Ben Gilby reports on news from both Melbourne clubs today. City head coach Dario Vidosic offers his thoughts ahead of Sunday’s game with Western Sydney Wanderers, and Victory announce an Irish multi-sport legend as an injury replacement signing (6/1/22)
Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic confirmed to the media today that Emina Ekic’s injury means she will not play any further part in the A-League Women season.
With Cote Rojas away with the Chilean national side at present, it means that the Sky Blues go into their game with Western Sydney Wanderers a player light on their roster.
Vidosic highlighted that he does have several options in the short term. “We’ve got Caitlin Caric, we have Dani (Galic), and we’ve looked at a couple of things across the week (to fill the gap).”
However there is some positive injury news with regards to Karly Røstbakken, Hannah Wilkinson and Emma Checker who Vidosic revealed “are all up for squad selection”. He also outlined that Holly McNamara is “about a month away from getting the green light” to return, and is in training, although at present with limited contact.
The City boss bemoaned his side’s schedule which sees them having to play three games in six days, which involves a flights from Melbourne to Sydney, across to Adelaide and back to Melbourne again ahead of a big derby against Victory. “We have a plan, it becomes a risk with injury coming much higher. We have travel as well, not only do you have to recover from a match, you need to recover from travel too.”
Melbourne Victory today announced the signing of Republic of Ireland international and multi-sport athlete, Sarah Rowe on an injury replacement contract.
The 27-year-old joins from AFLW side Collingwood where she has spent the past five seasons competing in the Australian Rules Football competition.
Rowe’s roots in football lead back to her time in Ireland where she represented her country at youth and senior international level before adding Gaelic football to her repertoire, representing Dublin City University at club level and Mayo at inter-county level.
Between her Gaelic and AFLW career, Rowe returned to football in 2021 to play for Shelbourne in the top flight of the Irish domestic league before returning to Collingwood to play in the latest AFLW season.
Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins said he was excited to see Rowe’s return to football in the A-League Women’s. “We’re incredibly pleased to have an athlete like Sarah join the Club and we’re excited to see what a natural talent like her can bring to our squad.
“Sarah has been trialing with us and we’ve been impressed with her level and what she has to offer so we’re looking to see her hit the ground running at Victory.”
Rowe was also looking forward to testing herself at A-League Women’s level. “I’m thrilled to be able to join Melbourne Victory and be back playing football with Jeff and the team here at Victory,” Rowe said. “There is no doubt this group wants to achieve the ultimate success this season and I’m looking forward to contributing to their success any way I can.”
Rowe will be an injury replacement player for Melina Ayres who is set for a period on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and will be available for Friday’s contest with Perth Glory at AAMI Park.
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