With Round Three done and dusted in the A-League Women, it’s time for the weekly awards given out by our team of writers covering the competition. For the first time, there was some divergence in opinion between Kris Goman, Kieran Yap, and Ben Gilby (20/12/21).
PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Kris: For me, it has to be Lynn Williams. She scored a wonderful goal and an assist. Williams was all over the field showing her class for Melbourne Victory. Honourable mention to Cote Rojas who was fantastic when she came off the bench for Sydney FC. She’s got that South American flair and I love it.
Kieran: It’s Lynn Williams. One goal and two assists when Victory were being outplayed away from home and without Chidiac. Can’t argue with the stats.
Ben: I’ve found it really hard this week. I thought Rhianna Pollicina bossed the first half for Melbourne City against Adelaide United and then Fiona Worts was instrumental in the South Australian side’s second-half comeback. I was overjoyed to see Cote Rojas back in the Dub, she is just outstanding. Lynn Williams deserves a mention too, but I’m going with Cortnee Vine. She was unstoppable down the right for Sydney FC and scored a super goal. She’s back to her best after that dreadful injury.
COACH OF THE WEEK:
Kris: Wellington Phoenix’s Gemma Lewis. They really stepped up against Sydney and didn’t collapse under the pressure. The team looked solid and are clearly coming together well. They kept the pressure on during the game.
Kieran: Melbourne Victory’s Jeff Hopkins. Williams was the hero, but he’s maintained form and full results with a constantly shifting lineup. Adding Alana Murphy to the starting lineup was a bold decision that will pay off long term.
Ben: Melbourne City’s Rado Vidosic. Not necessarily for how his team performed against Adelaide United, but for raising his head above the parapet and stating with passion and belief what he believes has to be done between now and 2023 to get the A-League Women competition in a strong place. His follow-up comment that if the changes are not made by the end of 2023 it is too late is a warning to the powers that be.
EVENT OF THE WEEK:
Kris: The psycho last ten minutes of the Wanderers v Jets match culminating in Ashlie Crofts debut ALW goal. End to end to end to end football that was both frantic and exciting.
Kieran: Ashlie Croft’s equalizer for Western Sydney Wanderers, not only a vital goal in a team desperately needing a good moment, but a childhood fan becoming a hero for her hometown club.
Ben: Ashlie Croft’s equalizer at the death for Western Sydney Wanderers. It’s an incredible story – goal on your debut to save a point for your hometown club that you were a member (season ticket holder) of as a kid. What a moment.
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