Marie Taylor for Madhatters Stonehaven (centre, green) goes in for a challenge against Tikipunga AFC in round one. Photo / Supplied
Marie Taylor for Madhatters Stonehaven (centre, green) goes in for a challenge against Tikipunga AFC in round one. Photo / Supplied
After two rounds of Northland's premier women's football competition, a number of teams have announced their intentions to make a run at the 2019 title.
Below you will find part one of the Northern Advocate's look at our top women's football competition with comments from coaches and managers about the season to come, and a collection of player profiles so you know who to look out for on the pitch.
Note: Part two contains the remaining five teams and will be profiled tomorrow.
"It's been important for us to develop, create and support in ways that grow the team, especially for our young players."
With a win and a loss to start the season, Venables said the side hoped to climb further up the table, but that building confidence was the key for 2019.
Leading figure: Rachel Parangi (Midfielder)
As one of the older heads in the side, captain Rachel Parangi will be a key leader for the team going into the rest of the season. Venables said her skipper has led the team well so far in 2019.
"[Parangi] is very supportive and very encouraging which helps bring the young ones through and she's a great communicator," Venables said.
Emerging talent: Lara Bennetto (Midfielder)
Venables said the young midfielder was full of potential and this season could be an important one for her.
"[Bennetto] has got some pretty good qualities, she's strong on the ball, good control, a high work rate and she just keeps getting better and better."
2019 results: R1: Lost 2-7 vs Onerahi Heritage Homes R2: Won 2-0 vs Tikipunga AFC
Despite finishing ninth last year, the Bream Bay side cut their number of goals conceded in half from 2017 (85) to 2018 (40). Coach Stuart McDonald said the club's fortunes had improved this year after an interrupted 2018 season.
"We had so many players try to join this year and the age of the team is a lot younger, so we are quite hopeful this year for better finish like 4th or 5th."
Leading figure: Nadya Worthy (Striker)
A late addition to the Bream Bay squad last year, Worthy was certainly deserving of the captains armband for 2019. McDonald said the regular triathlete was deadly in front of goal and would be a handful for opposition defences.
"[Worthy] is a player that teams know about when they walk on the field, she's fast, full of running and makes life difficult for defenders," he said.
"She's very positive, she's all about encouragement and fitness, that's the culture we want."
Emerging talent: Alyssa Flanagan (Defender)
Flanagan is a jack of all trades and master of all, according to Coach McDonald. The sixteen-year-old plied her trade in a number of different sporting codes, but would be a strong asset to Bream Bay with her experience playing in male divisions.
"You can tell when Alyssa plays for us, she's hard to get past, strong on the ball, never gives up and she'll play anywhere you ask," he said.
Danika Holland will be a young player to watch for Bay Cosmos this season. Photo / Supplied
The Bay Cosmos had one of their best years in 2018, finishing in the top four and consistently turning up with a full and talented squad. Player/manager Jade Rogers said as long as the team was enjoying their football, 2019 would be another good year.
"Being a women's team, we've got such a big mix of age-groups, so having substitutes is always a lifesaver," she said.
"We are here to have fun because we love the sport and we want be in it, obviously we'd like to do as well as last year, but enjoyment is the number one priority."
A versatile player, Pickering was invaluable to the Cosmos' setup and Rogers hoped her midfielder would continue her role as a great leader in the team.
"Not many people can play all over the show and [Pickering] is happy to go wherever," Rogers said.
"She's just got awesome commitment, she knows how to talk to the girls and she's a good helper behind the scenes."
Emerging Talent: Danika Holland (Defender)
A product of Bay of Islands College, Holland had stepped it up a level in Rogers' eyes, who felt the young defender would be a resolute figure in the backline this season.
"[Holland] is not a big girl but she's fast and confident, she gives me real piece of mind being at the back because of her great skills and she just doesn't stop running."
Central Brown
Coach: Darren Bowness
2018 season finish: 8th
2019 results: R1: Lost 1-7 vs Kerikeri Fairview R2: Drew 1-1 vs Kamo
Central Brown managed to avoid the wooden spoon last year with an 8th-place finish but according to coach Darren Bowness and a 1-1 draw against a formidable Kamo side, last year's development was paying off in 2019.
"Last season we gave a lot of up-and-coming players a chance at the top level and I think that we have got a squad that could win it," Bowness said.
Leading from the back, Somers would be key in motivating the girls to see Central Brown climb the table.
"[Somers] is very solid where she is, she controls the backline well and in front also," Bowness said.
Emerging talent: Skye Renes (Midfielder)
After starting with the club last year, Renes had stood up this season according to Bowness, who said it was her 100 per cent commitment which made her a great player.
"[Renes] is very good at what she does and she's stepped up this year to be an outstanding player as the season goes on."
