This is the editor's personal commentary and does not reflect official opinion of the league. Hopefully this article is to promote and stimulate discussion rather than attacking clubs or individuals.
2011 Season Preview
Overview
A new format means that the top 6 spots are up for grabs in the first 9 rounds as each team plays each other before the division of the two pools into Pool A and Pool B. It means every game actually matters and even a loss or a draw could put teams backwards. I think 5 wins and 4 losses will probably be the minimum required to qualify for Pool A.
Fearless predictions
Pool A
Balmain will come first in the regular season. Will they choke in the finals this year? I doubt it. With a few recruits from other clubs who have close to 50 games experience on average, we think "We're from Dockerland" will be heard quite often. Recruits I can figure out are Christine MacDonald, Shelley Bates, Heidi Weidner (Western Wolves), Annie Rose Phillips (Bondi Shamrocks) and Laura Holdsworth (Newtown Breakaways) these might be the essential experience that the Dockers require to go the extra step. State Coach Tracey Kick (2nd year) will have a job to integrate the experienced players into the team without upsetting the existing structure. If Balmain don't win this season, I'm pledge to eat Brussel Sprouts at least once.
Sydney University is my tip for the grand finalist positions. Last year they assembled an impressive team and it will be team unity to ensure that everyone gets a run. It'll be interesting to see which uni students they picked up during O-Week. Coach Krissie Steen (2nd year) has an embrassment of riches to work with.
Newtown Breakaways are my tip for 3rd, I think the wave of retirements are going to hit with the loss of All-Australian Ruckperson Natalie Redford for the UK a big loss. Coach Darren Lewtas (2nd year), hopefully you can prove me wrong again. The team will be looking towards Natasha Devlin for the required experience and knowledge to get them over the line.
I expect the UNSW Stingrays to come 4th. Experience was gained last year and it'll be interesting to see if they can step up this year. Last year promised so much but fell short when required in the vital midseason stage. Renee Sochor, Ciska Van Schlwyk and Courtney Gum are expected to step up to the next level if they want to challenge for the flag.The addition of center half-back Jemma Still from the Newtown Breakaways will create a spine for the Stingrays to work with as well as some old returnees who took a year off away from footy in 2010. Coach Ben Porter heads up the Stingrays for the 3rd year in a row.
Western Wolves are my tip for 5th. With a new coach in Patrick Zimpel and a bit of a rebuilding phase, much hinges around retaining their midfield of Nat Barber and Kate Lawson from last year. If the midfield don't fire expect a long session ahead for the Wolves.
I'm going to go out on a limb to predict Auburn Tigers - the newest club made up of predominately Islamic Women to make the finals. See I can be bold when I live 320km away! Like the men who went on to dominate Division 4 in the Sydney AFL in their inaugural year, we think their verstality from other sports such as soccer and Oztag may give them an advantage in pace but the Tigers may struggle taking overhead marks. Their player depth is one thing that other clubs will be envious about.
Pool B
I expect the Bondi Shamrocks to come first in Pool B. Retirements and a focus on Gaelic Football have depleted the depths of the Irish Women. The loss of inspirational co-captain Kate Woodlands will be a big blow to the Shamrocks. Although they can turn it on when required, consistency will be the name of the game in 2011. Coach Lisa Roper heads up the Shamrocks for the 3rd year in a row.
The Wollongong Saints are the team I tip to come second in Pool B. With at least three players coming of age from the Youth Girls competition (restricted to 16 and under from 2011), they will be looking forward to Stephanie Power, Jessie Mulholland, Sophie Lavender and Madison Giffin on a full-time basis. I'm not sure the draw will be as favourable as to the Saints last year with the lack of umpires so expect to see the Saints a bit more travel to Sydney this year. The loss of Hannah Strong, last year's best and fairest to Canberra for work reasons will be a big blow but the Saints could recruit wisely from the University of Wollongong. Rookie Coach Ian "Pud" Giffin takes over the reigns from inaugural coach Rick Joyce.
Third in Pool B will be the Southern Power. Coach Cheyne Anderson takes over from Gary Slowgrove this year to head up the team from the Shire. I think the Power need to acquire some players with pace to carry out the game plan otherwise kicking to key contests might be their prime option in 2011.
Fourth in Pool B will be Macquarie University. Sorry Warriors - whom I like very much, but having no coach this late in the season will be a huge handicap. The Warriors have some decent players but need to get game experience across the board and hope for no injuries towards the end of the season as occured in 2010.
Last Modified on 23/04/2011 20:47