Finishing just two points adrift of fourth position, the Central Coast Mariners could be pleased with season one of the W-League.  With a young squad assembled, not much was expected of the fourth NSW side but the Mariners managed to surprise at least two more fancied opponents.

The Mariners have lost two key players from their squad namely striker Kyah Simon and defender Ellyse Perry.  Coach Stephen Roche has added some maturity to the squad to compliment and aid the youngsters.  Sydney FC quartet Kelly Golebiowski, Michelle Heyman, Jessica Seaman and Samantha Spackman have moved up the coast looking for opportunities with a side gunning for the finals. Add to that the American trio of Kendall Fletcher, Jillian Loyden and Lydia Vandenbergh, the Mariners could just upstage their city cousins.



When on song the Central Coast Mariners were a dynamic and creative attacking force.  Led by midfielders Trudy Camilleri, Teresa Polias and Matilda Renee Rollason, the Mariners stunned a few unprepared teams.

The Mariners also proved a tough side to break down.  Teams were required to work to achieve results with the side rarely conceding goals early.  With some added quality in the front half and another year under the defenders, Central Coast may find themselves in the coveted Top 4 with some luck. 



Three of the Mariners victories came against sides that weren’t physically imposing.  Against strong and robust sides Central Coast struggled to hold their own especially when faced with Brisbane Roar, Sydney FC or the Newcastle Jets. 

This could be attributed to the Mariners being of the youngest squads in the League last.  With the recruitment of Golebiowski and Heyman Central Coast as gone some way to addressing this area.  The duo should add some grunt up front but how the young defence holds off attacks will prove the key.

If the Mariners are to battle it out for a Top 4 position they will need to hold their own physically. 

Central Coast midfielder Trudy Camilleri may not be a Matilda but she didn’t chances any harm with her first season in the W-League.

Trudy Camilleri

Camilleri was a key component of the Mariners line up both as a playmaker and goal scorer and she enjoyed the challenge.

“To play against players like Cheryl Salisbury I really learned a lot from them.  It was a really good competition and I definitely loved the first season.”

In examining her own play Camilleri is brutally honest about her game and where improvements can be made. 

“I think I have the vision and the touch to be a good playmaker but one thing that lets me down is my fitness.  I need to work a bit harder on that and the rest of it flows with the game.”

In a young side that laboured against bigger opposition Trudy Camilleri managed to hold her own and her contribution will be pivotal. 

“A couple of the girls play with me for the Illawarra Stingrays and we have played together for a season.  We have gelled because we have been together longer than other teams and I think that we will do well because we have that togetherness.”

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