Ahead of Saturday’s South Australia NPLW Grand Final between Salisbury Inter and West Adelaide, Inter co-captain Nicole Calder and West Adelaide skipper Lucy Adamopoulos spoke to Beyond 90‘s Ben Gilby.
BEN: (BG) Starting with you Nicole, it’s been an incredible run of results and goalscoring for Salisbury Inter over the past month or so – what do you put that down to?
NICOLE (NC): A few different factors. Not only do we have incredibly talented strikers with the ability to put the ball away, but the team chemistry to link up with these players is extremely evident. One of the most exciting things to see is that it isn’t just one player scoring all the goals – in quite a few games there have been a plethora of goal scorers which highlights our depth from our defenders to our strikers. I think it’s also important to note that not only have we scored an abundance of goals, but we’ve also conceded a minimal number too. Our defence, which starts from our strikers, is solid. We defend as a unit and attack as a unit – something that has undoubtedly contributed to our results.
BG: Lucy, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for West in the Finals this year with a 6-1 loss to Inter in the qualifying final and a 4-0 win over Adelaide City in the Preliminary Final. What do you put that down to?
LUCY (LA): Our finals series has been fine in my opinion. Finals come with extra pressure and the possibility that anything can happen, which is something to be mindful of. We also lost Sarah Willacy, our keeper, which hurt us. Our first game came with great learnings and a second chance. Our response in the 4-0 win against Adelaide City was exactly what we needed to give us confidence and momentum, which we will take into the Grand Final.
BG: Nicole, in 2020 you were riddled with injury, but have been in-form all season, what do you put that down to and how have you enjoyed this season and co-captaining the team?
NC: Well I’ve taken up boxing and that’s definitely helped keep me healthy! The culture and environment at the club has aided in not only my own performance throughout the year, but that of the team too. When players feel both safe and valued, they’re more likely to reach their excellence and I think Inter epitomises what a family culture really looks like. From the Club President Bianca Simeoni to the Team Manager Tamara Simeoni and our coaching staff, they all value relationships and are very intentional with the culture they’ve created. And I think the results we’ve achieved this year are a testament to that culture.
I feel extremely fortunate to co-captain with Chantelle Ryder – we complement each other exceptionally well and share the same values and vision for the team. It’s been such a pleasure to lead with her and to lead the girls – I honestly couldn’t ask for a better team or club to be co-captain of.
BG: Across the season, it is clear that the best two teams have certainly made the Grand Final. What do West and Salisbury Inter have that put them ahead of the pack in 2021?
NC: Both have very experienced squads with the ability to put chances away when presented and a solid defensive line that is hard to break down. I also think both teams have players that are quite versatile and can be threatening in a variety of different positions.
LA: In my opinion, the two teams that are in the Grand Final have great leadership starting from the top. Two well-reputed and experienced coaches that visibly know how to coach women. Both teams play great football and understand their players & team strengths and weaknesses and work it to their advantage. There are some star players in both teams which obviously makes a difference, however on average, each player has a great wealth of experience which also improves the quality of the team.
BG: Across the campaign, the two sides have met five times with West yet to win. What do you put that down to, Nicole?
NC: Throughout the year, our team has been extremely disciplined with the principles our coach Simon Catanzaro has implemented. It is evident that every single player works hard for each other – quite often our midfielders are seen making box-to-box runs throughout the game. The team is also very disciplined in the roles that they each play – we have a real understanding of each others’ strengths and weaknesses which allows us to be strong regardless of who is playing in what position.
Lucy, what do West need to do in order to get the win in the Grand Final?
LA: Simple. We need to want it more. Neither team plays well under pressure. It will be the first team who can put the pressure on, forcing the opposition to their backfoot (playing defensively). We know we can technically beat them, it will come down to the collective intensity, relentlessness and mentality to win.
BG: Lucy, in recent weeks, West’s form has been below the standards from earlier in the campaign. Was this simply a case of hitting a tough run of results in the way that most teams do over the course of a season?
LA: I think there has been a combination of aspects that have contributed to our season this year. We experienced constant pitch unavailabilities and changes throughout the season which made it challenging to train consistently and with intensity. We also took the opportunity to try new formations, tactics and techniques to improve and progress our football as a team. This obviously can come with risks and can take time for the players to adapt, however we were willing to give it a go. Personally, I think this is a great sign of a skilled and winning team.
BG: Nicole, what is the biggest threat that West pose that you need to close down in the game?
NC: The majority of West’s goals have been scored from playing the ball out wide and cutting it back into the middle – so making sure we not only prevent those balls from coming in, but having cover in the middle will be paramount to our success on Saturday. They also have quite a few players who can strike from distance so ensuring they don’t have any time on the ball will also be essential in preventing those goal-scoring opportunities.
BG: And Lucy, what is the biggest threat that Salisbury Inter pose that you need to close down in the game?
LA: Obviously Cote Rojas and Emily Condon are dangerous players and need to be watched closely. We have a great defensive structure and I have great faith we will organise our backline to take care of it. Inter’s ability to attack in numbers is a strength of theirs and their transition game is strong. However, this can also leave them vulnerable and with awareness and precision, we could use it to our advantage.
BG: Nicole, Cote Rojas has caught the eye with some great goals and performances this campaign, but who else has been key for Inter across this season?
NC: Everyone! Seriously though, every single player has contributed significantly throughout the year – from the starting 11 to the players coming off of the bench, they’ve all stepped up when the team has needed them. Our squad is bigger than any individual player and I think that’s what makes us so dangerous and strong.
BG: Lucy, Nicole Tilley has scored some great goals this season, but who else has been key for West Adelaide across this season?
LA: Nicole Tilley is a bloody superstar and her goals speak for themselves. Our squad depth is a blessing to us. We have the luxury of a huge selection of incredible players that will perform out of their skin when given the chance. In particular, Emily Hodgson has been consistent throughout the season and can take the game to another level, she makes it look so easy. She is key for us. Maddie Dureau is a workhorse and an important factor in our team, especially in the midfield. Laura Johns and Zoe Haralampopoulos take care of the left side of the pitch effortlessly and with zazz and as mentioned before our defensive line is solid and key for us. Our youngsters bring authenticity and energy and complement our more experienced players well. As you can see it’s not a one-woman show, conversely a team effort of unity, experience and creativity.
BG: What sort of a game are you both expecting?
NC: I think Saturday’s game is going to be extremely physical and demanding – both teams are fighting to win something they’ve never won before which is also exciting for the women’s game.
LA: I am expecting the game to be highly intense, physical and close. I think the first half will be tight and messy football as each team attempts to find their composure. We are definitely the underdogs, the pressure is on Inter to win – especially after the last two results against us. We have nothing to lose! It will be a ripper match!
Saturday 23rd October
Women’s NPL SA Grand Final
Salisbury Inter v West Adelaide
3.00pm at Summit Sports and Recreation Park, Mount Barker
