VICTORY for Mildura City’s senior women’s side on Sunday would secure their seventh S-League title in eight seasons.
The dominant force of Sunraysia women’s football in recent years have won the top flight title every year since 2015, bar the cancelled 2020 COVID-affected season and the following 2021 campaign when Irymple Knights took the honours.
This year, the competition has been affected by some forfeits, but City have won four of their five games available and a win against Knights on Sunday gives them an unassailable lead for the 2023 crown.
City coach Tori Mosello said it is a younger looking side this year with a number of players playing either at Under 16 or even Under 13 level before playing women’s in the afternoon.
“It’s been a very successful first half of the season for us,” she said.
“Unfortunately there has been a few forfeits in there but we’ve only lost one of the games we’ve played so far.
“I think the chance to wrap up the title is something that definitely drives the girls and something they’ll be aiming for on Sunday.
“It’s probably the youngest team we’ve had in quite some time. The majority of the girls are under 18 and it’s great to see the enthusiasm they have.”
One player who burst onto the scene this year was 17-year-old forward Chenoa Hunter, whose early season performances sees her lead the golden boot with eight goals.
She’s one ahead of attacking partner and captain Isabella Palamara, who at 16 is already an established striker in the competition.
Mosello also praised 14-year-old goal keeper Ava Gemits, who only moved into the custodian role this season.
“It took some readjustment but she was more than happy to move there and she has become a really good goalkeeper at a young age,” she said.
“I’m really proud of her and what she’s been able to accomplish.”
Meanwhile, the title race remains hot in senior men’s as after gaining first place last week, Irymple Knight’s bye could see Mildura City jump back into first.
City collide with Three Colours, who impressed in their 3-2 win last week over Nichols Point, while the Pointers go head-to-head with Mildura United.
