Coach: Bill Mihaloudis
READ MORE > Mihaloudis to bring the goals to Heidelberg
2014 Finish: Runners up (5th) For all intents and purposes, it was a successful year for Heidelberg United in 2014. While their league form was at times a little topsy-turvy, they did have a massive upside. They possessed a side with attacking intent, they were an outfit capable of dismantling a side at any given minute. Pointing towards the 7-1 and 5-0 thrashing of Cairnlea FC, or the 5-0 results against Box Hill and more tellingly, Bundoora in the Semi-Finals.
But these were mixed in with unexpected losses, which seemed to break up momentum at inopportune moments. Losses to Ashburton and Casey taught the side that no team is to be taken for granted in the WPL, while at the other end, South Melbourne beat them three times throughout 2014, including the Grand Final.
The season no doubt was a positive one, despite the Bergers falling short at the final hurdle, despite arguably being the better of the two sides.
READ MORE > Match Report: South break finals hoodoo
They had a decent run in their Women’s State Knockout Cup campaign, falling in the Quarter-Finals to the eventual winners FC Bulleen Lions.
New Signings: There’s been a large influx of players to come into the club this year, with Mihaloudis ringing the changes. Potentially the most exciting signing of the season, Kiwi Laura Phillips comes to Heidelberg with experience in the German lower leagues; a pacey utility who can play all over the park.
Emma Gunn comes in from Sandringham after a sabbatical from the game, while the duo of Adelyn Ayton and Stef Galjar come in from Bundoora. Lisa Fonua and Demi Mihaloudis made the similar move from South to the Bergers, like their coach. While Bonnie Barnes (Ashburton), Aneta Komijat (Cairnlea), Phoebe Parker (Bulleen) and Hannah Ryan (Boroondara) complete the moves from inside the top flight.
Chloe Cini is a youngster who has shown fantastic touch in her pre-season hit-outs, having been plucked from State League 3 at Sunshine George Cross. Christina Mancuso and Natasha Lusi also make the move from State League sides, while Alexi Garcia and Ellie Gavalas have come across from elite pathway NTC programs.
Players to watch: There’s a wealth of options to choose here, but American’s Michelle Verzi and Kelsey Quinn will again be vital to any success the Bergers may have this year. Quinn proved a solid pair of hands between the sticks last year while captain Verzi pulled the strings from midfield. Another to watch is Maggie Eudes, who broke out last year with a string of exciting performances on the wing, while Belinda Pannella and Julia Nicolaci have both been flying during pre-season.
What to expect in 2015: There’s little doubt Heidelberg will once again be a big player in the WPL for season 2015. Their recruitment drive and attacking philosophy under Mihaloudis will see them form a formidable and exciting outfit, which is set to take the league by storm. It’s a team mentality at Heidelberg and that tight-knit bond and strength in depth should see a top three finish and a deep run in the finals as the benchmark.