It’s been another year of huge growth for the women’s game in Scotland.
Despite starting the year unable to play fixtures due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the year ended with the Scottish national team playing at Hampden Park, a new record attendance of almost 6,000 at Easter Road set for a domestic game in Scotland and the highest ever crowd for a Scottish Women’s League cup final.
Add into the mix that Scotland’s top tier now has three fully-professional women’s clubs and the outlook of the women’s game in Scotland has never been brighter.
But, for those of you who are new to the SWPL or the women’s game, the question is: who are the players to look out for?
We asked a panel of nine current SWPL managers, assistant managers, coaches and players as well as former players, SWPL experts and journalists to give us their list of the 10 best players in the SWPL, and awarded each player points for their ranking (ie: position one = 10 points, position two = 9 points, position three = 8 points etc.) to give us the definitive list of 2021’s best players in the Scottish women’s top tier.
The panel – all of whom are respected voices within the Scottish game – contributed anonymously so their choices are not guided by club or professional loyalties.
So whether you’re an avid fan of the SWPL and its stars or new to the league looking to find out more, here is who the experts voted as the best 30 players in the league for the year 2021.
Is your favourite player listed?
9. Jenna Clark (Glasgow City)
Glasgow City's 20-year-old centre back Jenna Clark has enjoyed a dream year, winning the title in summer, before scoring at Hampden Park on her Scotland debut. Calmness personified, Clark is the classiest defender in the league. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group / SRU
10. Olivia Chance (Celtic)
Celtic summer signing Olivia Chance is the Hoops second summer signing to feature high up on this list. The New Zealand international has added class and composure to the Celtic midfield. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
11. Leanne Crichton (Motherwell)
Scotland legend Leanne Crichton helped Glasgow City to the league title before moving to Motherwell as a player/coach in pre-season. Her influence is clear for all the see, with her presence in the 'Well midfield adding guile and quality. Photo: SNS Group Paul Devlin
12. Colette Cavanagh (Hibernian)
Hibs' star Colette Cavanagh is one of the Edinburgh clubs most consistent performers and is a stand out for Dean Gibson's side on an almost weekly basis. It's no surprise to see her so high up the list. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group