Match of the Round
Charlestown Azzurri v Maitland FC
Lisle Carr Oval, Sunday 4pm
Maitland FC will be without returning coach Keelan Hamilton in the dugout when they open their 2023 campaign with a tough trip to face Charlestown Azzurri on Sunday.
The Magpies travel to Lisle Carr Oval looking for a strong start to their season but will have to do it without Hamilton, who flew to the Kyrgyz Republic with the Young Matildas on Thursday morning for the first round of the 2024 AFC under-20s Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers.
Hamilton coached Maitland in its maiden women’s season in 2021, where he led the Magpies to winning the Women’s State Cup.
He returned to the club this season following the departure of David Walker and has wasted no time in improving the depth and quality of his squad.
Midfielder Sophia Laurie has joined from Warners Bay, while Newcastle Jets Youth goalkeeper Annabella Thornton has signed to provide competition for incumbent No.1 Imogene Tomasone.
Nikolina Bucalo and American defender Sawyer Hall and have arrived from Victorian Premier League Women’s side Boroondara-Carey Eagles FC and Victoria NPL Women’s club Box Hill United respectively, while young striker Indiana Auddino has joined from Central Coast Mariners. Madison Gallegos has also returned to the club.
Hamilton also expects Sophie Stapleford and Bronte Peel to be available once their Newcastle Jets and US college commitments are complete. Both will be unavailable for the season opener, as will another new signing in former Broadmeadow attacker Lucy Kell who is out with a tweaked quadriceps.
The Magpies have lost Toria Campbell for the year after she suffered an ACL injury at the end of last season. Kiarra Lewis and Jemma Lawson, who joined Maitland midway through last season, have joined Broadmeadow and New Lambton.
Hamilton has been meticulous in his preparation for round one but, while his commitments as an assistant coach with the Young Matildas have added a late challenge, he was confident his side would be ready to go on opening day.
“I got a phone call out of the blue from [Young Matildas coach] Leah Blayney before Christmas. Her staff was evolving and they had a camp in Canberra in November. They needed someone to help out,” Hamilton said.
“I was on my A-Licence course with Leah but hadn’t had much contact since then. I took up the invitation and have been lucky enough to be included again. We were in Melbourne for a camp last month and now we’re off to the Asian Cup qualifiers.
“It’s not a full-time thing and obviously I need to perform in that space. I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m really thankful to Leah for the opportunity. Where it leads to I have no idea. But obviously it is a bummer that I’ll miss round one.
“But the girls are understanding. We’ve put some good processes in place and our players and coaching staff know their roles. Charlestown away is a tough start for us but it is an exciting start as well because it will give us a good indication where we’re sitting.”
Hamilton has enjoyed his time back at the club so far, with his knowledge of most of his squad helping to smooth the transition.
Maitland started last season strongly before injury, illness and unavailability hit them hard midway through the campaign which saw the Magpies miss out on the finals.
But Hamilton is hopeful the added depth and quality of his squad will see them remain a competition threat far longer this time around.
“Obviously I had the girls the first season after the transition from Thornton and they’ve made significant progress since then,” Hamilton said.
“Dave did a fantastic job last year and we’ve identified some areas to improve on to take that next step to be able to compete with those really strong teams in the comp. I’m happy with how it has gone so far.
“We’ve got that deeper competition for places which is great for me as a coach and it’s up to the players that if they are selected and given an opportunity they need to take it.
“We’ve got the flexibility now, that depth of players and girls who can play multiple roles. Our focus is to create a competitive environment at training and on match days so when we’re bringing players off the bench the level and tempo of our game doesn’t change.”
Hamilton acknowledged how difficult a challenge facing a tough Charlestown side away from home would be first up but expected his side to be up to the task.
“It’s a really tough match, especially first up,” Hamilton said.
“I think our first three are Azzurri and Olympic away then New Lambton at home who a lot of people are talking about.
“Charlestown obviously transitioned over from Merewether so they have a number of players still there. They are always very difficult to beat and they’ve added some key players to their roster.
“There are no easy games and I think it’s great for women’s football in our area. It continues to grow which is great. Across the board teams are getting stronger and stronger every year so you have to be up every week.”
Charlestown coach Niko Papaspiropoulos is keen to continue where his side left off last season.
Azzurri lifted the Women’s State Cup and reached the finals after finishing third to cap a successful campaign.
Former Merewether United star Sarah Halvorsen has returned to Azzurri after playing AFLW with GWS Giants, while Emily Diaz and Alyssa Togo have joined from Central Coast Mariners. Jess Dominello has arrived from New Lambton, while Newcastle Jets product Evie Horgan will bolster the midfield. Lilly-Jane Babic also returns.
Charlestown have lost Summer Taube who has returned to the US and Tamara Nash who is taking some time off. Striker Courtney Anderson has joined Adamstown with goalkeeper Taylah Gray also departing.
Papaspiropoulos said he was keen to build on what Azzurri had achieved last year.
“I’m hopeful of another positive year. Injuries and unavailabilities took a toll the whole year really. In terms of this year we want to be there at the end of the season again and playing finals football,” Papaspiropoulos said.
“I never like to predict anything but simply we want to go into every game trying to win. It’s a tough ask but just having that mentality to try and win every game whether that be NPL, the State Cup or the League Cup. Our attitude has got to be to win.
“It makes a big difference having success but that was one good season, we want to build on that and improve. We’re not just happy with where we finished last year. And I think all the girls are on the same page.”
Maitland and Charlestown split their three matches last season, winning one each by a solitary goal and playing out a 1-1 draw.
Papaspiropoulos knows the challenge Azzurri face on Sunday.
“Maitland have got a good squad and have been in the comp for a couple of seasons now. They only just missed out on finals two years in a row,” Papaspiropoulos said.
“I know they’ll be hungry and want to make a statement and have more success. They’ve made a couple of good signings and added depth to their team.
“Keelan is an organised coach. I’ve played against his teams in the past and they are always so well drilled and organised. I’m expecting a tough game.”
Broadmeadow Magic v New Lambton FC
Magic Park, Sunday 4pm
Broadmeadow Magic host a new-look New Lambton FC looking to bounce back from a disappointing end to last season.
Magic had another strong campaign in 2022 only to wilt late on, eliminated following consecutive finals losses having finished three points behind premiers Warners Bay.
Jake Curley has added Newcastle Jets striker and reigning NPLW NNSW player of the year Adriana Konjarski, with Gemma Harrison also back wearing red.
Kobie Ferguson is back from injury though Lucy Kell has joined Maitland.
Magic captain Kalista Hunter said expectations were once again high at Broadmeadow.
“Pre-season has been good. We’ve got a few new players but everyone has been going well. Everyone is fit,” Hunter said.
“Gemma Harrison is back. [Konjarski] as well. She gets along with us, we’ve played with her before so it’s back to normal. She’s got really good energy up front. I feel like she can help control what’s happening up top and score some goals.”
The 24-year-old defender was unsure of what to expect from a New Lambton side which should be much improved at Magic Park on Sunday.
While the Eagles have signed Jets pair Cassidy Davis and Lauren Allen, they will not be able to play until the end of their A-League Women’s commitments.
But former Jets player Tara Pender should be available for new Eagles coach Greg Lowe alongside fellow former Warners Bay players Serena Carter, Airlie Davis and Amy Gosling. Former Panthers goalkeeper Ally Boertje has also joined New Lambton.
“We’ll approach it how we approach any game, just go in there and work hard,” Hunter said.
“They’ll be a completely different team to when the Jets girls do come back but I still think they will be a harder team to play than last year. I think they’re a bit unknown and I think a lot of teams you don’t know what to expect this year.
“It will make for a good competition. It will be more even and competitive all year.
“I think we’ve got to work hard and remember what our goal is which is to take home that trophy. I have 100 per cent faith we can do it but it will come down to being consistent.”
Warners Bay FC v Newcastle Olympic
John Street Oval, Sunday 4pm
Warners Bay will be almost unrecognisable from the team that won the 2022 NPL Women’s NNSW premiership-championship double when they host Newcastle Olympic on Sunday.
The Panthers welcome Olympic to John Street with most of their senior squad having left for other clubs, with 2022 NPLW NNSW coach of the year Craig Atkins also having departed.
Olympic also have a new coach at the helm with Neil Owens taking over from Paul Devitis.
Olympic went down 4-2 in the decider at No.2 Sportsground last season. Former Panthers trio Georgia Cook, Elodie Dagg and Zoe Horgan, who helped Warners Bay secure the trophy that day, will return to John Street wearing Olympic blue.
New Warners Bay coach Ryan Swinkels has mostly promoted from within, leaving a young Panthers side with a tough task on the opening weekend.
Mid Coast FC v Adamstown Rosebud JFC
Taree Zone Field, Sunday 4pm
Mid Coast FC player-coach Emma Stanbury is confident her new-look Middies side will be much more competitive this season, starting with their opening round match with Adamstown.
Stanbury finished her professional playing career with Adelaide United last season, having also spent seasons with Newcastle Jets and Canberra United.
The 31-year-old has promoted a lot of young talent into her first team squad, some as young as 14, who Stanbury described as phenomenal players.
Stanbury believes their eagerness and willingness to want to grow as footballers and reach the next level has allowed her to create a more professional training environment.
“We’re getting full squads to training which is different to what I’ve heard previously. We’ve got a lot of young kids with a lot of aggression and skill. They’re just eager to prove they’re worthy to play at this level,” Stanbury said.
“Zora Boskovski is only 14. She’s a left winger and I’m already talking to [Football Australia Technical Director – Women’s Football] Rae Dower about her. She has been in the boys program previously so this is her first time in the women’s [program]. She’s phenomenal.
“Marissa Masterantonio has just turned 15. She’s an amazing midfield player. Asha Paff, Sarah King, the list goes on. I’m really excited about them.”
Stanbury will transition from her usual midfield role to a place in central defence.
“Middies in previous seasons defensively haven’t been the strongest. They’ve had a lot of goals conceded. So I’m hoping by putting myself in there and offering that guidance and confidence to the girls knowing they have me there hopefully that will help us,” Stanbury said.
“I’ve got no worries about our attacking third. They’re very skilful and attacking minded so I think it will mesh well.”
Adamstown make the long trip north to Taree without Jets players Leia Puxty and Josie Morley.
Rosebud met Mid Coast in a trial match late last month, with Middies up 3-2 before making a host of changes.
Stanbury said she took plenty of confidence from that outing.
“I noticed a few weaknesses with the Buds. They are a strong squad but there’s definitely areas we can exploit with them,” Stanbury said.
“I think it’s going to be a close game. We’re looking forward to it and we’re ready to go. We can’t wait.”
