Hanwood taking on Wagga United in Leonard Cup

Tara Ceccato played a crucial role in Hanwood's first premiership back in 2019 but was forced to sit out last season's triumph due to injury, but coach Anthony Zuccato was pleased to report that she will be making her return.

"That is a good inclusion back into the team," he said.

"It will be good to see her back out there again."

As for the rest of the side, it will be largely unchanged, which has Zuccato pleased as they look to defend their title for a second straight season.

"We have lost two girls, other than that, it is unchanged side at the moment," he said.

"Consistency in the team is a great thing, and the combinations and things are still there, so they will continue to grow."

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This season will also see the Hanwood side enter into the women's second-grade competition which will add to the depth available for Zuccato, with the coach having plenty of confidence in the new side.

"They are looking good for the moment, and I am expecting good things out of them," he said.

"I think they will compete week in week out.

"It gives them a chance to develop, and if the opportunity arises for them to step up and put some pressure on the first grade girls to keep them honest."

The season will start at home with a clash against Wagga United, and Zuccato is expecting a tough battle in the midfield.

"I know they struggled a little bit last year because they had girls who were playing both reserve grade and first grade due to COVID because they lost numbers," he said.

"I'm looking forward to Alana (Marando) and Kandice (Bertoldo) controlling the game, especially Alana in the middle."

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