Pos Team P W D L For Ag +/- Pts
1 Halholzer United 38 27 5 6 70 26 +44 86
2 Kingsgrove 38 22 13 3 72 37 +35 79
3 Northern Union 38 21 6 11 57 31 +26 69
4 Harmonica Tundra 38 21 3 14 51 43 +8 66
5 Rozelle 38 19 7 12 62 47 +15 64
6 Pilgrimage 38 18 8 12 44 35 +9 62
7 North Hall 38 15 13 10 40 31 +9 58
8 Falkner United 38 16 10 12 61 54 +7 58
9 Bellight FC 38 15 11 12 60 54 +6 56
10 Bellight Wanderers 38 15 7 16 41 37 +4 52
11 South Rathia 38 12 13 13 35 41 -6 49
12 Rozelle United 38 13 10 15 44 52 -8 49
13 Francisca Orient 38 13 7 18 42 54 -12 46
14 Guilder 38 10 12 16 35 50 -15 42
15 Lotus Park 38 9 12 17 38 53 -15 39
16 Cape of Hope FC 38 11 4 23 39 62 -23 37
17 Marque 38 10 7 21 43 67 -24 37
18 SWU FC 38 7 14 17 33 49 -16 35
19 Saint Alexander 38 7 13 18 28 48 -20 34
20 Rosbank Town 38 8 7 23 39 63 -24 31
1 Westpike United 38 25 8 5 78 29 +49 83
2 Pikemouth 38 22 9 7 68 33 +35 75
3 Halholzer Sundays 38 22 7 9 61 44 +17 73
4 Sciongrad Rovers 38 22 5 11 74 48 +26 71
5 Gentlemen's Club 38 21 7 10 82 59 +23 70
TOP SCORERS
22 - E. Charlestown (HHU)
19 - G. Urrunaga (HHU)
18 - E. Killanen (KNG)
17 - S. Adelardi (BFC), A. Sandro (FLK)
16 - N. Gardella (KNG), E. Ashworth (ROZ)
AWARDS
Golden Boot (Goals Scored): Ezekiel Charlestown (HHU)
Golden Ball (Player of the Year): Eoin Killanen (KNG)
Golden Fist (New Player of the Year): Eoin Killanen (KNG)
Golden Heart (U-21 Player of the Year): Jakob Cornwall (HMT)
Team of the Year: Clarke (HHU); Molina (KNG), O’Hara (HHU), Gillard (NTH), Branagh (NTU); Blackslate (HMT), Moss (ROZ), Lund (FLK); Charlestown (HHU), Urrunaga (HHU), Killanen (KNG)
Manager of the Year: Brian Ashgrove (HHU)
League Finish: 9th
UICA Run: Globe Cup Playoff Round
Stadium: Crop of Rock Stadium (7,500)
Nickname: The Reds
Manager: Jack Bolton
Captain: Vina O’Hara
Top Scorer: Somni Adelardi (17)
Likely Starting XI: (4-4-2) 1 - Lillehammer; 2 - Park, 6 - Frostmarris, 5 - Benbow, 18 - Duffy; 13 - Camero, 15 - Mulberry, 4 - O’Hara (c), 18 - Asher; 9 - Adelardi, 10 - Birikaitis
In: Diedrich Frostmarris (Cranequin City, loan), Lufus Aurora (returns from loan)
Out: Corentin Jack St. John (Violence Chariots, 8.5m), Osmond Eben (Halholzer United, 1.2m), Declan Costa (released), Bill Ride (retired)
Promoted: Glenn McTaggare (GK, 20)
Bellight, it has to be admitted, weren't quite where they should be last season, finishing in a disappointing 9th. But their familiar high-octane, blood-and-thunder approach to the attack is sure to light up the league as always - hopefully with better results this time. That said, it's a worry that they've had to sell two of their best players - St. John, in the most expensive A-League transfer of the window, leaves for the Premiership as Osmond Eben skips across the country to Halholzer United. Combined cost: almost 10 million. Meanwhile, they've signed a (highly promising) teenager on loan from Cranequin City. Not exactly ideal.
"Somni! Somni, Somni! Somni, Somni! Somni Adelardi!"
"Guru! Guru, Guru! Guru Guru! Guru Birikaitis!"
In such a simple, addictive call-and-response chant the all-conquering Bellight strike partnership is venerated on a weekly basis within the stadium. But that isn't the be-all-and-end-all, and the Reds are a very good team. Thorgen Lillehammer in goal is a catlike presence, prowling and leaping and saving almost everything that comes his way. Frostmarris will partner the experienced and canny Benbow while Gerry Duffy hangs out at leftback making constant surging runs up and down. Vina O'Hara is still the heart and soul of the team in midfield, inevitably behind pretty much everything good that ever happens at the club and still going strong at 34, while Keating Asher is regarded as a promising one to watch. And, well, the big men up front. Mere journeymen at the league's outset, they've formed a fantastic partnership with one another.
Bellight are good... but diminished. They'll come 7th, comfortably in the Globe Cup spots but in need of more time for a serious assault on the Champions' Cup places.
Manager: Jack Bolton
Asst. Manager: Tamsin Snachten
Goalkeepers: 1 - Thorgen Lillehammer, 12 - Glenn McTaggare, 19 - Bryan Bishop
Defenders: 2 - Richard Park, 3 - Deven Small, 5 - Sam Benbow (APX), 6 - Diedrich Frostmarris (APX), 18 - Gerry Duffy (BRE), 21 - Elwin Bardsley, 23 - Ali Baxter
Midfielders: 4 - Vina O’Hara (c), 7 - Jay Nielsen, 8 - Jan Domhnaill, 11 - Fraamir (DAI), 13 - Emmet Camero (AUD), 14 - Lufus Aurora, 15 - Ludo Mulberry (APX), 16 - George Warton, 18 - Keating Asher, 24 - Kiera Lum
Forwards: 9 - Somni Adelardi, 10 - Guru Birikaitis (BYN), 17 - Jerry Blackbourne
Asst. Manager: Tamsin Snachten
Goalkeepers: 1 - Thorgen Lillehammer, 12 - Glenn McTaggare, 19 - Bryan Bishop
Defenders: 2 - Richard Park, 3 - Deven Small, 5 - Sam Benbow (APX), 6 - Diedrich Frostmarris (APX), 18 - Gerry Duffy (BRE), 21 - Elwin Bardsley, 23 - Ali Baxter
Midfielders: 4 - Vina O’Hara (c), 7 - Jay Nielsen, 8 - Jan Domhnaill, 11 - Fraamir (DAI), 13 - Emmet Camero (AUD), 14 - Lufus Aurora, 15 - Ludo Mulberry (APX), 16 - George Warton, 18 - Keating Asher, 24 - Kiera Lum
Forwards: 9 - Somni Adelardi, 10 - Guru Birikaitis (BYN), 17 - Jerry Blackbourne
League Finish: 10th
Stadium: New Ground (3,000)
Nickname: the Wanderers
Manager: Hans Jelico
Captain: Iero Boldface
Top Scorer: Gaston (12)
Likely Starting XI: (5-4-1) 1 - Rojas; 2 - Boldface (c), 5 - Revue, 19 - Scrivenor, 4 - Mitchell, 3 - Michaels; 6 - Angryndar, 25 - Stortford, 7 - Mortlock, 11 - Hughes; 9 - Gaston
In: Galila Hedley (Halholzer Sundays, 1.2m), Bartolomej Paulissen (Union FK, 750k), Isidora Reynder (Sciongrad Rovers, 500k)
Out: Sam Holden (Cape of Hope, 400k), Sarah Tremorebridge (Arbour Lights, free), Paige Turner (Teol United, free), Clarice Morce (retired), Virgee O'Cleary (retired), John Harper (retired)
Promoted: Filbert Usman (LB, 17), Fred Mortlock (CM, 20)
If you were to list all A-League, and only remembered 19 of them, Bellight Wanderers might be the one you leave out. That said, there's some optimism coming into this campaign - they've finally gotten rid of Sarah Tremorebridge, after all, with two exciting players from the second tier bulking up the squad. In all, a thoroughly unremarkable window. But that's fine - the status quo is good enough for the Wanderers.
Hans Jelico's lads play a back five that suits their safety-first inclinations, with veteran rightback Iero Boldface the leader of an inexperienced back line - 23-year old Scrivenor is a classy and refined centre-half, probably the best of the unit. A young midfield core of the destroyer Mortlock and the incisive, decisive Stortford - both 20 - have a strong pair of wingers in support. The wonderfully-named Angryndar of Dainer is a ferocious, barbarian presence on the right, Jack Hughes an excellent orthodox winger on the left, while two options present themselves to spearhead the charge. Typical Islander Gaston's silky feet and youth have been preferred of late, but the typical Nepharim Crane, burly and dedicated to winning at all costs, is capable of making a powerful impact on any game.
So all in all, the Wanderers are a decent side, and they'll get a decent finish. 10th would suit them fine.
Manager: Hans Jelico
Asst. Manager: Alisander Umber
Goalkeepers: 1 - Nestor Rojas (VDM), 12 - Grigor Purcell
Defenders: 2 - Iero Boldface (c), 3 - James Michaels, 4 - Aléncon Mitchell, 5 - Donna Revue, 13 - Danica Rey, 14 - Mitch Jones, 15 - Bartolomej Paulissen, 19 - Wynona Scrivenor, 20 - Filbert Usman, 21 - Anne Kendrick
Midfielders: 6 - Angryndar (DAI), 7 - Fred Mortlock, 8 - Galilah Hedley, 11 - Jack Hughes, 16 - Isidora Reynder, 18 - Ardal Proudfoot, 24 - Jack Bentley, 25 - Bishop Stortford
Forwards: 9 - Gaston (NSI), 10 - Ulrich Crane (NPH)
Asst. Manager: Alisander Umber
Goalkeepers: 1 - Nestor Rojas (VDM), 12 - Grigor Purcell
Defenders: 2 - Iero Boldface (c), 3 - James Michaels, 4 - Aléncon Mitchell, 5 - Donna Revue, 13 - Danica Rey, 14 - Mitch Jones, 15 - Bartolomej Paulissen, 19 - Wynona Scrivenor, 20 - Filbert Usman, 21 - Anne Kendrick
Midfielders: 6 - Angryndar (DAI), 7 - Fred Mortlock, 8 - Galilah Hedley, 11 - Jack Hughes, 16 - Isidora Reynder, 18 - Ardal Proudfoot, 24 - Jack Bentley, 25 - Bishop Stortford
Forwards: 9 - Gaston (NSI), 10 - Ulrich Crane (NPH)
League Finish: 16th
Stadium: Hope Stadium (4,000)
Nickname: the Seekers
Manager: Richard Babcock
Captain: Jasper Richmond
Top Scorer: Oblong Itsasontzigintzantailerra (11)
Likely Starting XI: (4-4-2) 1 - Richmond (c); 2 - Readdie, 5 - Quirk, 4 - Lachlan, 3 - Ivers; 6 - Reagan, 8 - MacFarland, 7 - Dark’oak, 11 - Asquith; 9 - Vixen, 10 - Itsasontzigintzantailerra
In: Alex Huff (Pilgrimage, 500k), Aline Ivers (Halholzer United, 400k), Sam Holden (Bellight Wanderers, 400k)
Out: Rufus Haul (Halholzer Spitfires, 500k), Howard Harlow (Newtown, free), Emma Harper (retired), Ethel Sheehan (retired)
Promoted: Alastair Crumplehorn (GK, 20), Kuno Gostislav (CM, 18)
Patchy; that's the word that springs to mind. Rock-bottom at the season's halfway mark, the Cape finally got it together and fought their way to safety. Just, they're skint, and couldn't afford any good players in the offseason that might uplift them from a relegation scrap. Ivers and Holden were surplus to requirements at better clubs, and the side, well... there's just as much of a gaping void of depth as ever. Babcock likes to play an attractive, forward-going style in a 4-4-2, and on the whole it deserved to stay up last season. But being skint is hard.
There are a lot of bad players at the Cape who get entirely too many minutes, and signing two more players who aren't very good hasn't really helped the problem. Richmond was probably their best player last season, and when a goalkeeper is your standout player, that isn't a good sign. Eabha Quirk adds some solidity to a vulnerable back line, while the young blood in midfield offers the greatest cause for optimism. 20-year old Odin Breckinridge on the left is the great bright spot while 19-year old Tittensor and 22-year old MacFarland offer a solid midfield base, while understudies like Dark'oak and veteran former Brenecia international Asquith will fill in as needed. Up front, Oblong Itsas- Up front, their bruising Audioslavian striker is partnered by the somewhat delicate but reasonably capable Donna Vixen, just that they're backed up by Hugh Peacock, who is one of the worst players in the league.
Things don't look too healthy in the Cape, though they should be good enough to stay up this season... in 18th.
Manager: Richard Babcock
Asst. Manager: Bryce Ha'penny
Goalkeepers: 1 - Jasper Richmond (c), 12 - Wallace Jarvis, 19 - Alastair Crumplehorn
Defenders: 2 - Rich Readdie, 3 - Aline Ivers, 4 - Willard Lachlan, 5 - Eabha Quirk, 13 - Delano May, 14 - Deanna King, 20 - Leroy Peta, 21 - Louis Kynaston
Midfielders: 6 - Noelle Reagan, 7 - Tim Dark'oak, 8 - Marion MacFarland, 11 - Rook Asquith, 15 - Yann Murdock, 16 - Lucian Tittensor, 18 - Odin Breckinridge, 22 - Kuno Gostislav
Forwards: 9 - Donna Vixen, 10 - Oblong Itsasontzigintzantailerra, 17 - Hugh Peacock, 23 - Sam Holden
Asst. Manager: Bryce Ha'penny
Goalkeepers: 1 - Jasper Richmond (c), 12 - Wallace Jarvis, 19 - Alastair Crumplehorn
Defenders: 2 - Rich Readdie, 3 - Aline Ivers, 4 - Willard Lachlan, 5 - Eabha Quirk, 13 - Delano May, 14 - Deanna King, 20 - Leroy Peta, 21 - Louis Kynaston
Midfielders: 6 - Noelle Reagan, 7 - Tim Dark'oak, 8 - Marion MacFarland, 11 - Rook Asquith, 15 - Yann Murdock, 16 - Lucian Tittensor, 18 - Odin Breckinridge, 22 - Kuno Gostislav
Forwards: 9 - Donna Vixen, 10 - Oblong Itsasontzigintzantailerra, 17 - Hugh Peacock, 23 - Sam Holden
League Run: 8th
Cup Run: Semifinals
Stadium: Hunter Hall (32,000)
Nickname: the Hunters
Manager: Blake Lawless
Captain: Rickard Lund
Top Scorer: Anderson Sandro (17)
Likely Starting XI: (4-3-3) 1 - Pence; 2 - St. Mellion, 6 - Ramundo, 22 - Espinosa, 3 - Murtagh; 8 - Lund (c), 13 - Farrier, 14 - Luevano; 7 - Paracoilson, 12 - Kellow, 10 - Rafferty
In: Colm Farrier (Sharrow, 1.6m), Paracoilson (Sokabachi, free)
Out: Anderson Sandro (Cazadores Cathair, 5m), Aphrodite Whitesmith (Rozelle United, 1.6m), Helen Vickers (Tyrysier, 500k), Catherine Graves (Golden Eagles FC, free), Axe the Dominant (retired)
Promoted: Caolan Coveny (RW, 19), Jancis Adrian (GK, 19), Judith Russell (ST, 19)
Who'd have thought it? Anderson Sandro actually paid off. He showed up, scored 17 goals, provoked a fistfight with most of the Saint Alexander defence and was sold on at a more-than-fourfold profit. Falkner in general played very exciting, attack-minded football with plenty of goals at both ends and a lot of running. Unfortunately, profit doesn't play centre-forward. Nor does it play right wing, and Falkner sold both of its recognised right wingers - Whitesmith was snapped up by an aspirational Rozelle United, Catherine Graves was released. Axe the Dominant, meanwhile, was retired. Helen Vickers, meanwhile, moves to chase the thought of a career revival yet again. They've brought in young Colm Farrier from Sharrow, a redoubtable holding midfielder, as well as the unknown free agent Paracoilson. Judging by pre-season, he doesn't have much to offer rather than a few flashy tricks.
The result is a very strange team. International quality takes the form of former Brenecia international Pence and Mareibat fullback St. Mellion, while Rickard Lund has been a consistently excellent driving force from the midfield. Christine Kellow up front has run hot and cold, seemingly unhappy with last season's bit-part role and, it has to be said, looking demotivated and overweight last season. The 31-year old will need to kick it back up a gear. She'll have the help of the dynamic 20-year old left winger Patrick Rafferty, and there's a lot of trust in youth in general - four teenagers in all are first-team players, as well as 22-year olds in Farrier and backup striker Bittencourt and a couple more in their early twenties. Veterans like Rochford, Cunningham and Neil Musni will offer cooler heads on the bench. It's a blend that Blake Lawless has always been fond of, and if he can keep this increasingly temperamental team from imploding, who knows how good they might be?
The problem is... that's a big if. They look likely to manage about 12th.
Manager: Blake Lawless
Asst. Manager: Peregrin Moxey
Goalkeepers: 1 - Jayce Pence, 25 - Alisander Lineker, 30 - Jancis Adrian
Defenders: 2 - Helena St. Mellion (MBT), 3 - Isadora Murtagh, 5 - Kurtis Rochford, 6 - Josef Ramundo (AUD), 16 - Catherine Frey, 17 - Lalia Rossiter, 22 - Ramiro Espinosa (OSR), 38 - Joseph Curtin
Midfielders: 4 - Ruby Cunningham, 8 - Rickard Lund (AUD, c), 13 - Colm Farrier, 14 - Victor Luevano, 15 - Rook Whitman, 21 - Liam Locke
Forwards: 7 - Paracoilson (CPV), 9 - Desdemona Bittencourt, 10 - Patrick Rafferty, 11 - Neil Musni (TRB), 12 - Christine Kellow, 33 - Judith Russell, 39 - Caolan Coveny
Asst. Manager: Peregrin Moxey
Goalkeepers: 1 - Jayce Pence, 25 - Alisander Lineker, 30 - Jancis Adrian
Defenders: 2 - Helena St. Mellion (MBT), 3 - Isadora Murtagh, 5 - Kurtis Rochford, 6 - Josef Ramundo (AUD), 16 - Catherine Frey, 17 - Lalia Rossiter, 22 - Ramiro Espinosa (OSR), 38 - Joseph Curtin
Midfielders: 4 - Ruby Cunningham, 8 - Rickard Lund (AUD, c), 13 - Colm Farrier, 14 - Victor Luevano, 15 - Rook Whitman, 21 - Liam Locke
Forwards: 7 - Paracoilson (CPV), 9 - Desdemona Bittencourt, 10 - Patrick Rafferty, 11 - Neil Musni (TRB), 12 - Christine Kellow, 33 - Judith Russell, 39 - Caolan Coveny
League Run: 11th
Cup Run: Champions
CWC Run: Third Round
Stadium: Forharrow (21,000)
Nickname: the Jacks
Manager: Conrad Lauren
Captain: Kurtis Burgundy
Top Scorer: Chandler Southwick (11)
Likely Starting XI: (4-4-2) 1 - Larsson; 19 - Rossini, 2 - Burgundy (c), 6 - Bondfield, 18 - Kipling; 7 - Farkanhan, 8 - Bolton, 4 - Docherty, 11 - Carter; 10 - Garrard, 9 - Southwick
In: Blake Carter (Holdenberg City, 1.6m), Ina Kipling (FC Endeavour, 1.5m), Konnor Rossini (Project +90, free)
Out: Alexis Woodgate (Saint Alexander, 800k), Paul Ulster (Southside Wanderers, 750k), Kirsten Keohane (North Rathia, 700k), Hartley Espinosa (Gallant Cross, loan)
Promoted: Priscilla Maitland (LM, 19), Alexis Harlan-Tracey (ST, 19)
Francisca Orient continue to be a midtable side shuffling around in quality. But, well, this time they managed to take home the Cup. For the second time in a row, no less! Not bad for a side traditionally striving for the title of Marque's second team, and they're now far and away its first - thanks in no small part to the fact that while Marque are dysfunctional from the boardroom to the pitch, Orient have built in small, measured steps and kept financially stable at all of them. They've gone for experience on the left wing with their main transfers - Kipling from Endeavour and Carter from Holdenberg, both in their early 30s. Konnor Rossini, on a free from the Project, is a typically frugal option at rightback.
What this leaves is one of the oldest sides in the league, with an average age of 28.5 in the expected first eleven and just three people below 28. Greig Larsson (one of those people, at 25) is an excellent reflex goalkeeper and not for nothing a fringe international, while captain Kurtis Burgundy (formerly of Treason) is a redoubtable stopper centre-half, converted from rightback as his pace left him. He's gone above and beyond for Orient, excelling every single season and, as designated penalty taker, is yet to miss. Carter and Kipling will provide plenty of guile down the left wing, while a straightforward pair of finishers in Southwick and Garrard will finish what the wingers start. Docherty and Bolton in the middle are there to run and hit people, not to make the play - Orient are solid at the back, play fast down the wings and hit hard on the counter. Simple, but undeniably effective.
While it's hard to see Orient bringing international Cup Winners' Cup glory back to the A-League, they can't be faulted for that. They should be in line for a comfortable 11th-place finish.
Manager: Conrad Lauren
Asst. Manager: Emma Worth
Goalkeepers: 1 - Greig Larsson, 16 - Melissa Cleves, 21 - Tamsin Warne
Defenders: 2 - Kurtis Burgundy (c), 3 - Kurtis Morvan, 5 - Lukas Scannell, 6 - Steed Bondfield, 13 - Cassandra Sutcliff, 14 - Samantha Pearce, 18 - Ina Kipling (APX), 19 - Konnor Rossini (MRT)
Midfielders: 4 - Joan Docherty, 7 - Nic Farkanhan, 8 - Kestrel Bolton, 11 - Blake Carter (LGL), 12 - Marko Palos (SEM), 17 - Sophia Corner, 23 - Michael Braham, 34 - Priscilla Maitland
Forwards: 9 - Chandler Southwick (SLL), 10 - Connie Garrard, 15 - Oliver Whitehouse (TJU), 22 - Shay Pennant, 36 - Alexis Harlan-Tracey
Out on Loan: 20 - Hartley Espinosa (YTT)
Asst. Manager: Emma Worth
Goalkeepers: 1 - Greig Larsson, 16 - Melissa Cleves, 21 - Tamsin Warne
Defenders: 2 - Kurtis Burgundy (c), 3 - Kurtis Morvan, 5 - Lukas Scannell, 6 - Steed Bondfield, 13 - Cassandra Sutcliff, 14 - Samantha Pearce, 18 - Ina Kipling (APX), 19 - Konnor Rossini (MRT)
Midfielders: 4 - Joan Docherty, 7 - Nic Farkanhan, 8 - Kestrel Bolton, 11 - Blake Carter (LGL), 12 - Marko Palos (SEM), 17 - Sophia Corner, 23 - Michael Braham, 34 - Priscilla Maitland
Forwards: 9 - Chandler Southwick (SLL), 10 - Connie Garrard, 15 - Oliver Whitehouse (TJU), 22 - Shay Pennant, 36 - Alexis Harlan-Tracey
Out on Loan: 20 - Hartley Espinosa (YTT)
League Run: 14th
Cup Run: First Round
Stadium: Riverside Stadium (13,000)
Nickname: the Phoenices
Manager: Judith Keller
Captain: Isadora Bergman
Top Scorer: Miriam Spitfire, Wren Gallagher (9)
Likely Starting XI: (4-3-3) 1 - Boston; 13 - Waters, 5 - Pritchard, 19 - Arena, 18 - Adnansen; 11 - Fallon, 4 - Bergman (c), 22 - Fallon; 7 - Rieher, 9 - Crowther, 15 - Spitfire
In: Daniel Pritchard (Raven River, 1m), Elfleda Arterberry (North Rathia, 850k), Justine Draper (Chafford, 700k)
Out: Anaximander Scrivener (Halholzer United, 6.5m), Wren Gallagher (Mabel Wigglytuffs, free), Nikita Clohessy (New Island, free), Miriam Spitfire (retired)
Promoted: Oneida Kerr (CM, 18), Astrid Tennison (ST, 18)
Guilder are broke. Well... were broke, since they managed to sell their star man Anaximander Scrivener for six million pounds. That's one tragedy - the other is the retirement of international legend and local hero Miriam Spitfire, whose technique and poise will be missed. You could make a reasonable argument that those two were their best players last season, key to reaching a safe 14th place. The problem with Guilder, at the moment, is they don't have any good players. That's a bad problem to have. Still, with their shoestring budget and defensive, reactive style of play, they've done well for themselves purely through sheer stability. Most years, at least two A-League clubs tend to implode in spectacular fashion, and that tends to get them relegated.
That in mind, Daniel Pritchard was an excellent recruit for the defence. A steady 33-year old veteran centre-half with extensive Premiership experience, Pritchard will be an excellent leader and defender at this level. Rightback Lena Waters, formerly of Kingsgrove, offers similar class both going forward and tracking back, while the hard-working and hard-running midfield unit of Fallon-Bergman-Hartley chokes things down nicely. Most of the Phoenices' threat comes either from set pieces (Hartley is a budding specialist) or from rapid counter-attacks executed by a lightning-quick front three. While Varmelle international Reiher has generally been reliable for them, Crowther is a true confidence striker who can let her side down through inconsistency. These stocks have been reinforced through the acquisition of Arterberry and Draper from the second tier (the latter with a few games of A-League experience under her belt), but neither is truly proven.
It's going to be a rough season for Guilder, albeit one they ought to survive. Such is their existence. 16th would do them.
Manager: Judith Keller
Asst. Manager: Brooke Woods
Goalkeepers: 1 - Malakai Boston, 20 - Constantine Becker, 30 - Christian Cale
Defenders: 2 - Fran Chaplain, 3 - Lilith Cromwell, 5 - Daniel Pritchard, 6 - Brad Kincade, 13 - Lena Waters, 17 - Constantine Curran, 18 - Kristian Adnansen, 19 - Gotthold Arena (YTT)
Midfielders: 4 - Isadora Bergman (c), 11 - Jess Fallon, 14 - Pavel Frost, 21 - Page Bailey, 22 - Joan Hartley, 33 - Oneida Kerr
Forwards: 7 - Quincy Reiher (VRM), 9 - Adrienne Crowther, 10 - Cassandra Kilgallon, 15 - Elfleda Arterberry, 16 - Justine Draper, 23 - Isadora Clough, 34 - Astrid Tennison
Asst. Manager: Brooke Woods
Goalkeepers: 1 - Malakai Boston, 20 - Constantine Becker, 30 - Christian Cale
Defenders: 2 - Fran Chaplain, 3 - Lilith Cromwell, 5 - Daniel Pritchard, 6 - Brad Kincade, 13 - Lena Waters, 17 - Constantine Curran, 18 - Kristian Adnansen, 19 - Gotthold Arena (YTT)
Midfielders: 4 - Isadora Bergman (c), 11 - Jess Fallon, 14 - Pavel Frost, 21 - Page Bailey, 22 - Joan Hartley, 33 - Oneida Kerr
Forwards: 7 - Quincy Reiher (VRM), 9 - Adrienne Crowther, 10 - Cassandra Kilgallon, 15 - Elfleda Arterberry, 16 - Justine Draper, 23 - Isadora Clough, 34 - Astrid Tennison
League Run: Champions
UICA Run: Globe Cup Playoff Round
CEDC Run: Quarterfinals
Stadium: Hope Ground (20,000)
Nickname: the Golds
Manager: Brian Ashgrove
Captain: Roger O’Connor
Top Scorer: Ezekiel Charlestown (22)
Likely Starting XI: (4-4-2) 1 - Clark; 15 - Bergman, 5 - O’Hara, 6 - Scrivener, 3 - Eben; 7 - Abbriacciabene, 16 - Grinish, 10 - von Maelstrom, 11 - O’Connor (c); 8 - Charlestown, 9 - Urrunaga
In: Anaximander Scrivener (Guilder, 6.5m), Osmond Eben (Bellight FC, 1.2m), Kyo Arai (Project +90, free), Ozaria Gandhi (FC Endeavour, loan)
Out: Timwise Clerkens (Drundelle Wolves FC, 500k), Aline Ivers (Cape of Hope, 400k), Mikkel Enevoldsen (released), Sieghard Salomon (released), Magnus Ericcson (released), Anjelica Donohue (retired)
Promoted: Yorin Voeller (ST, 17), Alex Hunt (CM, 17)
There was a popular point of view at the beginning of the united A-League where Brenecian sides wondered precisely what it was that their counterparts from Mareibat could accomplish. Fast-forward to today and Halholzer United are standout favourites to retain their title, fresh off spending 6.5 million pounds on Brenecia's best young centre-half to reinforce an already rock-solid back line. And Mareibat's first-choice leftback, to boot. Oh, and loaning Ozaria Gandhi, the younger sister of Apox international and blossoming world-class striker Alpha Gandhi. And shifting out some dead wood. Tremble, in other words, for United are coming.
An experienced core is at the heart of Halholzer United, but there's enough young blood to give them a core for the future. Arthur Clark is probably the league's best goalkeeper, a perfect shot-stopper who almost never makes an error. Rhys Bergman, formerly Sabrefell Athletic captain, is a diligent presence at rightback while Eben is more of a charger, with Finbar O'Hara's guile and wisdom offset by the murderous cinderblock that is Scrivener, a player who almost single-handedly dragged Guilder to midtable safety. Abbriacciabene and O'Connor on the wings offer yet more international talent that utterly tear up A-League fullbacks while combining nicely with their own, as rehabilitated former Brinemouth midfielder von Maelstrom offers the main touch of class in midfield. Up front, they have Ezekiel Charlestown - a charging stallion blatantly too good for this level - and Gaizka Urrunaga - a ruthless poacher probably too good for this level. Ozaria Gandhi, 20 and dynamic, will get plenty of time as well, while the likes of Baars and Mustard are seasoned enough to start for most teams in the league.
There's no real room for doubt. The Gold-and-Whites are in a Golden Age, and they should retain their title.
Manager: Brian Ashgrove
Asst. Manager: Ophelia Rathskeller
Goalkeepers: 1 - Arthur Clark, 25 - Abbi Hayes
Defenders: 2 - Chris Baars, 3 - Osmond Eben, 4 - Alec Bor, 5 - Finbar O'Hara, 6 - Anaximander Scrivener (BRE), 14 - Ornat Hughes, 15 - Rhys Bergman (NPH), 20 - Vivian Mustard
Midfielders: 7 - Erik Abbriacciabene (APX), 10 - Maxwell von Maelstrom (NPH), 11 - Roger O'Connor (c), 12 - Donagul Michigan, 16 - Jack Grinish, 21 - Kyo Arai, 22 - Cameron Ellis, 23 - Lucas Molton, 24 - Alex Hunt
Forwards: 8 - Ezekiel Charlestown, 9 - Gaizka Urrunaga (AUD), 13 - Yorin Voeller, 17 - Ozaria Gandhi (APX)
Asst. Manager: Ophelia Rathskeller
Goalkeepers: 1 - Arthur Clark, 25 - Abbi Hayes
Defenders: 2 - Chris Baars, 3 - Osmond Eben, 4 - Alec Bor, 5 - Finbar O'Hara, 6 - Anaximander Scrivener (BRE), 14 - Ornat Hughes, 15 - Rhys Bergman (NPH), 20 - Vivian Mustard
Midfielders: 7 - Erik Abbriacciabene (APX), 10 - Maxwell von Maelstrom (NPH), 11 - Roger O'Connor (c), 12 - Donagul Michigan, 16 - Jack Grinish, 21 - Kyo Arai, 22 - Cameron Ellis, 23 - Lucas Molton, 24 - Alex Hunt
Forwards: 8 - Ezekiel Charlestown, 9 - Gaizka Urrunaga (AUD), 13 - Yorin Voeller, 17 - Ozaria Gandhi (APX)
League Run: 4th
UICA Run: Champions Cup Playoff Round; Globe Cup Second Knockout Round
CEdC Run: Second Round
Stadium: The Old Shipyard (3,500)
Nickname: Tundra
Manager: Roy Tobin
Captain: Jack Morriston
Top Scorers: Gustaf Kolehmainen (15)
Likely Starting XI: (5-4-1) 1 - Ralaanen; 2 - Moses, 6 - Latsft, 20 - Constantini, 17 - Bentha, 3 - Mulgood; 7 - Monteforth, 8 - Morriston (c), 10 - Blackslate, 11 - Lionheart; 9 - Brêgoô
In: Alice Monteforth (Gwinevra Barbarians, 4m), Sê Brêgoô (Utica United, 2.5m), Jacob Hunter (Teol United, 1.25m)
Out: Jakob Cornwall (Molsbik Arkjet, 8.5m), Ethan Kuhlmann (Athletique Vaumont, 1m), Travers McNaughton (Scaffield, 300k), Gustaf Kolehmainen (Wofford Town, free), Allen Bauer (released), Mitchell Hearn (retired), River Babcock (retired)
Promoted: Ambrosio Constantini (CB, 19), Valentin Cowden (LB, 19), Alex Ockburn (LM, 17), Umbar Richards (CB, 17), Jolie Lowe (GK, 19), Alan Eustis (GK, 20)
It's hard to say exactly why or how, but Tundra have moulded themselves into a very good side, bit by bit and piece by piece. Last season saw them manage to go deep into the Globe Cup as well as coming fourth in the league, and they've only strengthened since in an extensive squad overhaul. Kolehmainen is the only departure who ever really meant anything to the club, as the immortal Valhallan striker heads to the ANL2 - but as youth products flood into the first team, veteran winger Alice Monteforth arrives from the ANL1 as the clever Brêgoô is snapped up from Utica.
They have quality all over the pitch as a result. Buyan international Finn Ralaanen is an excellent goalkeeper with catlike reflexes, and he's ably supported by a disciplined back five - there's high hopes for Constantini, but Samphis Bentha is the real leader of the centre-halves, while Moses and Mulgood are hard-running wingbacks (and, yes, the backups are quality too). Morriston and Blackslate are hard-working box-to-box midfielders who also boast silky technical skill, while the former Apox international Monteforth is best suited as a set piece/long ball specialist par excellence, with the hard-running and incisive Lionheart a natural foil. Up front, Brêgoô is desperate to stand out after a deeply frustrating stint at Utica, and his ruthless finishing and clever movement make him well suited to this team and this league.
As a result, Tundra look pretty well-placed to repeat the feat this season, and look by a distance the second-strongest Mareibat side. They'll come 6th, at least.
Manager: Roy Tobin
Asst. Manager: Roland Schwarzer
Goalkeepers: 1 - Finn Ralaanen (BYN), 12 - Alan Eustis, 19 - Jolie Lowe
Defenders: 2 - Jesper Moses, 3 - Clara Mulgood, 4 - Callie Vera, 5 - Allan Dunbar, 6 - Johan Latsft (APX), 14 - Abram Wilson, 15 - Valentin Cowden, 17 - Samphis Bentha, 20 - Ambrosio Constantini, 24 - Umbar Richards
Midfielders: 7 - Alice Monteforth (APX), 8 - Jack Morriston (c), 10 - Cathy Blackslate (BRE), 11 - Richard Lionheart, 18 - Carla Keswick, 21 - Winfred O'Manahan, 22 - Alec Barton, 23 - Alex Ockburn
Forwards: 9 - Sê Brêgoô (FFD), 13 - Ithiyen (DAI), 16 - Jacob Hunter
Asst. Manager: Roland Schwarzer
Goalkeepers: 1 - Finn Ralaanen (BYN), 12 - Alan Eustis, 19 - Jolie Lowe
Defenders: 2 - Jesper Moses, 3 - Clara Mulgood, 4 - Callie Vera, 5 - Allan Dunbar, 6 - Johan Latsft (APX), 14 - Abram Wilson, 15 - Valentin Cowden, 17 - Samphis Bentha, 20 - Ambrosio Constantini, 24 - Umbar Richards
Midfielders: 7 - Alice Monteforth (APX), 8 - Jack Morriston (c), 10 - Cathy Blackslate (BRE), 11 - Richard Lionheart, 18 - Carla Keswick, 21 - Winfred O'Manahan, 22 - Alec Barton, 23 - Alex Ockburn
Forwards: 9 - Sê Brêgoô (FFD), 13 - Ithiyen (DAI), 16 - Jacob Hunter
League Run: 2nd
Cup Run: Runners-up
UICA Run: Globe Cup Second Knockout Round
Stadium: Royal Park (42,000)
Nickname: the Royals
Manager: Gabrielle Hourihane
Captain: Miriam Portadown
Top Scorer: Eoin Killanen (18)
Likely Starting XI: (4-2-3-1) 1 - Knight; 2 - Molina, 16 - Kelly, 5 - Bologna, 3 - Portadown (c); 6 - Fife, 4 - Crowley; 7 - Portsman, 8 - Killanen, 11 - Carroll; 10 - Scherzer
In: Cheney Scherzer (Wye United, 3.5m), Catheline Portsman (Marque, 1.5m), Emma Kelly (Halholzer Spitfires, 1.25m)
Out: Robin Hendrickson (Pikemouth, 1.6m), Rowena Stamper (Rozelle United, 1m), David Rowe (Sutcroft, free), Niccolo Gardella (retired), Jill Goodman (Gallant Cross, loan)
Promoted: Roisin Carroll (LAM, 19)
Close. Kingsgrove were beaten just three times all season... but they had thirteen draws, and were ultimately pipped to the title by a fairly decisive seven points. This season, though, they look better than the last in what is set to be a very tight battle at the top. Exhibit A - Cheney Scherzer, Brenecia's top international goalscorer to date and proven in the Premiership with Crisisbless and the ANL with Wye. At 31, his pace is entirely intact. Another international in Kelly was brought in for the defence, a bit of a gamble with nothing to lose, and Portsman offers a good option on the right wing. But it has to be said that some of the losses will hurt. Stamper, their captain, was snapped up across the city. Gardella, their flamboyant, incisive Ossadiacquan forward, who was by a reasonable margin the league's best player for at least a couple of years, retires. Hendrickson, a youth academy graduate, is sold, and another veteran in Rowe is released.
The side itself has plenty of international class. Knight, Kelly, and the slick holding midfield pair of Fife and Crowley have all won a smattering of caps for Brenecia, while ball-playing Loris Bologna has been a stalwart for Felix over the years. Former Raven River defender Portadown, the new captain, also stands out at leftback, and should be set to lead by example charging down the left flank. 65 caps and 6 goals is no mere smattering. Portsman is set to bolster an already potent attacking midfield with young gun Roisin Carroll out on the left, a pace-setting playmaker who has terrorised the B-League for the past two years, while Eoin Killanen is the team's beating heart in the attack. His quick, one-touch passing alights the attack and he's always a threat when bearing down on goal. Cheney Scherzer, meanwhile, and his 48 international goals offers a pace that has only just started to flag a little. It's still enough to tear down defences. He's lethal, as well - if given half a chance, which he will be given, he will finish it. Further young blood such as Lovelock and Gardot are more feathers in the cap for the Royals and their reputation of blooding young talent.
But blooding young talent is one thing. Winning the league is another, and the depth of the side (and their central defence) isn't quite good enough for that. They'll come 4th, or thereabouts.
Manager: Gabrielle Hourihane
Asst. Manager: Gretel Fadden
Goalkeepers: 1 - Olenna Knight, 20 - Jade Pallister, 25 - Catherine Elbrook
Defenders: 2 - Esperanza Molina (OSR), 3 - Miriam Portadown (c), 5 - Loris Bologna (FEL), 16 - Emma Kelly, 18 - Tamara Ansom, 21 - Catherine Hemingway, 22 - Liam Plymouth, 33 - Ophelia Lovelock
Midfielders: 4 - Lyn Crowley, 6 - Lilith Fife, 7 - Catheline Portsman, 8 - Eoin Killanen (SCH), 11 - Roisin Carroll, 12 - Merry Kilroy, 13 - Abigail Lindegartner, 17 - Seb Moran, 23 - Lara Bolingbroke, 24 - Stein Foxstone
Forwards: 9 - June Gardot (NSI), 10 - Cheney Scherzer, 14 - Merry Osbourne
Out On Loan: 19 - Jill Goodman
Asst. Manager: Gretel Fadden
Goalkeepers: 1 - Olenna Knight, 20 - Jade Pallister, 25 - Catherine Elbrook
Defenders: 2 - Esperanza Molina (OSR), 3 - Miriam Portadown (c), 5 - Loris Bologna (FEL), 16 - Emma Kelly, 18 - Tamara Ansom, 21 - Catherine Hemingway, 22 - Liam Plymouth, 33 - Ophelia Lovelock
Midfielders: 4 - Lyn Crowley, 6 - Lilith Fife, 7 - Catheline Portsman, 8 - Eoin Killanen (SCH), 11 - Roisin Carroll, 12 - Merry Kilroy, 13 - Abigail Lindegartner, 17 - Seb Moran, 23 - Lara Bolingbroke, 24 - Stein Foxstone
Forwards: 9 - June Gardot (NSI), 10 - Cheney Scherzer, 14 - Merry Osbourne
Out On Loan: 19 - Jill Goodman
League Run: 15th
Cup Run: First Round
UICA Run: Globe Cup Second Preliminary Round
Stadium: Lotus Park (31,000)
Nickname: the Foresters
Manager: Maxine Saunders
Captain: Rook Harrington
Top Scorer: Kristopher Nilssen, Kyron Everdale (10)
Likely Starting XI: (4-4-2) 12 - Breen; 19 - Bueskens, 6 - Chilton (c), 5 - Colback, 3 - Thames; 7 - Eizenhart, 8 - Bellamy, 4 - Shorten, 11 - Everdale; 10 - Nilssen, 9 - Guthrie
In: Chaim Eizenhart (Stoneshore United, free), Leo Graves (Project +90, free)
Out: Remy Sutton (Evenfar FC, 800k), Fernando Cleto (released), Rook Lundgren (retired)
Promoted: Roisin Fairbairn (LB, 18), Fionn Lynch (ST, 18)
Lotus Park are an enigma. There's no real reason why they should be as poor as they are, and yet, well, they are. Or at least they've been playing like that, amidst rumours of a deep-seated drinking culture at the club (just rumours, of course). Maxine Saunders has kept her job for the time being, amidst promises that, yes, she can turn this ship around. The transfer window has been largely inactive, seeing only a couple of free agents brought in - Eizenhart from Cosumar and one of the Brenecians in Project +90. Is it just a matter of stability?
There are a few good players, of course. Cheney Breen, for example, has the distinction of being one of the most confident goalkeepers in the league, even if it's sometimes unwarranted. Chilton and Colback in the heart of defence are both Brenecian internationals, while Russ Shorten is an ideal enforcer in midfield, the former Chenoworth Harrier a diligent, physical and uncompromising holding player. Up front, while Shaun Guthrie is one of the worst finishers in the league, Kris Nilssen's a far cooler head who generally puts his chances away. Redoubtable veterans like Harrington, Acronius international Campbell and backup goalkeeper Bullard offer their experience as well, while highly-rated young blood like Fairbairn, Lynch and the younger Chilton are capable of stepping in when needs must.
Overall, Lotus Park are recovering, but slowly. They should manage 13th.
Manager: Maxine Saunders
Asst. Manager: Connor Tariff
Goalkeepers: 1 - Sapphire Bullard, 12 - Cheney Breen, 30 - Bonnie Coventry
Defenders: 2 - Rook Harrington (c), 3 - Sherry Thames, 5 - Gretchen Colback, 6 - Merry Chilton, 16 - Linda Baillen, 19 - Theodora Bueskens (NPH), 31 - Roisin Fairbairn, 36 - Sandra Chilton
Midfielders: 4 - Russ Shorten, 7 - Chaim Eizenhart (COS), 8 - Melissa Bellamy, 11 - Kyron Everdale, 13 - Leo Graves, 17 - Crispin Kilbane, 21 - Sigrid Freeman, 23 - John Stracher
Forwards: 9 - Shaun Guthrie, 10 - Kristopher Nilssen (SLL), 14 - Monica Pembroke, 18 - Spencer Campbell (ACR), 32 - Fionn Lynch
Asst. Manager: Connor Tariff
Goalkeepers: 1 - Sapphire Bullard, 12 - Cheney Breen, 30 - Bonnie Coventry
Defenders: 2 - Rook Harrington (c), 3 - Sherry Thames, 5 - Gretchen Colback, 6 - Merry Chilton, 16 - Linda Baillen, 19 - Theodora Bueskens (NPH), 31 - Roisin Fairbairn, 36 - Sandra Chilton
Midfielders: 4 - Russ Shorten, 7 - Chaim Eizenhart (COS), 8 - Melissa Bellamy, 11 - Kyron Everdale, 13 - Leo Graves, 17 - Crispin Kilbane, 21 - Sigrid Freeman, 23 - John Stracher
Forwards: 9 - Shaun Guthrie, 10 - Kristopher Nilssen (SLL), 14 - Monica Pembroke, 18 - Spencer Campbell (ACR), 32 - Fionn Lynch