The Victorian WPL Select – lead by FFV Coach of the Year Shaun Ontong – have announced their squad for tomorrow afternoon’s Bass Straight Cup clash against Tasmania.
The squad – comprised of a selection of Women’s Premier League players who didn’t receive a W-League contract – was announced this morning and features players from nine different clubs across the league.
“The FFV has contacted all the clubs and basically they each nominated a few players to come down for a little bit of a trial process. From there, we basically narrowed it down to a squad of 16,” said coach Shaun Ontong on the selection process.
In an interesting sub-plot, the Tasmanian team is headlined by a number of players who took part in the 2015 WPL season, including three players from Ontong’s Eagles.
“I’ve worked with a few of [the Tasmanian girls]. Rani [Cavarretta] was one of the players that played with us throughout the season at Boroondara. We’ve also got Lucy Johnson and Amy Medwin.
“They’re three girls that I worked with during the season that did really well with us. I’m sure they’ll be coming here ready to go.”
Ontong is expecting a tough clash at the Veneto Club tomorrow, having seen first hand the talent available to Mike Edwards’ Tasmanian select side.
“For the 2013 game, I wasn’t involved in the women’s game at all, nor Victorian football at all so I can’t comment too much on the previous experience.
“But what I know is that Tasmania will be a very competitive team. In the short time that we have to prepare for this game, we’re trying to make sure we are as competitive as possible.”
Elsewhere, Heidelberg duo Adelyn Ayton and Ellie Gavalas will line up for the Tasmanians, as will Ashburton United’s Olivia Edwards.
READ MORE > Player profiles courtesy of Her Strike
Ayton is excited to be representing her state in the big clash and spoke up about the opportunity the fixture provides for her teammates to showcase their talent to a wider audience.
“It is a fantastic opportunity because there isn’t a W-League side in [Tasmania], giving them something to aim towards throughout the season,” Ayton told Her Strike.
“For interstate players like me, we know we are more easily exposed to the W-League but in reality there are only so many spots available. This game gives those who aren’t quite at that level an opportunity to still have goals and something to work towards.”
Kick-off at the Veneto Club is scheduled for 2:30pm tomorrow afternoon, with penalties to decide the clash if it heads into extra time.
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Victoria Squad: Christine Pfeiffer (Ashburton United), Hayley Geurts (Box Hill United), Daniella Galluccio (Bundoora United), Irena Malliaras (Caulfield United Cobras), Harriet Cordner (Casey Comets), Emily Dolzan (FC Bulleen Lions), Elly Torre (Heidelberg United), Lisa Farquhar (South Melbourne), Sarah Jacobs (Boroondara Eagles), Cristina Cardaci (Box Hill United), Beth Mason-Jones (GK, Bundoora United), Natalie Martineau (South Melbourne), Jess Tay (Boroondara Eagles), Taryne Boudreau (C, Boroondara Eagles), Alexi Garcia (Heidelberg United), Emily Coppock (FC Bulleen Lions)
Tasmania Squad: Amelia Van der Niet, Amelia Dever Kavanagh, Isabella Gee, Harkana Dixon, Louisa Marmion, Olivia Edwards (Ashburton United), Hanna Manuela, Innocent Michaell, Jessie Williams, Adelyn Ayton (Heidelberg United), Ellie Gavalas (Heidelberg United), Caitlin Storay, Aimee Medwin (Boroondara Eagles), Lucy Johnson (Boroondara Eagles), Georgia Foote, Rani Cavarretta (Boroondara Eagles)