by Ben Gilby (23/11/24)
Above: Perth Glory defender Naomi Chinnama speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s game against Canberra United in Sydney. Image: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory’s Young Matildas defender Naomi Chinnama believes that with the squad’s plethora of new players gradually beginning to gel, performances and results are about to improve.
The Western Australian side go into tomorrow’s Unite Round game against Canberra United at Sydney’s Netstrata Jubilee Stadium with one win from their opening three games.
In terms of how the new interstate and overseas players are settling in, the 20-year-old former Melbourne City player said: “We’re adjusting more and more. Definitely the time difference and travel has been challenging, but the good news is we’re all getting better at adjusting.
“The flights are longer than what is standard, but we don’t use that as an excuse, we prepare as best as we can, and moving forward we’ll get better and better.”
From a personal perspective, Chinnama goes into tomorrow’s game on the back of by far her best performance in a purple shirt last weekend at Brisbane Roar. The defender’s showing was one of the major positives in the team’s 3-0 loss at Perry Park.
“I feel like I’m starting to settle in nicely,” she said. “I feel like it’s an exciting journey for me. Coming to a (new) club, and the ultimate goal is to help us get as far as we can. I’m excited for this new chapter. I’m grateful for my time at (Melbourne) City, but new times ahead!”
With Perth standing on three points from a possible nine, this weekend could be a pivotal one in their season. One of the squad’s challenges ahead of this season was the loss of experienced members of their backline in the shape of Tash Rigby, Liz Anton, and last season’s breakout campaign from keeper Morgan Aquino. They go into Sunday’s game against Canberra United having conceded 10 goals in those opening three matches.
Chinnama recognises that the stat is far from positive, but believes that the squad are using that pain to come back stronger and more organised. “We like to hold ourselves accountable for everything,” the defender said.
“There is disappointment and I feel as though there are many valuable lessons we can take from each game, and as long as we learn from it…it’s important to feel the sting and just be better the next game.”
With Canberra led by iconic striker Michelle Heyman and having won two of their opening three games, Chinnama knows that tomorrow’s game will be a challenge for the Glory, but one she is pumped for.
“She’s (Heyman) definitely not to be taken lightly, and as for the team, in general, we know it’s going to be a tight competition…it is exciting…she’s such a top quality player that we want to make sure we study up!”
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