Manly’s Women Shaping Up For Title Defence
Manly United women’s coach Chris Williams has described pre-season as “a little disjointed” – but remains adamant his team can win back to back premierships in 2018.
New faces include Japanese import Myu Ban and Brisbane Roar Academy representative Tiarna Karambasis while Claudia Cholakian has returned to the club after she was abroad last year.
Recent trial game results have been encouraging, with victories against Sydney University, NWS Koalas and Northern Tigers.
“For us, it is all about building for our first competition game on (Sunday) March 11 against Macarthur,” Williams said.
“It is at home and a grand final replay, so everyone is excited about that.
“With quite a few of our girls in the W-League, we promoted players from our 17s and they were quickly up to speed with how we like to play, which was great.
“It is a very tough market in terms of recruiting players, so we hand picked from within.”
Star striker Remy Siemsen is currently enjoying a break after helping Sydney FC reach the recent W-League grand final.
Williams plans to sit down with the Young Matildas representative over the coming days and remains hopeful she will agree to terms – but if Siemsen secures a professional contract overseas, she will depart with the club’s blessing.
Tash Prior and Nikola Orgill also stood out in the W-League with the Newcastle Jets and both will return to Cromer Park as will key figures Chloe O’Brien, Sunny Franco and goalkeeper Claire Coelho.
United take on the North Shore Mariners in their final hit-out this Sunday.