BETWEEN THE LINES: 2015 Women Preview

The Premier League’s Feature “Between The Lines” is the sequel to the CABL’s “Beyond Regulation”. Here you will find in-depth coverage of the Premier League’s latest issues.

 By James Woite

2014 Review

In the women’s league, the North Adelaide Rockets won a thrilling Grand Final against the Sturt Sabres by three points. Jo Hill was awarded Grand Final MVP, but it was Genna Anderson who made the biggest shot of the season in the dying seconds.

The Norwood Flames, who were undefeated in 2013, ran their unbeaten streak to 31 games before their dramatic loss to Sturt in Round 10. The Flames finished as Minor Premiers, but were unable to beat the Rockets and Sabres in the finals, missing out on the chance for a three-peat.

The South Adelaide Panthers, who had featured at the bottom end of the ladder in the previous few seasons, took major steps forward in 2014, making it to the Semi Finals. They were joined in the top five by the Forestville Eagles.

 

Who will rise, who will fall?

 

North Adelaide Rockets

            2014 Finish:                             Premiers

            2014 Record:                           16-6

Transfer summary:                 The Rockets have a new coach in Brenton Johnston, who will take over from Barry Mansfield. Other than that, it has been a very settled and stable offseason in space-land.

Verdict:                                   With last season’s title rivals undergoing significant change, the Rockets are perfectly poised for a run at back-to-back titles.

BTL Prediction:                        Top Two

 

 

Sturt Sabres

            2014 Finish:                             2nd

            2014 Record:                           17-4

Transfer Summary:                 The Sabres have lost four key players from their superb team of 2014 in Natalie Novosel, Caroline Burgess, Lucy Spalding and Kara Hargreaves. Several rookies have been named in their place, while the Pasadena club has also recruited former Flame Phoebe Custance.

Verdict:                                   The Sabres really struggled in the early part of last season, before they brought in Novosel. Another Grand Final, on paper, appears beyond them at this stage, and even a finals appearance is not a guarantee.

BTL Prediction:                        Fourth - Seventh

 

 

Norwood Flames

            2014 Finish:                             3rd

            2014 Record:                           16-4

Transfer Summary:                 The Flames have lost a host of quality players, not limited to Amy Lewis, Rachel Herrick, Jordan Walker-Roberts, Cara Boothey and Georgia Minear. Star player Jess Foley has taken over the coaching reigns from Simon Pritchard, and will be assisted by Vicki Valk. Rebecca Duke is back on the roster.  

Verdict:                                   Despite their losses, the Flames still boast a wealth of talent. Another finals appearance is practically a given, and a return to the season’s final day is not beyond them.

BTL Prediction:                        Top Three

 

 

South Adelaide Panthers

            2014 Finish:                             4th

            2014 Record:                           14-6

Transfer Summary:                 The Panthers will be without superstar Janae Howard for 2015, who has headed back to the United States. They have not brought in another import as a replacement. Other than that, this is virtually the same squad that made it to the Semi Final stage in 2014.

Verdict:                                   Although Howard was a major part of the Panthers’ success last season, the Panthers still boast a strong side featuring Jessica Mahony, Ashley Spencer, Madeline Cunningham and Teresa Kinross. The postseason should be a formality, and they have a decent shot at improving on their fantastic effort of 2014.

BTL Prediction:                        Top Three

 

 

Forestville Eagles

            2014 Finish:                             5th

            2014 Record:                           10-9

Transfer Summary:                 The Eagles are in a rebuilding phase, having lost superstar Jess Fergus and another valuable player in Tara Robinson. They have brought in three rookies to fill the gaps.

Verdict:                                   The Eagles only just snuck into the top five in 2014. With a weaker roster this season, finals could be beyond them.

BTL Prediction:                        Sixth - Eighth

 

 

Woodville Warriors

            2014 Finish:                             6th

            2014 Record:                           8-10

Transfer Summary:                 The major story to come out of Woodville is star Carmen Reynolds’ move to the United States. Tara Buttress and Kimberley Olsen are amongst the other departures. The Warriors have named a new import in Callan Taylor.

Verdict:                                   The Warriors were thereabouts last season in the race for a finals spot, but their poor play in fourth quarters derailed them. Reynolds leaves big shoes to fill, but if Taylor can fit them, then maybe that elusive finals appearance will allude the green and gold no more.

BTL Prediction:                        Fifth - Eighth

 

 

 

 

West Adelaide Bearcats

            2014 Finish:                             7th

            2014 Record:                           8-10

Transfer Summary:                 Ashlea Vordermaier will return to the Bearcats this season, while Rachel Herrick has made the move from Norwood. Rebecca McLeod has left the club, as have a number of lower rotation players. The Bearcats have a new coach in Glenn Shaw.

Verdict:                                   The Bearcats were left to rue a poor start to 2014, as they just missed out on postseason action. A better start this time could well equal a return to the finals.  

BTL Prediction:                        Fourth - Seventh

 

 

Eastern Mavericks

            2014 Finish:                             8th

            2014 Record:                           4-14

Transfer Summary:                 The Mavericks have made some key signings, with starlet Jemma Thacker returning from college, double-double machine Shayde Quintrell arriving from Southern, and import Demetria Frank signing on. Amanda Williams (previously Amanda McDermott) is their most significant exclusion.

Verdict:                                   The Mavericks appear to have a much stronger team this year, both interior-wise and perimeter-wise. They could be the league’s most improved team, with a finals spot a genuine possibility so long as the players gel quickly.

BTL Prediction:                        Fifth - Eighth

 

 

Southern Tigers

            2014 Finish:                             9th

            2014 Record:                           3-15

Transfer Summary:                 Former 36ers Assistant Coach Tracy York will head the Tigers’ women’s side in 2015. Player-wise, the Tigers have signed sisters Tara Robinson and Hannah Fisher from Forestville, but lost Shayde Quintrell and Jade Barber.

Verdict:                                   Robinson has been a good rotation player for Forestville over the years and it will be interesting to see how she goes as the leader. Overall, the Tigers’ personnel is similar to last season, so their level of improvement over the offseason will have a big say in where they end up at the end of 2015.    

BTL Prediction:                        Bottom Two

 

 

Central District Lions

            2014 Finish:                             10th

            2014 Record:                           0-18

Transfer Summary:                 The Lions have not made any big-name signings, but have lost a great servant in Brianna Wedding.  

Verdict:                                   Lions’ star Demi Skinner will need to feature in a lot more than the seven games she played last season if her side is to have a serious chance of getting off the bottom of the ladder. It will be intriguing to see if Aimee Herriman can take the next step, following a breakout 2014.      

BTL Prediction:                        Bottom Two

 




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Refreshing your Website?

Mobile responsive websites made easy using the new Stack Commerce Website Theme. Subscribe and enhance your site using our range of Add On Features including an integrated Shop.

Laptops showing the Stack Commerce Website Theme.