Launceston United appear to have found an answer to their ever-evolving frontline.
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Co-coaches Frank Compton and Lynden Prince have deployed several different formations during the team's maiden Women's Super League campaign with captain Dani Gunton being played as a traditional no.9, playmaker no.10 and wide attacking midfielder.
But recently the team has settled on Annie Reitsema as the central figurehead and the apprentice plasterer has proved extremely efficient at smoothing over any cracks.
While Gunton headed the only goal in Saturday's 1-0 win over South Hobart, Reitsema's distinctive headband and glasses combo was a menacing presence and pivotal to the team's structure.
Most comfortable with her back to goal, Reitsema held the ball up well, fed it back to attacking midfielders like Jess Robinson and also chipped in with some pinpoint corners, all to the delight of her coaches.
"We've taken a little while to see how we can get the best out of Annie but we're close to it and she was involved in lots of good things against South Hobart," Compton said. "She is still a work in progress but is very good at holding the ball up and relieving pressure and is a great option for us."
Prince said Reitsema is learning from every game and providing a vital contribution to the team.
"We brought Annie in to try something different with a different target which is hard to get the ball off and she plays that role so well with the ball at her feet," he said. "In losing Madi Gilpin (to injury in the Statewide Cup final) we lost a lot of our workrate and had to find other ways to get that. It was good for the squad to bring numbers in.
"I feel players need to be able to play at least two positions. It's the same with LAD (Laura Dickinson) and Jess McCallumsmith being able to switch around down one side."
Three weeks after defeating Taroona at Birch Avenue, United face the bottom-placed side at Kelvedon Park on Saturday.
I feel players need to be able to play at least two positions
- Lynden Prince
Round 15
Saturday
12pm Devonport v Olympia, Valley Road
2.15pm Taroona v Launceston United, Kelvedon Park
Sunday
2.15pm Clarence v Kingborough, Wentworth Park
Bye: South Hobart
Ladder
TEAM P W D L GD Pts
Clarence 13 11 1 1 +35 34
Olympia 12 6 3 3 +8 21
Launceston U 13 6 0 7 +4 18
Kingborough 11 4 3 4 +3 15
Devonport 10 5 0 5 -7 15
South Hobart 12 3 1 8 -11 10
Taroona 11 1 2 8 -32 5
- sportstg.com