By Emma Burke 31/1/25
Above: Holly McNamara. Photo Melbourne City
Holly McNamara spoke to the media ahead of Melbourne City’s top of the table clash with Melbourne Victory
“We don’t like Melbourne Victory, they don’t like us, it’s like that,” said Holly McNamara when facing the media ahead of Melbourne City’s top of the table clash against Melbourne Victory.
“The Derby is always one of the biggest games, so to add a top of the table clash to that, it makes the stakes a little bit [higher],” she said.
McNamara is well on her way back from her third ACL injury, having appeared in eight games so far this season, scoring three times, and picking up one assist.
“It’s definitely been a slow one this time, it’s kind of on track for all things,” said McNamara about her knee, with this being the second time she’s torn her right ACL.
“Obviously it was a bit tough at the start, being injured, but since being back, my teammates, the staff around me, have been unreal. I think they’ve made the journey so much easier and the transition back to playing,” said McNamara.
The Melbourne Derby is to be played tomorrow at 6pm at City’s home ground of Casey Fields and McNamara recognises the severity of the meeting.
“Facing Melbourne Victory is the original Melbourne Derby, we want to be the best team in Melbourne, we want to be the best team in Australia, and to do that we have to beat Melbourne Victory.”
Also on the horizon for the young star, the potential of being called back up into the National Team.
The Matildas will make their return to the international scene in February, when they travel to America to play in the SheBelives Cup and face the United States, Japan, and Colombia.
Having already played three games for the Matildas back in 2022 at the Women’s Asian Cup, McNamara is familiar with what it takes to play at the highest level.
“Anytime that you can go up for selection for your country, you want to do that,” said McNamara.
McNamara’s keeping a level head about it all, choosing to keep her sights on what she knows is a definite for herself and her football.
“I’m just looking forward to this game, and then we’ll see what happens after that.”
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