no disrespect to those involved - but based on that squad they are likely to be competing v the central and southerns. If they prove me wrong then they have done well.
Who else would you have in it?
They have selected 17 players from the top 2 Central League teams (Wellington United & Upper Hutt City) and 3 of those are U17 Internationals.
I would have thought Upper Hutt's Cushla Litchwark & Briar Sargent and possibly Seatoun's Julia Baldwin would have been in with a shout, but then they may not have trialed
Cushla might have decided to have a break after the Olympics omission... which would have been disappointing after being picked for almost every ferns squad leading up to the event. As long as Ana backs herself she will do well. I think the other keeper Natasha is coming back from injury (I heard she didn't trial... possibly because of this).
Briar hanging up the boots because Wendi isn't coaching this year perhaps? Julia is overseas for most of the league.
Sad that Annie is not back in the mix. I wonder if she ever will play for Capital again?
I thought the dominant CB from United would have made the team (has previously played in the W-league). Maika I think?
Hope Gilchrist has gone to the US on a scholarship.
Also I thought young Elizabeth Crowe would've had a shot. She was on Gareth's radar for the U17s and is an impressive player.
Did any girls from Stop Out or Wairarapa trial?
I was surprised to see Tessa in the team after not trialling. Last year I think she suffered playing in the Dunedin league and never quite recovered her match fitness to be at her best for the National League. Previous seasons she was instrumental but last season she didn't seem to have the same fire and drive. Hopefully she has that back this year...
Having so many players from the two top teams will help the team gel pretty quickly on the field. In saying that it will be a big loss with the three U17 girls away.
Michaela Robertson too will most likely be away with the NZ U20s. She continues to get better and better in front of goal and of course was golden boot for the CL this year so will leave a big gap in the goal scoring, x-factor department.
Good to see Briar back!
Team/Clubs
Wellington United
Natasha Ingram
Francesca Grange
Ella Wilson
Samantha Kendrick
Jayme-Lee Hunter
Asha Strom
Hannah Wignall
Michaela Robertson
Maggie Jenkins
Upper Hutt
Emma Lavery
Katie Barrott
Mikaela Hunt
Danielle Turton
Kennedy Bryant
Lena de Ronde
Emily Morison
Emma Main
Seatoun
Anna Wittmann-Wenzel
Grace Surridge
Sarah Marsden
Other
Briar Palmer - Aus
Tessa McPherson - Dunedin
Maya Hahn - Western Suburbs
Nicole Baird - Vic Uni