The increasing strength of the Westfield W-League has provided a solid foundation for the Westfield Matildas’ EAFF East Asian Cup qualification campaign.
The increasing strength of Australia-s Westfield W-League competition has provided a solid foundation for the Westfield Matildas- EAFF East Asian Cup qualification campaign.
All of Australia-s line up to have assembled in Shenzhen have done so on the back of the opening rounds of the 2012/13 Westfield W-League season, where the Perth Glory currently occupy top spot after five rounds.
With all of Australia-s elite women-s players now competing throughout the Australian summer in a top class competition that rivals some of the world-s best, the collective strength of the Westfield Matildas has the potential to reach its greatest height yet in the coming years.
"The Westfield W-League, year in, year out improves on its quality and also its competitiveness throughout the season," Kyah Simon said, whose Sydney FC side has made an indifferent start to it-s 2012/13 campaign, but remains a competition favourite.
"As for Sydney, we haven-t got off to a great start this year, but hopefully we can really come into some form and really hit some good form coming into the money end of the season.”
The Westfield W-League trophy has traditionally been lofted by powerhouse clubs Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC, with the Roar claiming three of the four titles on offer to date.
With the introduction of the Western Sydney Wanderers for season five, the playing standard across the eight-team league has reached new heights, with all teams showing promising form over the first month of competition.
“This year, with the inclusion of the Western Sydney Wanderers, has been good for us,” said midfielder Emily van Egmond, whose Newcastle Jets recorded their breakthrough win of the season at the weekend.
“It-s up for grabs this year I think, previous years we-ve had Sydney and Brisbane in the final, but this year it could be anyone.
“I think the level is very even and it-s really competitive.”
The Westfield Matildas begin their quest to qualify for the 2013 EAFF Women-s East Asian Cup with a clash against Chinese Taipei at Shenzhen Stadium on Tuesday, 20 November. Kick off is at 5pm local time (8pm AEDT).