The ladies’ first team squad was announced at training on Monday ahead of the coming season.
Here’s a player-by-player look at your 2007 Pukekohe AFC women’s first team and wonderful volunteer helpers.
Goalkeeper:
Sonja Abbott
Sonja makes the switch from outfield utility to number one keeper in 2007 after filling in between the sticks during the 2006 season.
Brave with sharp reflexes to match, Sonja is keen to show what she can do with the gloves on as the Maroons step up in grade this year.
Defenders:
Lana Morris:
The 2007 season will be the third the vice captain has spent at the heart of the ladies’ back line after picking up the most improved player award in 2005 and player of the year honours in 2006.
Strong in the air and comfortable on the ball, Lana’s assured play and loud voice will again be vital for the Maroons.
Karla Shearer:
Back from a pre-season jaunt to Russia and China, Karla will once again slot in on the left of the Maroon backline.
Hugely impressive in her first season back in Pukekohe colours in 2006, Karla’s nose for the ball and slick passing ability will kick-start countless Maroon attacks this season.
Kelsey Macdonald:
After making her first team debut in 2006, Kelsey is keen to cement her spot in the defensive line for the 2007 season.
And given her committed effort in pre-season training, the team’s best tackler looks on track for another terrific year after claiming the most improved player award in 2006.
Kirstin Davey:
“Zippy” is back for another year and will once again feature on the right-hand side of the Maroons’ defensive formation.
Kirstin’s continued dedication to her football despite a niggling knee injury, work commitments and two young children is a shining example to her teammates and a huge part of why they love her to bits.
Tania Shaw:
Tania is one of the new members of the team in 2007 and, at just 15 years old, is making the big step up from the girls’ junior team.
Dubbed “Mammoth” by fellow defender and Pukekohe High School teammate Kelsey, Tania’s imposing height, long reach and fearlessness will kill many opposition attacks for the Maroons this season.
Midfielders:
Leanne Dodd:
The skipper returns for her third season in Pukekohe colours after moving south from West Auckland.
Leanne is the engine that powers this team both on and off the park and the 2006 sportsperson of the year is the perfect role model for both her teenage teammates and two beautiful daughters.
Alice Birch:
One of the key players in lifting the team out of division three, Alice will once again play her cerebral brand of football in the Maroon midfield in 2007.
After her teammates voted her the best player of 2006, Ally’s amazing development is set to continue as the centrepiece of the Maroons’ possession-orientated style.
Emma McCrory:
A fixture of Pukekohe women’s football, Emma is back for another season in Maroon colours on the left side of midfield.
Her powerful left foot and natural talent has helped get the team where they are and Emma will once again be an important cog in the machine in 2007.
Nicole Fricker:
The 2005 player of year is pumped and ready for yet another consistently brilliant year in the Maroon midfield.
Nicole loves her football and it shows in every tackle she wins and pass she makes in launching our attacking raids. Look out for her name on the score sheet this year too.
Nicole Kraakman:
A natural left-winger, Nicole is also making the step up from the junior ranks this season and is the youngest member of the squad at just 14 years old.
After Shorty and Angela played for the Maroons in 2005, Nicole is one half of the second mother-daughter combination to play for the women’s first team in three years.
Strikers:
Nicola Birch:
In her first year back with the club after playing for University-Mt Wellington, Nikki scored eight goals in 2006 thanks to a mixture of blinding Birch family pace, courage and smarts.
Like her cousin Alice, Nikki is developing her game at break-neck speed and her non-stop effort and unrivalled love of football will see her go far in 2007.
Rose Kraakman:
If you’ve played or watched women’s football in the Franklin district in recent years you’ll recognize the name and certainly know what Rose is capable of.
The senior half of the Kraakman 2007 double-act, Rose’s experience, pace and finishing power will be vital for the Maroon cause this year.
Sarah Holmes:
After scooping the prestigious Pukekohe club most promising player award in 2006, “Whippet” is ready to unleash her tremendous talents on division two opponents this year.
Sarah’s bubbly nature, skill and vision make her a much-loved member of the squad and a central figure in its success.
Goalkeeping coach: Ben Johnstone
With the early part of Ben’s playing season wrecked when he broke his arm on the practice field, the former Otahuhu stopper and Pukekohe High School product will be helping Sonja with her transition to goalkeeper.
Fitness guru: Matt Fricker
With the ladies stepping up a grade this year, Matt has been called in to get them in tip-top shape ahead of a long season.
Matt’s credentials include: annoying his older sister Nicole, running Pukekohe rugby teams ragged in their pre-season and an eighth placing in the teams event of the 2007 Coast to Coast multi-sport race.
Football consultant: Phil Muir
A teammate of Steve’s during high school, Phil has been around the block once or twice and (despite being a Liverpool fan) knows good football when he sees it.
Phil will run his eye over the team every now and then and offer up a tip or two.
Supporters club:
A huge part of why Pukekohe women’s football is such a blast, this crew plays a pivotal role in the success of the team.
The Dodd, Birch, Wild, Davey, Macdonald, Abbott, Morris, Shearer, McCrory, Shaw, Kraakman, Fricker and Holmes clans are the cheering section the players will feed off each Sunday.
Coach: Steve Upfold
Steve is back for his third year at the helm of the first team and given how much fun he had in the first two seasons, 2007 looks like being another great year coaching the sport he loves.
Of course, his job is made easier by such a terrific bunch of players.