In the blink of an eye, it feels like this year's NSW National Premier League and Illawarra Premier League finals are almost upon us.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Both competitions had a delayed start to 2020 and were significantly shortened due to COVID-19.
But as we arrive at the pointy end of the season, it's time to pause and reflect on the state of play this year.
In the NPL, we are seeing a clear divide between the top six teams and the rest. However, only four points separate the top placed Olympic and our sixth-placed Wolves. Any of those six could be there on grand final day.
Conversely, heavyweight teams like Blacktown and APIA are at the bottom of the ladder in 2020. The one-round format means teams that have dropped games early don't have the luxury of a second round to play catch up. Instead, these teams are probably focused on next year - taking the chance to blood young talent and lower the playing budget.
It's been a similar story back home in the IPL, where there have varied results and different teams have stood up. Teams that have come out of the gates quickly, like Woonona and Bellambi, will likely be there come finals time. They have an opportunity to win the league.
Even if it looks a little different this year, that victory would be well deserved.