This was a team that was the perennial easybeat of the national women’s league, a near-guaranteed last place every year.
Other teams in different sports have had successes following bad seasons — but nothing this extreme.
Southern United had won just one game in a decade.
Then it knocked off Auckland in the 2017 season opener, went on to beat heavyweights in Canterbury United and Northern and secured a playoff spot for the first time.
It did not just get off the bottom of the table and make a gradual climb.
This team seemingly overnight became a genuine title contender.
Going into the season the goal was to win a game — a goal which was going to be tough to achieve. But it quickly became apparent that target needed readjustment.
New head coach Terry Parle created a competitive set-up and instilled a style of football which enabled this team to flourish.
Before the season he said he wanted the team to play the ball out from the back, rather than just sending long balls down the pitch.
That was something it did, giving its players time on the ball and allowing it to get the most out of its dangerous midfield.
Included in that midfield were new Football Fern Elise Mamanu-Gray, league MVP Ellie Isaac and returning college player Shontelle Smith.
They were three key additions to this year’s squad which gave it genuine firepower and class.
It was not just that trio, though.
Goalkeeper Tessa Nicol was brilliant and a key player to get back, while scholarship players Mikaela Hunt and Emily Morison both added value.
There was plenty to like among the returners as well. They were all a year older and with some quality experience around them, were able to shine.
Renee Bacon was a constant threat up front, while 17-year-old Lara Wall’s star kept on rising.
Kirsty Hayr was very reliable, while the defence as a unit was generally relentless.
It all bodes well for the future and this team should continue to get better.
Two of the key players to re-sign, however, may be more difficult to retain for non-football reasons.
Based in Melbourne, Mamanu-Gray obtained extended leave from her job to return home to play for Southern.
However, that may not be so easy to do with the league set to expand to two full rounds in 2018.
Isaac was essentially a chance pick-up, having been in Queenstown on her OE.
She had been unsure what the future held earlier in the season, although had said returning to Southern was an option.
Getting either — or both — back would be a massive boost.
If not, there is talent coming through in what is a promising time for women’s football in the region.
Having now established a strong platform, the team will now want to go one step further next season.
