NPLWA Women's Night Series final: Perth RedStar v Perth SC
Perth SC get the chance of their first trophy since the start of the NPLWA - Women's competition in 2020 when they take on Perth RedStar in Sunday's Night Series final at E&D Litis Stadium (7.15pm).
The Azzurri made clear progress last season, finishing runners-up in the league and reaching the State Cup final.
They were RedStar’s strongest competitor, with two draws and three single-goal defeats from their five meetings.
It is a base which Perth SC head coach Peter Rakic will look to use to lay down a marker.
“It’s a huge opportunity for us, especially if we can come out on Sunday victorious. Not just to lift that first piece of silverware for the club, but also to give us that boost of confidence against a team that was practically invincible last year.” Rakic said.
“It’s definitely important for us in terms of our preparation for the season and the recognition we want to earn for the women at Perth Soccer Club, and the hard work they’ve put in over the past few seasons of the NPLWA – Women’s competition.
“A lot of people will say the Night Series isn’t an accurate representation of what happens during the season, but for us we believe whatever happens this weekend win, lose or draw, it will set the tone for us this season.”
Ellie La Monte, Monique Godding, Poppie Hooks and the returning Gemma Craine are among the fresh faces at Dorrien Gardens.
RedStar finished 17 points clear of Perth in the final shake-up of the league, but Rakic’s reflections on the club’s 2022 season gives him optimism they can bridge the gap this year.
“That was the message which came across from the leadership group when we sat down and discussed the season. We looked at each other and thought, actually we did have a good season, despite coming out of it empty-handed,” he said.
“We were easily the most competitive team to RedStar, pushing them in the State Cup final and when we did play them it was a tense affair which made RedStar rise to the occasion, as much as they were brilliant in every aspect of their game.
“I think they were certainly wary of us, which is a credit to our team and gives us something to really fight for this year in terms of aiming that one step higher.
“As much as it’s hard to try and erase the fact RedStar have gone undefeated for so many games, I’m hoping people look at us and think we’re going to go from strength to strength, too. Not just because we’ve recruited some new faces, but because we want to continue to build on something, and knowing we want to go toe-to-toe with RedStar as best as we can.”
RedStar’s women are yet to suffer defeat in any competition since last year’s merger between Northern Redbacks and ECU Joondalup was completed last year.
That resulted in a clean sweep of the four available trophies in 2022. Japanese pair Reina Kagami and Chiori Ikeda are added to a squad which has lost experienced trio Shawn Billam (retired), Larissa Walsh (moved interstate) and Carla Bennett (injury) in the off-season.
However, six wins in six to start this year means they have shown little sign of easing off, and head coach Carlos Vega Mena says he is excited by the challenge of continuing the club’s glorious run.
“We have lost a few key players and have brought in some new faces, but our motivation remains the same in keeping the same philosophy and mentality. I want to keep the team strong and continue to build on last year,” he said.
“The girls coming up from the U21s know if they’re training well they will have a chance to play in the first team and that keeps the whole squad motivated, because there’s hope for everyone to play a part.
“This Sunday will be a game between the two best teams in the Night Series so far and it’s going to be a tough match. I think the team who makes less mistakes will have a better chance of winning, but already we have seen how hard the competition is going to be this year.
“We are very aware that everyone is extra motivated to be the first team to beat us. But the girls know this and the way they handle it is good. They know there are going to be teams who want to apply pressure and challenge us.”
The final, which will go straight to penalties if it finishes all square, will be shown live on Streamer, plus Football West Facebook. It follows the third-place play-off match between Fremantle City and Hyundai NTC meeting at 5pm.
Sunday 19 March
NPLWA – WA Women’s Night Series
E&D Litis Stadium
Third-place play-off
Fremantle City v Hyundai NTC (5pm)
Final
Perth RedStar v Perth SC (7.15pm)