Positive news hit the Auckland Football National Women’s League camp ahead of this weekend’s important clash against WaiBOP Football.

A trio of attacking players have been called into the Football Ferns’ upcoming tour to Thailand.

Hannah Blake is one of four to have been called up for the first time while Auckland skipper Stephanie Skilton earns a recall and Grace Jale likewise receives another chance to show what she can do.

Auckland Head Coach Gemma Lewis is pleased for the trio and is excited to see what they can do.

“It is great for both Auckland Football and the clubs they represent,” Lewis said of their selection.

“They are three players that are key for us and we wish them nothing but the best and I’m sure they will put their best foot forward in Thailand and go out there to prove something and if they get the opportunity to get some minutes, I’m sure they will put out some good performances.

“We’re backing them 100 percent and are excited to see what they can do.

It will be the trio’s last match for Auckland before a potential finals series and Saturday’s match pits them up against a struggling WaiBOP outfit.

However, despite what the results show, Lewis and her side won’t be underestimating the threat Barry Gardiner’s side may pose.

“We know they are going to be up for the game and trying to prove they can get the points on the board and I think they will come out firing and we’re pretty aware of that.

“They’re a strong team, it hasn’t necessarily been reflected in their results so far in this league but that isn’t to be underestimated as the players they’ve got are similar to last year and they made it to the semi-finals and beat us convincingly.

“We won’t be taking them lightly by any means.”

Saturdays round five clash takes place at Keith Hay Park, 1pm.

Extra Information

Auckland Football vs WaiBOP Football
Saturday 11 November
Keith Hay Park
1pm
#AFFvWAI

Referee: M Archer
Assistant 1: T Day
Assistant 2: C Dickson-Hards
Fourth Official: A Maharaj

Auckland: 1. Nadia Olla, 2. Georgia Brown, 3. Liz Anton, 5. Kate Carlton, 6. Nicole Mettam, 7. Tayla O’Brien, 8. Grace Jale, 9. Stephanie Skilton, 10. Hannah Blake, 11. Jacqui Hand, 12. Maisy Dewell, 14. Britney Cunningham-Lee, 16. Margot Ramsay, 19. Ally Toailoa, 20. Erinna Wong

Coach: Gemma Lewis

WaiBOP: 1. Georgia Candy, 2. Toni Power, 3. Katie Williams, 4. Hannah Reid, 6. Leanna Ryan, 8. Sarah Krystman, 9. Helen Talbot, 10. Ella Golding, 11. Kat Robinson, 13. Tiana Hill, 14. Georgia Nixon, 15. Grace Cox, 16. Kelli Brown, 17. Kim Maguire, 23. Angelique Tui Samoa, 24. Eilesh Hayes

Coach: Barry Gardiner