Metro United Women’s Football Club secured their unassailable position at the summit of the inaugural PlayStation 4 Women’s National Premier Leagues SA Season last week; we caught up with Club President, Dora Rinaldi, for her thoughts on 2016.

In an off-season which saw a huge amount of player turnover due to retirements and then three anterior cruciate ligament injuries to key members of the squad, Dora is delighted that the remainder of the team could band together so successfully.

“This season has been outstanding considering the change in personnel from 2015,” she said.

“Our team played entertaining and attacking football.”

“We were challenged by our opponents throughout the season and it pushed us to be better.”

None of the eight sides shied away from wanting to be the first winners of the revamped competition, particularly Metro United.

“Winning the inaugural title is exciting given we’re the first Club to do so,” said Dora.

“But, we could not have done this without our wonderful coaching staff and volunteers.”

However, even though they’ve secured top spot, the imminent Finals Series will decide the true victors of the first season - meaning there’s still some work to do.

“Celebrations were kept to a minimum because we know the job is only half done,” explained Dora.

“The Finals Series is going to be a different experience for all of the teams competing.”

Dora agrees the introduction of the PlayStation 4 Women’s National Premier League has increased the level of the sport in South Australia.

“It’s certainly lifted the professionalism and standard of elite Women's football in this State.”

“We as a Club have embraced Friday night football and have enjoyed playing at our home ground, Elite Systems Football Centre.”

Whilst finishing the 21 rounds on top of the table may have been seen as the clear highlight of 2016 - the development of the Club as whole is also not lost on Dora.

“Our club is extremely proud of the talent and depth of our Senior Teams but it is the development of our players within the Junior Teams this year that we are most proud of,” she said.

“We introduced a second MiniRoos Team and our Under 11’s have had an absolute ball playing football.”

“Our Under 13 and Under 15 team made the Cup Semi-Final and we are hoping that our U15, Div 1 and Reserves can take out their respective Cup competition.”

Although 2016 has been an ever so successful year for the club, the bigger picture remains to be continual improvement across all grades.

“As a club we are always looking at how we can do things better on and off the field.”

“We will continue to develop our junior players and give them opportunities to play WNPL.”

“Metro United is committed to developing young female footballers.”

Metro United plays their final game of the season before next week’s Finals Series tonight at Elite Systems Football Centre against Adelaide City; kick-off is 8pm.