GSSA 2023: Dominant campaign helps unbeaten Mt Barker claim league title in women’s division one competition

Mt Barker coach James Morris believes an unshakeable team bond and tough preseason played a key role in his side’s title-winning campaign in the Great Southern Soccer Association women’s division one competition. Morris’ side remain undefeated in 2023, boasting a record of 11 wins and two draws as they sealed the title with a 1-0 win over Caledonians in round 14. “Our biggest asset we have as a club is that we are family based and one big soccer family that has each other’s backs,” he said. “I’ve always said to the ladies that a team that has fun and enjoys each other’s company will always beat a team of champion players who don’t have this. “There was a lot of hard work that started all the way back in February. “We went away to a few preseason carnivals that had us in good shape early on which has carried through.” Mt Barker have collected 35 points and also boast a stunning goal difference of 77, clear of the second-placed Rovers on 28 points (43 goal-difference). There are two rounds left to play in the GSSA women’s league season and Mt Barker have a bye before closing out their campaign against Rovers on September 15. “We’ve got a really good defence that holds us in good stead but on the flip side we probably have the best offence in the league too,” Morris said. “If we go down on the score sheet at our defensive end we always back ourselves to get back in front and hold on. “Everyone plays their role in the team, people step up across all positions. “We worked out that we have an average age of 27 in the team compared to some squads that are a lot younger. Mt Barker have also tasted title success in the division three women’s competition, sitting on 27 points, well clear of Bayswater (12 points) in second. Phoenix have secured the division two women’s title with 39 points, nine points ahead of Denmark Rezzies in second (30).