It’s a season opener. It’s against a fierce rival on their home deck. It’s set to be a cracker. Here are the five things we are looking forward to ahead of our Round 1 clash against Canberra United at McKellar Park.
Season opener
We’re finally back! Following a long off-season, the Westfield W-League is back and we kick-off our 2018/19 season with a huge clash against Canberra United at McKellar Park on Sunday afternoon.
It’s been eight months since we won our record-breaking third consecutive championship and after a tough pre-season under new Head Coach Rado Vidosic, the squad is as determined as ever to add to the trophy cabinet.
Enemy territory
Since the Club’s inaugural W-League season in 2015/16, City has never played at McKellar Park.
They have played the Canberra-based side away from home on three occasions, including twice at GIO Stadium in Canberra and once at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford.
The fans at McKellar Park are well-known for the reception that they give their home team, meaning that City will be looking to silence the Green Machine from the get-go.
It might be unfamiliar enemy territory, but it’s a challenge our girls are looking forward to.
Fresh faces
Round 1 will be the first chance to watch our new-signings in action.
With Theresa Nielsen, Jasmyne Spencer, Adriana Jones and Helen Caceres all set to compete for a starting position in Vidosic’s preferred XI, this is their first real chance to impress the manager.
Not only is it a chance for our new-signings to impress the head coach, but it’s also an opportunity to make a lasting first impression in new colours.
Fast off the blocks
If we have learned anything over the course of the W-League, it’s that securing points early in the season is crucial.
In a regular season that consists of only 12 matches, early losses can see you miss out on a top-four spot, and ultimately a finals position.
City’s first four matches will play an important role in shaping their season, but it won’t be easy for the reigning champions. After jetting to Canberra and then hosting Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park, the girls in City blue will then have to make the tough trip across the Nullabor to face the ever-threatening Perth Glory.
With four matches against four title contenders to open the season, City will need to be at their electrifying best from the get-go, which includes a big performance against Canberra this weekend.
We go again!
There is no doubt that after claiming the last three championships in a row, City will again be the hunted team of the competition.
After becoming the benchmark team in recent times, City will again face a tough season as the team everyone is determined to beat.
It’s shaping up to be another tough campaign, but history will tell us that if any team is capable of winning four championships in a row, it’s this group of girls.
