By Genevieve Henry (26/2/24).
Above: Sasha Grove celebrating a goal against China with the Young Matildas. Image: Football Australia.
Left back. Right back. Left wing. Right wing. Centre mid? Sasha Grove does it all, and she does it all with courage and tenacity. The 19-year old Canberra United and Young Matildas star has been tearing it up in the A-League Women, starting every match and making her presence known. From holding off the best attackers to terrorising the best defenders, Grove has been a bright spark even in darker times for Canberra.
Primarily a fullback for Canberra, Grove has started every match of the 2023-34 A-League Womens season. Although utilised most commonly at right or left back, she rotates expertly with those around her to bring the most she can to all aspects of the game. Always in the mix for Player of the Match and Team of the Week, Grove deserves every bit of praise she receives.
From the definition of a football family, Grove and her sisters grew up in the Canberra United Academy, honing their skills in the capital while pushing each other to be better. Her competitive spirit brought about by this upbringing is evident on the pitch, throwing herself into the game with full intention to come away with the ball in every situation. Whilst growing up immersed in high-level football, Grove was also an excellent runner, but was ultimately inspired by her brother to pursue football more seriously.
Grove started playing for Canberra’s academy at the ripe old age of 10, building her skillset and maturing in her understanding, leading to an NPL debut at just 13. She showed brilliant promise in her attacking prowess, using her speed and hunger to establish a reputation as one of the best of her age. After a few years in the academy, she began to appear for the senior side in the 2020-2021 season, quickly announcing herself as an indispensable asset. For the past two seasons, she’s started every game. Her youthful energy in a side full of experience has become a real staple of Canberra’s style.
The story of Grove’s transition from attacker to fullback is an interesting one. In the 2022 NPL NSW season, Grove was thrown into the defence for North West Sydney Spirit. She had to adapt on the run to a new role, only filling a vacancy. Strangely enough, it was Sydney FC stars Nat Tobin and Kirsty Fenton who ultimately helped her find her feet and learn to be a great defender. When unable to train with Spirit due to the lengthy trek, Grove trained with boys and learned about the importance of smarts–not just skill and speed.
In 2022, Grove also got her first call-up to the Young Matildas. Since then, Grove has performed well with the Under-20 side, frequently scoring and creating chances. Her tireless efforts off the ball are less appreciated by the unseeing fan, but her pressure and runs are praised by all teammates and coaches. Although Grove is accustomed to competing against all ages, the Under-20 stage really allows her to shine amongst her peers. Grove will be leaving Canberra to face Uzbekistan with the Young Matildas in March, and while that is to her and Australia’s advantage, it could leave Canberra United in the lurch. They may struggle without one of their most valued and reliable players as they fight to rise off the bottom of the table.
For such a versatile player, Grove plays the fullback role with a mature awareness of her defensive responsibilities. While she is willing and able to rotate and make runs up the pitch, she rarely lets an attacker slip by her. Her interceptions and tackles per game– 2.5 each, paint the picture of her staunch abilities. She struggles with the lack of creativity and flair defensive positions allow, but is happy to pull off fancy feet further up the field. She ranks highly in progressive play, both passes and carries, and adds dimension to the attack when appropriate. But, these are just her skills as a fullback. As an attacker in the Canberra United Academy, she scored 21 goals in 47 appearances. The only struggle regarding Grove is figuring out where her qualities can shine the most.
Grove’s contract with Canberra United only runs through the current season, so she could be off to pursue bigger challenges soon. A goal of hers as a Manchester City supporter is to play for them in the Women’s Super League. She is certainly capable. Sasha Grove is one of Australia’s brightest prospects and will only improve as she ages and gets more opportunities. Determined to break into the national team sooner or later, it would be wise to watch this space.
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