Head Coach, Michael Mayne, has named what he describes as an exciting group of players for Loaded WaiBOP Football’s 2018 National Women’s League (NWL) campaign, which kicks of this Saturday against neighbours Auckland at Hamilton’s Gower Park.

A large number of the playing group has NWL experience and their previous exposure at this level will leave them under no illusion as to the challenge ahead. “We have spoken as a group and understand that our most recent reality in this league is a disappointing second to bottom finish,” said Michael after naming his playing squad. “That is something we want to make sure we improve on dramatically this season. Our goal is to be pushing for results at the right end of the table this summer.”

Signing some of the region’s best young players, who are currently in the National age group environments, has been important for expanding the depth in quality within the squad. “It will be my first time working with Kelli Brown, Tiana Hill, Grace Wisnewski, Georgia Candy and Rylee Godbold,” explains Michael. “I know they are all wanting to play major roles in this team and are hungry to do well for the team.

“Also, working with some of the slightly more experienced players such as Kate Williams, Chelsea Elliot, Helen Talbot and Emma Cawte is going to be really important. They’ll help us go about setting our standards each week, both in training and when we take the field at the weekend.”

The short turn around between the end of the club season and Saturday’s first NWL match has proven to be extremely difficult in pulling the side together. “This hasn't been ideal for the players, but it’s a challenge all the teams across the country will be facing,” said Michael. “My management team is working hard to keep the players fit and well and primed for the important first game against Auckland. Managing the group physically and maximising what they can do will be the key early in the campaign.

“We don't expect to have everything perfect in the first couple of rounds, so it’ll be a case of improving as we progress through the season. Thankfully the players are eager to get into my system and play their part in the squad, so we’ll be as ready as we can be for the big kick-off on Saturday.”

Mayne is still looking to fill the final two or three spots in his playing roster. This will, ideally, be completed within the next fortnight.

Loaded WaiBOP Football’s Playing Squad
2018 National Women’s League

1. Georgia Candy (GK)
3. Kate Williams
4. Olivia Hooper
5. Chloe Henderson
6. Jayden Watts
7. Emma Cawte
8. Stella Neems
9. Helen Talbot
10. Ella Golding
11. Lilly Muspratt
12. Kelli Brown
13. Tiana Hill
14. Richlyn Tuhoro
15. Grace Cox
16. Grace Wisnewski
17. Kim Maguire
19. Ashley Weld
20. Chelsea Elliot
21. Rylee Godbold (GK)

First game: Loaded WaiBOP v Auckland, Gower Park, Hamilton. Saturday September 15, 2018. Kick-off: 2pm.

Full draw: HERE. 

The revamped National Women’s League start on September 15 and will contain two full, home and away, rounds for the first time. The two highest-placed sides will progress to a one-off grand final on the weekend of December 15-16, the winner of which will lift the trophy.