Words: Michael Flynn
Image supplied by FFA

There will be a distinct PlayStation 4 NPL Women’s Queensland flavour to this week’s Westfield W-League opening round.

Six players and two coaches from Queensland’s elite women’s club competition will be involved in national top tier matches across the country.

Brisbane Roar leads the charge with four players from the PlayStation 4 NPL Women’s Queensland in the club’s extended squad for their season opener against Sydney FC.

Olympic FC’s 2016 Grand Final duo Allira Toby and Natalie Tathem will be joined by SWQ Thunder’s Abbey Lloyd in Roar’s 2016/17 squad, while Brisbane Roar/QAS NTC player Kaitlyn Torpey is also part of the squad.

Eastern Suburbs’ coaching duo Garreth McPherson and Angela Beard will also be involved – Beard as a player and McPherson as assistant to Roar coach Mel Andrietta.

Elsewhere on the weekend, Rosie Sutton will be plying her trade with Perth Glory after solid performances for Easts this year, while Souths United Ayesha Norrie has been picked up by Melbourne Victory.

Their respective clubs were glowing in their statements of their players continued success and the value of Queensland’s talented player pathway.

“We are thrilled at Olympic FC after a very successful 2016 season in the Women's NPL to see two of our senior players move into the W-League with the Brisbane Roar,” said Olympic FC Technical Director Terry Kirkham.

“Allira and Natalie have worked extremely hard and deserve their debut selections in the squad for the Roar this weekend and our whole club is wishing them the very best for their future in the W-League,” he concluded.

Thunder Women’s coach Anthony Bigby said Lloyd’s selection was proof of the buliding momentum of the PlayStation 4 NPL Women’s development system in regional areas such as Toowoomba.

“We are all very excited about Abbey getting this chance to show what she can do on a National stage. With her dedication and hard work she will go far,” Bigby said.

“This is further proof that the NPLW system and the girls and women's programs at Thunder are delivering future stars,” he added.

Easts Treasurer Trish Da Rin said her club remains focused on providing a platform and pathway for talented players and coaches to reach the highest level.

“Easts are very proud of McPherson's appointment to the Roar and the assistance the club has provided to help him reach his football goals in funding his coaching accreditation as part of the coaching development program at Easts,” Da Rin said.

“Easts also congratulates Rosie Sutton on her inclusion in the Perth Glory squad.”

Souths United coach Gary French said his club were also very proud of Norrie’s opportunity at Victory, which sees her again link up with former Roar coach Jeff Hopkins.

“Everyone at Souths is thrilled for Ayesha.  She made a huge contribution to Souths this year by helping the team to become runners-up in the NPL – our best ever finish,” French said.

“It’s great for the NPL to have so many quality players going into the W-League and I feel the league will only continue to get stronger and provide more opportunities for players,” he concluded.

For more details on the Westfield W-League opening round visit the official website – www.w-league.com.au