Southern United returns to the NPLW for the first time since 2019 and has a point to prove upon their return.
In 2022, Southern United finished third on the VPLW ladder, bowing out in the semi-finals to Boroondara-Carey Eagles 3-1.
Southern United President Darren Butler said the promotion “means a lot” to the club.
“It’s a huge achievement for us, to be promoted back to where we should be," he said.
“We are definitely looking forward to the challenge.”
Southern has revealed Antonia Niteros as their NPLW Senior Women's team captain for the 2023 season. She was a key player in the Club's inaugural NPLW squad and returns with plenty of experience - including winning the 2017 NPLW Championship with South Melbourne.
Butler detailed how gaining a promotion to the NPLW provides opportunities to expand on and off the field.
“We have done a mountain of work trying to recruit players and we have a couple of overseas players arriving which is exciting on top of all the new sponsors we have been able to get,” he said.
“As the club is situated in Cranbourne, south-east of Melbourne we are now attracting a lot of players from Gippsland and all over the local area which is great for us.
“There are a lot of clubs backing us, which is great.”
Head Coach Brian Roberts said he was “delighted” his side had been promoted back into the NPLW.
“I think the club is ready to go back in, but we don’t want to come in and just make the numbers up, we want to be a competitive side,” he said.
“It is important we put out a good side that is going to be competitive, and play good football.
“At the same time, we want to push through the younger player who has come through the system at Southern.”
Following a successful campaign last year, Roberts insisted his team had a game plan that would allow them to remain competitive in the NPLW.
“Since the first minute I stepped into my role at the club I installed my philosophy; my way of play,” he explained.
“I have always wanted to have an attacking threat; whether that’s through the midfield or up top.
“I am confident we will play some different football than a lot of the teams do, it will be interesting to see if they adapt it will be interesting to find out on the day.
“I will always be confident in the team.”
The side may look near unrecognisable to onlookers this season with the club facing a large turnover of personnel from 2022.
“From the squad, we had last year a number of players have been unable to commit to the extra commitment that is required, unfortunately,” Roberts said.
“Once I sat down and looked at the squad; there was also a number of players we needed to bring into the squad.
“I think we have a good balance of great experienced and young players, I think that balance is key.”
Roberts revealed the club was looking to strengthen their attack, to partner 2022 top scorer Isabella Fernandez.
“She (Isabella) did really well last year and now this is going to be a big step for her,” he said.”
“It was a big decision for her to make the move from Alamein U19s, but what it did do is give her a taste of senior football.
“Getting the right player to be beside her is important and that’s going to be pretty experimental until we find the right player.”
After tasting senior football at the back end of last season, Roberts believed Kiera Meyers has a bright future ahead of her.
At only 15 years of age, Melbourne City signed Meyers as an injury replacement in February after training with the squad throughout the season.
“As far as young players go, she is a very talented young player,” he proclaimed.
“There are high hopes for her, she is really one for the future.
“We want to make sure it’s not a case of too early because she’s still young.”
Roberts hopes his team will settle early in the season and not be over roared by the occasion.
“We just need to get some confidence early and prove to themselves they belong, then I have no doubt we will do well,” he said.
“We have a number of players who are going to experience their first taste of NPLW so well see how they cope with everything.”
OPENING FIXTURES
Round 1: Bayside v Southern United
Round 2: Box Hill v Southern United
Round 3: Alamein v Southern United