Newcastle Olympic v Charlestown Azzurri
Darling Street Oval, Sunday 5pm
Charlestown Azzurri’s versatile threat Lori Depczynski could make a shock return on Sunday with coach Heath Whyte not ruling her out of the NPL Women’s NNSW grand final against Newcastle Olympic.
The Blues are preparing for their first grand final appearance against three-time grand finalists Olympic at Darling Street Oval.
Depczynski suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury which was to be season-ending against Broadmeadow Magic in early July but Whyte said that she would be in consideration for the club’s biggest game in their women’s history.
“Lori turned up to training this week with her knee strapped and is begging to play,” Whyte said.
“She still cannot make turning movements on one leg but has said she is fine as the other leg is all she needs.
“It cannot be confirmed or denied if Lori will be a part of the squad but it is under consideration. She will not start but could come off the bench.
“Lori can be a game changer.
“Cooper Cronk played a [NRL] grand final for the Roosters with a broken shoulder. Lori has been in the game for a long time and I will trust her opinion and assessment of her capabilities.”
Whyte did confirm that defender Alyssa Togo would remain ruled out for this weekend with a knee injury but everyone else would be available.
Azzurri finished the season third and had to battle their way through two do-or-die matches in the finals series to make it through to their first grand final.
The Charlestown coach said the club was excited to feature in four of the five NPL Women’s NNSW and Premier Youth League Girls grand finals on Sunday.
“As a club, we are excited to have four grades in the grand final, which is quite an achievement,” Whyte said.
“The girls were thrilled to get the win over Maitland. We took a lot out of that game and most of which was mainly belief that we can go all the way.”
Whyte expected this weekend’s match against Olympic to be another tight tussle after two losses and a win this season.
“I think it will be quite fast-paced particularly in the first 15 minutes with both teams trying to exert dominance,” Whyte said.
“I am expecting Olympic to put on a high press which is what they did against Maitland and were quite effective at it.
“The key focus is to continue with our discipline in defence. We have held two top four teams to zero goals scored against us.
“Our transition has been sharp but one thing that we need to improve on a little bit is keeping the ball.
“We are the second top scoring team so we know that we can finish. If we can keep the ball and progress forward then we will be dangerous in front of the sticks.
“Apart from our strategy, we are looking at our DNA and who we are as a squad. We will approach the match first with our heads and then bring it home with the heart.
“We have already achieved so much but we have always had one goal and one vision which we will be marching towards on Sunday.
“I think our supporters are going to play a huge part in getting our girls home. We love playing at Darling Street and taking it to Olympic.
“Bring on the battle.”
Whyte did not reveal who would be between the posts this weekend. Taylah Gray is available for selection after an ankle injury but Malli Blanch has been vital in the team's finals success so far.
Newcastle Olympic have confirmed that number one goalkeeper Isabella Whitton will be available this weekend in a massive boost.
Whitton returned in the major semi-final against Maitland after months sidelined with a hand injury.
Olympic coach Craig Atkins said he was thrilled to have Whitton back in his squad.
“Bella is an outstanding goalkeeper and has been a big asset to our squad this year,” Atkins said.
“To have her back on deck has been huge. You could see the girls lift when she returned against Maitland.”
This Sunday’s grand final will be Olympic’s fourth, with the squad determined to lift their second championship trophy on home turf.
Atkins said that the team was excited to play a grand final at home and hoped experience across the group would help them to get over the line.
“Everyone is looking forward to it,” Atkins said.
“It is a really good vibe amongst the group. [There are a] lot of people there with experience in grand finals with players, staff and committee members.
“The girls love playing at home with the new grandstand and sheds. It’s a nice touch to be playing in a home grand final.”
Atkins said he would not be underestimating Charlestown after their recent run of form.
“We are up against Azzurri who is always a fit and physical competitor,” Atkins said.
“[Azzurri] have some very dangerous players. We are going to have to be very mindful of it and be really aware of them on the counterattack.
“It’s a big job to do on Sunday.
“We will try to stick to our usual game plan as much as possible but may have to make adjustments if needed. We will try and exploit them in some areas and get the job done.”
Everyone will be available for selection for Olympic this weekend, which Atkins said was a nice problem to have.
“It is a good problem to have with everyone available. It has been a number of weeks since we had everyone available. I am glad that we have everyone in our squad available,” Atkins said.
“It is absolutely crucial in a grand final to have people that can come on and make an impact. It will be high intensity and a very high pace game.
“There are opportunities for people to come off the bench and be that game changer and lift the players around them on the pitch.”
In reserve grade, the grand final will take place between Maitland FC and Charlestown Azzurri at 2.15pm while Mid Coast FC will take on Maitland FC in the under-17s at 12.15pm.
In the under-15s, Broadmeadow Magic will play Charlestown Azzurri at 10.15am after Adamstown Rosebud JFC face Charlestown Azzurri in the under-13s decider from 8.15am.