The inaugural NPLW WA season produced some excellent football and remained highly competitive, right up until the last penalty kick of the Top 4 Cup Final. There is no doubt that COVID-19 had an impact on the preparations of the teams, but the new competition has proven to be a significant step up for the women’s game in WA.
The team below is based purely on personal observations both at the games and via the fantastic live streaming service offered by Football West. The formation (4-3-3) is also a personal preference.
COACH – Peter Rakic (MUM FC)
At the start of the pre-season night series competition, several observers wrote MUM FC off as being too old and too slow, but Rakic did a superb job with the team, moulding them into a tight unit whilst ensuring they were fit enough to only need 17 players all season. His team were bright and inventive in attack but were able to switch to a smothering defence if needed.
Goalkeeper – Morgan Aquino (Northern Redbacks)
Aquino was a major reason for Northern Redbacks winning the Top 4 Cup, with her penalty shoot-out display in the final a reminder of her prowess as a superb shot-stopper. During the regular season, she proved to be a formidable last line of defence and was also the first point of attack for Redbacks as her distribution helped them to move quickly from the back. Her communication was also vital in helping the more inexperienced players Redbacks used during the season to settle into their roles.
Left back – Thalia Organ (MUM FC)
Whilst many plaudits were given to the MUM FC attack, the work of their defence was just as important, especially their full-backs. Thalia Organ was a quiet achiever for them and a difficult opponent for wingers to get past. She was also dangerous going forward and her three goals were testament to the attacking threat she provided.
Centre back – Kim Carroll (Northern Redbacks)
Quite possibly the player of the season. The ex-Matilda was superb for the Redbacks this season and their only ever-present, playing every minute of every game. Her calm presence and immaculate reading of the game meant that Redbacks rarely conceded in open play. Carroll also helped in the growing development of the younger players around her, constantly barking orders and giving advice.
Centre back – Laura Waltman (Fremantle City)
Waltman was joint league MVP in 2019 and she carried that form into 2020. Her speed and reading of the game provided a solid base for Fremantle to build from the back and she was often the start of their counter attacks. Whilst not the tallest player, Waltman very rarely found herself losing out to taller opponents due to her superb positioning and anticipation. She was used in midfield on the odd occasion and even managed to get on the score sheet twice this season.
Right back – Poppie Hooks (MUM FC)
Despite her age, Hooks was a key part of the MUM FC team. Along with fellow full-back Thalia Organ, Hooks proved to be a potent attacking threat with her overlapping runs, providing invaluable width for her team. Her boundless energy meant that she could get up and down her line for the full 90 minutes, giving opponents a real headache when trying to stop her.
Defensive midfield – Jaymee Gibbons (MUM FC)
Another quiet achiever for the champions, Gibbons went about her work without any fuss. Sitting just in front of the back four, she broke up attacks and would then look to get her team on the front foot again. Gibbons very rarely wasted a pass, and despite her relatively slight build was a tenacious tackler who hardly ever lost a duel. The work done in the engine room of the midfield is often overlooked, but Gibbons had a large part to play in MUM’s success this season.
Central midfield – Hana Lowry (NTC)
Despite NTC failing to make the top 4, they won many plaudits during the season for their style of play and Lowry was often at the centre of this. Her time with Perth Glory last season means that she is now physically capable of meeting the demands of NPLW football and she was difficult to shake off the ball once she had it. Lowry’s distribution was rarely off-target, and her teammates were confident of giving her the ball in the tightest of situations. Her interplay with her forwards and fellow midfielders meant that the ball fizzed around quickly in the final third, and many teams struggled to cope with the attacking movements created by her passing.
Central midfield – Abbey Meakins (Perth SC)
In her first season back after an ACL rupture, Meakins was eased slowly into action by Perth SC. Meakins served notice of what she was capable of with a terrific strike from range against Balcatta in Round 2. Her goal tally was relatively light, but she carried a threat whenever she picked the ball up on the edge of the box and teams ignored this at their peril. Her technical ability has never been in doubt, but this season she added the knack of arriving at the edge of the box at the right time and opposition defenders needed to be on full alert if she had the ball and was ready to strike.
Forward – Sarah Carroll (Northern Redbacks)
At times it looked like Carroll was the only striker Redbacks had as injuries and inconsistency meant she seemed to be playing with different strike partners every week. She still managed to hit the target nine times and come second in the goal-scoring charts though, and many of these goals were of high quality. Carroll has a first touch that not many in the league can better and is able to hit the ball with both feet. Her goals ultimately led the Redbacks to fourth spot.
Forward – Katarina Jukic (MUM FC)
A stunning season for the veteran striker who really relishes playing at this level. Her golden boot winning tally of 15 included some audacious strikes, none better than the Rabona she pulled off in the final league game against Fremantle which subsequently went viral across the world football community. Jukic’s close skills have always made her the hardest of opponents to mark, and her peripheral vision means she spots things many others miss. Good in the air as well, Jukic is likely to produce something out of nothing at any time and she was the main reason MUM FC won the title.
Forward – Mikayla Lyons (Fremantle City)
The Fremantle captain had an excellent season, finishing second in the Golden Boot race alongside Sarah Carroll with nine goals. An intelligent and skilful player, Lyons would work hard for her teammates, creating space or making unselfish runs. After Courtney Butlion left for college football in America during the season, Lyons had to adjust to playing with a new strike partner, but she quickly adapted and remained a constant threat to opposition defences.
Substitutes
Goalkeeper – Becky Bennett (Perth SC)
A fine shot-stopper, Bennett was a significant factor in Perth’s mid-season run of six wins and she kept four consecutive clean sheets during that period.
Tijan McKenna (NTC)
McKenna really stepped out of older sister Leticia’s shadow this season and produced some excellent performances in the defensive midfielder role. An exciting prospect for the future.
Gemma Craine (Fremantle City)
A non-stop action machine, the Fremantle City midfielder was always working hard to try and make things happen for her team.
Baxter Thew (MUM FC)
Probably the most improved player in the league. Thew was a formidable centre half – her ability to break play up and start things moving was a major part of MUM FC’s success.
Caitlin Doeglas (Balcatta)
The Perth Glory star was unfortunate to lose strike partner Christiane Astorp halfway through the season, but she continued to shine for Balcatta with her pace and skill causing problems for defences.
