On Friday night, Balcatta Etna secured their second NPLW-era title with a 1-0 victory over Perth SC in the final of the preseason night series competition. This win marks their second night series crown, following their 2021 triumph.
A first-half goal was enough to overcome a youthful Perth SC side, giving Pete Rakic’s team a strong start to their 2025 campaign. Winger Jamie-Lee Gale, who was named Player of the Match, played a pivotal role throughout the game. Her tireless efforts made her a constant threat, and it was her corner in the 13th minute that led to the only goal. Perth SC goalkeeper Dayle Schroeder attempted to clear the ball but inadvertently punched it into her own net under pressure from Jamie Duncanson.
Balcatta finished the tournament undefeated, making a strong case as one of the early favorites for the 2025 NPLW title.
With the night series concluded, it’s time to assess the eight teams and their prospects for the upcoming season.
Perth RedStar (2024 – Champions)
The reigning champions enter 2025 with a new coach, Chris Atturo, following Carlos Vega Mena’s departure at the end of 2024. They also face the challenge of replacing key players Reina Kagamai, Momoko Sakairi, and Chiori Ikeda, who have returned to Japan. Additionally, Caitlin Doeglas, Olivia Wood, and Mischa Anderson were unavailable for the night series, contributing to their struggles in the preseason tournament.
Despite these setbacks, Atturo still has a strong squad. He welcomes back 2023 captain Jay Coleman, who returns after maternity leave, and 2022 quadruple winner Grace Monteiro, who re-enters the fray after a two-year hiatus. Promising talent Caitlyn Bellanca has also been promoted from the U21s.
Though the night series was disappointing, RedStar remains a formidable team. With Doeglas back from her stint with Glory and the potential return of Wood and Anderson after the A-League season, they will be strong contenders. Their biggest challenge will be adjusting to a new coach quickly, but a record-breaking fourth consecutive title is still within reach.
Perth SC (2024 – 2nd Place)
A strong night series performance has provided last season’s runners up with a confidence boost as they head into the 2025 campaign under new coach Tom Glavovic, who has replaced Dani Brogan, making him the third coach in as many seasons.
The last two seasons have seen significant player turnover at Perth SC with 10 new arrivals in 2024 and six more joining this season, including five from NTC and goalkeeper Dayle Schroeder from Fremantle. However, key defender Baxter Thew has moved to NPLW NSW, and they will be without Perth Glory players—Charli Wainwright, Ella Lincoln, Georgia Cassidy, Grace Johnston, and Tijan McKenna—until the A-League season ends. With Glory coach Stephen Peters advocating for his players to compete in NSW, their return is uncertain.
Glavovic has worked swiftly to integrate the new players, as evidenced by their night series performances, so expect them to be competitive and in the mix for silverware once again.
Balcatta Etna (2024 – 3rd Place)
Balcatta’s night series victory highlights their potential for a title challenge in 2025. Coach Pete Rakic, now a two-time night series champion, will use this win to propel his team forward.
Their 2024 campaign was hampered by injuries, but with most of the squad returning, they will be hoping for a smoother season. The team has lost veterans like Kat Jukic and 2023 Golden Boot winner Tia Stonehill as well as youngster Monique Prinsloo but has gained winger Jamie Duncanson (back from an ACL injury), newly capped Futsal International Zoe Spadano, and Frankie Murray Hocking from Subiaco.
These players will complement an already strong squad that includes Jamie-Lee Gale, Abbey Meakins, Alyssa van Heurck, and standout goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett. If the majority of these players can stay healthy then Balcatta could be serious title contenders.
Fremantle City FC (2024 – 4th Place)
Fremantle also has a new coach, Sam Geddes, taking over from Faye Chambers. They had a promising night series, reaching the semifinals and defeating RedStar 4-2 in the group stage, and the form of Mia Yeo and US college import Leyna Wood have also provided reasons for optimism for 2025.
The team has lost longtime goalkeeper Dayle Schroeder but brought in Megan Phillips from NTC. They will also miss Perth Glory’s Tanika Lala at the start of the season, while Abbey Green has been on an extended break and there are rumors that Glory’s Ischia Brooking might join, which would be a significant boost.
These players will be vital for the port club if they are to entertain any serious title challenge, and Geddes will be hopeful she can secure their services.
Without that trio though it’s hard to see the title ending up at the largest female club in the State, but a top four finish should be well within their grasp.
Hyundai NTC (2024 – 5th Place)
NTC is another team with a coaching change, as Stephen Walmsley takes over from Ben Anderton. The squad has undergone significant turnover, with six players moving to other NPLW clubs. Violet Longmore, Lucy Hope, Hannah Collins, Maja Archibald and Lou Tana have all joined Perth SC and Megan Phillips has gone to Fremantle.
They showcased an aggressive, high-pressing style in the night series, including a 4-0 win over RedStar before losing to Balcatta in the semifinals. While technically gifted, their challenge remains consistency as the bulk of their squad are relatively inexperienced U17 players. A top-four finish is possible, but a cup run may be their best shot at silverware.
Subiaco AFC (2024 – 6th Place)
Greg Farrell, now the league’s longest-serving coach, continues his slow build of Subiaco and they are no longer considered to be one of the leagues easy beats.
Their night series form was mixed with two losses, but a resounding 9-1 demolition of UWA in their final game will give them a real boost going into the season. However, they are yet to make a serious push for a top four spot and this may again be out of their reach this season, especially since they have lost Frankie Murray-Hocking to Balcatta Etna.
On the plus side, they have retained Marianna Tabain and Tanya Campos and have also added Sophia Papalia from Perth SC and Korean import Kim So Yi. If Subiaco are to mount any serious challenge for the top 4 then the form of those four plus Stella Zampogna will be vital.
MUM FC (2024 – 7th Place)
MUM FC had a tough 2024 season, struggling to cope with the loss of Charli Wainwright Sam Mathers and Stacy Cavill to Perth SC, Clara Hoarau to Fremantle FC and Jessica Johnson to the NTC. However, midseason arrivals like ex-Matilda Ella Mastrantonio helped stabilize the team.
Their night series campaign was poor, but rumored signings of ex-Glory players Sadie Lawrence and Jamie Gibbons could provide a much-needed boost to Steve Atkins squad. Survival remains the priority, but avoiding the wooden spoon will require contributions from their key players.
UWA Nedlands FC (2024 – 8th Place)
UWA endured a challenging inaugural NPLW season in 2024 finishing last, although they did claim the notable scalp of Fremantle during the campaign.
With a year of experience under their belt they now understand the level required to compete and they showed small glimpses of promise in a 4-2 defeat by Perth SC in the night series when they held the lead twice, but a crushing 9-1 defeat to Subiaco exposed their vulnerabilities.
Coach Lawrence Lewis faces a tough task, and unless they improve significantly, another wooden spoon seems likely.
Round 1 Fixtures
- Saturday, March 22
- 5:00 PM – Perth SC vs. Fremantle City (Dorrien Gardens)
- Sunday, March 23
- 3:00 PM – UWA Nedlands vs. Perth RedStar (UWA Sports Park)
- 3:00 PM – Hyundai NTC vs. Balcatta Etna (Sam Kerr Football Centre)
- 3:00 PM – MUM FC vs. Subiaco AFC (Besteam Stadium)
