by Ben Gilby (24/12/25)
Above: Adelaide United’s Ella Tonkin talking to the media today. Image: Adelaide United.
Ella Tonkin believes that success for Adelaide United in Saturday’s battle of the bottom two against Western Sydney Wanderers at Coopers Stadium will be the springboard for a successful 2026.
“It’s a hugely important game this Saturday…we historically do quite well against them…we can be really successful, I think we’re honestly just one game away from breaking things open this season – we need just one positive successful performance and I think we’ll be off, and I reckon that will be this weekend.”
The 23-year-old defender believes that all the foundations were there to be seen for the South Australian side in last weekend’s loss at Perth Glory, but they just need to make the most of their attacking weapons to turn pressure into goals.
“The result was disappointing, but there are a lot of positives to take out of that game. I thought we were dominant, we had a lot of the ball, and some good passages (of play), it’s now just about turning that possession into meaningful attack and capitalising on our chances.
“A team is most successful when they are all on the same page, working towards the same thing – so we stick to the same processes and just sharpen up on them this week and hopefully the result will come on Saturday.”
Adelaide went into the game in Perth in recovery mode after being decimated by a flu bug that led to the postponement of their game with Melbourne City. It was a process that Tonkin admits was “really difficult” for the playing group.
“People (were) in and out of the team, (there were) smaller training sessions. It was difficult to manage…but we’re all healthy and back.”
After long term success and stability under Adrian Stenta’s stewardship, the Reds are coached by Theo Tsiounis this season, and Tonkin recognises that it’s been a positive change.
“I’ve learned a lot from Theo from a personal perspective. I’ve really grown as a player and I love the girls. We just need to get those results and this year will be perfect. I think we can start doing that from this weekend onwards
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