Men’s Premier League
Avoca
Head Coach: Mitchell Harrison
2024 was a year to forget for the Avoca Sharks. After opening their season with an emphatic 6-0 win over Woongarrah who went on to finish the year in first place, the Shark’s season went in the opposite direction as they found themselves in a relegation battle they could not pull themselves out of.
Avoca was one of two teams, along with Woy Woy, who would say goodbye to the Premier League for the next season and look to rebuild and re-establish themselves the following year in Division 1.
However, the Sharks were handed a lifeline early this year as East Gosford was unable to field a team and the Sharks, under new coach Mitch Harrison, now look to prove to the rest of the competition that they are a team worthy of competing in the best men’s league the Coast has to offer.
“This year the emphasis has been all about returning and reinforcing our focus on our club’s values that have served our squad so well since we’ve been in the premier league,” spoke Harrison.
“The effort and energy of the squad in pre-season has been phenomenal, and they’ve been working so hard for each other.”
“Our goals for the upcoming season are improving as a team and individuals, as well as embedding a clear footballing identity for the team. We’re not looking at a particular table position or points total, for us this year it’s about everyone working hard to perform well in each session and game.”
When questioned about this year’s biggest challengers, Harrison sees Killarney going back to their dominant ways for the year ahead. “Personally, I think we’ll see a really strong showing from Killarney this year.”
“Their young squad are very athletic, fit and have great depth. It’s also no secret that Chris Ackerly is one of the best coaches on the coast and will have them very organised and motivated each game.”
Avoca will look to repeat their dominant win from round 1 last year as they face 2024 league champions Woongarrah on home turf.
Opening three fixtures: Woongarrah (H), Wyoming (A), Ourimbah (H)
Berkeley Vale
Head Coach: Andre Gumprecht & Mark Pratt
Celebrating their 50th season as a club last year in 2024, it was certainly a historic one for the Wombats who recorded their first-ever MPL First Grade Grand Final win, capping off a stellar year for the Berkeley boys as they defeated League Premiers Woongarrah 2-1.
Berkeley Vale were one of the best teams in the league last season and that showed on the final round of the year as they were in contention for the title of League Champions and despite getting the victory it wouldn’t be enough as Woongarrah would slightly edge them on the ladder by one point.
Berkeley Vale will have similar goals in sight for the campaign ahead as they look to defend the title of Premiers. “We have a similar squad to last year lost a couple but have gained a few so we are in a similar position to the start of last year,” voiced Pratt.
“We don’t have expectations that align with winning,” added Pratt when asked about goals and expectations for 2025.
“As I say each year is that we are looking for continued improvement, our overall squad this year has a lot of very young players, and we aim to have as many as possible integrated into the first team before the season’s out.”
Although the Wombats have kept a similar squad, two losses against 2025 title contenders Budgewoi and Southern in the pre-season Association Cup could suggest the rest of the competition has got stronger and Berkeley Vale will need to find another level if they wish to bring more trophies to the club.
However, it seems like Pratt is well aware of the task that lies ahead for his squad. “The competition this year will be very strong across most teams so it’s going to be interesting.”
“Budgewoi have invested heavily so they need to perform and their preseason in both grades has been good, Woongarrah the same and SEU has also picked up quite a bit of quality from East Gosford. Killarney will make a return to what they are used to, and Kanwal will be tough to beat.”
Berkeley Vale starts their campaign with a tough run of opponents but will be confident that can claim three points in a home game against Kanwal who they have struggled against in the past.
Opening three fixtures: Kanwal (H), Woongarrah (A), Wyoming (H)
Budgewoi
Head Coach: Haydn Appo
2024 saw Budgewoi return to the top-flight after a nine-year hiatus and plenty of eyes were on Haydn Appo’s squad who went unbeaten in the previous season to claim promotion.
We saw glimpses of greatness from Budgewoi last year who on paper looked to be a finals bound squad. However, their 7th-placed finish on the competition ladder at the end of the season would have left the squad with a determination to prove the can be a force in the league and that has showed already in 2025.
After a noticeable off-season where Appo was able to attract multiple talents to his team, Budgewoi look destined for bigger and better things as they already have the chance to win the club silverware after qualifying for the Association Cup Grand Final in both grades.
“From a coaching perspective, the appointment of Corey Atkinson as assistant coach and Ricky Oetiz as our Goal-Keeping coach has been our most significant structural change. Corey’s Asia B qualifications and Ricky’s keeping licence have helped elevate tactical awareness of our sessions and weekend play,” said Appo.
“Corey’s past five years have been at the youth level with Central Coast United, and his involvement now with Budgewoi has helped open the door for a couple of his past players (Charlie Entwistle, Chris Lennon, and Tahj Werner). This is just what we needed with our four outgoing players: Jose Atayde, Sebastian Araneta, Josh Pratt, Ryan Frame and Ty Warby. Stuey Adams is our only other addition for 2025. Having served his time with dignity at clubs Terrigal and Avoca, it has been great catching back up with Stuey this year.”
As for their goals and expectations, Appo added “We need to be more consistent in 2025. We had some great wins but, unfortunately, disappointing draws and losses. A top-four finish would be an outstanding achievement. I expect it will be a tough season, with several away night games adding to the intensity.”
In regards to the rest of the competition, Appo knows a top-four finish will be easier said than done. “I think the top five from the 2024 table will be the teams to beat. Although each has their own unique identity, they have all been in and around finals football for several years.”
“Killarney and Southern have picked up some key players and will be tough to beat. Kanwal has this never-say-die DNA. Throw in their speed and endurance, and you soon realise that you must match this to stand a chance. And then you have the likes of Berkley Vale, who are structurally challenging to break down and worthy Grand Final winners from last year.
“After our disappointing 7th-place finish last year, we know that we will need to get results from all clubs if we want to still be playing football this September.”
Opening three fixtures: Terrigal (H), Southern (A), Killarney (H)
Kanwal
Head Coach: Ryan Walker
After a heartbreaking 2023 where Ryan Walker and his side lost out on a spot inside the top four on the final day of the year, the final day of the year in 2024 saw Kanwal one of three teams who could have been crowned League Champions, marking a stellar season for the Bulls.
Despite a 4-1 victory against Terrigal, the result wouldn’t be enough as their local rivals Woongarrah would make history by finishing in first place. With their attention now on their elimination semi-final against Southern, Walker and his men failed to get the result needed, going down 4-1 in their final game of the year.
Nonetheless, Kanwal made history of their own last season after being crowned the Men’s Premier League Club Championship winners, a title that shows the depth and quality of the squad that Walker has built in his time as head coach.
As they now prepare for another year with Walker at the helm, Kanwal will once again look to be in and around the top of the ladder at the end of the year. The Bulls went undefeated in their Association Cup pool fixtures, even picking up a win over local rivals Woongarrah, but were knocked out in the semi-finals after a late goal from Budgewoi saw Walker’s men go down 1-0.
With their attention now turned to Berkeley Vale and round 1 this weekend, Kanwal have the difficult task of travelling to Mingara Oval to face last year’s Premiers in the opening round of the year.
Prolific goal scorer Logan Moore, who is entering 2025 coming off two straight Golden Boot awards, will once again play a major part in Kanwal’s success this year as the rapid forward will look to hit the ground running as he comes up against the best defensive side of last season this Saturday night.
Opening three fixtures: Berkeley Vale (A), Terrigal (A), Southern (H)
Killarney
Head Coach: Chris Ackerley
The biggest talking point around Killarney this season is the official announcement coming out of their camp stating this will be coach Chris Ackerley’s last year in charge as head coach of the Terriers.
In his time in charge, Ackerley led this team to a historical, never done before, seven straight League Championships in First Grade spanning from 2017-2023 with multiple Grand Final wins included in that period. In 2022, Ackerley and Killarney managed a feat not done since Budgewoi in 1970, which was finishing the regular season with a perfect record, 18 wins from 18 games.
With multiple Coach of the Year awards to his name, 2025 will see Ackerley step down at the end of the season as the statistically greatest coach the league has ever seen and will be looking end his tenure with one last trophy to his name.
2024 marked the first year since this historic run started that Killarney failed to finish inside the top four and a new team would challenge for the title of League Champions and MPL Premiers. After a massive turnover of players with plenty of first grade experience at the end of 2023, it took Ackerley’s side a while to adjust to their new system as they relied a lot on their youth.
However, when it clicked it clicked well, and Killarney found themselves in season best form at the right time of the year as they look to salvage something from their season, with most notably their striker Ryan Gibson finding the back of the net game after game.
Although Killarney fell just short, missing out on finals by one point, a standout season from Gibson saw the attacker who made his MPL debut that year walk away with the First Grade Player of the Year award.
With Gibson scheduled to come back into the squad early throughout the season, and the experienced Tim Knight still running around creating havoc against oppositions backlines, these two will be play a vital part of Killarney success as their youngsters who now have more experience under their belts look to step up and take this side back to a title contender.
Killarney will welcome one of the title favourites to Edsacc Oval round 1 as they look to start their year with three points against Southern & Ettalong.
Opening three fixtures: Southern (H), Ourimbah (A), Budgewoi (A)
Ourimbah
Head Coach: Ian McAndrew
Fresh off their incredible season in Division 1 which saw Ourimbah finish the year in first place and claim promotion, the Falcons will now be determined to prove themselves against the best the Central Coast has to offer with new head coach Ian McAndrew at the reign.
2025 will mark the end of an 11-year absence from the Men’s Premier League competition for Ourimbah. The Falcons are a club with plenty of history and will feel they deserve this spot in the MPL and to be in contention among the best sides the Coast has to offer.
Most notably in 2001, Ourimbah were able to do the double, claiming the crown of League Champions and Premiers in the same season. Although the club has not found much First Grade success since then, gaining promotion could serve as a turning point for this club which will now have mentor McAndrew running the show.
McAndrew is no stranger to success, winning titles with multiple First Grade clubs as coach and player and comes to Ourimbah with a goal of finals football despite most clubs just looking to survive in their first year after promotion.
“The biggest change for us would be the new players and the coaching staff,” mentioned McAndrew. Ian also spoke about his goal at his new club and how they have finals football in their sights.
“We want to push for top four, no one goes out there just to survive, it will be a very hard task for us with all the money thrown around with the big four!”
It was a shock to many when McAndrew was announced as the new coach of Ourimbah after spending his most recent years as player coach of Wyoming who also gained promotion last year with McAndrew at the helm.
Round 1 will see McAndrew travel to familiar territory, now enemy territory, as he takes on his former club in the season opener and match of the round.
“It will be good to renew the battle of Ourimbah versus Wyoming and have a derby battle this year. This was the biggest battle back in the day when I was coming through Wyoming first grade at 16. Both clubs had the best players on the coast and always put on a good show. Hopefully, both clubs can do it justice come round 1”
McAndrew will look to kickstart his career at Ourimbah with an important three points. However, that will be easier said than done as he will meet a determined Wyoming and a hostile crowd this Saturday night under the bright lights of Alan Davidson Oval.
Opening three fixtures: Wyoming (A), Killarney (H), Avoca (A)
Southern & Ettalong
Head Coach: Matt Page
Southern enters their second year under Matt Page as head coach as the Lions look to be install for a tremendous and victorious season ahead. In recent years Southern have always had a squad on paper that looked to challenge any side and worthy enough to compete for a title. 2025 is no different as the Lions look stronger than ever with a squad that is full of depth and ready to make some noise amongst the competition.
Southern managed another top-four finish last season and were finally able to shake their losing streak in finals, defeating Kanwal 4-1 to put themselves just one game away from the pinnacle match of the MPL. Southern needed to best League Champions Woongarrah to book their place in the Grand Final but fell just short in a 2-1 loss to end their season.
Looking to go even further this year. Page spoke about the biggest changes to his side as they prepare for round 1. “We feel we had a very productive off-season, most of the guys from last year are going around again, and like a couple of other clubs, we probably benefited from the relegated clubs having some players that still wanted to compete at the highest level in 2025.”
“We picked up some quality players from East Gosford, Woy Woy and Avoca, and feel they have added not only to the depth in our squad but also to the level at which we can play at. The new lads have fitted in well with the squad and we are looking forward to them representing the Lions this season.”
Page also expressed his goals and expectations. “Our main goal is to win as many games as possible. It will no doubt be a very tough league this year as most clubs seem to have strengthened their squads, but we feel we have a squad that can mix it up with anyone if we play to the level, we know we can.”
“One thing we are expecting is that every single week will be a challenge and there won’t be any easy games. We will need to be more consistent than last season if we want to stand any chance of taking home some silverware this time around.”
“I think there will be quite a few clubs with an aim to be on top come the end of the season. The three other 2024 finalists, along with Killarney Vale, Budgewoi and Terrigal all have strong shouts. Avoca are always tough to play and have had some preseason results that show it’ll be the same this time around. Ourimbah and Wyoming also have quality in their squad, and coming up after a successful season last year, they will be raring to go, and we will have to be on our game when we meet them.”
Page’s men will have their work cut out for them in the opening rounds as they face some stern opposition starting with a Sunday afternoon fixture at the home of the Terriers.
Opening three fixtures: Killarney (A), Budgewoi (H), Kanwal (A)
Terrigal
Head Coach: Ryan Pearce
Player-coach Ryan Pearce will lead Terrigal out once again in 2025, coming off his debut season as First Grade coach for the O’lads in 2024. Pearce’s first year in charge saw Terrigal finish the year sitting in sixth place with a record of 8 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses.
Terrigal’s squad took a big hit at the beginning of last season as they lost multiple key players to representative side Central Coast United. Pearce’s squad was boosted with the recruitment of Dean Heffernan, former Central Coast Mariner but unfortunately Terrigal will lose Heffernan and his experience for the campaign ahead as well as more talent who have joined CCU for the 2025 season.
Despite these changes, Pearce is confident his squad will continue to head in the right direction as they look to reestablish themselves as a finals contender. “We have some small changes in personnel, but we’re another year into the direction we want to head going forward so learning and mastering our systems is our big change,” commented Pearce.
Terrigal’s main goals for the year ahead are simple, show up each week, be consistent and compete stated Pearce. “Our main goal is to be resilient and competitive in all games. Solid performances week to week and not getting ahead of ourselves or focusing on particular results. We firmly believe this will shape what position we take on the ladder.”
Although being a young squad with the youngest coach, this side equip plenty of First Grade experience that can’t be taken lightly. Pearce will lean on the more experienced players such a captain Maz Vegter and Tion Gerasimou to lead the way and set the tone week in week out for the O’lads.
When it comes to the competition’s biggest challengers, Pearce thinks it will be a very tight battle at the top with plenty of teams vying for that first-place spot. “It’s a very open race this season, the top 6 will be very hard to split. From the preseason results, it was obvious that Southern, Budgie and Kanwal are all flying. It’s very hard to pick one team.”
Pearce and his men open their season away at Budgewoi, a win in that contest away from home for the boys in orange will set the tone for the season as we can expect a very close and tight encounter.
Opening three fixtures: Budgewoi (A), Kanwal (H), Woongarrah (A)
Woongarrah
Head Coach: Luke Rogers
The Wildcats are coming off an extremely historic season for the club and will look to continue to create history by becoming back-to-back League Champions in 2025.
After gaining promotion to the MPL after a tremendous 2023 season in Division 1, a lot of focus shifted to the Wildcats early in 2024 as they started to announce player signings over their social media. Luke Roger’s men certainly had a target on their back at the start of last season and it took some time for all his new recruits to click, but once they did there was no stopping them.
Despite being winless in their opening three games and bottom of the ladder, Woongarrah went on to create history by becoming the first team to claim the title of First Grade League Champions the year after being promoted. The Wildcats finished the year with 13 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws to claim first place with 41 points.
Unfortunately for the league champions, they were unable to secure the double, going down in the Grand Final 2-1 to Berkeley Vale. Nonetheless, Woongarrah will be back in the battle come round 1 in search of a second straight league title and going one better to be crowned MPL premiers as Rogers stated when talking about the year ahead.
“Cohesion would be the biggest change for our team from this time last year. Our goals are to hopefully go back-to-back league champions. To make the Grand Final again and give ourselves another crack at it.”
Woongarrah have been able to keep their core group of players that helped them create history last season while adding some quality to their squad in 2025 who have integrated into the squad immediately. Woongarrah have had a fantastic showing in the Association Cup, making it to the Grand Final for the first time in the club’s history where they look to add another piece of silverware to the trophy cabinet.
Rogers also spoke on the rest of the competition and who he thinks are favourites to take it out this year. “I feel Berkeley will be the side to beat again. Budgewoi and Southern have done a lot of recruiting to their squads and I’m expecting them to be a lot better than in 2024. My thoughts are they will be the three sides we have to finish ahead of if we want to be League Champs.”
Woongarrah meet a familiar foe for their round 1 fixture and will look to right their wrongs of last year’s 6-0 defeat they suffered against the Sharks in the opening round.
Opening three fixtures: Avoca (A), Berkeley Vale (H), Terrigal (H)
Wyoming
Head Coach: Scott Snodgrass
Wyoming’s hiatus from the top-flight competition on the Central Coast was only short-lived as the Tigers were able to bounce back from their relegation in 2023 with promotion back into MPL last year.
Despite gaining promotion, there has been some notable changes happen to the squad from top to bottom since the end of last year as their former coach moved on and Scott Snodgrass now enters Wyoming as their head coach for the season ahead.
When questions about these changes and what their ambition are for 2025, Snodgrass stated, “We loss of some ‘senior’ players well into their 30’s who did a great job in getting us promoted. We have replaced those players with much younger guys who will get their chance to test themselves in what is a quality league.”
“The average age of our starting lineup is 23-24 which bodes well for the future. The other more obvious one is the change of coach with Macca departing after six years in the gig.”
“Many of the top clubs have greater resources than us and that presents some challenges this year and moving forward. However, the main goal is to stay in MPL and not get relegated. Develop and season younger players. Have a strong club culture and will to win amongst the playing group.”
When asked who their biggest challenge will be, Snodgrass stated, “All of them as a newly promoted team! That presents challenges in attracting players for clubs like us. We are a developmental club and have strong juniors to promote and will continue to do so.”
All eyes will be on Wyoming come round 1 as they get the season underway at their home ground on Saturday night. Not only do we get to see what Wyoming will have install for us this season, we get to see them welcome back their ex-coach Ian McAndrew who will lead out the opposition in Ourimbah in what is shaping up to be one of the biggest games of the season.
Opening three fixtures: Ourimbah (H), Avoca (H), Berkeley Vale (A)
Women’s Premier League
East Gosford
Head Coach: John Jiggins
The Rams will once again be title contenders this season. East Gosford’s WPL side have had quite a historical few seasons for the club in recent years. Finishing in the top four and playing finals football for the first time, making the Association Cup Semi-Finals and going on to qualify and win the grand final, there has been plenty this squad can be proud of.
However, their biggest achievement would have to be 2023 WPL First Grade Grand Final win. 2024 saw the Rams look to go back-to-back Grand Final winners and had that goal in sight only to come up short on the day as Terrigal got revenge on the year before and the storybook ending of coach Jorge Chavez’s final game wouldn’t come true.
2025 for the Rams will see a new and hopefully improved squad with a new head coach taking over for Chavez who stepped down as John Jiggins looks to continue the legacy that has been built at the club in previous years.
“My main goal is to continue the trend the previous successful coach had done. I will obviously tweak what is needed in our new format and improve our style of play. I have enjoyed coaching these girls so far and look forward to seeing us improve as both a squad and as individuals in 2025,” voiced Jiggins.
Jiggins also spoke on leaving his old club and the changes install for him and his side in 2025. “Obviously, the biggest change to our squad has been the coaching staff. Moving over from Kincumber due to health concerns and travel I have found the transition quite flawless. Having coached several of the girls in the past the girls have adapted to my style of play surprisingly well.
“We have changed our format and have worked on this throughout our trial games and the Association Cup. We have lost a bit of experience but have also recruited some as well!”
East Gosford look like they haven’t missed a beat in pre-season, putting together some dominant performances and in return have found themselves in a third consecutive Association Cup Grand Final.
Although the WPL competition as a whole looks as competitive as ever this year, Jiggins has his eyes on two teams in particular who he thinks are gearing up for a big 2025. “We believe that Both Killarney and Kincumber will be our main competitors this season! Killarney have recruited quite well and will be a huge presence! Kincumber are a great bunch of players who are young, fit and full of very experienced players! With a new coach as well, they will be out to give it their all in 2025.”
Watch East Gosford in action away from home in round 1 as the WPL season kicks off with a bang this Sunday when Terrigal welcome East Gosford for a grand final rematch.
Opening three fixtures: Terrigal (A), Kincumber (H), Umina (H)
The Entrance
Head Coach: Malcom Trueur
As far as successful seasons go, none get much better than an invincibles season and that’s exactly what The Entrance did last year in the return of our Women’s Division 1 competition.
Their undefeated season also spanned into finals where The Reddies showed tremendous character, coming from behind multiple times to clinch the Grand Final win over Southern on penalties. This stellar season set the foundations of The Entrance getting promoted and now we will see The Entrance test themselves on a bigger stage in 2025.
The Entrance has Tony Cabarrus to thank for last year’s incredible season, and now Malcolm Truer will take over the reigns of the club as he looks to carry the short but tremendous impact and legacy Cabarrus was able to achieve in such a short time as head coach of this squad.
Malcolm spoke on the year ahead, stating the goals he and his squad have as well as who they think will be their biggest and most difficult challenge. “The biggest change is the change in personnel, our backline and coaching staff in particular. We would be happy if we made the finals considering we only just got promoted and have had a big change in personnel. The team we see as our biggest challenge will be Kincumber. Killarney and East Gosford.”
The Entrance have a difficult start to their WPL campaign, facing Kincumber, Umina, and Killarney, two of the three teams Truer stated will be their biggest challenge this year. However, it will be a great opportunity for The Entrance to see where they are at and get an understanding of where they need to be as a team if they wish to compete with the best this league has to offer.
The Entrance will know exactly what to expect when they travel to Frost Reserve to battle Kincumber in round 1 having played the side in their opening round fixture of this year’s Association Cup.
Despite going down 4-0, the Reddies were low on personnel that day and regardless of the scoreline, The Entrance walked away from that fixture knowing they created plenty of chances and if they took their moments the outcome could have been different which will give them plenty of confidence as they enter round 1 this weekend.
Opening three fixtures: Kincumber (A), Umina (H), Killarney (H)
Kanwal
Head Coach: Rodney Squires
2025 has more change installed for the Bulls as their new head coach Rodney Squires will mark Kanwal’s third WPL coach in three years as they look to reestablish themselves as a force they once were within the competition.
2024 saw Kanwal finish in second last with a record of 5 wins, 2 draws, and 11 losses with a total of 17 points. Despite their unusually low standard on the ladder, last year was always going to serve as a transitional year as they lost some key personnel within the club.
Kanwal have shown some promising signs in pre-season, defeating the strong Division 1 outfit Doyalson 2-1 and sharing points with reigning WPL Champions and Premiers Terrigal in a 1-1 draw.
As the countdown to their first official match under Squires gets closer, Rodney spoke about what 2025 has installed for the Kanwal Bulls. “This year will see a different coaching style and new players. These players will be learning different styles of football, and our goal is finishing in the top 4.”
Squires also commented on what he thinks the competition will look like and how strong of a league it will be. “I think the top six teams will all be very close and winning those games will be important to finishing in the top four.”
Under a new regime, Kanwal will rely heavily on the years of experience within their squad with players such as Hayley Ballard, Kelly Lockyer, and Hayley Green looking to set an example for their peers when stepping on the field each week.
Kanwal have a long trek ahead of them for round 1 as they travel to the peninsula to face the mighty E-Gals who find themselves in a similar position to Kanwal and this transitional period at the club.
Opening three fixtures: Umina (A), Killarney (A), Southern (H)
Killarney
Head Coach: Sarah Hudson
Killarney have taken the off-season by storm with the appointment of new head coach Sarah Hudson who was able to attract an influx of talent to the club as Killarney now find themselves as one of the competition favourites.
Hudson spoke in depth about these changes and what she expects from the squad in 2025. “There have been a lot of big changes with this squad in the offseason. We have new coaches with Em and I coming in, so the girls are learning new playing systems and tactics.”
“We’ve had a number of girls leave at the end of last season due to wanting to travel overseas so we’ve had to recruit new players. I would say that we are all in the building phase, creating strong relationships and building new connections. It is still very early days for this squad.”
With any team who have an overhaul of players, it usually takes time to click amongst the squad but from the opening kick-off in pre-season Killarney look like a team with a purpose and despite one hiccup losing to Kincumber 1-0, Hudson and co were able to book their place in the Association Cup Grand Final where they will meet another title challenger in East Gosford.
“I plan to do more than just win with this team,” declared Hudson. “The aim is to build a strong and cohesive program with the right support so that hopefully Killarney can always compete beyond my tenure. One of my biggest goals is to set the bar for women’s football off the field and I feel we’ve started well in our first stage, with excellent backing from the club.”
Last year under their former coach, Killarney asserted themselves into the WPL picture after many years of underachieving. Now in 2025, the sky is the limit for this side who have added the likes of Jordan Evans, Candice Phelan, Kayla Vanderfield, Lucy Metcalfe and more to their squad. An abundance of WPL experience that will prove vital to the Terrier’s hopes of glory for the year ahead.
We get our first official look at this title contender side when they travel to face newly promoted Southern & Ettalong at James Browne Oval this Sunday.
Opening three fixtures: Southern (A), Kanwal (A), The Entrance (H)
Kincumber
Head Coach: Tamer Mansour
Kincumber are another team this year who will be looking to make further progress and challenge for WPL trophies. Last year was a real breakout year for the Roo’s who got their first taste of finals football, finishing the year in fourth position on 22 points with 6 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses.
2025 has already shown glimpses of the next evolution within the squad who handed defeats to The Entrance, Kanwal, and Killarney during their Association Cup pool fixtures without conceding a single goal to their name. A start that new head coach Tamer Mansour will be extremely proud of.
Mansour takes over the mantle from John Jiggins who has made the move to East Gosford. Mansour was able to keep the core group of players who have been on this WPL adventure for the last couple of seasons whilst adding some quality and depth to the squad including a trio of players from The Entrance.
Mansour voiced his goals and expectations for the year ahead as he looks to take this side to the next level. “My main goal is building a good positive winning mentality. Expectations are to make finals, be consistent, work hard and have fun every week. Our squad is pretty much the same as last season, just a new coach. I see us, East Gosford, and Killarney being the biggest challengers this season.”
2025 for Kincumber has endless possibilities. This squad have already proven themselves against title contenders Killarney and will meet a familiar foe round 1 when they welcome the Entrance to Frost reserve for a rematch of their round 1 Association Cup game.
Not only did they record a 4-0 victory over the Entrance that day, their three former Reddies who made the switch this year will be determined to repeat that result and start their year off with maximum points in front of a home crowd as 2025 is shaping up to be a historic year for this WPL side.
Opening three fixtures: The Entrance (H), East Gosford (A), Terrigal (H)
Southern & Ettalong
Head Coach: Adrian Van der Heijden
Adrian Van der Heijden and his Lionesses will have a point to prove in 2025. Despite being the new kids on the block in WPL this season, just a few years back this team was a heavyweight in the league and have a Grand Final appearance to show for it.
After a fantastic year in Division 1, Southern will now be looking to reinstate their position as a force within the competition and coach Adrian is determined to rebuild this squad into exactly that.
“After the last two seasons, it appears The Southern Ettalong WPL/Div1 team has had a run of terrible coaches. It was difficult to get existing players to trial or even want to play again, including to get any All-Age players to back up for trial games and the Association Cup due to the horrid experience the girls have had up to now.”
“Our focus is to rebuild. Re-build the team, but most importantly re-build the culture and environment that is needed to engage players and make them feel part of the club and a team. Whilst we still aim to be very competitive, it is difficult coming into this position at such a late stage, I only accepted the position three weeks out from the Association Cup, when many teams had already held trial games and had team selections completed. But our club and the girls have done an outstanding job to recruit, and the atmosphere currently is very positive within our team and the associated top All Age women’s teams.”
Adrian also mentioned the strengths of their opponents and who he thinks will be their biggest challenge in 2025. “Obviously Killarney Vale, East Gosford are doing something similar to Killarney with player selections, including recruiting from Germany it appears, which makes the league a little difficult to be competitive in. But Kincumber I think will be the surprise club this year, and for the next few years if they can retain their young players. Their youth coupled with the new coach have a good chemistry and rapport.”
With plenty of talk around Killarney, that’s exactly where Adrian and his squad will travel to round 1 as they look to silence the title contenders come Sunday. The biggest news coming out of Southern’s camp since their promotion is the signing of Emily Diaz who returns to the club.
Diaz is a former WPL golden boot winner for the Lionesses and was instrumental in their tremendous season where they made the Grand Final. Plenty of focus will be on Diaz this year as she looks to be the driving force behind Southern’s success in 2025.
Opening three fixtures: Killarney (A), Terrigal (H), Kanwal (A)
Terrigal
Head Coach: Cait Walker
It was an extremely historic 2024 for Terrigal who created history by taking out the Central Coast treble – Association Cup winners, League Champions, and WPL Premiers. This Terrigal side burst onto the scene in 2023 with the appointment of head coach Gab Blanch who led her side to an undefeated League Title before losing just the one game the entire season which happened to be the Grand Final.
Terrigal righted their wrongs the following year, picking up that Grand Final victory after a rematch with the East Gosford Rams went to extra time and a Tahlor Thackray goal saw the Tords take home a 1-0 win.
Since that victory, a lot has changed at the club in a short period. Blanch has moved on to coaching in Newcastle, taking numerous players with her, making way for the arrival of their new head coach, Cait Walker.
This extreme turnover of players has seen Walker come into a role where she must rebuild and rely on the promising youth of Terrigal and some senior players who still remain at the club. A vast majority of Walker’s squad in 2025 have little to no WPL experience as she admits that will be their biggest hurdle this season.
“The biggest challenge for Terrigal is that we are a new team with lots of young players. Our main focus in 2025 is to find our own path and not be compared to the Terrigal of last year.”
When speaking about the league, Walker added, “We believe there is a big three this year in East Gosford, Kincumber, and Killarney. The rest we believe will all be at the same standard.”
Unfortunately for Terrigal they will be thrown directly into the deep end come round 1 as they welcome East Gosford to Duffy’s Oval for a Grand Final rematch. Walker will rely heavily on the experience that have remaining at the club in the likes of Emma Power and Georgah Shearim.
Known for producing young talent, this Terrigal side will be one to watch this year and must not be counted out.
Opening three fixtures: East Gosford (H), Southern (A), Kincumber (A)
Umina
Head Coach: David Brewer
Despite last year being labelled a rebuilding season for Umina’s WPL squad who lost a lot of talent along with their long-reigning coach Steve Donaldson. The E-Gals still found themselves as one of the top teams in the competition and finished the year in third place.
The year has a very similar story for Umina who have said goodbye to some players while welcoming new faces to the club including newly appointed coach David Brewer. Brewer is not stranger to this club, coaching Umina’s Division 1 side in the past as he now looks to bring his style and fresh ideas to elevate the WPL squad.
“The biggest change is we have had a large turnover of players this year,” voiced Brewer. “The team will need to get accustomed to playing together and a new style of play. Our main goal for this year is to make the top four and continue to develop our young players. I think East Gosford, Killarney and Kincumber will be the biggest challenge this year.”
One of Umina’s biggest liabilities last season was their defensive record. Despite a top three finish, Umina conceded 42 goals in 18 games, which was the third worst defensive record in the league. Usually, these defensive lapses would come on the road as Umina has maintained quite a strong home record at Umina Oval.
Umina will once again need to make their home ground a fortress in 2025 but will also need to improve their away record if they have hopes of playing finals football again. As always, the attacking prowess of Kate Styles up front will be a huge boost to this side, Styles has been one of the most consistent attackers the league has ever seen.
Round 1 will see Brewer get his campaign underway as they battle against a determined Kanwal side looking to claim all three points. Last year Umina and Kanwal had three close encounters, and it was Kanwal who got the better of Umina on two of the occasions despite a lower finish on the ladder.
Sunday is shaping up to be another close contest between the two sides with plenty to prove in 2025.
Opening three fixtures: Kanwal (H), The Entrance (A), East Gosford (A)