Player of the week:
BEN GILBY: Millie Farrow. In a Perth Glory side yet to lose this season, the English striker has been a stand-out performer, and put in a sensational display in Saturday’s win over Canberra United. Whilst Farrow is yet to find the net, there is so much more to her game. Her constant running off the ball and surging runs are troubling defences left right and centre. She has also built up a telepathic understanding with Grace Jale after just three games, and that was perfectly encapsulated in the New Zealander’s goal at McKellar Park.
KIERAN YAP: Rachel Lowe. She was essentially the difference between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory. Adelaide was competitive but missing Emily Condon. Victory had Lowe in her best game of the season so far. The newly signed playmaker was creative, energetic, and dominant.
BEN CAREY: Holly McNamara. She was back to her best against Western United with her quick, dynamic movement, ability to win the ball in dangerous areas and then attack the goal. She scored a wonderful long-range goal and handed Hannah Wilkinson one on a silver platter. Her contributions single-handedly kept Melbourne City in the game and gave them a point.
Coach of the week:
BEN GILBY: Paul Temple. Another impressive performance and victory for Wellington Phoenix. The promise and potential has long been there – finally there are signs that under his stewardship and new style of play, it is coming to the fore.
KIERAN YAP: Alex Epakis. Three games, three wins, and against Canberra United they had to really earn it. Perth Glory are looking like the form team in the early days of the season.
BEN CAREY: Paul Temple. He has completely rebuilt Wellington Phoenix and the way they play. They are playing possession-based football and the result against Brisbane Roar is a testament to Temple’s hard work. After finishing the previous two seasons in around the bottom, it’s impressive to see the Phoenix sitting in third place right now.
Event of the week:
BEN GILBY: Ischia Brooking’s A-League debut at the age of just 14 years and 347 days. Brooking is a player I’ve watched regularly in the Western Australian state leagues since the tail end of the 2022 campaign and it’s been clear in all that time she has major potential. Now she is getting the chance to show it on the biggest stage in Australian club football with Western Sydney Wanderers.
KIERAN YAP: Cass Davis’s goal in stoppage time for Newcastle Jets against Western Sydney Wanderers. I’m not actually sure how she did that. It was an incredible goal. A late volley at full stretch hit with perfect technique and with stunning athleticism.
BEN CAREY: Kahli Johnson’s wonderful long-range goal against Melbourne City in the 86th minute. Her beautiful goal salvaged a valuable point for her team.
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