Football Season Guide

Adelaide had a very solid last season. Finished 3rd during the regular part of the campaign W14 D3 L6. They were the only team to stay close to the 2 Melbourne giants, ended full 11 points above 4th place. English striker Worts netted 11 goals. Erin Healy had 8 goals and 7 assists. Chelsie Dawber added 7 goals and the Reds were the only team with more than 2 players to score 7 or more goals. The form at home was particularly impressive but decisive defeats against the 2 best teams left them wondering “what if…”. The play-offs started well but then in the semifinal lost both legs vs Victory 1-3. Coach Adrian Stenta was voted “Manager of the Year” as Adelaide overachieved big time. Now entering his sixth year in charge he will hope for even greater things. The only major departure was that of DM Sasaki. She was replaced by the Taranto twins, who arrived from the bankrupted now Western United. If anything Adelaide added extra depth and they look stronger on paper. All the main weapons in attack stayed put. Leon was sold but that was simply because Dawber’s form suggested Leon won’t be starting much. On top of adding some quality players while losing only a few decent roster members Adelaide will also have their captain back. Isabel Hodgson missed the entire last season with an ACL. She is a crucial defender and her return should see Adelaide improve their defensive record.