by Ben Gilby (26/9/24)
Above: Carlos Vega Mena on the touchline for Perth RedStar. Photo: FotoEnzo.
He has been the mastermind behind a stunning four-year period of success at Perth RedStar. Before he stepped down as the club’s head coach yesterday, Carlos Vega Mena spoke to me about his team’s superb 2024.
Four years, nine trophies won out of a possible 16. Three NPLW WA championships, three Top Four Cups, two Night Series successes, and a State Cup win. Vega Mena is widely acknowledged as one of the best coaches of the current era. His record will be incredibly tough to equal never mind beat in the seasons ahead.
Whilst his departure leaves a huge hole at RedStar Arena, if we know one thing about the club from Perth’s northern suburbs, it is that they will remain relentless in the pursuit of excellence and more success.
Speaking to me about his own coaching philosophy, Vega Mena said: “I’ve had the privilege of coaching at various levels within Perth RedStar over the past six years, a journey that has demanded significant commitment from both me and my family. Throughout this time, my coaching philosophy has remained consistent, whether working with junior or senior players.
“It centres on several key principles: building a strong team culture, honesty, prioritising player development both on and off the field, and promoting resilience and professionalism.
“I strive to create an environment where players feel supported and motivated to grow, both individually and as a team. Honesty with the players is essential. Clear communication and collaboration are essential, ensuring that everyone understands their roles and the game plan.
“I also emphasise a mindset that values hard work and perseverance, as these qualities often make the difference in close matches. Ultimately, my goal is to be competitive on the pitch while helping players develop skills and confidence that will serve them well beyond football. For me, it’s crucial to nurture good people, not just good players.”
Vega Mena then went on to shine a light on his team’s season – one that saw them record three more trophies. This may, for outsiders, seem just another repeat campaign for RedStar, yet this year’s silverware was won amidst the most competitive NPLW WA yet. A campaign that saw the side be defeated in two games during the regular season, and end up on the losing side in successive weeks against Perth SC in the State Cup Final and Top Four Cup Major Semi-Final. This was, undoubtedly the sweetest campaign yet for Vega Mena and his team.
“This season has really showcased the depth of talent and competitiveness in the league, which continues to grow stronger,” Vega Mena told me.
“For our team to excel in such a challenging environment makes their accomplishments even more remarkable. Their skill and determination not only shine through but also enhance the excitement of the league as a whole. Winning three out of four trophies is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
“I believe this has been our most rewarding season yet. Each year, we face a target on our backs, and many thought this would be the year we stumbled. Instead, that challenge fuelled our motivation to prove them wrong.”
RedStar’s success in winning the Top Four Cup Final on Saturday, defeating Perth SC 1-0 was particularly impressive. The team certainly did it the hard way, playing the major semi with 10 players for so long, and then being behind twice to Balcatta in the midweek preliminary final.
“Winning the Top Four Cup Final is an incredible achievement, especially given the challenges faced along the way,” Vega Mena underlined.
“Playing with only 10 players for 80 minutes in the semi-final was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination, even more so as we were incorrectly shown a red card (Abbey Woolley was shown a red for two yellow cards – the first yellow was brandished towards Andreia Teixeira.)”
“Coming back from being behind twice against Balcatta in the preliminary final shows remarkable character and fighting spirit. The team remained humble, however it’s a clear reflection of their ability to perform under pressure, and it makes the victory all the more satisfying. This achievement not only showcases their talent but also strengthens their belief in each other and my philosophy.”
The success over Perth SC in the final came after a loss to them in the State Cup Final and the sudden death penalty shoot-out in the major semi. Perth RedStar’s former head coach admitted that those losses provided a real source of extra motivation for his players to win what turned out to be his final game in charge.
“The previous matches definitely played a significant role in motivating the team. Keeping a winning team engaged can be challenging, but experiencing tough losses—especially in high-stakes moments like the State Cup Final and the semi-final penalty shootout—can drive significant growth.
“The outcome of the penalties only intensified the players’ desire to prove themselves and seek redemption in the final against Perth SC. That determination, combined with the lessons learned from those experiences, contributed to their focused performance on Saturday. It’s all about transforming adversity into motivation, and the team channelled that energy brilliantly. It is important to never to underestimate an opponent.
“Playing the same opposition three weeks in a row is certainly a challenge, especially with high stakes involved each time. It requires a lot of mental fortitude and adaptability. My role was to keep the players motivated and reinforce their self-belief. Each match brings its own unique pressures, and facing the same team repeatedly means you have to stay one step ahead tactically.
“Amending game plans week to week is crucial. After each match, the coaching staff analysed what worked and what didn’t, making adjustments to exploit weaknesses or strengthen areas of vulnerability. This involved tweaking formations, player roles, or specific strategies to counter the opponent’s strengths. Ultimately, it’s about maintaining focus and being prepared to adapt on the fly, which can be the key to success in such a competitive setting.”
Photo: FotoEnzo
RedStar’s success this season was built on the back of an outstanding defence – one that conceded the fewest goals in the NPLW WA in 2024. This was done despite the loss of the hugely experienced Kim Carroll, but the team stood tall together.
“This year, the team has delivered another impressive attacking performance, complemented by a solid defensive display, especially considering the number of young players in the back line,” Vega Mena highlighted.
“The contributions of experienced players in the back line like Sarah Carroll, Emily Dunn, Andreia Teixeira and Gabby Dal Busco have been crucial. Their knowledge of the game has provided guidance and stability, helping to mentor the younger players. Mischa Anderson, Quyen Doan, and Abbey Woolley demonstrate an impressive work ethic and are outstanding additions to the back line.
One of the key messages that comes through when I’ve spoken to RedStar players this season for Impetus is the sheer sense of enjoyment that they have for being at the club. Caitlin Doeglas seems to have been playing with a massive smile on her face all season – and Sarah Carroll highighted how being so relaxed and happy at RedStar has been so important to her. Vega Mena sees it as a key part of being a successful team.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to have Caitlin Doeglas on the team, she has certainly brought a lot of joy to the pitch, and it’s great to hear that Sarah Carroll still feels so relaxed and happy at RedStar. The coaching staff have actively fostered that sense of enjoyment by prioritising a positive team culture.
“By promoting strong bonds among players, encouraging open communication, and celebrating achievements—both on and off the field—I aim to create an environment where players feel valued and supported. I try to maintain an enjoyable atmosphere during training and matches as much as possible, which helps alleviate some of the pressure that comes with being a top team.
“This balance between competitiveness and enjoyment is key to allowing players to thrive and express themselves. While it can be challenging to juggle hard work with enjoyment, the right players find joy in the effort they put in.”
Whilst the club has achieved three years of back-to-back championships and Top Four Cups in their trophy cabinet, the chasing pack seems to be getting that little bit closer to RedStar. Vega Mena believes that there is still plenty of success ahead.
“I am immensely proud of the team’s outstanding achievements: three consecutive championships and Top Four Cups, an undefeated season and a clean sweep. These accomplishments cement their legacy as true champions, both on and off the pitch. Their professionalism sets a strong precedent for the women’s game and I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to stand alongside them.
“As Perth RedStar moves forward, player development will remain a top priority. Investing in the players’ skills and fitness is essential to maintaining a competitive edge. Additionally, nurturing a strong team culture and keeping morale high will be vital.
“By prioritising teamwork, resilience, and enjoyment of the game, the club can continue to build on its success in an increasingly competitive league. The 2025 season promises to be an interesting one.”
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