Article: Jeremy Magan
Photo: Anthony Caffery Photography

Monaro Panthers vs Canberra Croatia | Saturday, 22^nd August – 1pm @ Riverside Football Stadium
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Head to Riverside for a game of antipodes on Saturday: bottom of the table Monaro Panthers, who only have one point and two goals in the first half of the season, host Canberra Croatia, who hold the perfect record of four wins in four games. The task won’t be easy for the Queanbeyan side, who will have to modify their line-up after central defender Thembi Compton’s red card in Wagga. Paul Townsley’s players' ability to work together defensively, and to restrain key players Grace Gill and Brittany Palombi will be key to get an upset. The Panthers can always count on Raechel Hardwicke, who has scored two terrific free-kicks this season, to take on any opportunity to put her name on the scoresheet. Monaro will try and avoid reliving last season results, two large defeats (2-7, 0-7).

Nik Brozinic’s side will fancy their chances to go five-from-five in Riverside. Their strength, size and pace down the wings will be constant threats for the young Panthers. It is on the defensive side that they have a few concerns, conceding seven goals in the last three games so they would be eager to get their second clean sheet of 2020. A win for Canberra Croatia would mean securing first place ahead of the  2019 dramatic Grand Final’s rematch against Belconnen United next weekend. To host their archrival in the most comfortable position, the Deakin side will do what it takes to come back from Monaro with all three points.

Belconnen United vs Wagga City Wanderers | Saturday, 22^nd August – 3pm @ Hawker Football Centre
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Dominant Belconnen United was at it again last weekend, scoring seven goals past Woden Weston, the first three in the opening 10 minutes. Hosting Wagga City is the start of a tough series for the Blue Devils, who will face Canberra Croatia, Canberra Olympic, and Canberra United Academy in their run home. Ahmed Ugool’s players will fancy a win on Saturday to keep their momentum up and boost their confidence before the final stretch. The three points would also put them ahead of Gungahlin United on goal difference.

Much has changed since Wagga City met Belconnen last season, where they conceded 21 goals in two games. The Wanderers have shown a lot of promise in 2020, finally claiming their first win last weekend. They have scored 10 goals already, which is no surprise when you see the skills and pace they have up front. Sam Gray’s side knows they are in for a complicated game on Saturday. They have shown physicality and athleticism in the middle of the park and will need to bring plenty of it for 90 minutes if they want a chance of an upset at Hawker.

Canberra Olympic vs Canberra United Academy | Sunday, 23^rd August – 3pm @ Hawker Football Centre 
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Back from their BYE, Canberra Olympic is hosting Canberra Academy at Hawker Football Centre for what could be a crucial game for the fourth spot this season. Olympic sits fifth on the ladder, a point behind CUA with one less game played. Last season’s defeats (0-9, 1-7) seem like a different time. Andrew Woodman’s players have had two weeks to reflect on their loss to Canberra Croatia and will be keen to put it behind them on Sunday. The key to the game could be very simple for Olympic: don’t wait for the second half to play your football.

Canberra United Academy could not match Canberra Croatia either last week, but the young squad should be pleased with their teamwork and combativity in Deakin. Last year's golden boot Hayley Taylor-Young is yet to find the back of the net in 2020, and Sunday sounds like the day to take the monkey off her back. The game will be another real test for the Academy’s defence, but Annaliese Grove and co. will no doubt be prepared for the constant threat Olympic poses upfront. A draw is on the cards!

Tuggeranong United vs Woden Weston Wanderers | Sunday, 23^rd August – 4:50pm @ Melrose Synthetic
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It is a duel of the Valley on Sunday, as Tuggeranong United and Woden Weston go head-to-head at Melrose Synthetic. Both teams suffered a defeat last weekend, to Gungahlin and Belconnen respectively, but Woden Weston bounced back midweek to claim their first win of the season in their rescheduled Round 4 match. Michael Aldred’s young side benefited greatly from the addition of Emma Stanbury last week, while goalkeeper Isabella Sanzari was inspirational and long-delayed the Gunners’ win. Tuggeranong fancies their chances this weekend.

Mark Boyd’s players finally got their first win the midweek game against the Panthers and a win this weekend in Tuggeranong would bring their total for 2020 to seven points, knocking on the door of the top four. If the Wanderers can bank on the momentum, they could find themselves in the same situation they were last season, fighting for the top four until the end. And if last season is anything to go by, Woden Weston will fancy their chances against a team they beat twice in 2019 (6-1, 2-1). Vandenbroucke, who found the net twice on Thursday, will be the key to Woden Weston’s success.