A shiny new team may not be all it’s cut out to be for the Glory who look to drag themselves from the bottom of the league.
Last Season
A-league: 7th
Finals: NA (Round 14)
They’ll win the league because…
While a flurry of new signings may see the Glory rise to the top this season, the most notable addition is the appointment of Alexander Epakis as the team’s new head coach.
Following in the footsteps of Bobby Despotovski, Epakis’ renowned reputation in woman’s football will be deeply welcomed by the club, having led Sydney University to three consecutive NPL New South Wales premierships and most recently acted as Senior Assistant coach for Canberra United.
The women’s side also sees are handful of youngsters joining this season, all of which who are eager to get out there and prove their worth which anticipates for a strong, enthusiastic team ahead of their season debut on December 30.
They’ll be cellar dwellers because…
Given the introduction of so many new players, if Epakis doesn’t get the girls fired up their season could very well be over come the end of next month.
There is a lot of work to be done before their season opener against Melbourne Victory and it is up to Epakis to have the girls roaring and running out in top form or unfortunately, a second consecutive wooden spoon may be in their sights.
The off season brought…
It has been a world of change for the club since last season with the signing of 10 new players alongside the aforementioned joining of Epakis as head coach. This means the Glory are back to square one in building their side.
As expected, Covid-19 has impacted the team’s preseason with an assistant coach as well as five newcomers all in quarantine adding enormous pressure to the team’s need to unify come game day.
Epakis himself has only been out of quarantine for a few weeks with the team facing a huge challenge ahead of them.
Key player…
Skipper Natasha Rigby will once again be leading the troops this season in her fifth W-League season for the Glory.
Starting all 12 of the club’s games last season, Rigby’s exceptional talent was recognised over the off season in her selection for the women’s talent identification camp in Canberra.
In her second term as captain, Rigby’s skills and attitudes toward the game will play a key role on and off the field as both a leader and player her fellow teammates can look up to.
One to watch…
19-year-old Sarah Morgan is young, capable defender excited to prove herself to the purple army this season. The Young Matildas representative hails from New South Wales, having starred for Sydney University in NPL NSW and playing W-League for Canberra United.
Morgan has worked closely with Epakis during his time coaching at Sydney University and though she is only a teenager, she has abilities beyond her years and should prove a desirable addition to the team this season.
INS: Patricia Charalambous, Marianna Tabain, Lily Alfeld, Elizabeth Anton, Malia Steinmetz, Deborah-Anne De La Harpe, Sarah Morgan, Tijan Mckenna, Gemma Craine, Rebecca Bennett
OUTS: Kim Carroll (Brisbane Roar), Morgan Aquino (Brisbane Roar), Leticia McKenna (Brisbane Roar), Julia Sardo (Melbourne City)
Full squad list
Goal Keepers: Lily Alfeld, Rebecca Bennett
Defenders: Natasha Rigby, Sarah Carroll, Patricia Charalambous, Jamie-Lee Gale, Isabella Wallhead, Elizabeth Anton, Sarah Morgan
Mid-Fielders: Hana Lowry, Lexie Moreno, Malia Steinmetz, Tijan McKenna
Forwards: Caitlin Doeglas, Abbey Green, Katarina Jukic, Marianna Tabain, Deborah-Anne De La Harpe, Gemma Craine
Feature image credit: Darren Speedie VIP
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