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?
25. Eilidh Shore (Aberdeen)
Aberdeen’s Eilidh Shore won her side's players' player of the year award last year as the Dons stormed to the second tier title. A feature of the Aberdeen side for many seasons, she is a key reason they have adapted to the top tier so well. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
26. Brogan Hay (Rangers)
One of the most exciting players in the SWPL, Gers' Brogan Hay is a player that gets fans on their feet. Nimble, tricky and like a freight train when she gets going, Hay has been knocking on the door of the national team for some time. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
27. Claire Walsh (Glasgow City)
Another example of Glasgow City's successful recruitment, Claire Walsh has slotted into the champions defence like a glove, being a perfect complement to Jenna Clark. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
28. Kelly Clark (Celtic)
A stalwart of the Hoops' defence, Kelly Clark has remained an important member of the Celtic side, despite the strengthening that came with their move to being fully-professional. She is the embodiment of how Fran Alonso wants his side to play - full of heart, unrivalled commitment and non-stop effort. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group