New to the forum but have been watching local women's football (mainly prems, W-league, capital NWL) for a few seasons now. I'm friends with a W-league player who has some intel that the new coach is likely to be one of the w-league coaches.
Any player predictions for the capital NWL selection? The team I have seen play the most is Karori because they're close to where I live, but I have a few observations from other games/teams I've seen. Just a list of players that have stood out to me so far and could have a good shot at making the team.
Karori
Z Barrott - has had a phenomenal season from what I can tell at centre back, pretty much unstoppable 1v1. Having made the team last year I don't see why she won't make it again this upcoming year.
M Blackburn - great fullback with good movement off the ball, lethal runs up the flank. Surprised she hasn't been picked up for NWL before.
S Willette - American import at left back? Probably one of the most dependable players I've seen on Karori, makes it easy for any player to play alongside her because she connects passes really well and works hard off the ball. Defensively calm, mature decision making. Very solid 1v1 as well. Played in NCAA (I think?) so could bring that experience to NWL.
K Ward - Another American import, forward. Carrying the team goal scoring (and assist) wise. Tenacious, always finds a way to score. From the sidelines seems like she brings positive energy to team. Played in NCAA (I think?) so could bring that experience to NWL.
United
M Robertson - ball control and movement off the ball is great. One of the strongest forwards in the league. Has made the NWL team in past and has been a star player, no reason that she will not make the team again.
J Robertson - has had a good goal tally this season which is hard to ignore, movement off the ball great too. Has made the team in past and no reason for her not make it again.
B Palmer - goes without saying, great wing player. Feeds crosses into the box really well, hard worker. Will definitely make NWL team if that's on her radar.
E Main - not sure if she will be around for NWL season, but great distributor and team player. Would make the team if she was around.
S Alder - brings calmness, maturity defensively. Very dependable player. Not sure if she has played NWL before? Would be a good addition.
Petone
L Boobyer - probably Petone's best player, interesting to see her playing defense though. Always seemed more of a midfielder. Has made NWL in past but will probably face steep competition if wanting to play defense. Good distributor of through balls.
No. 15 (captain) - tenacious defender, didn't seem to get beaten often 1v1 (shut down that right side) during the game I watched
VUWAFC
N Baird - in previous seasons have seen her score some pretty great goals from well outside the box, good central player. This season haven't seen as much from her, but also think the cast of girls around her isn't as skilled as they have been in previous years.
Unfortunately I have not seen much of the other teams to write about, just preliminary observations on my end