Season Preview: Bundoora United

by Jordan Lim 0

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Coach: Paul Kilpatrick & Mark Torcaso

2014 finish: 4th (Elimination Finals) Bundoora assembled a line-up capable of competing at the very top echelon of the competition, but in the end, their season fizzed rather than fired. Their campaign was by no means a bad one, but it felt as if the side was one that superseded expectation, given the wealth of talent available at their disposal.

A fourth place finish on paper was respectable, as was their incredible record of putting sides to the sword, with five of their 12 wins coming by four goals or more. But at times it just didn’t seem to work for Bundy, particularly their mid-season form, where they fashioned only two wins in eight games, one of which came against bottom placed Monbulk Rangers.

But they got their act together to finish strong and secure a place in the finals, where they lost agonisingly in the elimination finals to Heidelberg, in a penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw after extra-time.

Their run in the Women’s State Knockout Cup was halted at the Quarter-Final stage, where they lost 1-0 to finalists South Melbourne.

New signings: Bundy will head into the 2015 season with a more streamline look to their squad, out go Steph Galea (Preston), Stef Galjar, Adelyn Ayton (both Heidelberg United), and Kate Leder (Box Hill), while Melissa Missalidis and Padiki Dade will be taking time off during the 2015 season. The latter may potentially return towards the end of the season however in a welcome boost, should they make finals.

In return, they’ve gained the services of NTC graduate Jess Pitts, while also securing Victory W-League player Jess Au’s signature from South Melbourne. Another player with W-League experience is Adelaide United W-League youngster Monique Iannella, who’ll add plenty of quality to their midfield.

READ MORE > Bundoora snap up South Melbourne starlet

Players to watch: There’s no shortage of players to choose from in this camp, but watch out for the double act of Enza Barilla and Rachel Alonso who seem to telegraph passes to each other. Barilla, the reigning players player of the year recipient, is one of the competitions blue chip performers, and is amply capable of playing a role in any attacking position. The pair combined for 25 goals last season.

What to expect in 2015: With the quality they’ve recruited this season, it’s surprise to very few that Bundy are expected to be a force once again for season 2015. While within the camp, the mentality has been from the coaching staff to best prepare the players for higher honours, this should come hand in hand with a finals berth this year, and expect them to be in amongst it at seasons end. Predict a Grand Final appearance in either the league or cup.

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