The W21A girls had no time to ease their way into the season. With the opening rounds against the top two teams in the competition, they needed to be ready to go from day one. Despite two brilliant performances, the girls found themselves without a point heading into Round 3.

That’s when the resilience and determination of this group really kicked in. After such a tough start, they began to show everyone just how good they were, picking up wins both home and away and steadily working their way back up the ladder.

By season’s end, the girls had climbed all the way to second place and earned themselves a crack at the minor premiers in the first week of the finals. What followed was undoubtedly their performance of the year – and one of the most exciting games we’ve witnessed in years. They took the competition’s best team all the way to extra time, stood up to every physical challenge thrown at them and, when required, were more than happy to return the favour! The 3-3 draw demonstrated everything that had come to define this team: determination, courage, skill and an absolute refusal to give in.

Unfortunately, the girls couldn’t quite back it up the following week and their season came to an end. While it wasn’t the finish we wanted, it certainly didn’t take away from what they achieved.

As coaches, we are extremely proud of this wonderful group of young women who, against the odds, came within touching distance of pulling off the surprise of the season. After a well-earned break, we have no doubt they’ll be back next year stronger, wiser and just as determined.

Well done, girls – you should be very proud of yourselves!

Mick & Paul

Bill
Bill returned to the team after a season’s absence and, fair to say, all 15 of her teammates couldn’t have been happier to have her back! An absolute rock between the posts all season – and good luck to any striker brave enough to think a 50:50 ball with Bill is actually 50:50. Her voice and encouragement from the back were just as important, constantly motivating the girls and keeping everyone switched on.

Sammy
The silent achiever at the back. Sammy keeps our defence organised, holds the line brilliantly and always seems to be exactly where she needs to be. No fuss, no drama – just gets the job done week after week.

Tyla
What a team player! Tyla gives absolutely everything no matter what is asked of her. Her experience really came to the fore at the back this season, bringing a calm head and reliability when we needed it most. She even stepped up and pulled on the gloves for a high-pressure game when Bill was injured – although we promise we’re not planning a permanent position change just yet!

Chloe
When you need discipline, structure and someone you can rely on at the back, Chloe is your player. Her positional awareness and willingness to listen and learn made her an incredibly dependable part of our defence this season. Chloe never stops having a go, never shies away from a challenge and gives us everything she has every time she steps onto the field. The improvement in her game has been fantastic to watch and we know there’s plenty more to come.

Dakota
Dakota rocks up every week and quietly goes about her business. A seasoned footballer who reads the game exceptionally well and plays a critical role in keeping our backline organised. She doesn’t look for the limelight, but her consistency was a big reason why we conceded so few goals this season. Just turns up, does her job and makes the coaches’ lives a whole lot easier!

Caity
Caity has developed into one of the best centre backs in the competition. She attacks the ball like her life depends on it, rarely takes a backward step and her distribution from the back was first class all season. Her reading of the game was also integral to our defence, particularly when coming up against some of the competition’s strongest players. Strikers beware!

Eloise
Unfortunately, Eloise was another of our stalwarts who battled ongoing injuries for much of the season. That didn’t stop her being a fantastic supporter and motivator for her teammates – and on multiple occasions she put her hand up to play when her body was probably telling her otherwise. Tough, committed and always putting the team first.

Tilly
Tilly’s game continues to evolve every season and she was an integral part of our centre midfield throughout the year.  Her growing experience and composure in the middle of the park allowed her to influence games consistently, whether winning possession, linking play, or driving the team forward.  Her determination and will to win are infectious, and when Tilly decides she wants the ball, it’s generally a good idea to get out of her way!

Steffi
Another stalwart of our midfield who is never afraid to get stuck in. Steffi never takes a backward step in a challenge and brings plenty of toughness and determination to the middle of the park. Her reading of the game is a huge strength, often seeing the danger and knowing where she needs to be. Exactly the sort of player you want beside you when the game gets physical.

Eliza
Eliza spent the season as one of our midfield orchestrators, more than holding her own against some of the strongest players in the competition. A team player through and through, you always knew exactly what you were going to get from Eliza – a great shift, plenty of determination and absolutely nothing left in the tank at the final whistle.

Amelie
Am was enjoying arguably her best season yet when a mid-season injury unfortunately brought her year to an early end. Despite the disappointment, she epitomised what being a great teammate is all about – never missing a game and cheering the girls on every step of the way.  A class act on and off the field.

Eve
Our captain, who leads by her actions every time she steps onto the field. Eve spent much of the season putting the fear of God into opposition players and can change a game in an instant. Tough, skilful, competitive and absolutely fearless – a game changer if ever there was one.

Lai
We’re still waiting for someone to explain to Lai that taking it easy is actually an option! She brings enormous energy every time she steps onto the field, and a few opponents certainly learned that the hard way this season. When she gets going down the wing, her ability to run at and split a defence is a joy to watch.

Ruby
Ruby’s versatility was a huge asset for us this season, whether playing out wide or up front. Her effort and energy could never be questioned and she always gave everything when she stepped onto the field. She has also assured the coaching staff that punctuality will be added to her skill set next season… we’ll believe it when we see it Ruby!

Kirby
A new addition this season who fitted into the team from day one. Kirby brought an amazing willingness to learn and a fierce determination to compete for every ball. A brilliant addition to the group and, with the positions she keeps getting herself into, we’re confident plenty more goals are just around the corner.

Chanel
Another newcomer and another fantastic addition to the team. Chanel brought positive energy in abundance and provided plenty of entertainment both on and off the field. Her ability to lighten the mood during some of the tougher moments of the season was priceless – every team needs a Chanel!