Report by Tommy Doleman

Perth SC captain Zoee Spadano, left, during last week's Round One win over Balcatta Etna. Photo by Rob Lizzi

Round Two of the NPLWA – Women’s season begins tonight with two matches at 8pm.

Hyundai NTC host Perth SC at E&D Litis Stadium, their home ground for 2022, while Curtin University take on Perth RedStar at Edinburgh Oval.

The NTC youngsters will have a point to prove after a tough 5-0 loss to RedStar where they played the final 30 minutes a player down following a red card.

In contrast, Perth started 2022 with a 2-0 win over Balcatta Etna thanks to second half goals from former NTC duo Abbey Meakins and Taneesha Baker.

Like a number of teams, there has been change at the Azzurri heading into the new season. Several new signings have joined, while former Murdoch University Melville title-winning coach Peter Rakic also arrived at Dorrien Gardens.

Perth captain Zoee Spadano said Rakic’s ideas are already starting to translate to the pitch and is hopeful they can carry that into the NTC clash.

“We’ve developed a slightly newer style of play where we keep a bit more of the possession,” she said.

“We all respect Pete so much with the style of play he has and the new signings have fit in really well, which has added some depth that we probably lacked a bit of last season.

“We got stumped by Redbacks in the Night Series semi-final but managed to keep the ball better against Balcatta last week, even if we had a few troubles in the final third. We’re building on it, it’s coming along nicely and we’ll look to keep on improving it during the season.

“NTC are quite a young squad and it’s important that we don’t underestimate them because they do like to press and work hard. But that’s something we will be up for, because as a team we want to play under that pressure and it’s something we’re really excited about.”

Spadano was made skipper at the beginning of 2021 by former coach Danielle Brogan and has been a near ever-present at Perth in the NPLW era.

The extra responsibilities of leadership haven’t impacted the performances of the 19-year-old midfielder though, as the former Ellenbrook player went on to win the NPLW Female Young Player of the Year award last season.

“I was completely shocked and caught off guard. It was such an honour and a nice reward for the hard work that was put in,” Spadano said.

“Being captain is definitely something I’m passionate about and I’m so proud to lead the girls and represent them on the pitch. The girls have helped me settle into it and have really encouraged me and trust in me, which feels really good. I really want to help drive people and make sure the high intensity maintains throughout the team.

“I’m playing a slightly different role this season, as you saw in the game against Balcatta, so it’s something I’m adjusting to and trying to work out. But I managed to settle in as the six last season and I’m hoping to try and progress again.”

And with Dorrien Gardens one of the two training sites in WA confirmed for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Spadano added that there’s been a real buzz around Perth SC in the early part of this year.

“It’s something we’ve all been speaking about since it was announced and everyone was overwhelmed with excitement,” she said.

“It’s an honour to play at a club that’s going to host international teams and players and it’s something you never really think about until it happens. But it’s a big deal and it’s something the club are really grateful for and proud of.”

Meanwhile, Dom Gangemi’s Curtin University will aim to bounce back from Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Fremantle City as early leaders RedStar arrive at Edinburgh Oval.

There are two more games on Sunday.

Balcatta host Murdoch University Melville at Grindleford Reserve (3pm), a venue where the defending champions have not lost in the NPL era. MUM FC drew 0-0 with Subiaco in Round One while Balcatta had the loss to Perth SC.

In the weekend’s final fixture, Subi welcome Fremantle to Rosalie Park (3.45pm).

Fixtures

Friday (8pm): Curtin University v Perth RedStar, Hyundai NTC v Perth SC. Sunday (3pm unless stated): Balcatta Etna v MUM FC, Subiaco v Fremantle City (3.45pm)