Each week during the home and away season, Impetus’ writing and photography team covering the competition will nominate a player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of the player and coach votes as the weeks go by, and just before Finals, will announce our winners for 2022/23 (14/3/23).
Player of the Week:
BEN GILBY: Paige Zois. Playing out of position at right-back and doing a decent job. Playing further back than normal didn’t stop the youngster who can usually be found in midfield from taking her place outside the box to launch a stunning first-time shot at goal to add another stunner to her ever-growing collection.
KIERAN YAP: Dylan Holmes played almost the perfect midfield match. She was everywhere, doing everything for Adelaide United, and was unlucky not to have a goal in a dominant display against Perth Glory.
BEN CAREY: Shea Connors. She was absolutely sensational against Western United. Her pace, energy, and intent to win the ball and shoot were essential in getting the win for Brisbane and those vital three points to stay in the finals race. She also bested the two-time A-League player of the month, Hillary Beall, not once but twice.
Coach of the Week:
BEN GILBY: Natalie Lawrence. It was a win that has been coming for several weeks now. Phoenix have been noticeably growing and threatening to pick up three points. The fact that they did it away to Sydney FC when the Harbour City side had just hit the top of the table just made it that bit sweeter for them. Lawrence has kept the belief and confidence coursing through her side’s veins when they have been bottom for so long. Famous last words, but I see several more wins to come between now and the end of the season, and other teams in the bottom three need to be looking over their shoulders. The Phoenix has risen.
KIERAN YAP: Natalie Lawrence. Sydney FC were vulnerable through injuries and suspensions and Wellington Phoenix took full advantage. Lawrence was brave in her selection, keeping Millie Clegg and Ava Pritchard in reserve, and brought them on as Sydney tried to regain the upper hand. It was a brilliant win by the underdogs.
BEN CAREY: Garrath McPherson. While Western United were not in top form against Brisbane Roar, they still came into the match second in the table, an intimidating opponent. McPherson inspired his team and encouraged them to play confident, attacking football and take it to their opponents. He also made some bold decisions in his starting 11, keeping a lot of quality and experience on the bench but that strategy paid off big time when players like Rasschaert, Kramer, and Palmer came on later to help close out the match.
Event of the Week:
BEN GILBY: Wellington Phoenix defeating Sydney FC away from home. Bottom defeating top. A superb achievement.
KIERAN YAP: Paige Zois’s wonder goal. This was a must-win game for Victory and from outside the box, the makeshift right back struck one of the goals of the season. It was as spectacular as it was deliberate.
BEN CAREY: Kate Taylor’s wonderful goal against Sydney FC. It was her first-ever goal in the A-League Women, and it was just a magnificent strike. The hard-working defender hit a superb volley off a defensive header. Taylor’s goal gave Wellington their first-ever win over Sydney FC.
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