The Unicorns were the first team to book their spot into the Grand Final when they defeated Woonona 2-1. Shortly after, the White Eagles became the second team through to the big dance after defeating the Shellharbour Scorpions 6-1.
It is certainly a known fact that rivals Albion Park White Eagles and University are both two of the strongest sides in the Women’s Division One League.
The two teams have faced off in a Grand Final over numerous occasions and competitions within the past few years including The Bonnie Lassie Cup, The Julie Porter Cup and The Grange Women’s Division One finals.
Albion Park have become champions of The Grange Women’s Division One for seven consecutive seasons and have proved that they are indestructible!
However, APWE will need to bring more than just their A-game this Wednesday night when they come up against an even stronger and much more experienced University side at Ian McLennan Park, 7:30pm kick-off!
Albion Park White Eagles:
APWE took home their seventh consecutive victory in 2020 with a 2-0 win over University at Ian McLennan Park and will be looking to grab their eighth at the same field this Wednesday night.
However, this year will be the first time Park will head into a Grand Final without a goalkeeper following Megan Blanch’s unfortunate injury during the Semi-Final match last week.
Centre-back Tarryn Ruiz will step in as goalkeeper on Wednesday night, whilst attacking forward and captain Brittany Ring will step into the backline to replace Ruiz.
Following several changes in the White Eagles starting line-up, Ring is still confident that her team will adapt to the new circumstances and that they can grab yet another victory in front of their friends and family.
“Even following numerous changes in our team, we are all very versatile and the good thing about my side is that we never give up,” Ring said.
“I think teams should know by now to never count us out and that we can always come from behind, no matter what.”
Michelle Foscarini and Rylee Mcgartland will pair up and take control in the centre of the pitch, whilst leading goal-scorer Eliza Cowan will cause nothing but havoc for University’s defenders after scoring a hat-trick in last week’s semi-final.
University:
After going down 2-0 to Albion Park in their most recent Grand Final for The Grange Women’s Division, a well-established and determined University side will be looking for redemption!
Four of the Unicorns players will unfortunately sit out of Wednesday’s night clash against Park due to injuries; however, they have been replaced by four strong Division Two players who have also just taken out Minor Premiers for their season.
Captain Elise Battin is extremely happy with her girls and how far they have come, not just as individuals, but as a team.
“We’ve been spending a lot of quality time together as a team, in which we’ve just returned from our end of season get together which was so much fun and just solidified what a great bunch of women I play with,” Battin said.
“Essentially, we are a team who doesn’t just enjoy playing football but also enjoy being around each other – that’s what makes us so great!”
University have come up against Park often enough and have a strong game plan heading into the big dance.
Goalkeeper Elle Coleman has been in peak condition and is determined as ever, meanwhile, both Lucy Crighton and Kya Godbier will sit as wide players with much strength and pace coming from the front third.
Despite the unfortunate injury setbacks, captain Battin is certain that her team will step out onto the pitch for each other, giving it their all.
Date: Wednesday 12 October 2022
Venue: Ian McLennan Park
Kick-off: 7:30pm
Preview by Alison Dinh, on Twitter @alisondinh_
