2. Young guns 

Every team needs a balance between the wisdom of experience and the exuberance of youth. While the veterans stood up this season, so did two impressive youngsters.

Left back Courtney Nevin has been exceptional all season. As well as repelling attacks, the clever defender used her dangerous left peg to launch many a dangerous ball into opposition penalty boxes. ‘Lethal’ as she is known, was involved in 10 scoring chances this season. 

What she lacks in speed the 18-year-old makes up for in stamina. She can run all day and will harass and hound the opposition all day long. With impressive control and an eye for taking advantage of a counter attack, Nevin will be a key player if the Wanderwomen are to go far into the finals. 

Kyra Cooney-Cross is a future Matilda. No doubt about it. The youngster, who’s family live in Geelong, scored some brilliant goals this year as well as assisted a number of others. 

With neat footwork and an eye for a goal, Cooney-Cross is the live wire type of player that Dean Heffernan needs in his team. She set up the season with a free kick winner in the opening round against Adelaide, her two goals and two assists in the Sydney derby were brilliant, and last night when her team needed her the youngster stepped up. 

She set up the first two goals with teasing corners. Her general play was very good. 
The one issue is that she sometimes doesn’t touch the ball enough during the game. If Heffernan can get her more involved in the finals, the Wanderwomen will be even more dangerous.