Belconnen United have been one of Canberra’s premier women’s football teams in recent years, reaching three NPLW Grand Finals in a row, and hoisting back-to-back Federation Cup trophies.
Unfortunately, Belconnen have come up short in all three Grand Finals but, despite the losses, Blue Devils Head Coach Scott Conlon is still setting a high standard for his team. Conlon, in his fourth season at the club, believes consistency is the key to achieving success in 2025.
The club have focused on keeping their preseason as close to previous seasons as possible, highlighting their buildup and transitional play.
However, one change they have brought in was an increased number of pre-season matches, with Conlon sure this had prepared his fittest side to date.
“We’ve got a reputation of being a decent team, we have to aim for minor premierships and grand finals,” he said.
“In terms of match fitness and being prepared for the season, this is probably the best we’ve been.”
The club proved this by kicking off their 2025 campaign with a resounding 3-0 win over defending League Champions Canberra Olympic in the Charity Shield, the club’s first Shield win since 2021. Conlon’s confident attitude reflected in the team by club Captain Lauren Preston.
“The expectation’s definitely making a grand final and probably winning the trophy,” Preston commented. “It was good to get the nerves out for the younger girls, and that win gave us all quite a bit of confidence.”
Belconnen has made two strong additions to their midfield in Alex Martens and Anneke Corry. Martens has moved from league rival Gungahlin FC, while Corry has come from Sydney-based side Macarthur FC.
“They’re two big players from our midfield we’ll really rely on this year,” Conlon admitted. “They’re working together with our current midfield to make sure they’re on the same page because the midfield is the engine.”
Goalkeeper Matilde Laurel-Tighe and Attacker Madison Sawkins have also made the trip south from Gungahlin United to help Belconnen push for trophies in 2025.
Conlon knows that even though his side has been at the top for multiple years, nothing is given in the NPLW.
“I found in the women’s league you can lose two games in 21 or two games and a draw, and you come second,” he said. “It’s a tough league if you want to win it because you can’t make mistakes, ever.”
You can watch all of Belconnen United’s NPLW and Federation Cup season live and free on Capital Football’s YouTube channel.
Words: James Whybrow
Image: Anthony Caffery
