Ask me to predict a W-League season three winner, and I can't, for the straight-up reason that with just seven teams, a concentration of talent, and some clever off-season recruiting there aren't any easy beats.
Round one kicks off this Saturday headlined by (as in broadcast live on ABC1) a grand final rematch between Roar Women and Sydney FC. The latter took home the silverware last season, but the eternal favourites and experienced Roar will be focused and keen to reclaim their season one crown.
Clare Polkinghorne will again lead the Roar, Jo Burgess is returning from a knee reconstruction, and Rebekah Stott, Erika Elze, and Emily Geilnik will be ones to watch as they make their W-League debuts. The also-experienced Sydney will be led by the talented Heather Garriock, with its ranks boosted by players from the now-defunct Central Coast Mariners (Lydia Vandenbergh, Teresa Polias) and debutantes Dimi Poulos, Caitlin Foord, and Erin Herd.
Further south, but playing concurrently, will be Adelaide United and the Newcastle Jets. Both teams have bolstered their ranks with experienced, all-round players, which will see them hold their shape and their mettle against the Matildas-heavy Roar and Sydney later in the season.
Newcastle, in particular, has recruited some great talent, including Thea Slatyer (from Canberra United), American goalkeeper Allison Lipsher, as well as Sasha McDonnell and Kara Mowbray, who are both forwards originally from Queensland but who have, amid the strong Sunshine State competition, struggled to cement Staring XI positions (I have a sneaking suspicion they'll fare better in at Newcastle in season three).
Rounding out the week one matches are Perth and Canberra (Melbourne's on a bye due to the now-odd number of teams), with both teams boasting a wealth of talent. Lining up for Perth are goal-scoring Matildas duo Katie Gill and Sam Kerr, and Tine Cederkvis, here all the way from Denmark.
Meanwhile Canberra has recruited its winter socks off. Season two golden boot winner and former Central Coast Mariner Michelle Heyman and game-changer Sally Shipard have joined their ranks, with the always-solid Caitlin Munoz returning from a knee reconstruction. And who could forget all-rounder and dual international Ellyse Perry, who will be again sharing her time between playing for Canberra in football and New South Wales and Australia in cricket?
If there's one thing I can definitively say, it's that's the W-League is going from strength to strength talent-wise.
The season kicks off at 3pm AEDT this Saturday but live commentary on Melbourne Victory's last pre-season hit out will be running on www.sportsbuzz.com.au TONIGHT as Victory women take on Central City FC under-15 boys, kick-off 7:30pm AEDT.
