Killarney v Kanwal
Edsaac Oval will host the first WPL Match of the Round as the new-look Terriers will be gearing up to get their season off to a high but must face a stern Kanwal side who bolster plenty of experience in their squad.
2023 was a year to forget for the Terriers WPL side who finished on the bottom of the First Grade ladder without recording a single win to their name. However, the addition of a new coaching staff, including head coach Jai Menser, has Killarney as a potential dark horse in the competition and a team to look out for in 2024.
Menser, who was previously coaching a part of Terrigal’s successful WPL side last season, has been able to attract a few Killarney players back to the club to don the black and white for the year ahead which will add some crucial knowledge to the side.
Killarney got their preseason underway in the 2024 Association Cup and round 1 saw the Terriers share points with WPL heavyweights Umina United. Their next test was against WPL newcomers Woongarrah who handed Killarney a 3-2 loss in a very tight affair.
Despite coming off a loss, Killarney turned things around in their final Association Cup game where they dominated Division 1 side Doyalson and claimed a 7-0 win over the Wolves which has made for a fantastic start to the year stated Menser.
“Pre-season has been excellent, the work in pre-season is crucial on how a team starts off in the early rounds of the season and I believe we’ve done everything we can from our players, coaching staff and Clubs efforts to be ready come kick-off.”
“Our goal for the season is to place in the top four and make finals, six of the teams will be battling it out for a finals spot and from what I’ve seen so far it’ll be a close contest every week between those six.”
When asked what he is expecting from the competition as a whole in 2024, assistant coach Kyle Banfield voiced, “I think with the majority of the teams in WPL conforming to a squad revamp, so much about where teams will land, and line-up is a real sense of the unknown.”
“I’m excited to see who can break themselves away as title contenders, and just how close this competition on paper is shaping up to be. I’m anticipating a close race for positions both within the top 4 and those just outside.”
It’s evident that the new coaching staff around Killarney have a clear plan on what they wish to achieve this season and will have their players eager to step on the field and get their season off on the right foot come Sunday.
Nonetheless, the players and the club will not be overlooking their experienced opponents as they anticipate a tough opening-round contest. “Kanwal are a strong side and have to be commended for their past successes with their squad, it’s a new season and I’m sure they’ll be up for it every week come match day.”
Much like Killarney, Kanwal have also had a change of personnel to their coaching staff with Jen Tatum returning as head coach of the Bulls in 2024.
The Bulls have managed to keep the majority of the squad together from last season but will line up without clinical goal scorer Jordan Evans who bagged 21 goals for this Kanwal side last year.
When questioned about pre-season and how her side has managed, Jen stated, “We have had a good pre-season, just can’t wait for more games under our belt and I think we will get stronger as the year goes on.”
Kanwal have been in and around finals for the last few seasons and their goal of playing finals football remains a constant in their ambitions and goals for the year ahead as well as a big emphasis on enjoying the game and having fun as a team.
“This season we want to get back to enjoying the game and having fun. Everyone wants to win the competition, but we will take a top four finish.”
“It’s going to be a very different year with only one team. Interested in seeing how it will go, hopefully, it will be an even competition across the board,” voiced Jen.
Kanwal enters Sunday’s match of the round fixture with a wealth of experience in their squad as the likes of Nicole Swinfield, Hayley Ballard, Hayley Green, and a few others will look to set the tempo of the game early and give their side any early advantage away from home.
As for what she is expecting from the opposition, Jen explained, “To be honest we have not looked at any other team, we are just focusing on ourselves. Killarney always put up a good fight so bring on the 2024 season!”
Match Official – Stephen Wrightson
All Round 1 Fixtures –
