The Liberty A-League rolls into Round 2 – and there’s some big team news to catch up on before the weekend’s action gets underway.
If you haven’t signed up to Official A-Leagues Fantasy yet, do so today to compete for end-of-season cash prizes and weekly ticket giveaways! Then, read through the extended squads below to gauge which of the Liberty A-League stars to include in your 15-player roster.
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INS AND OUTS – ROUND 2
ROUND 2 BYE: Melbourne City
WELLINGTON PHOENIX v WESTERN UNITED
Wellington Phoenix squad: 2. Saskia VOSPER, 3. Kate TAYLOR, 4. Mackenzie BARRY, 5. Marisa VAN DER MEER, 7. Chloe KNOTT, 9. Ava PRITCHARD, 10. Alyssa WHINHAM, 11. Betsy HASSETT, 12. Brianna EDWARDS (gk), 13. Paige SATCHELL, 14. Michaela ROBERTSON, 15. Zoe MCMEEKEN, 17. Claudia CICCO, 18. Te Reremoana WALKER, 19. Charlotte LANCASTER, 20. Milly CLEGG, 21. Michaela FOSTER, 22. Georgia CANDY (gk).
In: 14. Michaela ROBERTSON (return from injury).
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 1. Lily ALFELD (gk) (injured), 6. Isabel GOMEZ (injured), 8. Grace WISNEWSKI (injured), 16. Emma ROLSTON (injured).
Squad analysis: There’s just one change to the ‘Nix squad for Round 2, and that’s Michaela Robertson who is back in the selection frame after missing Round 1 through concussion. The ‘Nix will look to sure up defensively against Western United after shipping four goals to Melbourne City – but that task will remain a difficult one with captain and No.1 keeper Lily Alfeld still sidelined after a minor knee operation in pre-season.
Fantasy tip: Paige Satchell to open her Phoenix account after showing encouraging signs in glimpses throughout her club debut in Round 1. The New Zealand international has pace to burn and will look to trouble the Western defence.
Western United squad: 1. Alyssa DALL’OSTE (gk), 2. Stacey PAPADOPOULOS, 4. Jaclyn SAWICKI (c), 6. Chloe LOGARZO, 7. Francesca IERMANO, 8. Jessica McDONALD, 9. Hannah KEANE, 10. Kahli JOHNSON, 11. Emma ROBERS, 14. Natasha DAKIC, 15. Adriana TARANTO, 16. Melissa TARANTO, 18. Aleksandra SINCLAIR, 19. Tyla Jay VLAJNIC, 20. Sydney CUMMINGS, 21. Hillary BEALL (gk), 22. Alana CERNE, 24. Julia SARDO
Ins: 14. Natasha DAKIC (promoted), 19. Tyla Jay VLAJNIC
Unavailable: 3. Silver Bell MORRIS (illness), 12. Harriet WITHERS (injured)
*two to be omitted
Squad analysis: Tyla-Jay Vlajnic and Natasha Dakic are called into the Western squad to solidify a defence which has already shut-out the reigning champions Melbourne Victory. Head coach Mark Torcaso has all but two of his players available for Round 2, with Silver Bell Morris out through illness and Harriet Withers remaining sidelined through injury.
Fantasy tip: Jessica McDonald to find the back of the net in back-to-back games. The United States international and World Cup winner scored on debut in Round 1 and after watching City attackers Rhianna Pollicina and Maria Jose Rojas pick Wellington apart on the opening weekend will feel confident of doing the same at Sky Stadium on Saturday.
BRISBANE ROAR v CANBERRA UNITED
Brisbane Roar squad: 1.Isabella SHUTTLEWORTH (gk), 2. Annabel HAFFENDEN, 3.Jessie RASSCHAERT, 4.Kijah STEPHENSON, 5.Jamilla RANKIN, 6.Holly MCQUEEN, 7.Ayesha NORRIE(c), 8.Mariel HECHER, 9.Larissa CRUMMER, 11. Sharn FREIER, 12.Shea CONNORS, 13.Tamar LEVIN, 18.Teagan THOMPSON, 19.Hollie PALMER, 20.Georgia BEAUMONT, 23.Kajsa LIND, 21.Mia BAILEY (gk), 31.Aleeah DAVERN, 51.Hensley HANCUFF (gk), 78.Margot ROBBINE
In: Nil
Out: Nil
Unavaialble: 10.Katrina GORRY, 17.Talitha KRAMER (Injury)
Squad analysis: More of the same for Brisbane Roar after an impressive Round 1 win over Newcastle Jets. Star midfielder Katrina Gorry is the key absentee, continuing her planned period of respite to start the season.
Fantasy tip: Larissa Crummer has the Matildas World Cup squad on the mind – and scoring goals upon goals in the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season is exactly how the Roar spearhead can strengthen her case to be there when the showpiece event kicks off next year. Crummer got off the mark in Round 1 – we’re tipping goals in consecutive games for the Brisbane forward.
Canberra United squad: 1. Keeley RICHARDS (GK), 2. Emily ROACH, 3. Grace TARANTO, 4. Holly MURRAY, 5. Emma ILIJOSKI, 6. Laura HUGHES, 8. Sasha GROVE, 9. Chengshu WU, 10. Grace MAHER, 11. Grace JALE, 13. Sophia CHRISTOPHERSON, 15. Madison McCOMASKY, 16. Kennedy FAULKNOR, 17. Vesna MILIVOJECIV, 18. Chloe LINCOLN, 19. Nickoletta FLANNERY, 23. Michelle HEYMAN, 24. Ellen GETT
* Two to be omitted *
Ins: None
Unavailable: Ellie BRUSH, Hayley TAYLOR-YOUNG
Not Selected: Chloe MIDDLETON
Squad analysis: Njegosh Popovich takes a similar squad into Round 2 to the one which earned a point from a 2-2 draw with Perth Glory on the opening weekend, with Ellie Brush and Hayley Taylor-Young remaining sidelined along with Chloe Middleton who isn’t selected.
Fantasy tip: Grace Jale made an electric start to life in a Canberra United kit in Round 1, with a goal on debut after her off-season switch from Wellington Phoenix. Classed as a fantasy midfielder but showing willingness to get forward and an aerial threat from set pieces, Jale looms as one of the more exciting fantasy selections early in the season.
NEWCASTLE JETS v WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Georgina WORTH, 3. Emily GARNIER, 4. Josie ALLAN, 5. Leia PUXTY, 6. Cass DAVIS, 7. Chloe WANDALOUW 9. Tara ANDREWS, 10. Sophie STAPLEFORD, 11. Tessa TAMPLIN, 12. Murphy AGNEW, 13. Lauren ALLAN, 14. Lucy JOHNSON, 15. Sarah GRIFFITH, 18. Taren KING, 20. Claire COELHO 22. Cannon CLOUGH 23. Teigen ALLEN 24. Josie MORLEY
In: Nil
Out: 29. Adriana KONJARSKI, 19. Ashlee BRODIGAN
Squad analysis: Ashlee Brodigan played from the start up top for the Jets in Round 1; she’ll miss out in Round 2 after injuring her foot in the loss to the Roar. And after coming on as a second-half substitute only to depart the pitch on a stretcher last weekend, Adriana Konjarski is out of head coach Ash Wilson’s Jets squad with an ankle injury for Round 2.
Fantasy tip: Star striker Tara Andrews played off the bench last weekend and with Brodigan sidelined could make her first start of 2022-23 against the Wanderers. Keep an eye out for Wilson’s Jets team sheet pre-game; if Andrews is named from the start, consider bringing her into your fantasy frontline prior to kick-off.
Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 1.Jordyn BLOOMER (GK), 4.Angelique HRISTODOULOU, 5.Lauren KEIR, 6.Amy CHESSARI, 7.Amy HARRISON, 8.Olivia PRICE, 9.Sophie HARDING, 11.Danika MATOS, 12.Tess BOADE, 13.Jitka CHLASTAKOVA, 14.Clare HUNT (C), 15.Cushla RUE, 16.Malia STEINMETZ, 17.Sheridan GALLAGHER, 20.Shamiran KHAMIS (GK), 21.Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 23.Ella ABDUL-MASSIH, 25.Holly CASPERS, 29.Melissa CACERAS, 32.Bethany GORDON.
Squad analysis: The Wanderers’ first squad list is in after a Round 1 bye. Amy Harrison is the big name in the squad, returning to the club after two years playing for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Clare Hunt, named Western Sydney captain in the off-season, is primed to make her Liberty A-League return after a shoulder injury curtailed her 2021-22 campaign.
Fantasy tip: Sophie Harding to trouble the Jets defence with lightning pace and eye for goal. Harding’s pre-season message to the Wanderers fans should inspire confidence in the new signing’s intentions for the upcoming campaign: “For me, I want to score as many goals as I can and pick up as many assists as possible.”
SYDNEY FC v MELBOURNE VICTORY
Sydney FC squad: 1. Jada WHYMAN, 2. Mary STANIC-FLOODY, 3. Charlotte MCLEAN, 4. Anna GREEN, 5. Kirsty FENTON, 6. Sarah HUNTER, 9. Madison HALEY, 10. Remy SIEMSEN, 11. Cortnee VINE, 12. Natalie TOBIN, 14. Abbey LEMON, 15. Mackenzie HAWKESBY, 16. Deborah-Anne DE LA HARPE, 17. Jynaya DOS SANTOS, 19. Charlize RULE, 20. Princess IBINI, 21. Shay HOLLMAN, 22. Indiana DOS SANTOS, 24. Shay EVANS, 30. Katie OFFER.
(2-4 to be omitted)
Ins: 9. Madison HALEY (return from injury), 10. Remy SIEMSEN (new signing), 21. Shay HOLLMAN (promoted), 22. Indiana DOS SANTOS (promoted)
Outs: None
Unavailable: 18. Taylor RAY (injured)
Squad analysis: In come the reinforcements for the reigning premiers, with Ante Juric’s side eager to bounce back after a Round 1 loss to Adelaide United. United States import Madison Haley is in the mix for her first appearance in the league, bringing competition up front to Round 1 starter Shay Evans. Remy Siemsen, meanwhile, is named by the club in the extended squad after her return from Sweden and AIK in the off-season. The 22-year-old trained with the squad this week.
Fantasy tip: Cortnee Vine put down a marker in midweek, stoking the fire ahead of the grand final rematch. Expect the Matildas winger to lead the charge for the Sky Blues when the two great foes go head-to-head at Cromer Park.
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Casey DUMONT, 2. Tiffany ELIADIS, 3.Claudia BUNGE, 5.Jessika NASH, 6.Beattie GOAD, 7.Gema SIMON, 8.Alana MURPHY, 9.Catherine ZIMMERMAN, 10.Alex CHIDIAC, 14.Melina AYRES, 15.Amy JACKSON, 16.Paige ZOIS, 18.Kayla MORRISON, 19.Lia PRIVITELLI, 20.Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 21.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 22.Ava BRIEDIS, 23.Emily KOS, 24.Anna LIACOPOULOS, 27.Rosie CURTIS
In: 7.Gema SIMON (returns from injury), 19.Lia PRIVITELLI (returns from injury), 24.Anna LIACOPOULOS (promoted), 27.Rosie CURTIS (promoted)
Out: 11.Natalie TATHEM (injured)
Unavailable: 17.Maja MARKOVSKI (injured)
Squad analysis: It’s a timely return for last season’s stand-in captain Lia Privitelli, who starred in the wake of injured skipper Kayla Morrison to lead Victory to the Liberty A-League championship.
Privitelli wore the armband in last season’s title decider; now she’ll hope to make her 2022-23 debut in the grand final rematch.
Experienced defender Gema Simon is the other key inclusion to a Victory squad bruised by Round 1 defeat to Western United.
Fantasy tip: Catherine Zimmerman scored two in two games against Sydney FC last season – including the decisive strike in a 2-1 grand final win. We’re picking the United States forward to continue her strong form against the Sky Blues.
PERTH GLORY v ADELAIDE UNITED
Perth Glory squad: 1.Morgan AQUINO (gk), 3.Kim CARROLL, 4.Natasha RIGBY (c), 6.Tijan MCKENNA, 7.Liz ANTON, 8.Hana LOWRY, 9.Demi KOULIZAKIS, 10.Susan PHONSONGKHAM, 11.Rylee BAISDEN, 12.Sofia SAKALIS, 13.Sarah CAIN, 15.Cyera HINTZEN, 16.Isabella WALLHEAD, 17.Abbey GREEN, 18.Sadie LAWRENCE, 20.Sarah LANGMAN (gk), 21.Ella MASTRANTONIO, 23.Alana JANCEVSKI, 42.Gabriella COLEMAN
Ins: 6.Tijan MCKENNA, 9.Demi KOULIZAKIS, 18.Sadie LAWRENCE
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 22.Claudia MIHOCIC (injured), 24.Milan HAMMOND (injured)
Squad analysis: Teenage midfielder Tijan McKenna is joined by Demi Koulizakis and Sadie Lawrence in joining the Glory squad ahead of the club’s first home fixture of the season against Adelaide United on Sunday afternoon. There are no withdrawals from the Round 1 squad which drew 2-2 with Canberra United on the road.
Fantasy tip: Ella Mastrantonio notched an assist on debut, and at this early stage in the season looms a key figure in Glory’s fortunes. With the unpredictable nature of the early stages of a campaign, experience and class are dependable features of a fantasy asset for you to include in your squad.
Adelaide United squad: 1.Annalee GROVE (gk), 6.Jenna McCORMICK, 7.MelindaJ BARBIERI, 8.Emily CONDON, 9.Paige HAYWARD, 10.Chelsie DAWBER, 11.Isabel HODGSON (c), 12.Nanako SASAKI, 13.Ella TONKIN, 14.Meisha WESTLAND, 15.Katie BOWLER, 16.Dylan HOLMES, 17.Zoe TOLLAND, 18.Sasha COOREY, 19.Maruschka WALDUS, 20.Jenna FARROW (gk), 21.Yuyi XIAO, 22.Emilia MURRAY, 23.Fiona WORTS, 26.Grace WILSON (gk)
Ins: 6.Jenna McCORMICK (promoted), 17.Zoe TOLLAND (promoted), 18.Sasha COOREY (promoted), 20.Jenna FARROW (promoted)
Outs: nil
Unavailable: 2.Emily HOGSON (illness)
Squad analysis: Fringe Matildas defender Jenna McCormick will contend to make her first appearance in Red this season after being included in Adrian Stenta’s squad for Round 2. It will be interesting to see how the Adelaide boss shapes his backline if McCormick is included from the start; Ella Tonkin and Maruschka Waldus formed a formidable pairing in central defence against Sydney FC in Round 1, with Paige Hayward converted to a full-back and putting in an excellent shift along with Isabel Hodgson on the opposite flank.
Fantasy tip: Chelsie Dawber has put her hand up for assist of the season after just one round, after putting a cross from deep on a plate for Emilia Murray to head home the winner against Sydney FC. In a game where chances for Dawber to score were few and far between, the young forward showed how she can make her offensive impact from deeper areas. It will be a tough task for the Glory defence to contain an in-form striker who can score fantasy points with an array of different assets and actions.
