by Ben Gilby (30/1/25)
Above: Naomi Chinnama speaking to the media today at Perth Glory’s Fremantle HQ. Image: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory’s in-form Young Matildas defender Naomi Chinnama hailed her team’s resilience as they ended a six-match run without a win against Brisbane Roar last Sunday, and is confident they can keep the positivity going when they travel to Canberra United on Saturday.
Reflecting on the Western Australian side’s 3-2 win at the Sam Kerr Football Centre last weekend, Chinnama admitted: “It was massive for us. Our effort – we’ve been working hard each week, and to finally get a result has just been amazing.”
Perth achieved the victory the hard way, coming from 1-0 and 2-1 down thanks to two goals from Caitlin Doeglas and a dramatic late free-kick from Ella Abdul-Massih. For the former Melbourne City defender, it symbolised the character and desire within the Glory squad.
“It just shows the resolve of the girls, and it shows we can come back from anything and we’ll take that moving forward for our next games. It was great to turn around that result and they (Brisbane) are a really good team. We also had the fans as well, and they were backing us, and they gave us that extra bit of motivation.”
Chinnama has been growing in stature in the Perth backline as the season has progressed. Whilst the Glory’s midfield and strikers have suffered from a seemingly endless run of injuries, head coach Stephen Peters has been able to select the same four names at the back. The Young Matilda’s understanding with Onyi Zogg, Nat Tathem, and Grace Johnston has blossomed week in-week out.
“I think we’re starting to gel really nicely, and we can see that with how we’re playing. I trust them completely and I hope they feel the same way about me, and I just love working with them and for them,” said Chinnana.
She continued: “The team have been extremely helpful and I feel like each game, we’re all trying to be the best version of ourselves. Each game they’re pushing me and I do my best to put my best foot forward each match.”
Standing in the way of Perth recording a second straight win is Canberra United at their fortress McKellar Park home. The capital city side are one of a log jam of sides looking to make the top six. With the Glory seven points outside of the last Finals spot, Saturday’s encounter is hugely important for both sides, and Chinnama is realistic and up for the challenge.
“They’re a good squad, and they are holding their own. We definitely have to make sure we’re on top of everyone, and we know Michelle Heyman’s in there too, so we’ll have to keep our eyes on her!
“She’s a great player. I like that she continues to shatter expectations and done really well for Canberra and the Matildas. I just know that when we meet on the pitch, I’ll try my best to stop her, and she’ll do her best to get past me, and, yeh, that’s the game!”
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