As we count down until the start of the 13th instalment of the Herald Women's Premier League, we are bringing our readers an in-depth look into how the eight teams are shaping up.
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Last on the list are newcomers Maitland.
Maitland FC have taken on Thornton's Herald WPL licence. The Redbacks may have struggled to get a result on the board in recent seasons but there has been plenty of young talent coming through their program, and we can expect to see some of those players take their game to the next level under coach Keelan Hamilton. Hamilton has put together a squad that is a mix of experience and youth and is sure to have his side well-drilled and ready to cause some upsets.
The Newcastle Herald (NH) went one-on-one with coach Keelan Hamilton (KH) and players Sophie Stapleford (SS) and Kaitlin Radstaak (KR) recently and this is what they had to say about the season ahead.
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The coach
NH: What can you tell us about the squad?
KH: Key players retained from Thornton are Taleah Mountford, who is a forward, midfielder Ainsley Childs, Madison Gallegos, who played striker but will be central defender for Maitland, goalkeeper Danielle Redding, Jasmin Hughes, a forward, and Chelsea Hughes in midfield. And a few promoted from the under-17 group. I'm confident a few of those girls can perform better than potentially they have previously. I'm quite happy with their progress so far. Key pick-ups are Sophie Stapleford in attack and Kaitlin Radstaak, who is versatile but will play at centre-back. That's an important position. And Bronte Peel from the Jets Academy. She plays forward or a more advanced midfield position.
NH: How has pre-season been and how do you think you are tracking for the season ahead?
KH: Things are going OK. Training has been good and we've had good consistency in our training. Pre-season games have been a little bit disrupted because of the weather. We would've liked one or two more matches but the weather has conspired against us on a number of occasions which is unfortunate. But, from a preparation point of view, we're reasonably happy. The group has blended together well and we're reasonably happy with where we're at. Maybe a little bit underdone but we're quite comfortable.
NH: What goals have you set for the group?
KH: In terms of goals and targets, we haven't set any actually targets of how many games we want to win or where we want to finish. The reason is I don't want to put any ceiling on what we can achieve. The first big focus for us was trying to raise the standard of what has gone before and trying to make sure that we're more competitive and making sure that we're giving the best account of ourselves week in, week out. We want to be as consistent and competitive as we can be.
NH: What's the biggest challenge?
KH: Our biggest challenge is that it's essentially a brand new group of players. I think that that combined with being a young group as well, from a mental aspect, will be our biggest challenge. Trying to overcome maybe some of the baggage that there is from before and implementing a different style of football. If we can get on a good run and be competitive, I think that will hold us in good stead. We've got a good grounding under our belt. I don't think our fitness will be too much of an issue. A big thing for me is going to be belief and, one of our targets it to try to be consistent. Can we be that? That's going to be a challenge.
The players
NH: How do you think the Maitland team is shaping up?
KR: It's a whole new squad but we have a mix of youth and experience which is important. As a squad we have been jelling well at training and there's some great combinations forming that I can't wait to see strengthen further over the season.
NH: Who do you think will be key players or players to watch out for?
KR: I'm confident with the quality we have across the park that a strong squad will be our key. But a few players to watch are Bronte Peel, Emily Wicks and Mercedes McNabb.
NH: How does it feel being part of a new club and helping establish new benchmarks and club culture?
KR: It's nice having a fresh start and being able to establish foundations and build a culture within the women's program at Maitland. Thornton unfortunately didn't have much success previously, so we are looking to improve on that and be more competitive as a club. As a senior squad we worked together to determine our key values and presented it to the youth teams. Carrying that culture through all of the grades is important and having a family feel where everyone is included.
NH: What do you think the team's strength will be?
KR: Competitiveness. Both within the squad and on game day. We're hungry to bring success to the club and build a strong women's program. Training has been good in pre-season and there's a lot of players fighting for a starting spot in first grade. We'll certainly show up every week ready to compete and be the best we can regardless of the opposition.
NH: You're hosting Magic first up. How do you feel about this?
KR: Obviously Magic are going into the season as one of, if not the title favourite. We're not going to let that determine the result though. It will be a big occasion on Sunday for the club and for us players with our first official match together as a Maitland squad. I'm expecting a tough game but I know we're all up for the challenge and capable of a first-round win. We're looking forward to our first game at Cooks Square Park and hoping for a big home crowd.
NH: How do you feel about the league being back to 21 rounds this year?
SS: Having the 21-round season back this year will feel like normal and how it should be. I think the more rounds and time together this season the better it will be for us to build as a squad.
NH: What are you hoping to get out of the season?
SS: You don't get the opportunity to be a part of a new club very often. Helping create the foundations of a positive, ambitious environment that we strive to play in is exciting. Hopefully others see the way it can be as a club both on and off the field and want to be a part of that. Maitland will open a lot more pathways to Hunter girls and that is fantastic.
NH: How challenging is it being part of a new group?
SS: It can be hard forming a new group sometimes; finding each other's feet and playing style can be difficult. But, honestly, the girls have come together well. They have all been really encouraging and positive. I think that's exactly what we need as players.
The stats
Last season: As Thornton, finished last with 0 points.
Home ground: Cooks Square Park
Key players: Coach Keelan Hamilton rates Sophie Stapleford as one of the best players in the league and she will by key to their attack. The side will be well-structured and should be a mix of youth and experience. Senior player Kaitlin Radstaak has an important job at centre-back but is calm and composed under pressure and brings plenty of experience to the side, as does goalkeeper Danielle Redding. Redding has been through the tough times with Thornton and should relish a fresh start with a more experienced side this campaign. The efforts of rising talents Taleah Mountford and Ainsley Childs did not go unnoticed last year and expect to see them and host of other youngsters take their game to the next level under Hamilton.
First up: They host Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Sunday at 5pm.
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