Suzie gears up to flip coin at W-League

Football fan Suzie Neilsen will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when she tosses the coin before the start of Wagga Wagga’s historic W-League pre-season clash between Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets.

Suzie, a self-described “footy fan”, was among the first few hundred people to purchase tickets to the 3 November fixture, earning her the chance to win the ultimate game day experience.

She admits she was shocked to learn she’d be taking centre-stage alongside some of Australia’s best female football talent at the ground-breaking game.

“I’m super excited to be amongst it… it’s an amazing opportunity, something that doesn’t come along every day,” she said.

“This is obviously a first for Wagga so I’m pretty keen to be a part of it.

Suzie, a proud Queenslander, revealed she’s a staunch Brisbane Roar FC fan, and is yet to decide who’ll she’ll support come game day.

“Look, I’m going to flip the coin… so I don’t know who I’m going to go for yet,” she said.

“Maybe Sydney, maybe Newcastle, who knows.”

Regardless of the outcome, Suzie revealed she’s looking forward to seeing the high-calibre clash unfold in Wagga.

She believes the important trial game will serve as strong motivation for aspiring young female footballers.

“I mean, Sydney FC won it (the W-League Championship) last year,” she said.

“It’s pretty amazing to get that calibre of team to Wagga.”

Wagga Wagga City Council Strategic Asset Planner Ben Creighton agrees, revealing Sydney FC officials are confident of a strong line-up.

“We expect to see players of the highest calibre running around here at McDonald’s Park,” Mr Creighton said.

“There’s been a fair bit of work go into the ground over the last couple of weeks to ensure it’s in perfect condition for when Sydney FC arrives.”

Mr Creighton hopes the clash at Wagga’s premier sporting facility is only the beginning of a fruitful partnership with the code, with a vision to attract either W-League or even A-League premiership fixtures in the future.

“We want to continue attracting these elite level events,” he said.

“It’s definitely something we would look to have conversations around once we’ve had a few of these trials.”

Mr Creighton is hoping to see at least a 2000-strong crowd attend the game, with ticket sales currently sitting around 450.

There is an extra incentive for fans to secure their spot before close of business on Monday, with another lucky fan to join Suzie in an important game day role.

“They’ll go into the draw to win the chance to carry out the official game ball,” Mr Creighton said.

“The lucky winner will join Suzie, and the captains from both teams, in the centre of McDonald’s Park prior to kick-off.”