With kick-off for the 2019 Herald Women’s Premier League (WPL) competition just around the corner, anticipation is building surrounding what is set to be the biggest season on record as the competition welcomes back Thornton Redbacks and Football Mid North Coast to the league.
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Last season saw back-to-back champions Merewether United triumph over heavyweights Warners Bay in the 2018 Herald WPL grand Final.
However, with the introduction of Football Mid North Coast and Thornton Redbacks to the competition and plenty of player movement within clubs, the competition has plenty of big matches installed for the 2019 season.
They know this club and what this club stands for.
- Allan Primmer
The Redbacks have managed to attract a few new players looking for opportunities, but coach Alan Primmer says he’s more impressed with players like Lucinda Maddison, Celeste Ortega Edwards, Grace Harvey and Anais Moore who could have easily gone to other clubs but, “know this club and what this club stands for”.
Anais Moore will lead the side after coming through Thornton’s junior teams.
Moore’s loyalty to the club will hopefully inspire more players as they roll into the senior grade, and hopefully, make the Redbacks a stronger club in the future.
The club will also welcome Sophie Milton and Jennifer Jongbloed back into the squad.
As a group, Thornton understands it’s going to be a difficult season but they are aware of the challenge and will be ready every week to play.
"If teams arrive thinking we will be an easy three points, they may leave very disappointed,” Primmer said.
“Many would say our goal for 2019 is easy – finish the season. But that would be outsiders who do not know the huge efforts the club put into 2018 to try and keep first-grade going.
“I would start by not having goals, just the same club values; a player in the 14s is just as important as a first grader.”
