Following the arrival of the Westfield W-League’s all-time top scorer, Michelle Heyman, there is plenty of optimism that Adelaide United will be looking up from their position of last place in the 2017/18 campaign.
Ahead of the new season, we’re profiling every club in the Westfield W-League. Here’s everything you need to know about the team from the City of Churches.
WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE PROFILES – GET TO KNOW:
Canberra United
Newcastle Jets
Western Sydney Wanderers
The @AUFCWomen have become an important part of our Club. Past, present and future! #AUFC #15thAnniversary pic.twitter.com/kGlhimdXdo
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) September 12, 2018
History
The Adelaide United club was created in 2003, two years before the Hyundai A-League came along.
Since the inception of the Westfield W-League in 2008, the Reds have featured in every season but are yet to make their mark in the finals.
However, they have certainly had their moments. The South Australians narrowly missed out on finals in 2015/16, when they finished fifth.
Colours and badge
It won’t come as a surprise to find out The Reds wear a predominantly red jersey.
Meanwhile, their badge incorporates South Australia’s three state colours — red, blue and gold — and a football.
Interestingly, Adelaide United’s current emblem is an adaptation of their 2003 foundation badge.
Home ground: Marden Sports Complex
Adelaide United finally have a settled home ground and it’s one of the most atmospheric grounds in the country.
Marden Sports Complex is located in Adelaide’s inner-city, and holds 6,000 people — the perfect size for fans to get close to the action and see their favourite players.
Coach: Ivan Karlović
Coach Ivan Karlović is at the helm for a second season and will be looking for progress.
The former Adelaide City and Sydney Olympic defender isn’t short on coaching experience — he was Huss Skenderovic’s assistant, and has since been appointed as an assistant for the Men’s coach, Marco Kurz.
Karlović, 35, likes to play attacking style so fans could see some exciting football this year.
Players
https://twitter.com/AUFCWomen/status/1041256711976235011
Adelaide United fans would have been delighted to hear the club has signed the league’s highest-ever goalscorer: Michelle Heyman. The 30-year-old will want to improve on her 55 career W-League goals, and has 60 caps and 20 goals for the Westfield Matildas.
Captain Emma Checker is in her eighth season at the club. The 22-year-old has been a rock at the back for years, and offers a solid foundation for the club to build on this year.
Eliza Campbell has departed for Perth Glory, but the return of Georgia Campagnale, who started every game in the backline last season, and Chelsie Dawber, who played nine times in her rookie season, is a boost.
Best season
Many would point to 2015/16 as Adelaide United’s best season. After a strong start to the campaign, the club reached their highest ever finish in fifth place, only three points away from a first ever finals appearance.
However, with coach Karlovic building on his first season at the helm, the squad is mixing a healthy blend of youth and experienc. With a settled home ground ,they could be in a position build on a strong preseason. Perhaps 2018/19 will soon to talked about as one of their best?
