We are only two days away from another joyous day in the CDSFA calendar as we countdown the hours until the 2021 Grace Martin Trophy season kicks off this Sunday.
Will one side be able to tear down Leichhardt Saints this season or will they reign supreme for another season?
Check out our comprehensive preview as we analyse all the six teams competing in this year’s edition of the CDSFA’s premier women’s competition.
Newcomers ACU will be aiming to shake things up this season as they look to place the pressure on the traditional frontrunners.
Their youthful squad will have to adapt quickly to the rigours of this competition. If they do settle in well then there would be no reason as to why they can’t claim glory in their maiden campaign.
Balmain will have a new coach at the helm this season with David Gioia replacing Sal Fornito in the hot seat.
Image: Balmain’s Zoe Zagami in action. Credit: MMS Sports Photography
Current active leading GMT goal scorer and last season’s golden boot winner, Zoe Zagami, will be back in Tigers colours.
They have brought in some high profile signings with Zoe Kalos (ex-Northern Tigers) adding another dimension to their side while youngster Maya Urquhart returns home after a brief period away from the club.
Revenge will be on the cards for Hurlstone Park following their grand final defeat at the hands of the Saints in 2020.
There will be a host of new faces at Ewen Park this season however there is one name that will remain constant and that is – Mark Higgins – their trusted coach/manager.
Reigning champions Leichhardt Saints will be the team to beat this season as they look to retain the GMT trophy.
The experienced Sophie Lewis will be back in the black and white stripes alongside a fresh faced squad that will be hungry to carry on from where they left off last season.
Many of the girls at Russell Lea have been playing together for over 15 years – originally starting off as the Under 8 Russell Lea Penguins in 2005. They too will be looking to challenge for top honours come the end of the season.
Image: Angelica Georgopoulos at the Strathfield Female Football Festival. Credit: MMS Sports Photography
The girls at Strathfield Park will be hoping to make their home ground a fortress this season as they look to fight for silverware.
Stephanie Dilles will be looking to thwart opposition defences for another season, Beren Gungor will be the much needed link in midfield that will dictate her side in defence and attack while Julia Koko could be their main source of goals for the upcoming campaign.
By CDSFA Communications Officer – Samuel Greco Schwartz
