2025 NPLW season: Atturo ready to lead RedStar to more glory

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Chris Atturo has dismissed suggestions he is on a hiding to nothing after taking over as head coach at Perth RedStar.

Atturo inherits a squad that, under previous incumbent Carlos Vega Mena, dominated the competition including winning the last three NPLWA – Women’s league titles.

RedStar’s overwhelming supremacy might have deterred potential candidates from accepting the position. Not Atturo, who is embracing the challenge ahead of the new season.

“Yes, a few people have said it’s a poisoned chalice, taking the job after Carlos has been so successful,” Atturo said.

“I don’t see it that way. This is an opportunity to take over an established side and put my own philosophy down.

“I’m similar to Carlos, I suppose.

“I want us to attack with precision … to play attacking football with flair. We might well concede goals, but I want us to be comfortable with that. And to be fair to the players, they have done a tremendous job adapting to my style.”

Perth RedStar Chris Atturo Sarah Carroll and Simon Hicks — Perth RedStar head coach Chris Atturo, captain Sarah Carroll and General Manager Simon Hicks at the recent NPL Season Launch. Photo by Football West/FotoEnzo

With Fremantle City Division One attacker Zahlia Lornie the only addition to the RedStar squad so far, Atturo is confident his side remain as hungry as ever for success.

“I coached Zahlia before and she has a tremendous amount of talent," he said.

“We had a look at her pre-season and she’s done a fantastic job. She’ll probably play in the 21s this weekend and be on the bench for the first team.

“Otherwise, there’s experience right through the line-up. Sarah Carroll will again lead the team and the players thrive under her leadership."

In a top-versus-bottom encounter from last season, the reigning champions begin their title defence on Sunday away to UWA Nedlands. For the first time since 2021, RedStar go into the new campaign having failed to reach the Night Series final.

“The players didn’t know what to do with themselves after getting knocked out of the Night Series,” Atturo said.

“Since then, we have had a couple of tune-up games and now we are very keen to get going and make a positive statement.

“We want to send a signal that we are still a force.

“This is potentially a year of immortality for the team – the chance to be NPL champions for four years in a row.”

Round One begins on Saturday when Perth SC take on Fremantle City at Dorrien Gardens.

Then on Sunday, Balcatta Etna return to the scene of last week’s Night Series triumph when they face Hyundai Football West Academy while MUM FC begin at home to Subiaco.

All NPLW fixtures, results & standings: https://bit.ly/NPLW-25

All of this season’s matches are live on https://streamer.com.au/league/nplwawomens