Now that the Westfield W-League 2018/19 season draw has been revealed, there are some cracking match-ups and intriguing storylines to look forward to.
It all begins on the opening night as former Sydney FC boss Dan Barrett – and players like Remy Siemsen, Leena Khamis, Kylie Ledbrook and Georgia Yeoman-Dale – go up against their former club now wearing the Red and Black of Western Sydney.
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There’s plenty of other standout games to get excited about, including the first Grand Final rematch in Round 2 and new Adelaide United striker Michelle Heyman’s first game against old club Canberra United.
Here’s a look at some of the key fixtures during the Westfield W-League 2018/19 Season.
Barrett and co. v Sydney FC
The Wanderers have been aggressive movers in the Westfield W-League transfer market so far, and have targeted their crosstown rivals for many of their new signings.
Ex-Sydney FC women’s coach Dan Barrett is now in charge of the Wanderers and he’s recruited a number of players who were integral in the Sky Blues’ charge to last season’s grand final.
There’s always a bit of spice in a Sydney Derby but given the number of players who have switched teams in the off-season, you get the sense this one has even more at stake.
And the good news is we don’t have to wait long to see it, with the two clubs to meet in the opening match of the season on Thursday, October 25 at Marconi Stadium.
Heyman takes on Canberra United
The Reds pulled off one of the biggest signings of the off-season so far, securing Westfield Matildas striker Michelle Heyman from the nation’s capital.
Heyman is a club legend at Canberra, having made more than 100 appearances for the club, but wanted a fresh start and challenge heading into the 2018/19 campaign.
She’s sure to get the full attention of the United defence when the side’s meet for the first time in Round 4, which is also Female Football Round.
The match will be played on Thursday, November 22, with the venue still to be determined.
Sky Blues chase GF revenge
Having gone on an incredible winning streak, Sydney FC would have almost expected to have finished the job on home soil in last season’s decider against Melbourne City.
But City’s big-game experience shone through on the day, scoring once in each half to prevail 2-0 to claim an historic third successive championship.
The defeat would have left a sour taste in the mouths of the Sydney FC players, who have been stewing on the loss all off-season.
Ante Juric’s side will get an early shot at redemption, travelling to AAMI Park in Round 2 on Friday, November 2.
Crummer goes up against City
Larissa Crummer made her name in the Westfield W-League with Melbourne City, winning the Golden Boot as the club won the title unbeaten in their very first season in 2015/16.
But it was an unhappy end to her time at the club last season, seemingly frozen out by coach Patrick Kisnorbo as she watched from the stands as City went all the way again.
The 22-year-old has found a new home in the Hunter with the Newcastle Jets and will be desperate to show her undoubted talents with her new club, especially with the FIFA Women’s World Cup on next year.
She’ll get her first chance to show City what they are missing in Round 6, when the two sides clash at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, December 9.
