Last season was one of excitement mixed with heartbreak for the South Australians.
A thrilling lineup containing Dylan Holmes, Cote Rojas and Charli Grant made a huge impression on the competition and drew a record crowd for a stand-alone A-League Women game (5,159), but agonisingly missed out on a first-ever Finals spot due to goal difference.
Holmes and Grant have since departed for Sweden, while Rojas has moved to Sydney FC. The Reds will now be looking to the returning Chelsie Dawber and Fiona Worts, fresh from goal-laden NPL seasons with Adelaide City and Fulham United respectively, as well as exciting new signing Shadeene Evans.
Defensive solidity from Emily Hodgson, Isabel Hodgson, Matilda McNamara and young starlet Ella Tonkin (who played a prominent part in SA NTC’s NPL campaign this season) means Adelaide should be looking strong again.
The Coach – Adrian Stenta
Previously assistant to Ivan Karlovic, Stenta stepped up to take the reins last season and had a hugely successful first campaign in the top job, receiving wide praise from the club hierarchy, players and supporters.
Speaking to me at the end of last season, Stenta said that his aims going into his first year in the job were: “For us to be a side who were not just competitive, but who consistently won matches by playing a good style of football.”
He is clear about what needs to happen to ensure the Reds finally make the Finals this time around.
“We need to be going along a similar path to what we have been doing for the last few seasons, which is stability among the core group of players. We’ve kept as many players from last year’s squad as we possibly could and added some quality players where we needed to. We just have to keep building on what occurred last season and the positives from before.”
Key Defender – Isabel Hodgson
Hodgson made her debut for Adelaide United at the age of 17 and has been a key part of the club’s development over the following seven years.
Speaking at the end of last season, she told me: “On a personal level, I was a consistent starter which was really good and I played in every game. I didn’t have any injuries or anything that held me back.
“For the team, it was our most successful season ever. Whilst we didn’t make Finals, we did earn 22 points which is a massive amount.”
She sees Finals this season as the next logical step in the club’s progression: “The most important thing is that the girls who were in the team last year keep improving as players. We need to go away and try and find the best ways to improve, we need to keep the ball moving forwards, not to go backward. If we keep moving forwards, we’ll definitely make Finals.”
Key Midfielder – Emily Condon
Condon is about to start her ninth season with United and spoke recently to the media about her motivations for the new campaign to finally make the Finals.
“Last season was our best season yet, but it was so heart-breaking to miss out (on Finals) by just one goal. We’re looking to build on that and obviously, it’s a massive motivating factor.”
The Port Pirie born star is hoping to use another strong season for Adelaide United to push for international recognition.
“It’s always been a goal of mine. I’ve been on the extended squad list for quite some time, so any minute now I might get my first call up, but it’s all about me doing the best I can.
“Athletes want to represent their national team and it’s something I want to push for, but for now I want to be playing my best football here for Adelaide United week in, week out.”
Key Striker – Chelsie Dawber
Salisbury Heights born forward Chelsie Dawber returns to the Reds side after another hugely successful campaign for Adelaide City in the SA NPL. Whilst the Black and Whites may have failed to challenge for the title this year, Dawber still scored 16 goals.
The striker has faced several challenges in her career, none more so than suffering post-concussion syndrome in 2016 which kept her out of the game for nine months.
Dawber is headed into her fifth year with United and told me at the end of last season that the key reason for the club’s continued progression is a largely stable roster.
“Having the same core girls in the team has made a huge difference. We’re all best friends, we all hang out outside of training and see each other each day, sometimes twice a day. It’s a great atmosphere and culture to be in.”
The former W-League Rising Star Award Winner sees head coach Adrian Stenta as being the right person to ensure they finally finish in the top four in 2021-22.
“He understands the individual player, which has really helped with positioning and knowing where to play players, which has helped the group of girls and our mannerisms. Going into training and games we really understand each other.”
Young Player To Watch – Shadeene Evans
The 20-year-old Marra woman is back in the A-League Women competition after previously playing two seasons with Sydney FC between 2018 and 2020.
Evans has spent the offseason in the NSW NPL with Northern Tigers, where she netted five goals in 12 appearances.
Speaking about joining the club, Evans said: “It means a lot to me to be playing for Adelaide United. I’ve been training hard and can’t wait to get on the pitch with my new teammates and have a fantastic season.
“I’m proud as well of the special connection between Adelaide and my mentor, John Moriarty. I’m excited to be moving forward with my football career at a time when women’s football is growing so much around the world, especially in the lead up to the Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.”
Evans has previously been vice-captain of the Young Matildas and along with teenage defender Ella Tonkin, who had a superb campaign for SA NTC in the NPL, looks set to be a major player in the A-League Women this season.
Predicted Finish: 5th
