Tune in to ABC1 each Sunday at 3pm nationally for LIVE Westfield W-League action, with the City of Churches this week playing host as Adelaide United tackle the reinvigorated Newcastle Jets.
Two seasons ago this would have merely been considered a battle to avoid the wooden spoon. Fast forward to the present day and both teams are not only highly competitive, but indeed very much in the frame as semi-final contenders.
Last season former Socceroo midfielder Ross Aloisi turned Adelaide United from also-rans into a competitive force almost within the blink of an eye, with the Lady Reds only narrowly missing an unlikely finals berth.
This season they look equally competitive buoyed by the arrival of Danish icon Katrine Pederson, adding to the spine of the team already boasting Westfield Matildas goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri and evergreen forward Kristy Moore.
Newcastle have followed down a similar path as their rivals. The Jets were marooned at the bottom of the ladder throughout last season.
However, the Jets are firing on all cylinders this term defeating champions Melbourne in their season opener, and then pushing the star-studded Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar all the way over the past fortnight.
Much like Adelaide, an injection of experience has been the key ingredient with Westfield Matildas ace midfielder Emily van Egmond joined by a trio of American imports at the arrivals gate.
A tight evenly balanced contest on Sunday seems assured for local supporters and armchair fans alike.
This season’s ABC’s Sunday afternoon broadcast games will again be hosted by Stephanie Brantz, with former Westfield Matildas and W-League star Sarah Walsh joining Peter Wilkins in commentary. This weekend, however, will see Aaron Kearney stepping in for the commentary duties.
Catch all the action Live nationally at 3.00pm Sunday on ABC1, or catch up from Monday on ABC iView with a full replay each Tuesday at 3.30am.
Join the conversation on Twitter using #wleague
