WIN Stadium hosts the Women’s Premier League Grand Finals on Sunday, 14 September in what is a historic occasion for both Shoalhaven and Coniston, who both have two teams featuring in just their first season in the WPL.
Let’s look at the games ahead.
First Grade – Woonona Sharks v Shoalhaven FC – KO 3.00pm
In the Women’s First Grade Grand Final, second-place Woonona takes on fourth-place Shoalhaven FC. These two teams have played each other five times this season with the spoils evenly shared.
Woonona needed extra time in the semi-final to overcome a stubborn University side that just never gave up. The experienced Brittany Ring proved the difference with an important brace, including the winning goal in extra time.
Woonona will be looking to go back-to-back at WIN Stadium after they were victorious last year. They have the experience, and they will be looking to the likes of Morgan Potter, Jordan Wheatley, Tess Stephens, and Ring to control the game.
Beth Tomlinson has also proved to be a player to watch out for. Her pace and ability to provide for the forwards cannot be overlooked. The Sharks will, however, be without Kailee Moore, who is suspended for the Final.
For Shoalhaven, it’s been a remarkable first season in the WPL. They won the Julie Porter Cup last month, defeating Woonona, and they knocked off the Premiers Shellharbour JFC on route to the Grand Final.
Whilst it’s hard not to look past Shaylee Meehan as the main threat (36 goals this year), Shoalhaven has plenty of quality across the park. Meredith Cheyne has been terrific in midfield, and they will also be looking for big games from Lauren Gilbert and Matilda Lee-Potter.
Jullian Scott has also been impressive between the sticks this season and should the game go down the wire, she may have a big part to play.
Both sides will relish playing on WIN Stadium and perhaps the experience of Woonona might just have them as slight favourites however, the fairytale ending to the rookie season in the WPL is well and truly alive for Shoalhaven.
Second Grade – Coniston FC v Shoalhaven FC – KO 12.30pm
It’s another second versus fourth Grand Final with the two new kids on the block headlining the Second Grade Finale.
Coniston finished a point behind the League Champions and will no doubt be feeling confident going into this one, despite needing an extra-time winner in the semi-final against Woonona to progress.
Coniston will be looking for Karissa High to be an attacking threat and add to her 13 goals already this season. Coniston’s Youth Grade also features in the Grand Final and there will no doubt be a couple of players eligible to play both grades stepping up to bolster the squad.
Shoalhaven also blew it last week in the semi-final. They got off to a great start, leading two-nil before allowing League champions Shellharbour JFC back in the game. They finally prevailed on penalties, and they will be hoping to do a little better if they get themselves in that same position.
Shae Paananen has been terrific in front of goal for Shoalhaven, netting 23 times this season, and no doubt Sarah Kilby will be looking to contribute. Shoalhaven has been dealt a bit of a blow with goalkeeper Anthea Godwin unavailable through suspension. Look for Rachel Guess and Tiana Phillips-Maynard to control the game.
These two sides have played three times this year, and it’s a win a piece plus a draw, nothing in it.
Shoalhaven has goals in them, and for that reason, they might just start as favourites. However, if Coniston can get the job done in Youth Grade, the momentum and club spirit might just see them come up trumps. This one could go all the way.
Youth Grade – University FC v Coniston FC – KO 10.00am
Third versus fourth, with both teams finishing level on points. University proving too good for Woonona on the day, whilst Coniston secured a surprise 2-0 win over League Champions Shellharbour JFC in the semi-finals.
Watch for Zahalia Middleton and Jenna Munro to be University’s main attacking threats whilst Kellie McIntyre and Tianna Tortorella will be just some of the threats for Coniston.
These two teams have played three times, with University winning two of these encounters. With both teams having firepower, we can expect goals in this match.
With the University winning their last four of five matches, they will probably start as favourites; however, Coniston have enough quality on the park to set the tone for their club in their inaugural season in the WPL.
Get on to WIN Stadium to catch all the action, and if you can’t, tune in to the FSC Match Centre Facebook page for live streaming of the First Grade Grand Final.
