By Genevieve Henry (6/2/24).
Above: Kirsty Fenton (centre) celebrates last season’s success with her Sydney FC teammates. Image: Kris Goman for Impetus.
She’s been delivering some of the most phenomenal through-balls and assists in the A-League Women as of late. That, alongside her staunch defending, has made her one of the very best defenders in the league. And she’s only 20.
Kirsty Fenton has been shining in a somewhat lacklustre Sydney side. The left-back has been providing the creativity and forward momentum that feels lacking in an injury-ridden squad. Not only has she done this, but she has played a monumental role in keeping Sydney’s defence as the best in the league.
Born and raised in the Newcastle area, Fenton grew up in sports. She played at the Newcastle Jets academy from the U-11 level, while attending a sports high school. She went on to play for various youth levels at the academy before signing her first contract in 2021 with the senior Jets side at 17. While still completing her HSC, she worked her way up into the Jets lineups, juggling the classroom and the field exceptionally well. However, her smarts didn’t just manifest in school; her vision and decision-making are what set her apart on the park.
Fenton has simply stunned in the A-League Women, especially since joining Sydney FC in the 2022-23 season. She fills the role of a modern fullback perfectly, with solid defensive abilities while still being adventurous on the attacking front. Many have even tipped her as the best left-back in Australia since Steph Catley. With Sydney, she plays consistently when unmarred by injury. Her role in last season’s Premiership and Championship winning season was pivotal, and if they achieve anything this season, it will be largely her impact that propels them there. While she has not yet been amongst the senior Matildas, Fenton has starred at the U-20 level. She started two out of three games in the 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, even scoring a goal against the hosts.
As a fullback, her presence is frequently felt on the overlap, both her speed and technical skills bringing a deadly dynamism to the attack. Remarkably for a defender, she averages 1 attempt on goal per game, as well as creating at least 3 good chances per match. She often completes several take-ons per match, her dribbling and passing only improving as she matures. While she adds copious amounts of value to the attack, her real talent and composure is in defence. With 2.44 tackles, 3.03 interceptions, and 1.57 blocks on average per game, she ranks highly amongst other defenders around the world in top leagues. Another great strength for Fenton is her aerial ability, winning a whopping 95% of aerial duels. Strong in the air and on the ground, she expertly manoeuvres her body to retain possession and bring the ball back up the park. Fenton excels in defence and attack.
Not only is Fenton fantastic as an individual, but she functions well as a part of the backline, and her communication with teammates is evident on the field. Handling marking complications and handoffs with ease, there isn’t often a player who gets away from her. She rotates with flexibility, providing backup for her teammates while still handling her own responsibilities. She is often trusted as the player to hang back on a set-piece to snuff a counter-attack, providing safety and reliability to Sydney. She uses her intelligence to assess where her presence is most needed and always does what is best for her team, whether it be sending an inch-perfect pass onto the foot of a teammate, or blocking a goal on the line.
Sooner or later, she’ll be getting Matildas call-ups and offers from the biggest clubs. Kirsty Fenton isn’t just a talent for the future. She’s a talent for now.
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