2014 SWPL PREVIEW
With the 2014 Southern Women's Premier League only weeks away OTKTB looks at the season ahead and gives you its predictions for final standings come August.
The Summer Cup isnt always a good indication of form leading up to the season proper as teams look to give as many players a run, working out their starting squad for the first match in the season proper or in this case the Statewide Cup.
But Olympia are again going to be hard to go past.
They breezed past the group stage of this year's Summer Cup amassing 27 goals in three outings.
Zebras and Clarence are the teams most likely to challenge Olympia throughout the season with both teams likely to take points off the current champions whose main concern looks to be fitness nearing the start of the season.
The form of Sarah Morris will dictate how far Zebras will go this year but with some talent coming through the ranks we could possibly see a changing of the gaurd at the top.
Zebras were active in the transfer market over the summer picking up the likes of Rachel Ridler and Danielle Kannegiesser from Clarence United. These signings may see them pip the Eastern Shore side in the final standings.
Clarence on the otherhand will probably see things differently and with an abundance of talent coming through the ranks will see themselves amongst the mix come finals time.
United are a side that plays well as a team. They proved last year they have the ability to knock anyside off at any stage.
They have arguable the finest keeper in the league which gives them added advantage in a competition that has started to produce a number of fine strikers.
One of which will play for black and red in Bronte Davidson.
Under new coach Pat Watts University are expected to fill that fourth place finals spot.
University were the real surprise package out of last years competition and will be looking to build on the momentum generated out of their 2013 campaign.
Mikayla Wedge is a huge loss for the side but Watts is confident that Elissa Bowditch has shown enough to fill the gap left by Wedge.
Taroona FC have lost a significant amount of players from their senior playing group for 2014.
They will rely heavily on the likes of Lisa Bremner and Sabella Ormandy-Neale. Two players who have now been part of the senior setup for a number of years.
Don't count Taroona out of finals contention though, abely coached by Scott Gallagher If University dont take advantage of Taroona's losses then you could see the tangarine strip running around come finals time.
Glenorchy Knights made up mainly of players from last years New Town Eagles squad are expected to be competitive without challenging for the finals.
Knights who have bought virtually the entire women's program across from Eagles have a number of talented players amongst teir playing group.
The loss of Zoe Nichols to Zebras will hurt the side in the middle of the park but dont be surprised If towards the end of the season Chris Murray has the Knights starting to take valuable points off some of the top sides.
(Right): Clarence United will be looking to start the season running when they take on Olympia FC in their first match of the season.
Image courtesy of Sarah Nellis