Melbourne City

Predicted finish: 1st

Last season: 4th (champions)

First game: October 27. Perth Glory, nib Stadium. 7pm

Overview: Once again you can expect City to be at the top and will be looking to back up their back-to-back championships into the threepeat. New coach Patrick Kisnorbo has brought in some big names including star Matildas Kyah Simon who can hurt you up front and Alanna Kennedy who is a solid defender. Add to the mix captain Steph Catley who has grown versatile as well as the three internationals who have proven themselves in the W-League. It could get ugly this season.

Steph Catley said: “Last season there was pressure from the fact we went through undefeated, but this year it’s the same. Everybody is saying ‘can they do it three times in a row?’. We’re looking at it as a fresh start. There is a little bit of pressure, but I think it’s a brand new season.”

Coach: Patrick Kisnorbo

Squad: Lydia Williams (GK), Emily Shields (GK), Emily Kenshole (GK), Yukari Kinga (international), Lauren Barnes (international), Steph Catley (c), Larissa Crummer, Jess Fishlock (international), Rhali Dobson, Rebekah Stott, Alanna Kennedy, Ashlee Hatch (international), Amy Jackson, Kyah Simon, Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, Sofia Sakalis, Hayley Richmond

Melbourne Victory

Predicted Finish: 6th

Last season: 9th

First game: October 28. Canberra United, Epping Stadium. 4.30pm

Overview: You would be forgiven to think The Big V have upped their game in order to match rival Melbourne City and coach Jeff Hopkins has strengthened the squad since taking over last season. He has secured Matildas star Laura Alleway for her second-stint as well as the services of experienced goalkeeper Casey Dumont. There is also a number of developing young guns such as young guns Annabel Martin and Mindy Barbieri. With the return of Natasha Dowie and a fully fit Laura Spiranovic up front, Victory can climb the ladder from winning the wooden spoon last season.

Laura Alleway said: “It’s a brand new squad and year, the girls’ mentality has been excellent. It’s really blown me away with their work rate and their attitude towards learning. Yes, we way have a young squad, but the maturity levels on the girls go beyond their years if you’ve got the right mentality and passion.”

Coach: Jeff Hopkins

Squad: Casey Dumont (GK), Mason-Jones (GK), Laura Alleway, Melina Ayres, MelindaJ Barbieri, Angela Beard, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Natasha Dowie (c) (international), Tiffany Eliadis, Christina Gibbons (international), Alexandra Gummer, Gulcan Koca, Whitney Knight, Annabel Martin, Lia Privitelli, Laura Spiranovic, Jeon Ga-eul (international), Kristen McNabb (international)

Newcastle Jets

Predicted finish: 8th

Last season: 5th

First game: October 29. Western Sydney Wanderers, McDonald Jones Stadium. 2.30pm

Overview: Newcastle welcome back Matildas star Emily van Egmond who has enjoyed time with Bundesliga sides 1. FFC Frankfurt and VfL Wolfsburg and will be crucial to the way they set up this season. The Jets will be delighted to re-sign American Arin Gilliland who scored four goals in nine games last season. Coach Craig Deans will be disappointed he has lost star Chloe Logarzo to Sydney FC who he wasn’t able to utilise because of an ankle injury. But the Jets have secured an exciting up-and-coming talent Young Matilda Cortnee Vine and 19-year-old Clare Wheeler continues to build her portfolio. Katie Stengel enjoyed six goals last season for the Wanderers and could be needed again as she heads up North to the Jets.

Arin Gilliland said: “I’ve been looking forward to coming back since the moment I left last year. I’ve been chatting with Deansy and there was no doubt in my mind about returning to Newcastle. I want to get plenty of opportunities in front of goal, improve my finishing and hopefully find the back of the net.”

Coach: Craig Deans

Squad: Claire Coelho (GK), Britt Eckerstrom (GK) (international), Arin Gilliland (international), Cassidy Davis, Gema Simon (c), Jenna Kingsley, Tara Andrews, Hannah Brewer, Tori Huster (international), Nikola Orgill, Tash Prior, Katie Stengel (international), Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Cortnee Vine