Women's Statewide Cup Final Launceston United vs Olympia Warriors
Date: Monday June 14
Venue: KGV
Kick-off: 11:30 AM
Road to the final Launceston United R16: 8-1 vs Glenorchy Knights QF: 15-0 vs Newtown White Eagles SF: 2-3 @ Kingborough
Olympia Warriors QF: 0-3 @ South Hobart SF: 1-0 vs Clarence Zebras
Top scorers Launceston United: Danielle Gunton (6) Olympia Warriors: Madi Chambers (3)
Preview:
The experienced heads meet the top flight newcomers in an intriguing Women's Statewide Cup final, with the Olympia Warriors and Launceston United set to do battle. Launceston have impressed in their first season in the MyState Women's Super League, and they now have the chance to add some early silverware. Their first real challenge in this cup run came in the semi-finals, where they came from behind to beat the Kingborough Lions away from home. That is their only win in recent weeks, though, as they have lost three consecutive games in the WSL including a 3-1 defeat to the Warriors. Jess Robinson was once again the catalyst in their win over the Lions, and in herself and Danielle Gunton United have two proven scorers that shouldn't be fazed by a cup final. Gonya Luate has been a revelation in their backline, and she will have a huge role to play in keeping Olympia's dynamic attacking lineup quiet. A cup final is nothing new for the Warriors, and they would be desperate to take home the trophy after falling to the Zebras in the final last year. They took some revenge for that result by knocking Clarence out in the semi-finals, but they could still be feeling vulnerable after suffering a 6-1 thumping in the last round of the WSL. It would be tough to bet against them bouncing back with so much quality in their lineup, but it certainly won't be a walk in the park. Innocent Michael's battle with United's midfield stars will be crucial, as will Mia Cane's pace in the final third.Key player: Madi Chambers, Olympia Warriors
This will be the final cup game in Tasmania for Chambers, and it's hard to imagine her playing poorly given her track record in big games. She is among the leading scorers in the cup and the WSL, and if she can hit the scoreboard again here her side will have one hand on the trophy.Lakoseljac Cup Final Devonport Strikers vs Glenorchy Knights
Date: Monday June 14
Venue: KGV
Kick-off: 2:00 PM
Road to the final Devonport Strikers R16: 0-13 @ Northern Rangers QF: 1-2 @ South Hobart SF: 0-8 @ Taroona
Glenorchy Knights R16: 0-4 @ Riverside Olympic QF: 1-2 @ Kingborough Lions SF: 0-1 @ Launceston City
Top scorers Devonport Strikers: Miles Barnard (4) Glenorchy Knights: Alex Walter (3)
Preview:
This shapes as a clash of the titans to decide the Lakoseljac Cup, with last season's winners Glenorchy up against the reigning NPL champion Devonport Strikers. The Knights made hard work of their semi-final win, needing extra time to overcome Launceston City on the road. Still, they enter this game as the form side in the state, undefeated across all competitions and with some impressive wins to their name. Coach James Sherman will have less attacking firepower at his disposal than usual, with new signing Austin Yost not eligible to play for the Knights in the cup, but his side still has plenty of options. Nick Mearns has emerged as a consistent threat in front of goal, while Nic Naden remains one of the state's most dangerous forwards on his day. The Knights have been just as impressive at the other end of the field this season, conceding just one goal on their way to the final and leading the NPL with the least goals against. The Strikers started the season slowly by their standards, but they have worked their way into form in time for the Lakoseljac Cup final. Their biggest test came in the quarter-finals, on the road against South Hobart, and they were extremely impressive in a 2-1 win. After ruthlessly disposing of Southern Championship side Taroona in the semi-finals, they will enter this game with plenty of confidence. Most of their key players look to be at their best, and they have been scoring goals with more ease in recent weeks. The Bidwell brothers have been in sparkling form and leading the way for their side, one-upping each other each week with their performances. Joel Stone remains one of the most consistent performers in the state, and it's almost impossible to imagine him not excelling on the big stage of a cup final.Key player: Miles Barnard, Devonport Strikers
'The Fox in the Box' has been below his outstanding best at times over the last year, but he is rounding into form just in time for another cup-winning performance. A brace in the semi-finals was the perfect warm-up, and with plenty of big-game experience he should be ready and raring to go here.