Above: Arsenal’s Australian trio of Caitlin Foord (left), Steph Catley (centre), and Kyra Cooney-Cross (right) celebrate the club’s Conti Cup Final win this season. Photo: Arsenal Women.
15/6/24
Impetus sought the views of WSL club fan groups and supporters of the clubs among our team of writers about the performance of their Australian stars. Find out how they view every single one of the Aussies in the league, their high and low points, as well as a chance to discover all the songs that fans have for their Matildas stars.
Arsenal
by Aimee Logan (Arsenal fan and Impetus contributor)
Arsenal not only boast more Matildas in their squad than any other WSL side – they will also lay claim to having the most influential ones across the league as well.
Whilst Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley have been integral parts of the well-oiled Gunners machine for several years, they were joined by the literal young gun Kyra Cooney-Cross for this campaign.
Catley is well-loved by the Arsenal fans for her incredible left foot and this has definitely been something she has improved further this season. Her corner kicks have been consistently threatening. Along with this, her link-up play with Matildas teammate Foord has allowed Arsenal to be dominant on the attack in many matches. I think she’s added some leadership now that she’s been at the club for so long and provides an example for some of the younger players to follow.
Foord’s role has seen her deployed more on the wing during the season just finished. She’s also been incredible at driving the ball into the box and providing assists for the likes of Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo. Even though Foord is a forward, she has really been the glue on many occasions that has created a smooth transition from the midfield players to the forward line.
Cooney-Cross has added so much creativity to the Arsenal midfield. A last-minute signing in the transfer window from Hammarby during the last Northern Hemisphere summer, the youngster has given the fans insight into what the future of Arsenal could look like. A fearless talent, Cooney-Cross’ superb technique allows her to slide past the opposition creating more and more chances as the season progressed. It’s really her ability to drive the ball up the pitch and not being worried about putting in a tackle to win back the ball has enabled her to be successful.
There have been some areas that the Matildas trio have found more challenging this season. For example, I don’t think Catley has been on the ball as much as she has in previous years. She needs to utilise opportunities to put in more tackles to stop opponents from progressing into the box.
For Foord, I would say it’s her finishing that she’s found the hardest this season. Only four goals in the WSL this season is a disappointing return, and on a couple of occasions, she has missed what appeared to be perfect opportunities to score for her team and has miss-timed her final touch.
Cooney-Cross just needs more minutes to stamp her mark on the league, and this will come with time. She can make a major impact next season. The youngster has been labelled as a ‘little sister’ by both Foord and Catley and it is clear why. Her carefree, personality has ensured that she was comfortable with the team within weeks of joining the club. England international Alessia Russo has become one of her best friends and their infectious happiness has radiated to the fans. She is so willing to learn from the experienced midfielders of Kim Little and Lia Wälti which bodes well for her future.
Arsenal’s Matildas have supplied fans with some memorable moments this season. Catley’s goal against Manchester City stood out to me the most this season. It was one of the team’s best goals this campaign. Her first-touch finish was impeccable. There was also Cooney-Cross’ Arsenal debut. Seeing her come out on the field for the club for the first time was unforgettable as it put her name on the map and marked her as one of the top next-gen players ready for Arsenal’s future.
A sign of how popular the trio is comes with the individual songs that they all have. Starting with:
Oh Steph Catley! (Oh Steph Catley!) Is wonderful! (Is wonderful!), Oh Steph Catley is wonderful, She’s got a left foot like Messi, Oh Steph Catley is wonderful.
Then there is: She’s red! She’s white! She loves the vegemite, Caitlin Foooord, Caitlin Fooord!
And ending with the Kyra Cooney-Cross epic:
Nothing I’d rather do, than watch our 32, Kyra Cooney-Cross OI! OI! OI! When she’s on the ball, she’s f*ckin’ magical, Kyra Cooney- Cross OI! OI! OI!
Brighton and Hove Albion
by Duncan Price (SheGulls)
It’s been a tough first season in the WSL for Charlize Rule, but us Brighton fans saw more than enough to be hugely positive about her future with the South Coast side.
Rule only completed 90 minutes three times in the league, and didn’t play after matchday nine (of 22) due to injury. However, you could immediately see her energy and enthusiasm on the field which quickly gained her the support of the fans. Her attitude throughout has been exemplary despite what must have been a challenging time dealing with a lengthy injury in a different country.
The Australian’s youthful exuberance, something that is always needed as part of a balanced squad, as well as position versatility which is very useful during a long season. Having missed so much of the season through injury, Rule still needs to become accustomed to the pace of the English game and the lack of time of the ball – allied with high-intensity press.
Rule is an upbeat and positive person, qualities that go a long way, certainly in terms of interacting with the fans and her teammates. I’ve not heard one supporter question her attitude or ability and that’s a rarity, to be honest for a team that finished ninth (of 12). She clearly possesses the ability to be a success in the WSL, she just needs time and a run of games in the starting XI, which has unfortunately eluded her so far for various reasons. Rule’s promise was seen in her role in the passing move that ended up leading to the only goal in a superb 1-0 away victory over Manchester City.
Whilst she doesn’t have a specific song so far, with another season and a few more appearances, I don’t think it’ll be long until we have one. Perhaps something themed around the Tears for Fears classic ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’?
Editing by: Ben Gilby.
Chelsea
with Kerrie Evans (Chelsea Women Supporters Group)
It’s been a bittersweet season for Chelsea fans. They produced another superb performance in lifting yet another WSL title – but they had to do it with one of their biggest stars on the sidelines.
Sam Kerr is now idolised by the West London club’s fans, and Kerrie outlined the dual positives that the Western Australian displayed during the 2023/24 campaign: “The first half of the season saw her lead the line brilliantly. Her laid-back personality means that she doesn’t panic in matches. Sam has also shown her leadership skills since becoming vice-captain. Then due to injury in the second half, the support she gave the team was fantastic.”
Chelsea fans know that in Kerr they have a player that just about every other team would dearly love to have in their squad. When asked what specifically the attacker has added to the team, Kerrie simply said: “Sam is a global icon, one of the best players we’ve witnessed in the women’s game. Oh, and then there’s the backflips!”
Reflecting on the most memorable moments that the striker has provided Chelsea fans during 2023/24, Kerrie had two: “On the pitch, her hat-trick at Stamford Bridge against Paris FC in the Champions League group stage. And her celebrations at Old Trafford with the team and supporters were fantastic.”
With Kerr having agreed a new deal to extend her stay at the club for at least another season coinciding with the departure of club icons Fran Kirby and Emma Hayes, one of the Australian’s longest-standing songs will now have to undergo a re-write, as Kerrie reflects.
“Sam has got two songs. Her original song when she joined was:
We’ve got Sam Kerr, Aussie Sam Kerr, We just don’t think you understand, Emma has a plan, to play with Super Fran, We’ve got Aussie Sam Kerr (to the tune of Achy Breaky Heart by Billie Ray Cyrus).
However, her other song most definitely still stands, and once she overcomes her ACL injury, it will only be a matter of time before it can be sung once more:
Sam Kerr’s on fire! Your defence is terrified, Sam Kerr’s on fire…ooh! Na Na Na Na Na Na Na… (to the tune of Freed from Desire by Gala.) Sam and the team seem to love this song especially after cup wins!
Editing by: Ben Gilby.
Everton
by Peter McFarlane (Everton Women Official Supporters Club)
Clare Wheeler is adored by Everton fans. She is one of the most dedicated and hard-working players in the side. Her energy is infectious and she covers every blade of grass. What she may lack in size, she more than makes up with her tenacity and never-say-die attitude.
Clare has brought a calmness to our play, she always makes herself available when playing out from the back, which is something our manager Brian Sørensen believes in. Our Australian has worked with Brian previously in Denmark, so she’s been a vital addition over the last few seasons and has really helped others to adapt to this style of football.
In terms of the areas of the game that Clare has found challenging, I think the physicality and speed of the league took a little bit of time for her to adapt to, certainly the first half of her first season. She struggled a little bit with injuries and being in and out of the side, but since she’s been fully fit and adapted to the league, she has been outstanding.
Clare is very Jekyll and Hyde! Off the pitch she is very quiet and laid back, she always comes across as a lovely person in interviews, but as soon as she steps onto the pitch she becomes a totally different character. She will go to battle with absolutely anyone, regardless of their size or their name, she isn’t scared of anyone. Clare loves a tackle, and so do Evertonians, so in moments where things maybe haven’t been going our way, Clare has stepped up thrown in a crunching tackle and immediately lifted the crowd.
A stand-out Clare Wheeler moment for me this season was the Merseyside derby away at Anfield. Lucy Hope got injured in the first minute, and Clare, who wasn’t fully fit, stepped in and played out of position at left wing-back, and was absolutely incredible. We won 1-0 and a massive part of that was how well Clare contained Liverpool’s wide players.
A sign of how much we love Clare is a song we have for her in her honour:
She left her old club in Sydney, Went to play in Denmark for Sorensen, Then she packed her bags and headed to The Toffees, Now she’s runnin’ round in number seven, Clare Wheeler keeps on runnin’, the Toffees’ll keep on singin‘, We’re signin’ (singin’), singin’ (singin’), Singin’ Clare Wheeler.
Additional thanks to Julie Makin (EWOSC) Editing by: Ben Gilby.
Leicester City
by Tom Coopey (Leicester City fan and Impetus contributor)
Courtney Nevin’s level of experience having played so often at international level was directly responsible for giving Leicester City’s defence far more stability and organisation during the 2023/24 season. She has been that valuable.
Nevin is renowned for her crossing ability, which has added another dimension to the attacking options for the East Midlands club. Although she hasn’t been able to tee up a teammate this season, in her five-month spell before signing permanently, the Matildas player accumulated four assists to her name, developing the nickname of the assist queen. Despite playing in the left-back role, her attacking ability has been one to watch, registering 15 chances created this season.
Nevin’s work ethic and professionalism are to be admired, being an example to the other players. She can also be versatile across the backline, adding flexibility to the team and enhancing the squad’s depth.
One aspect of her game that probably still needs to be worked on is managing her aggression at times. Nevin has a passion and desire for the game but needs to make sure that stays in line so that her strength enhances her performance – three yellow cards this season could have been costly now she is such a key component of the Leicester team.
Her most memorable moment this season would have been picking up her first and only away WSL clean sheet against Everton.
Editing by: Ben Gilby.
Liverpool
by Joe Rosedon.
Teagan Micah has brought international pedigree and vital league-winning experience to Liverpool from her time in Sweden with Rosengård. Alongside WSL veteran Rachel Laws, Liverpool arguably has the best goalkeeping depth in the league.
There have been some real high points since moving to Merseyside. Micah’s crowing moment came with two back-to-back last-minute stops against Chelsea and Manchester United. Her save from Aggie-Beever Jones in her side’s 4-3 victory over the eventual champions demonstrated her goalkeeping prowess. At full stretch, the Australian international was able to reach a ferocious shot.
She followed this up with another outstanding save, this time a looping header from Melvine Malard that was destined for the top corner had the Matilda not intervened. It may seem a cliche to mention, but both saves were literal game-winners and were crucial in Liverpool finishing in fourth place this season.
However, her transition into the WSL has not been smooth sailing. There have been instances where her inexperience in the league has been on display. In Liverpool’s 5-1 defeat to Man City in January 2024, Micah’s distribution was below par. In particular, she gifted City’s second goal of the game by playing the ball straight to Bunny Shaw. She was also lucky to escape being sent off for a last-ditch tackle on Chloe Kelly. These are elements of her game that need work if she is to be the regular number-one goalkeeper for Liverpool and regain her place as Australia’s number-one from fellow WSL Matilda Mackenzie Arnold.
Her aim for next season will be to establish herself as the number-one goalkeeper for both club and country once again, and at 25, she has plenty of time to do this. Micah’s past experiences will do nothing but fuel her to achieve this goal.
Editing by: Ben Gilby.
Manchester City
by Jayne Comer (MCWFC Official Supporters Club Secretary)
Both Alanna Kennedy and Mary Fowler have made really positive impacts. This season we have seen Mary shine and really show us what an amazing talent she is.
This was most apparent to the outside world towards the end of the season when, with Bunny Shaw injured, Mary was superb in a more central role, bagging some important goals.
Alanna was a steadying and crucial component of a much improved City defence throughout the whole season. Both players brought so much positive play to the team this season. Alanna brings a wealth of experience to the defence, while Mary brings great versatility, and positive attacking play to the game
There are not many games across the whole season, so it can sometimes mean that players don’t always get the game time that they would like to during a season, and also means they have to be versatile in being able to perform well from the bench.
Both players are very approachable off the pitch, and will often stop for selfies and autographs after games, taking time out to meet and chat with fans.
They come across as very positive role models. On the pitch, both players embody the strong professionalism necessary at Manchester City while buying into the team ethic at the club.
I think the most memorable moment that they provided us during the campaign was Mary’s two goals at Bristol City when we were going for the title.
We show our love for our Matildas pair with two particular songs we have for them. ‘Mary Fowler Baby, Mary Fowler, wooooaaahhh’ (to the tune of Don’t You Want Me by the Human League)
After some of our members travelled to Australia for the World Cup, they came back singing the Alanna Kennedy “Adams Family” chant, which Alanna was really happy to hear sung with a Mancunian twang, I am sure it made her feel at home!
Tottenham Hotspur
by Rachel Cohen (Spurs Women Blog)
Charli Grant joined Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window and was thought to be very much a long-term star of the future – gradually building into a WSL regular. Not only has the South Australian got more game time than many fans expected, she has given them some moments to remember.
Grant came in at the same time as the Swedish left-back, Amanda Nildén. That meant that Spurs went from having one first-choice fullback to three and the position went from something that was on every supporter’s transfer window wish list to one of relative depth.
Manager, Robert Vilahamn has said that Grant was brought in as a player for the future and that he did not expect her to start many games this season. But while she is still behind the other two fullbacks – Nildén and Spurs’ longest-serving-player, Ashleigh Neville – in the pecking order, both have missed games and so Grant has had more minutes than anticipated (starting five WSL games and coming on as a sub in another three as well as playing in six cup games).
The South Australian has mostly been used on the right but has had spells on the left. Her flexibility has meant that for the first time in quite a few years, Tottenham have good options, including off the bench, in this position. That proved critical this season with a longer-than-usual cup run and the rarity of three-game weeks.
In terms of what Grant has added to the squad, she has good pace and can get back to cover attacking moves. In a team that wants to play on the front foot, this is critical. This was seen when she came on as a substitute in the last-but-one game and did a great job of defending Guro Reiten. She is also willing to make ‘robust’ challenges.
Her goal threat has been evident in a few games – a sign that this can be useful was her use in one game as a late attacking substitute.
There’s no doubt though that it is still early days for the Australian international in the WSL. Grant does not (yet) have the on-the-ball skills of either Neville or Nildén and so in a team that is used to fullbacks who can take on and beat players, this is a weak point. This has been most apparent on a few occasions where the ball has got tangled in her legs as she tries to go past a player on the sideline.
With relatively little playing time, the South Australian has not had a lot of time to settle into the rhythms of the team, and sometimes her decision-making on when to go forward and when to provide protection needs work. But this is about developing relationships and will come.
To summarise, Grant’s positives on the pitch have been her strength, speed, some good crosses, and a willingness to get into the box. Off the pitch, she has a level of persistent cheerfulness that is thoroughly un-British. Actually, that’s probably on the pitch as well.
The most memorable Charli Grant moment so far is her first goal where she doubled Spurs’ lead on a rain-sodden evening at Championship side Southampton. Off the pitch is her styling the 1991 Spurs men’s FA Cup Final shirt. Perfection!
West Ham United
with Jo Bailey (Pride of Irons Official West Ham United LGBTQ Supporters Group) and Patrick Hurley (West Ham United Women’s Season Ticket Holder.)
There is absolutely no doubt that the East London side’s fans adore their pair of Matildas, Mackenzie Arnold and Katrina Gorry – players they describe as “the best Aussies in the WSL.”
Jo Bailey highlights what they both epitomise and how powerful that has been for the West Ham squad as a whole: “Team spirit – plain and simple. Work hard, work together, and get the job done.”
Jo believes that the arrival of Gorry was “the best signing of the season…along with Harper,” (the midfield maestro’s daughter). The skill and vision of the Matildas star mark her out as “literally a total game changer. I’ve no doubt our season would have ended up below Bristol City (and relegation).”
Patrick Hurley agrees: “Kat (Mini) is just a joy to watch on the pitch – so full of life and passion. Her energy changes everyone’s energy on the team, and I firmly believe that were she not injured, we would have had a much better season.
“Mini’s arrival shook up the team – in a totally positive way- more than any other new team arrival that I’ve seen. Her energy is infectious, unique, and really special. And her skills – top-notch.”
He also underlines the influence of Arnold’s experience on the team in driving them forward, saying: “Mac has been our captain and is clearly a natural leader. She exudes confidence and calm and strength- and that “shadow of a leader” has a real impact on the players and the fans.”
Jo concurs, highlighting the “belief, grit, and determination,” that the pair offer having played at the highest level consistently at international level. Indeed, just the arrival of Gorry at the club in the January transfer window itself was a boost, making the fans feel “that it was going to be an OK 2023/24 season.”
Jo also highlighted the challenges that Arnold has overcome to be a powerful leader of the club and someone that the fans adore. “Obviously, for Mac being a skipper in goal is never easy, especially with her loss of hearing. Her strength of character is something the fans are super proud of. A true leader.”
Looking back at the most memorable moments the duo have provided to the fans this season, Patrick highlighted both players’ humility and personal touches: “With Mac, it was when she expressed surprise at receiving player of the year because she didn’t think she played that well this season. For Mini, it’s any time she brings Harper out on the pitch – just a joy!”
Just to further emphasise the fan favourite status that Gorry has achieved in such a short time, Jo’s highlights of her are simply: “Every moment Mini had been in the pitch has been memorable. Losing her to injury it was clear to everyone how key she had been this season.
“If I’m honest, and this may upset a few West Ham fans, I don’t actually think it’s been Macca’s best season for the Hammers. Yet her communication from goal, Which is never easy has been second to none. Constantly pushing.”
Not surprisingly, as both the Hammers’ Aussies are deeply loved by the fans, both have specific songs in their honour. Jo takes up the story.
“As soon as Gorry was signed I heard her ‘theme tune’ in my head straightaway. It caught on really quickly ‘Gorry, Gorry hallelujah’ – Gorry, Gorry hallelujah, Gorry, Gorry hallelujah, As the Hammers go marching on (and on)!
“For Mac ‘super, super Mac,’ – just because she is.
Jo concluded by saying: “I’m excited for the 2024/25 season as long as we can keep hold of the best Aussies in the WSL. Come on you Irons!
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