The Umbro AAL1 competition is back for 2025 with the finalists from 2024 returning in 2025 and two new additions to make up a 6-team competition.
With several high-profile signings for 2025, the competition is set to be even more exciting and more competitive this season.
Here is how each team is looking ahead of the new season:
Bankstown Sports Stars
Last Season: 1st place (All Age Ladies 3)
For the first time in over 15 years, Bankstown Sports Stars is stepping up to compete in the top All Age Ladies division in Bankstown. After finishing first in the All-Age Ladies 3 competition, the club has focused on nurturing its youth and promoted its successful All Age Ladies 3 squad—many of whom have been with the club for years—into the higher division, while also securing several key new acquisitions.
A total of eight players in the Stars’ 2025 squad are 18 years old or younger, underscoring the club’s commitment to youth development. To bring in some experience for the upcoming season, Stars have also signed six players from Georges River Thistle’s former WPL team, which claimed the premiers title in both 2022 and 2023. With seasoned players like Paige Casacchia, Nikki Hudson, Vera Milutinovic, Farah Moutasallem, Monica Nolveski, and Hayley Stone joining the team, the Stars now boast the vital AAL1 experience needed to complement their youthful squad. Expect them to be strong contenders in 2025.
Bankstown Sports Stars will kick off their season on Sunday against the Central Sydney Wolves, a challenging opener given that the Wolves were grand finalists in the competition last season.
Central Sydney Wolves
Last Season: 3rd place (All Age Ladies 1)
After making their return to the top All Age Ladies competition in Bankstown for the first time since 2020, the Central Sydney Wolves quickly established themselves as strong championship contenders. They finished 3rd during the regular season and, despite a valiant effort, ultimately fell short in the Grand Final. With the new season on the horizon, the Wolves will be eager to build on their successes and are determined to go one step further in 2025.
However, Central Sydney Wolves have experienced significant player movement since the 2024 season, particularly in their front line, with key players moving on. The team will now be looking to their younger acquisitions to step up and fill the gap. Asma Mohammad Zada, returning for her second season, will play a crucial role in their attack, having finished as the 9th highest goal scorer last season. But the most significant inclusion to the Wolves this season is the return of their captain and goalkeeper, Ola El-Zahab, who was named Player of the Year in the AAL1 competition last season. El-Zahab’s leadership and shot-stopping ability will be vital for the team’s success.
The Central Sydney Wolves will kick off their 2025 season with a challenging Round 1 match against Bankstown Sports Stars, who are newbies in 2025. With both teams making significant recruitments ahead of the new campaign, this matchup promises to be a tough and highly competitive contest. The Wolves will be prepared for an intense battle as they look to make a strong statement in the opening round.
East Bankstown
Last Season: 2nd Place (All Age Ladies 1)
East Bankstown has been a staple in BDAFA’s top women’s competition for over 10 years. Despite their consistent presence, the team faced disappointment last season as they finished 2nd in the league but fell short of making the grand final for the 8th consecutive year. This marks a long-standing drought, as East Bankstown has not reached the grand final since winning the competition in 2016. With a renewed sense of determination, East Bankstown is more focused than ever on capturing silverware in 2025. To strengthen their squad and boost their chances, the club has re-signed key players who were integral to their success in previous seasons. The team’s ambition is clear: they are ready to push for a spot in the grand final and aim to bring home the trophy in 2025.
East Bankstown will have 11 players returning from their 2024 squad, with the most notable return being Pia Livas. Livas, who was awarded the Silver Medal as Player of the Year last season, also finished as the competitions top goal scorer, netting an impressive 12 goals. In addition to Livas, East Bankstown will benefit from the return of Angalene Pavlovic, Michaele Perugini, and Tara Edmiston, who are coming back after a season off. Their inclusion will add even more depth and strength to an already formidable squad.
Looking ahead to their 2025 campaign, East Bankstown will face Panania Diggers in Round 1, a team they defeated in all of their meetings last season. However, East Bankstown will understand Panania will be hungry for revenge this time around. As a result, the squad will need to be fully prepared for a challenging and competitive match as they kick off their season.
Panania Diggers
Last Season: 4th Place (All Age Ladies 1)
Following their return to the AAL1 competition last season, Panania Diggers impressed with a strong performance, making it to the finals. However, their campaign ended in the first round of the finals series when they were defeated by Central Sydney Wolves. As they head into the 2025 season, Panania faces some notable departures from their squad, but they have responded by turning to their youth to bolster their lineup for the upcoming year.
Panania Diggers have retained 11 players from their 2024 squad, providing a solid core to build around for 2025. In addition, four players – Summer Hession, Zena Hamze, Brooke Petersen, and Juliette Wedgwood – have been promoted from their 16/17’s Ladies squad to inject some youthful energy into the team. With the guidance of their experienced senior players, these young talents will be looking to make a significant impact in their first season in AAL1. To further strengthen their squad, Panania has also brought in Kristen McCormack from Glenmore Park Football Club, who participated in the 2024 AAL Ruby League. McCormack will be a welcome addition, adding depth and skill to their team.
Panania Diggers will face East Bankstown in Round 1, with last season’s losses to East Bankstown likely still fresh in their minds. Determined to start the season strong, Panania will be looking to build on the momentum they created in 2024 and come out with a strong performance in their opening match of the season.
Revesby Workers
Last Season: 1st place (All Age Ladies 1)
The dominant force of the competition is back and determined to claim a third consecutive championship title. Revesby Workers, with their undefeated squad from 2024, have retained the majority of their players, with just one new addition returning to the team. This continuity ensures they remain as strong as last season. With their track record, Revesby Workers are expected to be among the top contenders once again as the season progresses, but they will undoubtedly have a target on their back, with other teams eager to derail their pursuit of another title in 2025.
A total of fourteen players return from their championship-winning 2024 squad, and the Workers are also thrilled to welcome back Brie Lambkin, who was part of their 2023 championship team. Some standout players to watch this season include Marianna Konidaris, who finished as the second-top goal scorer in the competition last season with 11 goals. While Marianna is set to return later in the season after recovering from a long-term injury sustained in 2024, Gabriela Eisenhuth will also be a key figure after a stellar 2024 campaign. Eisenhuth was awarded the Bronze Medal as Player of the Year and finished as the third-top goal scorer with 8 goals.
Revesby Workers will face newly promoted St Christopher’s in Round 1, a match that promises to be an exciting encounter. The Workers will be looking to make a strong statement in their opening match at Padstow Park, setting the tone for the season ahead and showing the rest of the competition that they are ready to defend their title in 2025.
St Christopher’s
Last Season: 1st place (All Age Ladies 2)
St Christopher’s have earned promotion to the All Age Ladies 1 competition following a highly successful 2024 season, where they claimed the premiers title in the All Age Ladies Division 2 competition. While their season ended on a bittersweet note with a loss in the grand final to Padstow Hornets, the team will be eager to bounce back in 2025 and prove themselves in the top division.
With 11 players returning from their 2024 squad, St Christopher’s have made several key additions for the 2025 season. Two juniors, Chloe Pryde and Cara Watters, return to the club from Panania Diggers, bringing youthful energy and fresh talent to the squad as they make their debut in the All Age Ladies competition. Additionally, St Christopher’s have strengthened their team with the inclusion of 5 new players. Despite the changes, the club has successfully retained crucial members of their 2024 squad, including Rachel White and Taylah Parmeter, both of whom were standout goal scorers last season. Together, they helped propel their team to a total of 38 goals. With the team now stepping up to AAL1, expect Taylah and Rachel to play pivotal roles in leading the charge for St Christopher’s this season.
St Christopher’s will face a challenging start to their AAL1 campaign as they take on the 2024 champions, Revesby Workers, at Padstow Park.
The opening fixture promises to be a tough test for the newly promoted side, but St Christopher’s will be hopeful that they can take the fight to the reigning champions and cause an upset right from the outset.
