By Joan Grey
With one round of the Women’s National League played, some early form has been disclosed … but who do you think will win this year’s title?
Auckland teams made a strong start and filled four of the top five spots on the table but it’s early days with another 11 weeks to go.
READ MORE: This week’s fixtures >>>>
READ MORE: Match reports from last Saturday’s games >>>>
READ MORE: Match reports from last Sunday’s games >>>>
The new structure of the Women’s National League sees the top four Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier League (WPL) teams competing against Central Football and Capital Football from the North Island and Canterbury United Pride and Southern United from the South Island.
This format presents exciting new match-ups with some teams playing against each other for the first time.
Who will come out on top and take out the league title?
Eastern Suburbs
They finished third in this year’s NRFL WPL competition. The highest goalscorers of the 2022 WPL, accumulating 73 goals and possessing four of the league’s top five goalscorers: Juliette Lucas, Jade Parris, Deven Jackson, and Tayla O’Brien.
Northern Rovers
Convincingly won this year’s WPL and claimed the best defence, having only conceded 14 goals in the WPL. Runners-up in this year’s Kate Sheppard Cup.
Auckland United
Winner of this year’s Kate Sheppard Cup after narrowly beating Northern Rovers. Placed fourth in the WPL.
However, they’ll be without their cup final stars Martine Puketapu and Katie Duncan.
READ MORE: United to be without cup final stars for national league campaign >>>>
Western Springs
Second place in the WPL 2022 and 2021. The only team this year to defeat Northern Rovers in the WPL.
Southern United
Winners of the 2021 WNL’s South Central Series.
READ MORE: Southern United appoint new coach for Women’s National League >>>>
Canterbury United Pride
Six-time winners of the WNL. Their line-up features emerging Wellington Phoenix star Alyssa Whinham and former Football Fern Kate Loye.
READ MORE: Pride names strong squad to chase seventh national title >>>>
Capital Football
Led by Maika Ruyter-Hooley, head coach for the Wellington United side that won the 2021 Kate Sheppard Cup.
READ MORE: Capital’s squad for 2022 campaign >>>>
Central Football
Includes eight players coming from Palmerston North Marist Football club, who reached the semi-final of this year’s Kate Sheppard Cup.
Standings
So, who will take the trophy at season’s end? Cast your vote here:
This poll is no longer accepting votes
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