Disclaimer: All opinion by Lancelot Yu, and may not necessarily reflect SWAFL's views. Lance is the team manager of the Bondi Shamrocks AFL Club and Wollongong's SWAFL Delegate when required. All opinions are my own.
Last year's competition was one of the most exciting on record in five years, as the finalists weren't decided until 80% of the season was completed. We hope for the same this year.
The summer is over, let the 2010 season commence!
Well, over the summer - new clubs joined the competition, some others were rebranded and others had changes in their playing and coaching personnel which means all teams start 2010 afresh.
Going alphabetically.
Balmain Dockers: 2009 Finish - 3rd. I think the Dockers could be due for some luck this season. However the retirements of full-forward Natalie Morgan means finding another spearhead to accompany 2009 Golden Boot CHF Belinda Pride. It'll be interesting to see what the new forward structure at Dockerland is. The Dockers Coach is Tracey Kick, who took over for the second half of 2009.
Bondi Shamrocks: 2009 Finish - 4th. New coach Geoff Odgers will be leading the Irish this year which means the players will have to get used to Geoff's style. With a bit of turnover in the playing ranks with some of the players returning home to Ireland or focusing only on Gaelic Sports, it'll be interesting to see how the new Shamrocks they will adapt to the game. All the second year players will be asked to step up a level. There is a sense of optimism from County Bondi about improvement on the field.
Easts-UNSW Stingrays: 2009 Finish - 7th. 2010 represents a fresh beginning for the Stingrays. Coach Ben Porter returns for a second stint and with most of the team returning, the experience should mean that aiming to climb the ladder for a finals position represents an achieveable aim for the Stingrays.
Macquarie University Warriors: 2009 Finish - Development Status. I think Macquarie University has recruited well over the summer to field a competitive viable team. The Mac Warriors showed in their development games last year that they can definitely play. A shortage of players just meant they were unable to compete for points, which won't be happening in 2010. There are definitely some talented players in the Northwest of Sydney as shown in the USA Match. In the preseason match against the Bondi Shamrocks on 14th March, the Warriors held their own against last year's finalists. Coach for the second year is Belinda Harrison.
Newtown Breakaways: 2009 Finish - Premiers. The retirement of their inspirational and only Newtown Premiership coach and many of their players could mean interesting times ahead at the Breakaways. Retirements include president Bec Burridge which also means the full forward position is now vacant. It'll be interesting to see who fills the spot. With a new coach in Darren Lewtas, the Breakaways will also have to learn the new system and implement in quickly.
Southern Power: Yet to play. This new team from the Sutherland Shire will be an exciting addition to the competition. They have recruited well in getting new players from the Shire and some of the players from the former St George Dragons women's team. New coach Gary Slowgrove used to coach the women's St. George Dragons, and was also the International Rules Coach and SWAFL Coach against the USA. Gary thus is highly regarded as a coach by his peers in the league for his coaching skills.
Sydney University Bombers: 2009 Finish - 5th. Add new coach + influx of new players + talent in abundance = an exciting mix potentially. New coach Krissie Steen in her first head coaching job of an AFL team, has oodles of talent at Bomberland. Combined with last year's coach Penny Stringer assisting, this could be an exciting mixture to restore Sydney University's position back in the finals. The return of Lara Creber and Kate Lancaster means a formidable center combination with May Nguyen and Emma Yuen. We think the major dilemma for Sydney University is whom to leave out each weekend with at least 35 players at their disposal.
Western Wolves: 2009 Finish - 2nd. Can the Wolves justify their favourites tag for this years competition? Two reasons: (a) Historically the Wolves win in even-ended years. (b) They are the most settled side in terms of the number of retirements/transfers. The Wolves will relish being the first SWAFL team to play on Blacktown Olympic Park as part of the bigger Western Magpies day. Coach for the 3rd straight year at the Wolves is Jason King, assisted by Richard Anderson.
Wollongong Saints: Yet to play. This is our "newest" team built from scratch in literally two months as the AFL Illawarra decided to offer a fully-fledged pathway for women in the Illawarra district. Built on the foundations of the Youth Girls League, we think in the future it could well be a powerhouse club with the pipeline to the future talent. However we salute the original pioneers from Wollongong as they embark on the 2010 journey. Captained by Shellee Gibson and utilising a panel of former coaches, we think Wollongong will be an exciting addition to this year's league.
At the end of the day, predictions are for naught. Teams actually mean a body of players united playing as one. The team that is the most healthiest and injury-free, will probably the team that wins this year's competition.
Last Modified on 29/03/2010 21:29