SD Raiders Women’s 1st Grade’s remarkable season received further recognition at the Football NSW Gala Awards, with Taiana Almeida named the 2026 Player of the Year for the Football NSW League One Women’s competition.
In her first season at the club, Almeida played a pivotal role in a campaign that will be remembered as one of the most successful in SD Raiders history. The prolific attacker finished the season as the League One Women’s Golden Boot winner, scoring an outstanding 29 goals and finishing nine goals clear of her nearest challenger.
Her goal scoring exploits were a major driving force behind the Raider’s success throughout the year, helping the side secure the League One Women’s Premiership and finish the season on top of the standings with 59 points from 19 wins, 2 draws and just 3 defeats.
Almeida produced a number of memorable performances across the campaign, including a four goal display in an emphatic 8-1 victory over Bankstown City Lions. She also delivered in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season, scoring a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-2 win over the Newcastle Jets to round out her remarkable campaign.
Her consistency in front of goal and ability to deliver in key moments saw her recognised as the competitions standout player at the Football NSW Gala Awards, receiving the honour of:
2026 Player of the Year – Football NSW League One Womens
Taiana Almedia
The awards night was made even more special for the club as SD Raiders representative and Club Captain Jessica Neville were on hand to collect the Football NSW League One Women’s Club Championship, highlighting the strength and success of the senior women’s program throughout the 2026 season.
2026 Club Championship – Football NSW League One Women’s
SD Raiders
Congratulations to Tiana on a truly exceptional season and a thoroughly deserved recognition at the Football NSW Gala Awards. In her first season at SD Raiders, her efforts were rewarded with one of the highest individual honours available, a true testament to her quality, dedication and impact across the season.
The Women’s Club Championship stands as one of the clubs proudest achievements of the season, recognising the collective success of the Senior Women’s program. It reflects the commitment shown week in and week out across players, coaches, staff, volunteers and supporters all contributing to the winning culture.