What a season it’s been for the Westfield W-League. We’ve seen a welcome return to an eight team format, with the introduction of the Western Sydney Wanderers FC, and the competition has never looked healthier.
What a season it’s been for the Westfield W-League. We’ve seen a welcome return to an eight team format, with the introduction of the Western Sydney Wanderers FC, and the competition has never looked healthier.
It’s an exciting prospect for Australian football. Much like the Hyundai A-League, the Westfield W-League table is heavily congested and delicately poised as the season nears its conclusion. With only three rounds remaining, only six points separate the top six teams – all of which are still in a position to make the play-offs.
If the season so far is anything to go by, we can expect drama, see-sawing matches and plenty of unpredictable results. But how are the six teams still in contention looking?
Perth Glory has undoubtedly been the surprise package of the year. They face a tough assignment against reigning champs Canberra in round 10, but with the last two games against Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United, look set for a first place finish.
Arguably the form team of the past month, Brisbane Roar are always a threat at the business end of the season. They haven’t missed the finals in the last four years and look unlikely to break that streak this time around.
Melbourne Victory boasts the most miserly defence in the league, conceding an average of only one goal per match – a stat that bodes well for tense finals football. They should make it to the semis in relative comfort. Though how much of an impact the loss of Jessica Fishlock – returning home after a six week guest stint – will have remains to be seen.
A gruelling schedule has tested Canberra United’s mettle. Though not at their best this season, they managed to overcome Perth 2-1 earlier this month – a feat not many others have achieved of late. They’ll have to earn their top four spot against Perth and Brisbane in the remaining rounds, but it would take a brave person to write them off.
Sydney FC will hope to get back to their winning ways after faltering somewhat in recent weeks. Rather than pushing on from their incredible last-gasp win over Canberra in round seven, they’ve followed it up with a draw against Melbourne and a frantic 7-5 loss to Perth. Neither result is fatal, of course, but at this stage of the season momentum is everything.
Though inconsistent, Wanderers FC have done enough to keep themselves in the finals race. Like any new franchise, they’ve faced challenges of recruitment, cohesion and stability. Their path to the finals isn’t easy. But by facing the three teams above them on the W-League table, they hold some level of control over their destiny.
It’s anybody’s guess what will happen on the field in the next few weeks. But one thing’s for certain – it’s going to be gripping viewing.
