The WNPL season 2022 gets underway tonight with Football SA NTC hosting Metro United WFC at VALO Football Centre at 6:15 pm.
We’ve had a look at how each club is looking ahead of the new campaign.
Here we go.
Adelaide City
Last season: 3rd (League Finish)
Coach: Angelo Paul
Captain: TBC
After two years without a Championship, Adelaide City will be eager to secure another in 2022. 2021 marked the first season where Adelaide City did not feature in the WNPL SA Grand Final, providing major concerns for the squad. Although playing eight games less in 2021 than in 2020 Adelaide City still finished the season with six points less than the previous season, showcasing the massive downfall of the team.
Adelaide City struggled at the beginning of the season as they experienced only two wins in their first seven fixtures, before quickly regaining their form towards the latter of the season, to book their place in the 2021 WNPL Final Series. After narrowly knocking off Football SA NTC in Round One of the Final Series, Adelaide City faced their toughest test as they took on rivals West Adelaide. However, West Adelaide proved to be the stronger side comfortably beating Adelaide City 4-0, erasing any hope of revenging their 2020 Grand Final loss.
In their attempts to rejuvenate their squad, Adelaide City has hired RAA NPLSA Championship winning assistant coach Angelo Paul as the 2022 Head Coach, replacing Jamie Dunning. Paul will tackle his first WNPL gig, previous working within the Men’s setup with experience at Adelaide United’s Youth set-up and with Adelaide City where he was the assistant coach to Michael Matricciani and Paul Pezos.
Valeria Guarjardo returns to Adelaide City after three years, in which she featured for Adelaide University and most recently Adelaide Comets. Guarjardo finished last season as the joint fourth-leading goal scorer of the league as she hit ten goals in twenty appearances. Valeria will be joined by West Adelaide duo Alison Atkins and Mawa Samaoro, who will bring a new look to the Adelaide City squad for 2022. Mawa experienced a breakout season for West Adelaide which saw her provide six goals to help her side push for league glory. Adelaide City has also included former Football SA NTC duo Katie Bowler and Zoe Tolland in their ranks. Tolland had a standout season with Football SA NTC last season, which earned her a spot in the Team of the Year.
Squad: Daniela Di Bartolo, Bianca Gray, Abbey Lucas, Alyce Macauley, Sophie Leszczynski, Caitlin White, Chrissie Zikos, Natalie Frantzis, Alanah Ursino, Alicia Nikolas, Alison Atkins, Mawa Sumaoro, Valeria Guarjardo, Katie Bowler, Grace Abbey, Florence Russell, Claudia Jenkins, Zoe Tolland
Adelaide Comets
Last season: 5th (League Finish)
Coach: John Panagaris
Captain: TBC
Adelaide Comet’s years of struggle looked over in 2021, as a refreshed squad surpassed the points tally of their previous two seasons combined. The introduction of Yuka and Nanako Sasaki from Adelaide City in 2021 proved to be valuable signings for Adelaide Comets, as they led their new side to one point from its first Final Series appearance, which saw both stars earn a place among the Team of the Year.
2021 seemed to be another difficult season for Adelaide Comets, beginning the season with five losses in their first eight fixtures. However, the squad gradually continued to improve throughout the duration of the season which climaxed with an impressive final month of the season which saw Adelaide Comets experience only three losses in their final nine matches. The defence seemed to be a major problem for Adelaide Comets in season 2021, as they finished the year with the second-worst defensive record in the league. The team conceded more than three goals on nine occasions in 2021, with four of them coming in performances that saw them concede more than five goals.
Adelaide Comets have a new face in the coach's box as John Panagaris steps up as he aims to take his new side to their first Finals Series appearance. John arrives at Comets with a wealth of coaching experience, mainly with a background in Aussie Rules, Netball and Football.
After losing numerous star players, John Panagaris has been busy in his search for new players. Comets have seemed to have found the perfect replacement for the departure of leading goal scorer Valeria Guajardo, with the signing of Georgie Nicola from West Adelaide and Chrissy Panagaris. Chrissy arrives at Adelaide Comets after numerous seasons with Metro United WFC, where she scored 79 goals in 103 appearances. However, Chrissy will look to get back to full fitness, after only playing five matches in the previous two seasons. Chrissy and Georgie will be joined by former West Adelaide player Elena Psaroulis who arrives after spending five years at her former club.
Adelaide Comets have also made the additional signings of former West Adelaide trio Stef Lang, Kira Glinz and Izabel Czechowicz whom all arrive with the ambitions of regular first-team football. They will be joined by former Football SA NTC player Mariah Karittevli and Taylor Fatchen also joins after a brief stint with FK Beograd in the Women’s State League.
Squad: Adhor Kuol, Anna Stewart, Emanuela Lukac, Chantelle Reed, Chrissy Panagaris, Elena Psaroulis, Esther Heywood-Smith, Georgie Nicola, Izabel Czechowicz, Joanna Katsabis, Kiara O'Sullivan, Kira Glinz, Mariah Karittevli, Sophia Kouzionis, Stef Lang, Yuka Sasaki, Taylor Fatchen
Adelaide University SC
Last season: 8th (League Finish)
Coach: Jamie Dunning
Captain: TBC
Adelaide University SC will look to quickly move forward from what was a season to forget in 2021. After struggling for the majority of the 2021 season, it looked destined that Adelaide University SC was going to be the first WNPL team to be relegated to the Women’s State League. This almost became reality as they finished at the bottom of the table, however, the late announcement that the league was going to expand to ten teams, meant the club kept its status WNPL for another season.
The team must look to improve on what was a poor end to the 2021 season, as Adelaide University SC finished the season with one win in their last sixteen fixtures, in a period where they scored only fourteen goals. This was a major drop-off from their previous seasons where they continuously fought for a spot amongst the top four.
Former Adelaide City WNPL coach Jamie Dunning arrives at Adelaide University SC as the new head coach to help rebuild the team from a struggling 2021 season. Originally from England, Dunning spent numerous years in New Zealand where he gained credible experience with the likes of Team Wellington and Hawkes Bay United.
Dunning has only viewed a couple of key positions which needed fixing from this previous season, as he signs Chanel Todino from Metro United WFC, offering great talent and skill. While the signings of Mia Macgranaghan from Fulham United and goalkeeper Inana Toovey who spent time at Football SA NTC and Adelaide Comets last season will provide great quality and depth to the team.
Squad: Georgia Box, Sophie Burke, Tahlia Curnow, Mabel Day, Briarna Hammersley, Beth Harms, Georgia Ianella, Elisa Karas, Velvet Klass, Gemma MacFarlane, Elysha Magor, Mia Macgranaghan, Tanaye Morris, Hayley Needs, Alysia Panagakos, Ellie Pirintzis, Stella Rigon, Ellie Sparrow, Chanel Todino, Inana Toovey, Milano Venter, Lauren Ward
Football SA NTC
Last season: 4th (League Finish)
Coach: Michele Lastella
Captain: TBC
Football SA NTC’s youngsters put on quite the show during the 2021 season as they climbed the ladder to finish fourth, making another Final Series appearance. The young squad continued to demonstrate their quality throughout the entirety of the season, as they recorded numerous important points to secure that top-four finish.
The team finished the season with strong attacking and defensive records proving their ability to do perform on both ends of the pitch. The squad’s quality was showcased at the 2021 Celebration of Football Awards Night, as Emilia Murray, Ella Tonkin, Zoe Tolland and Abbey Burns were all named within the Team of the Year. Emilia Murray’s quality throughout the season also earnt her the Female Rising Star Award, with her and numerous other teammates earning sports in the Adelaide United FC Liberty A-League squad.
Coach Michele Lastella continues to improve each year as his qualities continue to showcase amongst his players and on the league, which culminated with the Bob Bush Trophy for Coach of the Year in the WNPLSA. Lastella’s great ambitions have looked to succeed thus far, with numerous of his players making the jump into the Liberty A-League.
However, it is a major concern for Football SA NTC’s upcoming season as multiple of their star performers from season 2021 do not remain. Ella Tonkin and Zoe Tolland are two Team of the Year players that have left the squad, while additionally, Katie Bowler has signed with Adelaide City, Ella Smith moved to Modbury Vista, Salisbury Inter signed Danielle Harmer and Anastasia Willoughby is not returning for the season 2022.
1 Grace Wilson, 22 Sophie Allison, 13 Lily Barber, 3 Michaela Belmonte, 2 Abbey Burns, 4 Victoria Costanzo, 6 Ruby De Pieri, 15 Lily Di Cola, 7 Stella Dracopoulos, 10 Erin Kontoutsikos, 14 Brooklyn Mclver, 9 Camila Madriz-Figueroa, 17 Abby Middleton, 11 Emilia Murray, 8 Nicola Scalzi, 19 Claire Scarpin, 18 Hayley Wellington, 21 Sienna Western, 16 Madeleine Wright, 20 Aimee Benton, 99 Elyshia Ogston
Fulham United FC
Last season: 7th (League Finish)
Coach: Max Primaro & Nando Sergi
Captain: TBC
2021 was a year to forget for Fulham United FC as they finished seventh only recording 17 points. It took Fulham United 13 matches last season to pick up their first win of the season, during that time they scored five goals, conceding 37 while only recording two points. The team finished the season with the worst defensive and attacking record in the league, however, managed to reframe from finishing bottom after late success saw them jump Adelaide University by two points. Fulham United are hoping season 2022 will be much brighter as they prepare to move forward.
Max Primaro returns to Fulham United FC after a few years away where he was able to widen his experience, as he took various coaching positions, most notably with Adelaide City. Max has proven his ability at coaching at a high level while helping to contribute to the start of the girls and women’s programs at Fulham United FC.
Max will be joined by fellow head coach Nando Sergi. Nando has an exceptional record at Fulham United including coaching the 2021 State League Men's Reserves side to a top-three finish and before that the Under 18s State League boys to a top-two finish in each of the previous two seasons.
Fiona Worts was the standout performer once again as her eight goals in thirteen games assisted the club from experiencing a last-place finish. However, after a standout season for Adelaide United FC where she was named the Liberty A-League leading scorer, Fulham United FC may find it difficult to secure her services for another season.
Fulham United have been very quiet during the off-season as they have looked to keep a similar squad to the previous season. Their main ambition to retain most of their first-team players looks to be successful with club Best & Fairest award winner Hannah Doyle remaining for an extra season, while the experienced Natasha Vella enters her twelfth season of first-team football with Fulham United FC, while Josephine Trimboli enters her tenth. One of the few signings for the upcoming season sees Gabrielle Bentley swap Salisbury Inter for Fulham United FC. Bentley spent one season at Salisbury Inter where she made ten appearances in their title-winning season. Prior to her move to Salisbury Inter, Bentley spent three years at Adelaide University where she scored ten goals.
Squad: Gabrielle Bentley, Elizabeth Cufari, Kara Davies, Hannah Doyle, Aaliyah Falco, Hannah Freer, Jessica Fulford, Natalie Hayman, Sarah Hunt, Mia Lundquist, Angela Mills, Sarah Mills, Chloe Mortimer, Laura Niejalke, Susan Roberts, Manamen Sumaoro, Georgina Toome, Josephine Trimboli, Natasha Vella
Metro United WFC
Last season: 6th (League Finish)
Coach: Paul Morris
Captain: TBC
After shocking the league in the 2020 season, as the club went the distance in the Final Series to secure the Championship from fourth place, 2021 was a major letdown for Metro United. Although making the 2021 WNPL & WSL Cup Final, which they ended up losing to Salisbury Inter, Metro United’s league season ended in disaster as the club finished in sixth place, ending the season with the same point tally as their 2020 season although playing seven games more in 2021.
At the start of the 2021 season, many worrying signs arose as the club recorded only one win in their first five fixtures however this was quickly erased as they experienced an eight-game undefeated streak which saw them record wins against the likes of Salisbury Inter and Adelaide City. This great form quickly faded away as Metro United ended the season with only one win and a draw in the final eight matches, removing all hopes of another Championship.
Metro United WFC will start the new season with a fresh face in the coaching staff after Tony Scalzi announced he was stepping away from the top job after three years, in which he provided the club with a league championship and a Cup Final appearance. Scalzi will be replaced by Paul Morris who has a plethora of experience, most recently with Metro United’s reserve team where he led them to a second and third-place finish in 2020 and 2021.
In their attempts to recover from a poor 2021 season, Metro United WFC has not proven to be extremely active in their search for new signings to boost their squad. The club will look to trust in their existing squad as they feel like their team chemistry can push the club to another Final Series appearance. Metro United will enter the 2022 season without the ever-present and experienced Kristy Moore and Rochelle Draper as they prepare for a year away from the pitch. They have also lost young star Chanel Todino to WNPL opponents of Adelaide University.
The club will be pleased to have retained the services of club Best & Fairest winner Isabella Scalzi who returns for her sixth season, while Lauren Steer and Emma Cotgrove all remain for an additional season. Club leading goal scorers Millie Scott and Victoria Mansueto will look to start the season off strong as their team searches for goals in 2022.
Squad: Kelly Barltrop, Talia Bilardo, Melanie Comyns, Emma Cotgrove, Roxanne Dodd, Romy Franceschilli, Mary-Anne Frost, Michaela Hadaj, Ebony Kyriacou, Victoria Mansueto, Sophie McGrath, Vanessa Reed, Isabella Scalzi, Mirella Scalzi, Millie Scott, Jessica Signoriello, Amber-May Smith, Lauren Steer, Laura Stockdale, Hunter Strudwick
Modbury Vista
Last season: 1st (Women’s State League)
Coach: Duncan Soang
Captain: TBC
Modbury Vista’s first season in the Women’s State League couldn’t have gone any better, with the season climaxing with promotion into the WNPL. Expectations were high for Modbury Vista at the beginning of last season, which they lived up to demonstrate their undeniable ability to perform in the first division.
2021 saw Modbury Vista finish the season undefeated, winning 17 of their 21 games to be crowned the first Women’s State League Champions. In this title hunt, Modbury Vista scored 108 goals, while only conceding 17 goals, finishing the season with three games where they scored more than ten goals.
The club has experienced a major loss in the form of Kelly Tataryn who doesn’t return to the club in 2022 after a late-season injury ruled her out for this upcoming season. This is a massive loss for Modbury Vista after Tataryn was the crowned Women’s State League-leading goal scorer with 25 goals in 17 appearances while receiving the league Player of the Year and club Best & Fairest. However, the return of club Best & Fairest runner up and Player’s Player Georgia Henderson will give great hope for Modbury Vista heading into the new season.
Modbury Vista has signed five new players to help cope with the pressures of a new league, with Aimee Benton arriving from Adelaide University, Ella Smith from Football SA NTC, Alana Fitzsimmons from Adelaide City, and Adelaide Comets duo Pirrie Weeks and Elyse Moon.
Squad: Aimee Benton, Konstantina Theodorakos, Ella Smith, Claudia Neubauer, Tina Lauszus, Mackenzie Wegener, Elyse Moon, Leah Noto, Georgia Henderson, Pirrie Weeks, Claudia Hewitt, Georgia Dearden, Elisabeth Dodds, Alana Fitzsimmons, Alana Armstrong, Ailin Marshall, Effie Arharidis, Olivia Tripodi, Caitlyn Williams, Sonita Phin
Salisbury Inter
Last season: 1st (League Finish) | Champions (Final Series)
Coach: Simon Catanzaro
Captain: TBC
The 2021 season couldn’t have gone any better for Salisbury Inter as they completed the treble securing the Premiership, WNPL & WSL Cup and the Championship. It was an incredible achievement from coach Simon Catanzaro and all the players, that they will hope to repeat in 2022. Their push for all the glory in 2022 has already started as they beat West Adelaide in the WNPL Pre-Season Cup Final.
Salisbury Inter finished last season with fifteen wins and only two losses in 21 matches while holding the best defensive and attacking records in the league. The team was able to score 67 goals and only conceded 17 goals in the process. The team had to perform perfectly throughout the whole season as they were forced to play catch-up as West Adelaide took an early lead at the top of the table. Salisbury Inter’s determination to secure the Premiership started to become reality as they finally overtook West Adelaide in Round 18.
There were numerous star performers for Salisbury Inter in 2021 which culminated with Maria Jose Rojas Pino receiving the league Golden Boot with 24 goals and a place in the Team of the Year, while teammates Nicole Calder and Emily Condon also received spots in last season’s Team of the Year.
Salisbury Inter may be without some of their star performers from 2021 as numerous players move on to new adventures. Club Best and Fairest Runner Up Anna Pritchard has joined her former club, West Adelaide, while young attacking sensation Dragana Kljajic has not signed on for the upcoming season. Club Best & Fairest winners Marie Jose Rojas & Emily Condon’s has completed a successful Liberty A-League season, however, their contract status for the upcoming WNPL season is unknown.
However, the club has retained most of their core group from their treble-winning season, while adding additional players including Danielle Harmer from Football SA NTC, while Jasmine Styles arrives from West Adelaide.
Squad: Nicole Calder, Chantelle Ryder, Isabella Kouimtzis, Nicola Frazetto, Emily Heazlewood, Sharni Tansell, Khal Adam Khan, Angelique Vregdenburg, Mina Nishitani, Matilda Comley, Erin Hood, Breannah Harmer, Danielle Harmer, Chloe Shaw, Elana Dalakis, Jaya Pagapat, Zoe Pinnegar, Jasmine Styles
West Adelaide
Last season: 2nd (League Finish) | Runner’s Up (Final Series)
Coach: Tracey Jenkins
Captain: TBC
A season that showed so much potential ultimately ended in heartbreak for West Adelaide in 2021. West Adelaide looked destined to lift silverware last season as they were seen to dominate almost all competition in the WNPLSA, however, a strong Salisbury Inter side continued to go toe-to-toe with them ultimately beating them at the final hurdle on two occasions.
West Adelaide secured top position in the league until the 17th round last season, during which they won twelve and only lost one. However, during this period Salisbury Inter did not give West Adelaide any breathing room, climaxing with Salisbury Inter lifting the Premiership. West Adelaide only won one of their last four matches, in which they lost against the eventual Premiers. Their grief continued as Salisbury Inter poured more salt into the wounds as a late comeback in the Grand Final saw West Adelaide miss the last opportunity to win Silverware.
Tracey Jenkins returns to the helm at West Adelaide for season 2022 after an impressive 2021 where she led her team to be one of the most feared teams in the WNPLSA. The previous season saw Jenkins’ side finish second as the best attacking and defensive sides.
Although losing multiple individuals at the end of 2021, West Adelaide has recruited well in 2022 bringing in a variety of experienced and youthful players. Anna Pritchard returns to West Adelaide after spending a year at rivals Salisbury Inter where she contributed to a treble-winning season. West Adelaide has also signed multiple talents including Siobhan Eastham from Fulham United FC, Emily Gale and Hannah Jenkin from Adelaide Comets, and Rachel Quigley who returns after a year off. Quigley is a prolific goalscorer with tremendous experience. During her time in the WNPL, she scored 99 goals in just 67 appearances, while becoming one of Adelaide United’s all-time great players. The club will also hope to secure the signing of Adelaide United FC goalkeeper Annie Grove at the completion of her contract with her current club.
West Adelaide will be pleased to see the return of club star Maddie DeRieu, while top goal scorers Nicole Tilley and Georgia Macri return for another season as they look to secure a championship in 2022.
Squad: Georgia Bailey, Harriet Burnett, Siena Covino, Maddie Durieu, Siobhan Eastham, Emily Gale, Zoe Haralampopoulos, Hannah Jenkin, Laura Johns, Georgia Macri, Erin Murphy, Anna Pritchard, Racheal Quigley, Nicole Tilley, Abby Touchette
WT Birkalla
Last season: 2nd (Women’s State League)
Coach: Tony Mansueto
Captain: TBC
2021 was a successful year for WT Birkalla as their fight for a place in the WNPL for season 2022 was successful. WT Birkalla continued to battle with Modbury Vista throughout the entirety of the 2021 season to claim the only promotion spot, however, it was Modbury Vista that prevailed gaining automatic promotion. WT Birkalla proved to be extremely dominant in the Women’s State League as they recorded the best defence, conceding only thirteen goals while holding the second-best attack with 88 goals scored, in a period that saw WT Birkalla lose only two games all season.
The heartbreak of missing out on automatic promotion was quickly erased as the announcement from Football SA that the WNPL was expanding to ten teams meant WT Birkalla received the promotion to the topflight that they desired. Tony Mansueto will return to WT Birkalla as the head coach in his attempts to climb the WNPL ladder and confirm his club’s status as a top women’s team.
The WT Birkalla squad remains mainly intact as they search for a successful first year in the WNPL as they secure the re-signings of Best & Fairest winner Sarah Chappel and Players’ Player Micaela Quinn. While one of last season’s star attackers Mariah Alpin remains for an additional season as she returns to the WNPL. However, the loss of last season’s top goal scorer Nikki Henkens will leave a massive hole in the WT Birkalla attack.
Libby Davy arrives at WT Birkalla after an impressive season with Football SA NTC, where she demonstrated her potential to be a top goalkeeper in the league, while she will have to battle for the starting spot with ex-Adelaide City goalkeeper Kendall Jenner, who arrives with a plethora of experience performing at a high level. WT Birkalla also signs Adelaide Comets duo Nicole Robertson and Katie Seaton who both search for new successes.
Squad: Mariah Aplin, Izzy Barchiesi, Abbey Bell, Katie Bray, Sarah Chappel, Libby Davy, Justyna Dull, Jasmine Franks, Marie Heinrich, Kendall Jenner, Zoe Michael, Aida Pedisic, Micaela Quinn, Amelia Rechichi, Nicole Robertson, Ellie Seaton, Katie Seaton, Vanja Todorovic, Danika Wetherell, Sascha Williams
Women's State League
The Women's State League kicks off tonight with two exciting fixtures to get the season underway. This year the league has a brand new look as we welcome three new teams after the expansion of the competition will now see nine teams competing for a spot in the WNPLSA in 2023. With the WNPLSA also expanding in 2022 and Modbury Vista and WT Birkalla receiving promotion, an opportunity has arisen for Adelaide Hills, Campbelltown City and Elizabeth Grove to enter the league, as they search to expand and improve their women's setup.
After last year's two standouts in Modbury Vista and WT Birkalla moved into the WNPLSA, the Women's State League looks highly competitive in 2022 as each club searches for promotion into the WNPLSA for season 2023. The team that finishes top of the Women's State League in 2022 will receive an automatic promotion, while the team in second must face off with the team in ninth in the WNPLSA in a promotion playoff match. This Women's State League season will be exciting to watch.
Here are your Round One fixtures
