Can history repeat?

Today we’re looking at two clubs with rich histories in the top flight. Manning are currently enjoying one of the best spells the women’s game has seen while Doubleview have been a staple of Premier League/1 Red since the late 80s and are the second most successful club in the competition’s history. Can these two clubs add to their legacies this season?

Note: Information believed to be correct at time of publication but may be subject to change.

Doubleview

In: John Slavich (Stirling), Jim Barry (Cambridge), Daniel Trewhella (Osborne Park)

Out: Dave Rankin (Kardinya), Ben Willesee (UK)

First 9 Fixtures: Kard (A) Cam (H) Bass (A) Mann (A) Warn (H) SP (A) Sorr (H) OP (A) Mor (H)

The View are possibly the only side from last year’s finals series that actually look better on paper. It’s a case of like for like losing David Rankin but getting back John Slavich. Jim Barry also returns after a stint away from the club and is a handy piece in the side. A transfer for Daniel Trewhella has also come through and he would add to an already excellent back end. Unfortunately for Doubleview its unclear how much pennants he’ll play, if at all, and hasn’t been named in their round one side. Being last year’s premiers and improving once again is always a good way to go, however that may have been more important for Doubleview than usual, given they only finished in fourth at the end of last year’s home and away season. They’ll likely be a tougher nut to crack this season though with their renewed confidence gained from last year’s triumph, as well as the improvement of some of their younger group.

The View face a tough first half of the year with away games against a lot of the key players in the division this year. The first set of fixtures sees them travel to Kardinya, Bassendean, Manning, South Perth and Osborne Park. That doesn’t get much tougher and potentially the finals could be made up solely of teams on that list. It means that Doubleview must maintain their home form early to ensure a decent start to the year. If they can take a few away games as well, then they can set themselves up for a real push in 2019 where they’ll play a lot of the better sides in more favourable circumstances at home.

Classification: Premiership Contender

All the signs are there for Doubleview to have another tilt. The View are reigning premiers, look to be a bit better from their recruitment and have a good group of young players who are continuing to grow in confidence and ability. While going back to back is hard, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t at least have Doubleview in contention. The hunger isn’t likely to have gone away either. Slavich and Barry didn’t play in the premiership and have both been long time players at Doubleview in an era where losing grand finals was the norm. If their desire to finally win another premiership can transfer onto their teammates then look out.

Manning

In: Gail Hjorth (Melville), Donita Davids (Rossmoyne)

Out: Toni Madigan (Mundaring)

First 9 Fixtures: VP (H) OP (A) Mun (H) Gos (A) Sorr (H) MP (A) Leem (H) NB (A) SB (H)

Most people would have Manning as flag favourites again this year its understandable. The Eagles have won the last four flags and nine of the last eleven. We haven’t seen that kind of dominance in the top grade since the Cockburn team that dominated the men’s game from the late 70s to the early 90s. Manning boast half of last year’s state team as well as coach Therese Hastings who probably would make the team if she wanted to. So can anyone stop them? This year may actually be the best chance for a while. First off they have lost state lead Toni Madigan to Mundaring, unusual since Manning often recruit state team members rather than lose them. They certainly have some solid ins but not at the same level. Secondly as Hastings and Kristina Krstic continue to have increased national duties they may potentially have to miss some games. Manning should comfortably have the depth to cover but its still potential key losses the good sides may take advantage of. Still, when you look at the depth on every line, there’s no doubt this side is going to win a fair few more than they lose.

Manning will want to have top spot locked away with about a month to go because their final four games look tough. They’ll play the two sides who have traditionally been their toughest competitors, Mosman Park and North Beach, in what should be a finals dress rehearsal. In between those two games they also face Leeming. Given Leeming’s general finishing position you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Eagles should be too good but in fact they have had a terrible record against Leeming in the past. Safety Bay away isn’t the easiest game to finish on either and potentially the Eagles may only take a game or two out of that stretch.

Classification: Premiership Contender

Was there ever a chance of anything else. This side is still the best in the league on paper, evidenced by the fact they are going for their fifth straight flag. However probably aren’t quite as good as they were last year and on due-for theory alone you’d have to say this season may be a little tougher than the previous ones. There are a few other instances of clubs winning four in a row but only one five: East Fremantle from 1938-42. Can Manning make history for the first time in 77 years?