2018-2019 WSFL Preview: Coogee Cobras FC
Last Season: Inactive
The great unknown in the WSFL this season. The fall of Stirling has left a power vacuum the established clubs have rushed to fill. In the background, the first women’s club in Pro Futsal history has quietly risen. Ned Robles beating Cam Harel and Penny Rinaldi to the punch as the league’s newbies eye the unknowns from the WA State trials to fill their ranks.
Usually found running up and down the byline refereeing on match days Ned Robles brings a wealth of futsal knowledge and experience coaching at East Fremantle during the outdoor season. Not shy of blowing the whistle and bellowing orders, the newest entrant to the WSFL has name at the helm. Now for names in the front door.
They won’t be found wanting with the goalkeepers. The Fremantle link runs true with Melissa Rinaldi and La Toya Crotty signing on loan from league bigger brother Fremantle FC. Wily veteran Rinaldi out to show the league why she was an Allstar last term and could prove a boom recruit. Crotty spent time out on loan last season and will be eager to claim the WSFL spot. With the goals in capable hands who protects the duo in the middle of the court?
Ange Cheaib is the massive name in the front door. One time Allstar and Cambio Cumbre SFA loanee to bring the fire and drive in the middle of the park. Expect her to shore up the defence, attack and everything in between while steering both WSFL and Draft squads to pinch a few results this season.
Bonnie McCleay once shined under the Fremantle name. Can the chance to spearhead the league’s latest franchise tempt her back into the spotlight? Only time will tell.
Main Lady: Ange Cheaib
What a coup. Head of the line as Fremantle send a few loanees to help out the new franchise, the fiery fixer follows her Draft proteges to ensure their progress continues. The Cobras look to benefit from the move. Crunching tackles and lung busting runs are a given from the star name. Guaranteed to stand out in the coming campaign, is the Fremantle loanee a dark horse for MVP?
One to Watch: La Toya Crotty
In and out of the WSFL these past seasons, a loan to Stirling worked wonders as the one time up and comer found form and confidence in Draft last winter. With the Cobras bound to take time getting to grips with the league the goalkeepers look vital for Coogee in the early days. She takes her battle with Rinaldi for the number one shirt down the road in the WSFL, time to remind the league of what she’s capable of.