(3/1/25)
Above: Laini Freier celebrates one of her three goals at Western United during the month. Photo: Beck Hartley for Impetus.
Each month, Impetus‘ team of writers and photographers who cover the competition will vote to decide their best player, head coach, and young player in the A-League Women. Here are the winners from December.
Player of the month:
Laini Freier
What a fairytale it’s been for Laini Freier.
Just over two years ago, the victim of a devastating ACL injury, the midfielder came back powerfully to help her Brisbane City side win the NPLW QLD Championship and Premiers Plate in 2024, scoring seven goals in the process.
The offer of a pro-A-League Women contract from Brisbane Roar followed and since making her debut, not only has she not looked back, but she’s created history.
The Roar have a frightening attack with almost a telepathic link-up within it. Freier has revelled in it showing pace, guile, and outstanding finishing. As Brisbane shoot up to second place in the ladder, the midfielder became the first player in the league’s history to hit back-to-back hat-tricks as the Roar recorded 6-1 and 8-2 wins away to Newcastle Jets and Western United respectively.
It’s certainly not be out of the question for Laini to join her twin sister Sharn in the Matildas squad for the She Believes Cup at the end of February.
Head coach of the month:
Michael Matricciani
Michael Marricciani has barely put a foot wrong since becoming coach of Melbourne City. The standards that saw them crowned premiers have remained, but he has also tinkered with style and formation and his imprint is obvious.
After another undefeated month of football, City sit atop the ladder with a three point buffer and having scored 22 goals in nine games.
In addition to their dominance, City are flexible and adaptable. They can play a number of formations, and are as strong with three at the back as they are with five.
Matricciani has been willing to rotate his squad and move players into different roles and has been cautious with the return of Holly McNamara while still giving her a chance to impact games.
Brisbane Roar are hot on their heels, but Melbourne City remain the benchmark side so far this season.
Young Player of The Month:
Tiana Fuller
The A-League Women is very much a stage for the nation’s youngsters, but even among the best, Tianna Fuller has had a standout December.
Two goals in two games is a strong return for anybody , for a 16 year old scholarship player it is exceptional and exciting.
Fuller plays with confidence and composure beyond her experience. Both of her goals were well taken and changed the course of the match.
The Central Coast Mariners are a finals threat again this year, and much of that is thanks to Fuller’s exploits.
Impetus‘ A-League Award Winners 2024/25:
November 2024
Player: Tameka Yallop (Brisbane Roar).
Young Player: Sarah O’Donoghue (Perth Glory).
Head Coach: Alex Smith (Brisbane Roar).
December 2024
Player: Laini Freier (Brisbane Roar).
Young Player: Tiana Fuller (Central Coast Mariners).
Head Coach: Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City).
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