A new look Canberra United is more ready than ever for the season ahead. With 11 new signings for the club, including veteran coach Vicki Linton, the nation’s capital looks to take the W-League by storm.
Last season…
W-League: 6th
Finals: Missed
They’ll win the league because…
The 2020 off-season has been a productive one for United. Not only with a complete overhaul on the squad, but with the signing of veteran Australian coach Vicki Linton.
Not only does Linton have prior experience coaching the top women’s league in the country, but has brought her knowledge around the world, especially to the United States.
The squad brings youth to the line up for the season ahead, but the recruitment has also brought back some key players from their past.
Including club legend Michelle Heyman, Kendall Fletcher, Nicki Flannery and Clare Hunt. This could be the missing touch to bring glory back to the nation’s capital.
They’ll be cellar dwellers because…
Although the squad are all ready to play, the reduction down to 18 players in the squad may prove a challenge for this United outfit. All it may take is for a couple of injuries to occur within the squad, and they could end up in serious trouble.
The side was due to face the pressure from the word go in the first three rounds of the season.
With a trip to Perth planned to kick-off the season, followed by facing the previous two finalists, Sydney FC and Melbourne City FC, at their new home ground at Viking Park. This was before the opening rounds were postponed due to the New South Wales COVID-19 cluster.
Instead they will be facing last season’s eighth placed Adelaide United in the first round. Both teams will be desperate to start their season with a win and with no certainty on the next few rounds, preparation will be key regardless.
If Canberra can fight off the early threats to their campaign, they may be in for a good season.
The off-season brought…
Unusual is one way to describe how the off-season went, it did nothing but give Canberra the opportunity to rebuild their squad from the get go.
With 10 new signings for the club, coach Linton has been nothing short of determined to bring United back to their top of the ladder status.
Key player…
It’s hard to look past club veteran and former Matilda Heyman. She is the W-league’s second all-time top scorer and has the eighth most appearances for the club.
Heyman will not only be lethal for the side in front of goal, but will bring the experienced, mature head the team needs to lead them to a successful season.
Considering the crucial role she played for the club during their undefeated season in 2011/12, the mental influence that both herself and Linton can bring to the squad could be the missing piece United have lacked over the past few seasons.
One to watch…
New Zealand international Paige Satchell could give Heyman a challenge for the striker position.
At just 22-years-old, Satchell has played 18 internationals for the Football Ferns, played in the women’s Bundesliga in Germany and represented NZ in the under 17s and under 20s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
With all this experience under her belt, she can cement her spot in the starting XI and has the chance to take the W-league by storm.
INS – Keeley Richards (Logan Lightning FC), Clare Hunt (Sydney University FC), Jessika Nash (FNSW Institute), Paige Satchell (SC Sand), Kendall Fletcher (Sydney University FC), Grace Maher (Melbourne Victory), Nicki Flannery (Newcastle Jets), Bianca Galic (Sydney University FC), Demi Koulizakis (Texas Tech), Michelle Heyman
OUTS – Rebekah Horsey (Brisbane Roar) Karly Roestbakken (LSK Kvinner), Nikola Orgill (Western Sydney Wanderers), Patricia Charalambous (Perth Glory), Taren King (Newcastle Jets)
Full squad list
Head coach: Vicki Linton
Goalkeepers – Sally James, Keeley Richards
Defenders – Isabella Foletta, Lauren Keir, Jessikah Nash, Clare Hunt, Jessie Rasschaert
Midfielders – Kendall Fletcher, Grace Maher, Laura Hughes, Rachael Goldstein, Bianca Galic, Ashlie Crofts
Forwards – Paige Satchell, Hayley Taylor-Young, Nicki Flannery, Michelle Heyman, Demi Koulizakis
Feature image credit: Canberra United
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