Newcastle Olympic's championship aspirations have taken a hit with the departure of big-name players Jenna Kingsley, Olivia Kennedy and Alesha Clifford as the Herald Women's Premier League is poised to resume.
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Olympic took over Wallsend's WPL licence this season and were touted championship contenders after naming a strong roster, including Jets striker and three-time WPL leading scorer Kingsley.
Kingsley has played with the Newcastle Jets since 2015/16 and also had W-League stints with Central Coast and Western Sydney. Kennedy and Clifford also have W-League experience.
Olympic opened their campaign with an 8-0 win over Mid North Coast followed by a 2-1 loss to Merewether before the league was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis. They will restart their season against Warners Bay at John Street Oval on July 12.
Kingsley signed with Olympic after three seasons at Warners Bay but had not taken the field for her new side due to W-League commitments.
Olympic coach Harmonie Attwill told the Newcastle Herald Kennedy was moving to Melbourne for work and Kingsley and Clifford had decided not to play due to a change in circumstances. Kingsley told the Herald she would not be playing WPL this year.
"It's disappointing to lose Liv Kennedy," Attwill said. "She's got a lot of experience but she also leads by example and is very encouraging of younger players."
Meanwhile, Broadmeadow Magic have welcomed back former W-League striker Adriana Jones. Jones signed with Magic but, after starting a new job that required some weekend work, told the club at the start of this month she would not be able to play. But Magic coach Jake Curley told the Herald this week Jones' work shifts had changed and she was back on board.
Magic have also signed centre-back Laura Rapley. Midfielder Koby Ferguson, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last year, has returned to full training and will be ready to take the field when Broadmeadow open their WPL season on July 12 against defending champions New Lambton.
Magic are yet to play a match after their first two fixtures were postponed.