Isabelle Campbell 19/05/2025
Above: Izzy Gomez. Photo: Beck Hartley for Impetus
In November, Izzy Gomez received the biggest call of her career, a maiden Matildas selection. But just days before she was due to join the national team, an untimely injury forced her out. That injury happened in a clash with Melbourne Victory, a detail that would later give her a cinema worthy comeback arc.
Fast forward, Gomez made her return to the pitch in February, once again against Melbourne Victory, and now in May she’s helped the Central Coast Mariners to their first-ever A-League Women’s championship, defeating that very same opponent in a dramatic Grand Final.
“I didn’t really think I’d get to this point,” Gomez said post-match. “Being injured so early and to be able to get back on the right track, to score was a great feeling.”
Her return wasn’t just symbolic. Gomez immediately became pivotal to the Mariners’ title push: scoring the winner in the semi-final, putting her side ahead in the Grand Final, and converting from the spot in the shootout to seal the title. Her performance earned her the title of ‘best-on-ground’.
“That penalty was quite shocking,” she admitted. “But it went in, so a goal’s a goal.”
The championship win capped a season that tested and ultimately showcased Gomez’s resilience both physically and mentally.
“This past week has been amazing,” she said. “To be selected in the Matildas as well, it’s such an honour. So yes, I’m super grateful.”
Her coach, Emily Husband, has witnessed Gomez’s journey up close.
“She’s an incredibly special player. She’s still got a lot more to give. I don’t think she’s even quite 100% yet. I look at our season and wonder what we could have achieved if we’d had her all season.”
“She’s not only just an incredible player with great athletic ability and great technical ability, great decision making, she’s a phenomenal person as well. She’s been an absolute dream to coach. I couldn’t ask for a better player.”
Her progression this season hasn’t gone unnoticed among teammates.
“She’s someone that has definitely flourished this season,” said midfielder Bianca Galic. “She’s battled injuries, she’s come back, she’s made her mark on the league and I think everyone at the club backs her to go on and do great things.”
Jessika Nash added: “She’s such an incredible human off the field. I’ve never really seen anyone like her, to be fair. The way she gets on the ball, you know she’s going to create something. I think for me it’s something special, when a coach tells me to just give someone the ball, I don’t think Em [Husband] says that much.”
Even opposition players took a moment to acknowledge how big the moment was.
“It was kind of special,” said Melbourne Victory’s Emily Gielnik. “I saw Izzy Gomez crying and I gave her a hug and I said, ‘Enjoy that first cap when you wear that green and gold jersey. You deserve it. Embrace it and enjoy every minute because you’ve had a hell of a season.’”
For Gomez, much of her success comes down to the environment she’s found herself in.
“This past season has just been amazing,” she said. “I really felt confident in this type of culture and that’s thanks to Em [Husband] and how she’s brought this team together.”
And while her future remains open, whether another season in the yellow and navy awaits, or a move overseas, she’s taking her time.
“There’s a lot of options,” Gomez said. “Still unsure of where I’m headed.”
From missing a national team debut to lifting a championship trophy just months later, Izzy Gomez has not just returned, she’s made her mark.
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