Coach: Sinisa Cohadzic
2014 Finish: 10th It was a narrow escape from relegation, to say the very least. Sitting second from bottom heading into the final round of games, they knew that even a win might see them go down. They did their part with a hard earned 1-0 win over Casey Comets and were confirmed safe when South Melbourne triumphed over Cairnlea FC, who would’ve stayed up with the three points. Regardless, improvement is a must in 2015, and they’ve made all the right moves so far.
Everything worked in three’s for Cohadzic’s playing group as their third bottom finish was made possible by the leagues third worst goal scoring record and defensive stability, as they scored a meagre 21 goals in 22 games, while shipping 59.
There was plenty of upside to Ashy however as a late season resurgence saw them earn strong wins against Heidelberg United (1-0) and Bundoora United (2-1). These key games went a long way towards retaining their top-flight status.
Their Women’s State Knockout Cup run was a short one, halted in the opening round by Heidelberg United.
New Signings: It’s been a raft of movement at Ashburton Park with a host of big name players heading into the club. There’s a strong Victory W-League connection brewing with young centre-half and Matilda Emma Checker the highest profile move, while former Victory and South Melbourne forward Laura Spiranovic will look to add pace, power and lethal finishing to an Ashburton side that struggled for goals.
Another former Victory player, shot-stopper Melissa Maizels also joins, fresh off her W-League debut with champions Canberra United, while former Victory skipper Ash Brown looks likely to continue her rehabilitation from an ACL injury with the club. Kristen Stensholdt is a confirmed transfer as she returns to her former club after a stint at Sandringham SC, while Fede Frew makes the move from Bulleen.
Players to watch: It may sound funny picking a defensive minded player as the one to watch, especially when they shipped the amount of goals they did last year, but Ashburton captain Christine Pfeiffer was one of their best performers last year. Despite playing in a more advanced role the season prior, setting up goals and scoring them herself, her role last year was as a stopper, where the utilities supreme technical ability helped her set up attacks, whilst failing to give an inch in her defensive duties. Whether she’ll partner Checker or play in front of her remains to be seen.
Prodigiously talented young winger Melina Ayres – who turns 15 this year – made the left flank her own last year, a scary thought for someone who’s heading into their third year of WPL development.
What to expect in 2015: Having gained that late season confidence that they can in fact win games against top quality opposition, Ashburton look set for a much bigger 2015. With the signings that they’ve made, they may come close to bridging the gap between the top and the bottom of the ladder, but that’ll all come down to how well they gel on the park. If they do, expect a strong tilt at finals, perhaps even the title, but they’ll have to do it all whilst dealing with something new, expectation. But look out for them, Ashy’s set to explode. Top five is the benchmark.