will just prepare the same way we have for every other game,” Attwill said. “It’s never about how important the game is. It is just a game and we just need to focus each week on ensuring we are able to deliver all the things we practice. “We’ll do our normal two training sessions. We’ll just do what we’ve been doing and just make sure the girls enjoy that they’re about to play a grand final.” Olympic have become known for attacking prowess throughout season 2020 while the defensive block, led by captain Sophie O’Brien, has set a high benchmark for opposing sides. “I like us to not just be predictable. For the opposition to not always know where people are going to play, or what area of the field we’re going to target,” Attwill said. And while grit and determination have seen Olympic clamber out of several tough matches, Attwill believes patience, discipline and togetherness will determine the result on Sunday. “If we don’t win the game then we weren’t the better team on the day but if we can just follow the three principles we’ve followed all year, I definitely think we have a good chance to be successful,” she said.

“It’s been tough. Those couple of games I think about. Against Magic, we’re down 2-0 at half-time, we had to turn it around and it was a real test of the girls’ character to do that. “Our second game against Adamstown, we didn’t play our best football. After that game we had a bit of a team building session just to reassess and make sure everyone was really clear on their role. “To the girls’ credit they’ve always responded to whatever it is we try and discuss. “What we do as a group will determine whether we are successful.” At the other end, Warners Bay have an opportunity to write themselves into the record books and become the first fourth-placed finisher in the competition’s history to win the ultimate prize. “There’s no pressure on us. I think the pressure will be on Olympic. They’ll be going in as favourites. That’s fine by us,” Warners Bay coach Craig Atkins said. “If we can put in another character-building performance like we did on the weekend [against Broadmeadow] and keep working as a strong unit, I can’t see why we can’t get the result on Sunday. “We’re going to have to be very structured defensively. And very effective with communication and transitions. “For us, it’s going to be that intensity, the communication and the ball playing. We know once we get that ball

on the ground and we start knocking it around we can compete with any football team in the league.” The Panthers finished the regular season with eight wins, one draw and five losses. A fortnight ago they left Merewether United reeling in the minor semi-final, before scoring a win for the ages over Broadmeadow Magic in the preliminary final. “It was another fantastic performance [against Magic], a terrific performance from the girls,” Atkins said. “It was that character. We were under the pump for what would have been 15 minutes. Magic had corner after corner. That desperation I’ve asked for in semifinals football, the girls were just all over it, they were everywhere.” At season’s start, Atkins heralded a new era for the Panthers as fresh faces flooded John Street Oval. Now, with a full season as head coach almost under his belt, Atkins is on the verge of one of the great championship wins. “I always believed that we could do it. But it was always going to take time. As a coach to watch all that be put in practice now, it’s been a fantastic ride,” Atkins said. “The momentum has been building for a number of weeks now. We had to make sure we got to the finals first. We knew, if we put in a good performance in the finals, anything can happen. “If it does come off, it’s going to be very well deserved.”

GRAND FINALS 2020 SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 2020

ROAD TO THE GRAND FINAL Jack Antcliff MAJOR SEMI-FINAL NEWCASTLE OLYMPIC 2-1 BROADMEADOW MAGIC (after extra-time) Newcastle Olympic became the first team through to the Herald Women’s Premier League grand final after a thrilling 2-1 extratime win over Broadmeadow Magic in week one of the finals. Locked at 1-1 at the end of regular time, the game looked destined for a penalty shootout as both teams tired in the warm conditions at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 108th minute, thanks to a Stacey Day penalty. Having suffered a knee-injury earlier in the year, Day made a surprise return for Olympic against New Lambton in the final round, with coach Harmonie Attwill injecting the former W-League and WPL championship winner into the game late in regular time. Day’s extra-time goal was enough for Olympic to move through to the decider, with Attwill impressed by her side’s determination despite the at times torrid conditions.

MINOR SEMI-FINAL MEREWETHER UNITED 2-6 WARNERS BAY

Hoy and D’Amico both sealed hat-tricks in the second half as the Panthers cruised towards a match-up with Broadmeadow.

Warners Bay survived to fight another week after a thumping 6-2 win over Merewether United in the Herald Women’s Premier League minor semi-final.

Late goals to Merewether’s Ellie Withers and Tamara Nash were never going to be enough for the Llamas, who just a few short weeks ago seemed destined to play deep into finals football.

The Panthers advanced to play Broadmeadow Magic in the preliminary final, with the winner to play Newcastle Olympic in the grand final. On a day where temperatures hit almost 30 degrees, it was the Panthers who opened the scoring through an impressive piece of combination play from Annika D’Amico and goal scorer Jen Hoy. Hoy’s goal was a taste of things to come for Warners Bay, as D’Amico added her name to the scoresheet. The Panthers second-highest goal scorer, only behind Hoy, was again in the action minutes later as Warners Bay extended the margin to three. Having gone into the finals series as the lowest-ranked qualifier, Warners Bay proved they were not to be taken lightly against the highly-rated Merewether. The Panthers were again celebrating on the stroke of half-time as Hoy made it 4-0. Her goal set up by a pinpoint through-ball by Georgia Cook.

Having mid-week called on his side to deliver a strong start, Panthers coach Craig Atkins praised his team for playing beautiful football in the convincing win. “We were confident after the last time we played them and the girls executed the game plan down to a tee. In these hot conditions I thought we moved Merewether around very well and our finishing was clinical,” Atkins said. “We worked a lot on first touch through the week and that composure on the ball. We had a few nervous moments early but I thought once the girls got it on the deck, they looked very good. “We’ve got to turn up [against Magic] and put in a performance like this again. It’s going to be massive next week.”

“It was definitely a very nerve-racking game. We knew that it would be a challenge, we knew that finals football it really doesn’t matter what happens during the regular season, it is a different game,” she said. “We had a job to do. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy but we knew with discipline and patience that it would hopefully come together in the end.” Brooke Summers opened the scoring for Olympic, who held the advantage for the majority of the first half. Broadmeadow’s equalizer came via the boot of Lucy Jerram about 15 minutes before the break, with the scores locked at 1-1 for the remainder of regular time.

PRELIMINARY FINAL BROADMEADOW MAGIC 4-5 WARNERS BAY Warners Bay earned their place in the Herald Women’s Premier League grand final against Newcastle Olympic thanks to a thrilling 5-4 win over Broadmeadow Magic on Saturday. Panthers coach Craig Atkins described his side’s performance as a courageous effort as Warners Bay secured a memorable, action-packed win. There were chances aplenty at Magic Park early as both sides turned on an expansive and attacking brand of football. The opening goal was the work of Warners Bay strike weapon Jen Hoy on the counterattack, with the former W-League player making no mistake from close range. Lucy Jerram found an equaliser for the women in red before too long as Chelsea Lucas, Gemma Harrison and Kobie Ferguson tested the resolve of the Warners Bay defence. The Panthers were again in the lead mid-way through the first half thanks to the final touch of Ellie Brown. Brown’s goal, set up by Hoy, gave the Panthers a 2-1 advantage. Gemma Harrison and Jerram combined to set up Broadmeadow’s second before Kobie Ferguson found the back of the net to give the women in red a 3-2 advantage at the break. The second half brought more action as Elodie Dagg played Hoy into space with a well-timed ball to Annika D’Amico making it simple from close range with the game level again.

The late match-winner handed Newcastle Olympic a week off with their focus now turned to the grand final at Macquarie Field on 18 October. “We’ve definitely got momentum. We’ve built those match minutes. After that extra-time the girls will be looking forward to a week off,” Attwill said. “We definitely won it through that grit and determination. We’ll probably just sit back and enjoy this win, that was a really hard match and credit to the girls, they did everything in their power to win it.”

The end-to-end action continued as Chelsea Lucas moved Magic a goal clear, only for D’Amico to again find an equaliser. Her free kick from distance too good for the Broadmeadow keeper. Locked at 4-4 with just eight minutes remaining the game looked destined for extra-time, before a familiar name again stepped up for the Panthers, with Warners Bay’s fifth goal the work of Hoy. A series of spectacular late saves by Warners Bay keeper Ally Boertje was enough for the Panthers to chalk up a memorable win. “We’ve got that strong team ethic. You can see how close the girls are and what they’ve worked so hard for and it showed on Saturday,” Atkins said. “That’s great character and grand final next week, anything can happen. “All the girls listen really well and they’re characters and I think that makes a team and I think that’s now their belief. They’ve got that self-belief.” “That’s what we’ve been trying to instil in them. A great team is better than two individuals and that’s now what I think we’re forming. Still lots to go but it’s an exciting time.” No team in Herald Women’s Premier League history has ever won the grand final after finishing fourth in the regular season, with Warners Bay also yet to edge out Newcastle Olympic in the regular season.

Brighten andwin! win! Brightenyour your wallet wallet and POINTS TABLE – FIRST GRADE POS

TEAM

PTS

Newcastle Olympic FC

Broadmeadow Magic FC

Merewether United FC

Warners Bay FC

Mid Coast FC

-9

Adamstown Rosebud JFC

-14

New Lambton FC

-25

Thornton Redbacks FC

-61

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PAST HERALD WPL PREMIERS, CHAMPIONS AND GRAND FINALISTS 2020 Premiers Newcastle Olympic 2019 Premiers New Lambton FC Champions New Lambton FC (defeated Merewether United 4-3 in Grand Final after extra-time) 2018 Premiers Warners Bay FC Champions Merewether United FC (beat Warners Bay FC 4-3 in Grand Final) 2017 Premiers Warners Bay FC Champions Merewether United FC (beat Warners Bay FC 4-3 in Grand Final) 2016 Premiers Adamstown Rosebud JFC Champions Warners Bay FC (beat Wallsend FC 1-0 in Grand Final) 2015 Premiers Merewether United FC Champions Merewether United FC (beat Valentine FC 3-2 in Grand Final)

2014 Premiers Adamstown Rosebud JFC Champions 18 Years Emerging Jets (beat Adamstown Rosebud JFC 5-2 in Grand Final) 2013 Premiers Lake Macquarie City FC Champions Adamstown Rosebud JFC (beat Lake Macquarie City FC 4-3 in Grand Final) 2012 Premiers Lake Macquarie City FC Champions Adamstown Rosebud JFC (beat Lake Macquarie City FC 6-1 in Grand Final) 2011 Premiers Broadmeadow Magic FC Champions Valentine FC (beat Broadmeadow Magic FC 3-2 in Grand Final) 2010 Premiers Broadmeadow Magic FC Champions Edgeworth FC (beat Valentine FC 1-0 in Grand Final) 2009 Premiers Cardiff City FC Champions Broadmeadow Magic FC (beat Cardiff City FC 2-0 in Grand Final)

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GRAND FINALS 2020 SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 2020

RESERVE GRADE LINE UPS

RESERVE GRADE GRAND FINAL PREVIEW NEWCASTLE OLYMPIC FC V ADAMSTOWN ROSEBUD JFC

Macquarie Field – Sunday 2pm

Shirt No.

Name

Shirt No.

Name

Hilary Anthony-Benson

Alex Tagaroulias

Courtney Wiltshire

Lucy Young

Zoe Burrnley

Jenna Doyle

Rosie Copus

Imogen McInnes

Jacinta Johnston

Charli O’Connor

Chloe Kapalos

Grace Thiveos

Nikki Kapalos

Imanee Burke

Sophie McDonald

Gemma Duffin

Jayde Platford

Clare Hughes

Tess Symington

Tanya Jones

Sophie Walmsley

Larissa Stace

Savannah White

Ella Spicer

Samara Whitten

Jasmine Seeney

Callie Thomas

Maddy Howard

Piper Richards

Finley Woodforth

Coach: Assistant Coach: Manager:

Michael Psarris Jackson Richards Ana Copus

Shany Eidels

Sophia Suters

Coach: Ryan Campbell Manager: Megan Hughes Goalkeeper Coach: Olivia Sneddon Sports Trainer: Nicole Goldsmith

Newcastle Olympic and Adamstown Rosebud occupied the top two spots on the table at the end of the regular season and on Sunday they will battle it out for the ultimate prize.

“We try and play effective possession. Yes we try and keep possession but we also like to move the ball forward when it is possible.

Olympic coach Mick Psarris said he will call on his side to deliver “90 minutes of team-first mentality” when they take to the park against the Adamstown, with Olympic having defeated the Rosebuds twice in 2020.

“I think we try and keep things as simple as we can. We just focus on the fundamentals. We’ll have a game plan going into the game itself.”

HEAD TO HEAD

ROAD TO THE GRAND FINAL

Round 4 – Newcastle Olympic 6-1 Adamstown Rosebud JFC at Darling Street Oval

Newcastle Olympic Major semi-final – Newcastle Olympic 2-1 Adamstown Rosebud JFC at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

Round 11 – Adamstown Rosebud JFC 1-2 Newcastle Olympic at Adamstown Oval Major semi-final – Newcastle Olympic 2-1 Adamstown Rosebud JFC at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

Adamstown Rosebud JFC Major semi-final – Newcastle Olympic 2-1 Adamstown Rosebud JFC at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility Preliminary final – Adamstown Rosebud JFC 4-1 Mid Coast FC at Magic Park

“A number of girls have had first grade experience so far this year including Alex Tagaroulias, Ella Spicer, Charli O’Connor,” Adamstown coach Ryan Campbell said.

Olympic’s Sophie McDonald could hold the key to success for the women from Darling Street. McDonald has 18 goals to her name from 13 starts this year.

“There are also seven other players who made their debuts this year in first grade.”

“We’ve got Sophie McDonald upfront who has been on fire but we have a hard working midfield and we’ve got a back four that’s probably the most important part of our team,” Psarris said.

According to Campbell, his side will need to win the physical battle on the park if they are to win the title.

“If we can work hard enough and give Sophie some chances, she’s good enough to deliver for us.”

“My approach to the week is to ensure the girls are mentally able to give everything and not be overwhelmed by the occasion,” he said.

Around three quarters of the Olympic reserve grade side is under the age of 19, with both coaches expecting a highquality, entertaining fixture.

“We are a very physical team and I want the girls to bring this approach to the game. I think playing in this way is key to us getting on top of Olympic on Sunday.

“Half the squad were playing junior football last year. This was their first year in senior football. The other half of the squad, a couple of them had their first year in seniors last year and a few girls came from other clubs,” Psarris said.

“The week leading up to the grand final is going to be very low key. We have decided to only train twice to stay fresh and ensure that the girls can give 100 per cent on Sunday.”

POINTS TABLE – RESERVE GRADE POS

Match Officials Referee: Tom Sainsbury | Assistant Referees: Verity Norris and Ezekiel Gentle Fourth Official: Lucy Hungerford

Despite Adamstown’s young side there is no shortage of big game experience with no less than 10 of the young women featuring in first grade during 2020.

“Just work the 90 minutes and take the opportunities when they arise. They’re a very talented bunch and hard working. It is a team first mentality,” Psarris said.

TEAM

PTS

Newcastle Olympic FC

Adamstown Rosebud JFC

Mid Coast FC

Warners Bay FC

Broadmeadow Magic FC

New Lambton FC

Merewether United FC

-20

Thornton Redbacks FC

-72

GRAND FINALS 2020 SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 2020

UNDER 17s LINE UPS

UNDER 17s GRAND FINAL PREVIEW UNDER 17s – MEREWETHER UNITED V NEWCASTLE OLYMPIC FC

Macquarie Field – Sunday 11.30am Merewether United can secure the premiership-championship double with a win in the Herald Women’s Premier League under-17s grand final on Sunday.

“There are a few things we can tighten up for the weekend. I think we need to be a little quicker in transition and make sure we get some numbers up front a little quicker,” White said.

The Llamas finished the season on top of the table with 10 wins, two draws and two losses in a season coach Heath White described as one that he was “hugely proud of the girls” for their effort and determination.

“There’s not much else I’d really want to change.

Shirt No.

Name

Shirt No.

Name

Tanaysha Carr

Mia McLaughlan

Keely Dryden

Jesse Webb

Gemma Gardiner

Dana Neaves

Charlee Jones

Meliah Baker

Lainee McFadyen

Tiana Roberts

Rebecca Mullin

Montana Quick

“They’ve been training as a squad [with under-14s] under our new program. That has certainly had an impact,” White said.

Lily O’Callaghan

Grace Hole

“The girls have got a great culture of friendship.

Katerina Papaspiropoulos

Hollie Finley

Caitlin Patey-Dennis

Paige Abberfield

Caitlin Pearce

Bronte Roberts

“At the start of every season I ask the girls, what do you want to achieve? What are your key goals? And most of them will say, because they think you want to hear it, we want to win the premiership, we want to win the grand final.

Leila Prinsen

Ariana White

Gemma Staveley (GK)

Emmasyn Hills

Holly Vitnell

India Dos-Santos

Amanda Young

Miah Threlfo

Coaches: Managers:

Heath Whyte, Jay Prinsen, Brock McFadyen, Niko Papaspiropoulos, Trevor Clarke Jo-Anne Dryden, Lisa Denholm

Charlie Field

Coach: Assistant Coach: Manager:

Martin Roberts Sophie O’Brien Ange White

Match Officials Referee: Georgina Markovich | Assistant Referees: Aaliyah Symington and Maxine Norris Fourth Official: Alison Macready

HEAD TO HEAD

ROAD TO THE GRAND FINAL

Round 2 – Newcastle Olympic 1-5 Merewether United at Darling Street Oval

Merewether United Major semi-final – Merewether United 4-1 Newcastle Olympic at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

Round 9 – Merewether United 1-2 Newcastle Olympic at Myamblah Oval Major semi-final – Merewether United 4-1 Newcastle Olympic at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

Newcastle Olympic Major semi-final – Merewether United 4-1 Newcastle Olympic at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility Preliminary final Newcastle Olympic 2-1 Adamstown Rosebud JFC at Magic Park

“Movement off the ball is always key. I thought we did that really well in our last two outings against Olympic. “If our midfield fire, they’re going to be difficult to handle.”

It was a major turnaround for the side who had struggled for form in recent years. Last year, the Llamas finished the year sixth with just two wins.

Newcastle Olympic finished the year second on goal difference, after ending the regular season equal on points with Merewether. According to coach Martin Roberts, the key to turning the table will be hard work on Sunday. “It would be great for the girls because of the hard work they’ve been putting in, not just on Sundays for the games, but the hard work and attitude they put in at training,” he said. “A win will show them what you put in, you will get out and achieve what you want to.” It has been an impressive season for Olympic who have achieved success across all grades of the Herald Women’s Premier League, despite only joining the league at the start of the season.

“They decided they wanted to create a team culture of friendship and support. “It has worked for them. They’re a great bunch of girls. Very supportive of each other and they play like they’ve been together for years.”

“We’ve had a few new girls come into the squad this season and they’ve just bonded into a bunch of mates,” Roberts said.

Merewether and Olympic last met in the major semi-final, with the Llamas victorious 4-1.

“They’ve really gelled well having come from different clubs. They just love to pass the ball and play attacking football with a bit of style.”

POINTS TABLE – UNDER 17s POS

TEAM

PTS

Merewether United FC

Newcastle Olympic FC

Warners Bay FC

Adamstown Rosebud JFC

Mid Coast FC

Thornton Redbacks FC

-22

New Lambton FC

-22

Broadmeadow Magic FC

-32

GRAND FINALS 2020 SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 2020

UNDER 14s LINE UPS

UNDER 14s GRAND FINAL PREVIEW UNDER 14s – MID COAST FC V MEREWETHER UNITED

Macquarie Field – Sunday 9am

Shirt No.

Name

Shirt No.

Name

Chelsea Atkins

Chloe Daniel

Zoe Bulmer

Madison Barradeen

Milla Crabbe

Isla Beck

Claire Downie

Ruby Cook

Marney Duval

Cassie Corder

Emilee Franklin

Sienna Denholm

Chelsea Hackenberg

Alyssa Hogan

Jorja Holborow

Sophie Holt

Aaris Hunter

Holly Longland

Stella Lewis

Anya Lowe

Asha Paff

Leo Palmer

Brianna Panos

Laura Sestan

Larissa Ryan

Poppy Sinclair

Ava Ryan

Maya Stamell

Zara Williams

Bella Van Vegchel

Coach: Manager: WPL Head Coach: Technical Director:

Brenton Doyle Lisa Franklin Mick Grass Larry Budgen

Hye-Won Wilson

Coaches: Trevor Clarke, Nikoe Papaspiropoulos, Heath Whyte, Jay Prinsen, Brock McFadyen Managers: Lisa Denholm, Jo-Anne Dryden

Match Officials Referee: Lucy Hungerford | Assistant Referees: Ezekiel Gentle and Verity Norris Fourth Official: Tom Sainsbury

Zoe Bulmer will miss the game through suspension, with a vocal crowd expected at Macquarie Field.

Mid Coast FC can create another piece of history when they take on Merewether United in the Herald Women’s Premier League under-14s grand final on Sunday.

“Merewether are a great team. They’ve got some really talented players, so it’s going to be a battle,” Doyle said.

Middies have already won the premiership, with Sunday an opportunity for a three-peat after securing the grand final title in 2018 and 2019. Their opponents on Sunday are also the same opponents they defeated for the title the last two years.

“I just tell the girls to channel the crowd as white noise.” It has been an emotional year for Middies who, with six weeks remaining, were told they would be forced to forfeit the remainder of the season due to COVID-19 restrictions. Changes to legislation later allowed the side to continue to play.

“It’s taken me a little while to find the right combinations but with that said we’re now starting to find our feet a lot better in front of goal,” Middies coach Brenton Doyle said. “I think we’ve probably got the best back four and a great keeper, that’s been one of the keys of the season.”

“We’ve really improved throughout the season and become more of an attacking force. I’m proud of the girls to be here,” Doyle said.

Mid Coast have not lost a game in 2020, with the only blemishes a draw against Newcastle Olympic in round eight and against Adamstown Rosebud in round six. “I like to play a positive brand of football. I like my girls to express themselves but understand how things work, to keep our shape,” Doyle said.

“I think what we do without the ball could be the key to this game. Merewether have some dangerous players. We’ve got to make sure we stay nice and compact and just understand that when we win the ball, we’ve got to play our game and not get caught in a battle.

“I don’t like to restrict my girls. I like to be positive with them and help them develop themselves.”

“I just want the girls to go out and enjoy the day and whatever happens, walk off the field knowing they gave it their best shot.”

Despite having players from South West Rocks to Forster, Doyle considers his squad to be a stronger group for the geographical challenge.

According to Merewether coach Heath White, “mental resilience” will be key if the Llamas are to turn the table on Sunday.

“It is fantastic, they get to meet girls who they’d probably never get to meet in their lives and they’re all of a sudden friends for life,” he said.

“At this point there’s no more learning, there’s no more teaching, it is the end of the line, it is the team that is better prepared mentally for the challenge,” he said.

POINTS TABLE – UNDER 14s POS

TEAM

PTS

Mid Coast FC

Merewether United FC

Newcastle Olympic FC

HEAD TO HEAD

ROAD TO THE GRAND FINAL

Round 5 – Mid Coast FC 0-0 Merewether United at Wayne Richards Park

Mid Coast FC Major semi-final – Mid Coast FC 3-1 Merewether United at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

Adamstown Rosebud JFC

Warners Bay FC

-10

Merewether United Major semi-final – Mid Coast FC 3-1 Merewether United at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

New Lambton FC

-2

Thornton Redbacks FC

-35

Preliminary final Merewether United 5-1 Newcastle Olympic at Magic Park

Broadmeadow Magic FC

108

-107

Round 12 – Merewether United 1-2 Mid Coast FC at Myamblah Oval Major semi-final – Mid Coast FC 3-1 Merewether United at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

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