Women’s Premier League Preview 2
North Beach, Gosnells and Safety Bay In this instalment of the Women’s Pennant Preview we cover a fair part of the metro area going North, East and South as we look at North Beach, Gosnells and Safety Bay and see how they are expected to fare in the BCiB Premier League.
North Beach
A disappointing season saw North Beach plummet to eighth position last year, a far cry from their usual position in the four. The quality present in this team though should ensure such a performance is not repeated. A relatively quiet offseason with just one departure but the injury to skipper Kaye Blackwell could be prove to be significant. Blackwell was forced to pull out of the state over 60’s team and it is unknown when she will be fit to return. They should have the depth to cover however, without falling too far behind the pace. If this side plays to its full ability a finals berth may beckon once again.
Ins:
Outs: Elizabeth Petrich (Melville)
Pass Mark: Too much talent to repeat last year’s disaster. Have to play finals.
Prediction: Third.
Gosnells
Last season’s mammoth effort saw Gosnells surpass everyone’s expectations to make the premier league grand final. This year they’ll be out to atone for the disappointing defeat to Manning to finish the season. Whether they can back up last season’s impressive performance will be interesting. No notable player movements means that the side is of the same standard in theory but games aren’t won in theory. Manning and Mosman Park have both picked up some notable talent whilst North Beach are expected to bounce back strongly. This could potentially push Gosnells back down the ladder as they seem to be treading water. They may need to improve yet again to get back to last season’s lofty heights.
Ins: Nil
Outs: Nil
Pass Mark: After a grand final appearance last year Gosnells can’t slip too far. A finals appearance would suffice.
Prediction: Fourth
Safety Bay
Did enough to finish mid table yet again last season to stay in the premier league. The Bay have been consistent in the top flight always staying up without pressing title claims. Things may get harder this season with pressure coming from underneath. Both promoted sides have improved with strong recruiting and look capable of holding onto their places. Possibly the biggest challenge facing the Bay this season is the replacement of the green that gave them a huge home advantage. Although truer and easier to handle Safety Bay could get that advantage back if they can adapt to the new green which is likely to be slower than any other green in the competition. If they keep winning at home they may prove tough to dislodge.
Ins: Karen Daddow (Leeming)
Outs: Nil
Pass Mark: Probably not the year for significant improvement. Should be content to stay and build from their developing players in the future.
Prediction: Ninth
NOTE: Information believed to be correct at time of publication.
Women’s Premier League Preview 1 Manning and Mosman Park
