Lady Reds ready to kick-off WWL season

Nenita Burgess and Marijana Rajcic

On the eve of the Westfield W-League kick-off Adelaide United coach David Edmondson admitted there is little left to do ahead of the Lady Reds 2011/12 season opener against Canberra United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday.

Edmondson said the Lady Reds are ready to kick-off the new era with the Football Federation SA Head of Women’s Football putting the side through their paces at the final training session on Thursday night.

“Yes we are ready. You would always prefer more time but everyone has worked hard over the last six weeks or so and have done everything possible on and off the pitch to be prepared,” he said.

 

“The only thing left to do now is to finish those preparations and have the team as rested and relaxed as possible for Saturday. I am looking forward to the game and I know the players are too.”

 

The majority of the squad has been picked from the Adelaide Airport Premier and State League competitions but boasts three quality and experienced internationals.

 

Edmondson acknowledged the significant difference in standard of the WWL, but said he has been “impressed” with the girls’ attitude and preparation.

 

“It is a huge step up from the local leagues to W-League football, particularly in terms of intensity of play, speed of play and the physical demands of the competition,” he said.

 

“All players have had to adjust from playing in their clubs to a much faster and structured style of football which will be required to be competitive in the W-League.”

 

“I have been impressed with the way all of the players have adapted and responded to what I have asked of them and I am sure they will reap the benefits of their efforts during the season.”

 

New Zealand international Abby Erceg has been named captain, compatriot Anne Green is set for her WWL debut and American-born striker Ashleigh Gunning returns for her second season with Adelaide United.

 

With 100 caps between Erceg and Green, their experience will be invaluable in a squad which includes 10 players under 21, including Emma Checker, Grace Henry and Ebony Philcox who have recently toured New Zealand with the Westfield Australia U17 squad.

 

“Abby and Anna bring a lot of experience and obviously a lot of quality too but this is a team game and they can only be successful as part of that team,” Edmondson said.

 

“All of the squad will play its part and the team culture that is developing will be an important factor in the teams performance this season. The International players have 'mucked in' with everyone else and they have been welcomed by the local girls equally which has been fantastic to see and be a part of.”

 

“Ashleigh has not arrived yet but. I am sure she will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the squad this season, the way they have gelled and how we are looking to play. If she can continue her form from last season and more recently her form in Sweden I am sure she will add to the squad when she arrives.”

 

Adelaide United will be looking to improve on past season’s results and Edmondson revealed the Lady Reds have set some positive goals for the upcoming campaign.

 

“The goals the players set were based around playing an enjoyable and positive style of football, to work hard and to improve every time we step out onto the training field and in every game we play,” he said.

Adelaide United v Canberra United
Saturday 22 October
Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Local kick-off: 1.45pm

Adelaide United squad:  20. Kristi HARVEY (Gk), 2. Ruth WALLACE, 3. Anna GREEN, 4. Daniela DI BARTOLO, 5. Abby ERCEG (C), 6. Ebony PHILCOX, 7. Racheal QUIGLEY, 8. Leanne SLATER, 9. Marijana RAJCIC, 12. Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY, 13. Vanessa REED, 14. Donna COCKAYNE, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Grace HENRY, 17. Katherine EBBS, 18. Georgia MACRI, 19. Nenita BURGESS
*two to be omitted*

Unavailable: 1. Sian MCLAREN (injured), 10. Angela FIMMANO (injured), 11. Ashleigh GUNNING (overseas)

Canberra United squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (Gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER, 4. Christine WALTERS, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Hayley RASO, 9. Grace GILL, 10. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 13. Nicole SYKES, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Sally SHIPARD, 18. Taryn HEMMINGS, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Aroon CLANSEY (Gk)

 

Unavailable: Leah BLAYNEY (Injured), Ellyse PERRY (Cricket Commitments)