Adelaide United

Predicted finish: 9th

Last season: 6th

First game: November 3. Western Sydney Wanderers, Marconi Stadium. 7.30pm

Overview: The Reds are still yet to announce their complete squad but have managed to keep young gun Alex Chidiac. Adelaide have also welcomed back some key names for their second-stint – Matilda Emma who is coming back from South Korea and code hopper Jenna McCormick who just enjoyed an AFLW premiership with Adelaide Crows. United scored the second most goals last season and looked strong going forward. However the teams such as Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory have strengthened their squad and there will be pressure to keep up with the tightness of the competition.

Emma Checker said: “The club have made a lot of changes in the right direction and we’ve made some really great signings. We may not have the strongest looking squad on paper and people may underestimate us. Internationally we have some great girls coming in from the US and some great local talent.”

Coach: Ivan Karlovic

Squad: Eliza Campbell (GK), Emily Hodgson, Jenna McCormick, Georgia Campagnale, Emily Condon, Adriana Jones, Alex Chidiac, Grace Abbey, Emma Checker

Brisbane Roar

Predicted finish: 5th

Last season: 7th

First game: October 27. Sydney FC, Allianz Stadium. 5.20pm

Overview: Brisbane Roar struggled to score goals last season, but now have secured the services and have welcomed home Matilda Hayley Raso after winning the American NWSL championship with Portland Thorns. Captain Clare Polkinghorne, who is a veteran of the club is ready to lead once again under newly appointed manager Melissa Andreatta, while familiar names Katrina ‘Mini’ Gorry and Tameka Butt have stuck around. The pressure will be on for the team to work collectively this season to improve after finishing seventh in 2016/17.

Katrina Gorry said: “When I was in Japan (playing for Vegalta Sendai) I could see the hype around the W-League. It’s sad not being around for pre-season but I knew our girls were working really hard and it was really exciting to get back. We always have the core group of girls who stay on and have been loyal to the club.”

Coach: Melissa Andreatta

Squad: Mackenzie Arnold (GK), Georgina Worth (GK), Summer O'Brien, Clare Polkinghorne (c), Kaitlyn Torpey, Carson Pickett (international), Amy Chapman, Katrina Gorry, Ayesha Norrie, Natalie Tathem, Celeste Boureille (international), Wai Ki Cheung (international), Abbey Lloyd, Hayley Raso, Allira Toby, Tameka Butt

Canberra United

Predicted finish: 2nd

Last season: 1st

First game: October 28. Melbourne Victory, Epping Stadium. 4.30pm

Overview: Former Matilda Heather Garriock has taken charge of the W-League’s only standalone club. Taking over from Rae Dower, she has brought in a number of Young Matildas including the experienced Ellie Carpenter, who makes the switch from Western Sydney Wanderers. Canberra topped the table last season but lost the semi-final to Melbourne City in extra-time. Now with the likes of familiar faces - Michelle Heyman and Ashleigh Sykes and adding four new internationals, the women in green could be up there once again this year.

Ashleigh Sykes said: “We have such a big women’s football presence here in Canberra, we’ve managed to develop a culture of success. Hopefully go one better again this year and make it to the final with that trophy. We’ve recruited well this year, some great internationals as well some good local talent.”

Coach: Heather Garriock

Squad: Haley Kopmeyer (GK) (international), Georgia Boric (GK), Clare Hunt, Toni Pressley (international), Sarah Morgan, Ellie Carpenter, Laura Bassett (international), Georgia Plessas, Caitlin Munoz, Liana Danaskos, Grace Maher, Bethany Gordon, Karly Roestbakken, Taren King, Amy Sayer, Nickoletta Flannery, Ashleigh Sykes, Madelyn Whittall, Aoife Colvill, Michelle Heyman (c), Kendall Fletcher (international)