2009 Women's Premier League Grand Final preview
Last updated: Monday September 7, 2009 4:15PM
Image courtesy: John Punshon
By Emma Field
The 2009 WPL Grand Final will see the two dominant teams of the women’s game in Victoria in recent years, Box Hill and Heidelberg, fight it out for the silver wear.
The rivalry between these two teams is fierce, and 2009 will be the fourth year in a row that these teams will clash for the premiership.
Box Hill Inter leads the head-to-head Grand Final contests, winning three out of these four matches, with each result being decided by one goal.
Heidelberg had to do the hard yards to make it to the final game of the year winning their way through the Preliminary Final last weekend with a convincing win over South Melbourne.
It was the end of a fairytale season for South Melbourne, who rose from near relegation last season to finish third in the league.
Heidelberg lost their Qualifying Final 0-1 to Box Hill two weeks ago, in a tight contest where they dominated possession and looked like the team to beat early in the contest, but couldn’t overcome Box Hill at home.
Box Hill won the 2009 minor premiership by one point from Heidelberg, but over the season, four teams took a turn at the top of the WPL ladder.
2009 proved to be the most evenly contested WPL competition in recent years, possibly due to the skimming of the top players for the new W-league, but also due to the increasing quality and recognition of women’s football in Victoria.
Inter had a cracking start to the 2009 season with eight straight wins until Casey Comets defeated them at home in round nine, and they then went on to lose three of their next four games, including one to Heidelberg.
Heidelberg finishing strongly after a solid season, only losing one match in the final ten matches of the regular season, but there have been signs of vulnerability this season.
Only four weeks ago they drew with the Bendigo Vipers, who struggled over the season but have a quick and young team and Heidelberg also lost to Ashburton two weeks prior to that.
The return of Beilnda Panella from suspension for Heidelberg will bolster the Bergers attack especially given her form last week against South Melbourne. The form of the league’s Golden Boot, Melanie Camilleri and the pace of Michelle Verzi, will create further headaches for the Box Hill defence.
Box Hill on the other hand will have Matilda keeper Melissa Barbieri between the uprights plus Georgia Koutrouvelis is always solid in the mid field and Amanda Lawless and Lauren Farrugia will be dangerous up front for the minor premiers.
Box Hill has history on their side and a team packed with talent, plus the ability to wear down their opposition.
They are very quick up front and have probably the best midfield of the league, but they have been inconsistent this season and have, on occasions, failed to capitalise on their chances.
Heidelberg are a tough and well drilled team, and on a good day they play an excellent possession game and can dominate their opposition. Even when they are not playing pretty football they can still win matches, something that may be needed against Box Hill.
It’s a hard game to pick but on Heidelberg’s recent form against Box Hill in the Qualifying Final and last week against South Melbourne there are signs that they could break through for their second premiership win in the WPL.
This game may be the curtain raiser to the Men’s VPL Grand Final but don’t expect the women’s final to be any less exciting or the players any less dedicated, this contest promises to be a fitting end to a magnificent WPL season.
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