Above: Maja Markovski in attack against Heidelberg United. Photo: Maja Markovski Instagram
The second round of the NPLW saw five Saturday matches, with the Preston Lions FC v South Melbourne FC re scheduled to Wednesday 8 May due to ground availability.Round two saw goals from freekicks, the penalty spot,delightful chips, and top bins.
FV Emerging 1-1 Brunswick Juventus
In the first of the 3pm kickoffs, FV Emerging hosted Brunswick Juventus. After a great comeback win to kick off the season, Juventus were looking to take it right to Emerging from the first whistle.
Nicole Cooper, came off the bench in last game to score and assist, started for Brunswick this week and found the back of the net early to give the visitors the early lead.
Late in stoppage time of the first half, Clancy Westaway nicked the ball from the last defender, and calmly slotted it past the keeper to level the scores at the break.
While both sides had chances in the second half, the best chances came after Danella Butrus was shown a second yellow in the 74thminute. The last 10 minutes of the game including stoppage time, was almost all Emerging, as Carina Rossi tried everything to carve out a chance for the hosts. However Sienna Gidari and the Juventus defence held strong and the finally score was 1-1.
Calder United 4-2 Essendon Royals
Calder United faced the other promoted team, Essendon. On the end of a 4-2 lost last round despite some brilliant goals from Akane Shimizu, it was the hosts who handed the Royals a 4-2 defeat. From a Calder corner, the Royals made a fast break, with a long sweeping one two play from Olivia Ristevski in the 44th saw her chip the keeper who was off her line, from well outside the box.
Keen to find a foothold in the game, it was Shimizu who found the net less than two minutes after the restart. The build up play from Calder starting to break the Essendon backline and Larissa Walsh netted in the 57th. With all the momentum, a corner kick for Calder was turned into the net by Royals defender Kendrah Smith just six minutes later. Katherine Goff scored a great goal to bring the score back to 3-2 after an errant header fell to the forward, who strongly went past the last defender and finished with style into the net. Yet the passing play from Calder was too slick for the Royals and Jennifer Lum finished off a great move to restore the two goal cushion and seal the game.
43:20: GOAL! Essendon Royals W score to make it CUSC 0 : ERSC 1.
Bulleen Lions hosted Heidelberg off the back of a shock opening round defeat to Essendon and fans and players alike would have been nervous at the start of the game.
On nine minutes, a ball played just inside the box to Asuka Miyata, who went past one challenge then found herself in space, struck a left foot curling ball sweetly into the top corner. An absolute gem of a goal.
Holding onto that lead was going to be the key for Heidelberg , and they were doing well until just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, with Katrina Nikpour intercepting a poor pass, before some delightful one touch play finished with Nikpour converting a tap in.
The second half was much more in Bulleen’s control, and a first goal for the club for Isabel Dehakiz in the 52 minute gave the Lions the lead before she cooly converted from the spot in the 85thminute to seal a 3-1 victory for the hosts.
08:59: GOAL! Heidelberg United W score to make it BLFC 0 : HUFC 1.
Box Hill travelled to Kingston Heath to face Bentleigh Greens, with both trams searching for their first win of the season. In the first half it was all Box Hill, with a number of chances falling to Chi Ting and Maryam Anvari. Despite the attacking display, the halftime score was goalless, and Box Hill came out with even more fire in the second half.
Yet despite the play being mostly for Pythagoras, it was a free kick from Greens Olivia Bomford that broke the deadlock. Struck with enough power to travel from well outside the box, and enough direction and curl to nestle in the top corner past Natasha Stathopoulos. The goal would prove the only goal of the match and Bentleigh would record their first win under the new name.
77:57: GOAL! Bentleigh Greens SC score to make it BGFC 1 : BHU 0.
The final match for the round saw Boroondara-Carey host Alamein.
Both teams looking for win number one in season 2024, it was the Eagles with the first big moment of the game.
A corner into a dangerous area in the 4th minute saw Gabrielle Hollar swooping in under the defence converting a low header very well after nudging her defender and protecting the space.
03:06: GOAL! Boroondara Eagles W score to make it BEFC 1 : AFC 0.
First seven minutes all Boroondara however, as if woken up by the goal some nice play from Alamein resulted in a corner which was initially cleared, before some lovely passing around the box. The move breaking down but Alamein showing a spark.
With both teams stringing a few passes in the middle without breaking through that backline it was a great long ball by Anna Liacopoulos playing out wide, followed by a ball into the box which Hollar struck wide of the goal
Hollar showing fantastic hold up play, coming from the front into the mid and being a target for Eagles to hit. Playing the ball out wide then getting back into dangerous positions on the edge of the box. This was how Boroondara were finding joy, as another long ball by Liacopoulos was well headed on by Hollar, down to Anais Josefski who controlled it well, dribbling into the box and lashing a shot into the side netting
Not content with just the play up front, when Alamein did get forward, and won a corner, it was Hollar with the defence header, the ball being initially cleared then crossed back in but only to find the head of Hollar again.
Starting to grow into the game and winning a foul on the edge of the box, Sidney Allen struck the free on target, with Mia Mossman tipping onto the bar and back into play in a dangerous area before Liacopoulos with a resolute clearance on the goal line.
Again another freekick, in a slighty better position and Allen again on target this time Mossman with a strong save pushing it over the crossbar in the 39th minute.
A bit of déjà vu as another corner for Alamein headed clear by Hollar for another corner, the resulting corner again headed clear by Hollar. The next corner, was swung in short and lowat an un-headerable height and Mossman claimed it comfortably.
Corner in and headed cleared for a corner by Hollar. The follow up corner again headed clear by
Into the second half and it was a case of much the same as the first. Alamein winning a corner and Hollar involved in clearing it. All the play for the Eagles going through Hollar, while all the best moments for Alamein were coming via Allen.
The game was very open and fast paced, at times frantic with the only lull in play the brief few seconds before the respective keepers launched an attack.
Some changes for both sides seemed to work in favour of the Eagles who looked the more likely in scoring, Alamein were struggling to get the ball out of their own half, but were staying resolute in defence.
Needing a spark, it was a lovely run from Kristen Molloy through from defence, with some neat 1-2 play before a ball out to the edge of the box was cut out by Boroondara, but served as a warning that Alamein would create something yet,
Some fierce challenges flying in at either end as the intensity rose a level. Alamein with a few good minutes, and some clever play down the left saw Rebecca Saber receive the ball in the box, fighting off 2 defenders before turning and shooting her shot wide of the goal.
Another substitution and a corner in the 82’ for Alamein. Allen whipping the ball in before seeing the ball cleared back out to her. Driving into the box some quick footwork drawing the lunging challenge from Turner who rushed in and got it wrong, giving away the penalty. Sidney Allen stepped up to take the important kick, and hit the left post before the ball bounced back out and after a scrap eventually ended up in Mossman’s arms.
A cruel twist as Allen has been the pivotal player for Alamein all game.
The play still with Alamein, but a counter sae Anais Joesfskibehind the defence and going one on one with Tayla Murphy. Murphy was quick off her line and did not go to ground, the shot from Joesfski well blocked and the rebound was fired well wide of everything.
Searching for the late equaliser, a corner from Allen found a head in the box as the ball looped onto the bar before coming back into play, coming out to the left hand side and the follow up was struck well by Molloy but always rising. A massive chance missed and it would be the final chance as Hollar up front was closing down every ball and eventually winning a foul, and taking time off the clock running towards the corner flag. An enthralling match ending 1-0 to Boroondara-Carey
Above: Canberra United (green) tussle for possession against Wellington Phoenix today. Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra United moved them off the bottom of the ladder and kept their first clean sheet of the season as they defeated Wellington Phoenix at McKellar Park today.
It was a fairly even opening with Wellington having the first opportunity from a free kick in the 12th minute as Michaela Foster floated the ball into the box which was just a little too far ahead of Emma Main to have made contact with it.
Ten minutes later, Canberra came close to scoring themselves as Michelle Heyman on the edge of the box found Vesna Milivojevic whose first-time shot towards goal took a deflection on the way through and just went wide for a corner.
Shortly afterwards, the visitors once again almost found the back of the net via a great pass by Macey Fraser which the ball went into the path of Main as she then floated a cross into the box for Mariana Speckmaier in the centre who headed wide.
It would be Canberra who had arguably the best chance of the half as Heyman headed the ball into the path of Christopherson who misdirected a pass to Nix’s Hailey Davidson only for Ruby Nathan to regain possession outside the box to curl a shot just wide.
The visitors had the first opportunity of the second period ten minutes in as Fraser provided a short pass to Speckmaier who then laid the ball off for Main to bypass the Canberra defence but her shot was blocked by United’s returning Young Matildas goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln.
Just after the hour mark, Main was involved again for Wellington after receiving possession from Alyssa Whinham. Main put in a great cross into the box for Isabel Cox but a combination of not getting enough contact on the ball with her attempt, and great goalkeeping by Lincoln denied the visitors.
With 12 minutes remaining, Milivojevic played a long ball from her own half into the path of Flannery down the left flank to float a cross into the box for Heyman who rose above Nix’s Mikayla Foster in the centre of the box to firmly head the ball past the reach of Rylee Foster for her 15th goal of the season to seal all three points for Canberra United.
Above:Perth RedStar celebrate after their NPLW WA Night Series Final win over Balcatta Etna. Photo: Football West.
by Ben Gilby (24/3/24)
Perth RedStar’s know-how in playing Grand Finals shone through again on Saturday night as they took their chances at key moments of the game to defeat Balcatta Etna in the NPLW Night Series Final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.
Balcatta went into the game fielding six players who won the Night Series Final with Perth SC last year, having followed head coach Pete Rakic across from Dorrien Gardens in the close season.
For RedStar, former Balcatta talisman Gabby Dal Busco was in goal, and there was the creative experience of former Perth Glory stars Sarah Carroll and Caitlin Doeglas on display. Both sides could also point to quality on the bench, with the likes of Monique Prinsloo of Balcatta, and Olivia Wood for Carlos Vega Mena’s side.
It was Balcatta who came out firing from the start, with Godding calm in possession and fellow new arrivals Kat Jukic and Jamie-Lee Gale busy in the opening exchanges. Lucy Jerram, back in Western Australia after time at Broadmeadow Magic in the Northern NSW NPLW was influential once more. Given space to drive forward, Jerram is a constant menace.
However, if any team are masters of the ‘slow and steady wins the race’ approach, it’s Perth RedStar. With Carroll alert and looking to thread balls through to spread the play, the defending NPLW WA champions edged their way into the game. They were well briefed on how to take apart Balcatta’s high line, and the patient approach reaped rewards. It was precise low balls behind and between the Balcatta line that was key.
There was a warning shot across Balcatta bows 10 minutes in when Carroll drove the ball low across the box, but Rebecca Bennett was able to get in ahead of the red shirts to save.
Less than 60 seconds later, RedStar hit the front. Jayna Ridley eventually picked up the ball from the clearance of the previous chance and advanced along the right to feed a low ball across for the intelligent move of Doeglas to slot home.
RedStar upped the ante and had great success funnelling their attacks along both flanks with Doeglas along the left and a combination of Ridley and Doan creating along the right. From one such play, Ridley accelerated along her channel to provide a perfectly judged cross which Bennett claimed after an acrobatic attempt on goal.
Carlos Vega Mena’s side were comfortable in possession and probing patiently, an approach that led to them doubling their advantage on the half hour. Kaitlyn Bellanca spread the play from the centre out to Quyen Doan on the right flank. Doan continued the joy that Ridley was experiencing down this part of the pitch to float in a cross. Bennett came for the ball, but was agast as it came off her defender Andrea Bulgaru and rolled into the empty net.
After this moment of adversity, Balcatta rallied. Within moments of conceding, the dangerous Jerram used her pace and power to advance through the middle to find herself one on one with Dal Busco. Not for nothing is RedStar’s new keeper known as arguably the best shot stopper in the league, as the former Perth Glory custodian produced a sensational one handed save to deny Jerram.
However, five minutes later, Pete Rakic’s charges were rewarded for their efforts as a corner came in which an unmarked Jukic rose to get a touch on for Godding to direct the ball home.
There was one further chance just before the break when Gale’s free kick on the right was played in high towards Jukic at the back post, but her former Perth Glory and Fremantle City teammate could only direct the ball over the top.
Any hopes that Balcatta had of maintaining that momentum in the second half were destroyed within three minutes of the re-start. Doeglas showed her searing pace along the left to leave both Bulgaru and newly arrived substitute Rachel Jarvis trailing in her wake before pulling back a low pass for Carroll to sweep home. This was just another example of Doeglas’ dominance throughout.
RedStar’s third goal not only demonstrated their idiosyncratic clinical approach to lifting their performance levels when it really counts, but also took the sting out of the game.
Just after the hour mark, Doeglas was involved again with a finely judged curled toe poke through to Olivia Wood, just on as a sub on her return from injury, but one on one with Bennett, the youngster couldn’t get enough power behind her shot. Shortly afterwards, Carroll took advantage of a loose pass and looked to lift a shot over Bennett from outside the box, but the Balcatta keeper managed to push it away with the extremity of her right hand.
Balcatta had a golden opportunity with seven minutes remaining as Abbey Meakins played in substitute Monique Prinsloo. The attacker went one on one with Dal Busco, who slid the danger away.
Perth RedStar confirmed the win a minute into stoppage time with more vision from Doeglas. Taking advantage of a free-kick centrally on the edge of the box, she fooled Balcatta by hitting a low pass to Wood who was totally unmarked on the left and had all the time in the world to slot home the fourth goal.
Meakins had one final opportunity for Balcatta on the final whistle as she broke through and, with Dal Busco advancing from her goal, steered the ball wide of the right-hand post.
The old adage applies when it comes to trying to beat Perth RedStar – take your chances when they come, because Carlos Vega Mena’s side will always take theirs. The result was hugely impressive for them. This may only be a pre-season tournament, but it was an important marker for them to lay down against a Balcatta side who are expected to have an extremely strong campaign. They know how to take their chances when they matter, and in Caitlin Doeglas, have a player who will do sensational things at this level.
Above: Perth RedStar’s Caitlin Doeglas with her deserved Tracey Wheeler Medal for being the Night Series Final’s Player of the Match. Photo: Football West.
Above: Mackenzie Hawkesbycelebrates her goal that put Sydney FC 2-0 up. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Two early goals set Sydney FC on the way to victory over Adelaide United today, with Ante Juric’s side now needing three points from their last two games to clinch a fourth straight Premiers Plate.
The early momentum on the match sat with the Sky Blues who progressed the ball with ease through the defensive line of Adelaide. Young prodigy Tallon-Henniker made short work of her defender in only the fifth minute off a crisp through ball from Hawkesby. The ensuing corner didn’t result in a goal but it did signal that Sydney were fully engaged.
Sydney midfielder Chauvet demonstrated her class repeatedly with very slick passing through to her forwards. One such pass that was collected by Lemon, was expertly played through to Tallon-Henniker who put away an easy tap in to put the Sky Blues up 1-0 after eight minutes.
.@SydneyFC take an early lead through 18-year-old Caley Tallon-Henniker! 🔵🔥
Emily Hodgson wasn’t prepared to let Sydney have it all their way, and with a deft cut-in run from the left-hand sideline in the 15th minute, opened up space for Dawber to have a shot on goal that narrowly went over the top of the crossbar.
The high press being employed by Sydney FC resulted in a second goal in the 23rd minute as the wonder boot, Mackenzie Hawkesby, received a dinky little pass from Cortnee Vine dead straight in front of goal. Adelaide’s lack of attention to clearing the ball resulted in a costly turnover. With a powerful shot coming from Hawkesby’ right boot, Grove the Adelaide goalkeeper, was well and truly beaten by the flight of the ball as it sailed above her fully outstretched arm and into the net.
— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) March 24, 2024
Eventually, Adelaide were able to build pressure through possession. An on-target shot on goal from 20 metres out by Morgan was easily dealt with by Whyman in the Sydney goal, who had plenty of time to see it coming.
The second half started in much the same way as the first half finished. Both teams being happy to maintain possession and slowly exert pressure. Neither really looked threatening for long periods of play as the midfields cancelled each other out.
In a repeat of the events leading to the second goal of the match, Adelaide’s indifference to shifting the ball upfield almost cost them a goal in the 47th minute. Cortnee Vine’s pressure on Grove caused an error with a cheeky attempt on goal just spraying wide.
Shortly afterwards, Dawber decided to take the responsibility of scoring on herself and set off up field with a quality run. Beating her defender on the right side, the Adelaide star was able to both progress the ball and get into a scoring position. However, Whyman was able to collect the ball.
Adelaide had another opportunity to reduce the deficit when Isobel Hodgson was extremely unlucky. A beautifully weighted kick across the face of goal only needed a slight touch from an attacking player and it would have been a sure goal. Sadly for Adelaide, the ball sailed right past Hodgson’s body. What could have been the turning point of the match for Adelaide came to zero.
Not one to be outshined, Vine made a clean breakthrough run off a precise long ball from McLean in the 68th minute. What normally would have been an easy goal for Vine when going one on one against the keeper, was defused by Grove. 99 times out of 100 Vine would score that goal but the football gods smiled on the Adelaide goalkeeper in this instance.
Luck remained with Grove again soon after as she dealt with another shot by Vine. Shooting from a tight angle on the left-hand side. Vine’s right footed shot was tapped over the bar by the fully outstretched Adelaide keeper..
Vine was in a goal-scoring mood, and in the 77th minute, again off poor concentration by Adelaide, she bamboozled the goalkeeper by weaving around Grove and scored her 10th goal of the A-League season.
— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) March 24, 2024
It was smiles all round for the victorious Sydney FC side who made their win look easy. The Sky Blues will clinch a fourth successive Premiers Plate if they defeat Canberra United in their game in hand on Wednesday
Sydney played with incredible discipline in terms of their structure. Every player knows where they are required to be and has trust in Ante Juric’s system. Every position on the pitch has a quality player filling it which is not a luxury many teams have. The key to Sydney’s success is their ability to make time for themselves. Players are put into space, given time to consider their options, and they don’t panic.
Margaux Chauvet put in a tremendous performance. Her vision and high-accuracy passing make her a superb attacking threat. While many opposition teams are keeping an eye on Vine and Hawkesby, Chauvet is the key that unlocks their potential.
While Adelaide control possession of the ball in the matches they play, their decision-making when in the opposition half is an issue. Time after time, the Reds demonstrated their lack of having a go-to player in the centre of the park. The midfield and wings are well able to build pressure and get into scoring positions but the absence of a quality finisher concludes in an inability to score. It’s been a season of ‘what if’ match outcomes for the South Australians. The squad is talented but the mysterious thing called chemistry just isn’t there for them right now.
For United, Chelsie Dawber is re-establishing herself in the team after a long injury lay off. Her passing accuracy is great, her speed is very good and she makes high-quality contributions in defence. While Adelaide haven’t had the greatest of seasons, they have plenty of potential in the foundations for the next season.
Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, McLean, Tumeth, Lemon, Thompson, Chauvet, Hawkesby, Ray, Vine, Ibini, Tallon-Henniker. Substitutes: Black, Hollman (81’), Caspers (63’), Connors (63’), Dos Santos (80’).
Above:Brisbane Roar celebrate after Kijah Stephenson scores the opening goal.Photo:Brisbane Roar.
Brisbane Roar thrashed Perth Glory on Sunday, giving the locals something to celebrate on a very wet and dreary afternoon in the “Sunshine State”. There was a surprisingly good turnout, almost filling the stands, as has become common place this season, but very few people around the field, whereas its usually packed on sunny days now. Brisbane and Perth both started the season very strongly, but almost mirrored each other in their fall from the upper echelons of the table in the second half of the season.Both teams were now out of contention for finals, but there wasstill table position and pride to play for!
It was a frantic opening half an hour with big chances up both ends of the pitch. Roar had the better of the chances though. Their ball control and passing were excellent, and their high press put a lot of pressure on the Glory defence. The relentless Roar attack started to expose chinks in the Glory armour. Around the 20-minute mark, Brisbane forward, Mia Corbin, caught out Glory goalkeeper, Morgan Aquino, and got a shot off on goals, but it didn’t have enough pace and faded just wide of the goals before a defender cleared it. But the warning signs were definitely there for the Glory.
Just after 30 minutes had passed, Brisbane finally broke through, capitalising on a mistake from Perth. As the result of the constant Roar pressure, a Glory midfielder made a horrible pass back to Aquino but did not see the run of the very pacey Kijah Stephenson, who got to the ball ahead of the onrushing Aquino and chipped it nonchalantly over her head, Sam Kerr style, to give Brisbane the go-ahead goal. Stephenson is making a very good case to be a mainstay in the Roar starting lineup, if they are lucky enough to keep her for another season.
This is seriously tasty chip from Kijah Stephenson 🍟🤤
A brilliant finish over Morgan Aquino to give @brisbaneroar the lead 🟠👏
Much to the joy of the local fans, the first half heroics did not finish there. Exactly 10 minutes later, a phenomenal ball from Jenna McCormick, who was about four meters behind halfway, floated all the way up the field and found the Sharn Freier on the left flank. Freier, who has been exceptional this season, used her pace to beat her defenders into the box and pull off an incredible finish, threading the needle through the minute space between Aquino and the goalpost, to give Brisbane the insurance goal. Freier is sticking her hand up to be one of Brisbane’s top candidates for the A-League Women’s All-Stars team for the upcoming fixture in May against Arsenal Women.
Sharn Freier doubles @brisbaneroar's lead with a fine finish 🔥
Brisbane continued their relentless pressure in the second half and on several occasions were an inch away from bagging a third goal. Perth mounted an attempt at a late comeback, bringing on some fresh legs and throwing everything at Brisbane for the last half hour. But Brisbane matched their energy level, held great positioning, and were very disciplined in defence. The Roar closed the game out and gave the Roar keeper Keeley Richards her first clean sheet for her new club.
It was another glimpse of the true potential of Alex Smith’s Brisbane Roar. If only they’d played like this a little more throughout the season, I think they would have easily made the finals series. But there seems to be a lot of positive signs for next season. As for the Glory, it’s back to the drawing board again, as their nightmarish season goes from bad to worse. They are now on a winless streak of 11 matches, which is only two shy of their worst ever run of 13 winless matches between February 2020 and March 2021. Perhaps a change of head coach and tactics is in order before the next season.
Brisbane Roar will host Canberra United next Saturday in their last match of the season. Meanwhile, Perth Glory will play host to an in-form Melbourne City on the Sunday.
Above: Grace Clinton, a key figure in the WSL at just 20-years old. Photo: Lionesses.
By Ava-Marianne Elliott (6/3/24).
After her recent phenomenal performance during her debut for the Lionesses, eyes are on twenty-year-old Grace Clinton, who this season particularly has established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the field. Although a senior England debut has been the newest achievement to add to her list of triumphs, her career has seen her rapidly progress through the ranks, jumping from strength to strength.
Currently thriving on loan in North London with mid-table team Tottenham Hotspur, the creative midfielder has spent the season proving just how integral the role she plays is to the side and has evidently grown in confidence with each passing fixture. It has resulted in her talents beginning to be recognised on a greater scale, whilst Clinton continues to shine in the spotlight within both the WSL and on the international stage. Within this article, Impetus 71’s Ava- Marianne Elliott reviews Clinton’s career to date, looking at the already monumental contributions she’s given the game, and the areas where she most thrives.
Early Days
Above: Grace Clinton after signing a contract with Everton. Photo: BBC.
Liverpool-born, Clinton’s early career days trace back to the years she spent breaking through the ranks of Everton’s Academy, where she spent a lot of time sat on the fence of being integrated into the first team. In the preseason ahead of the club’s 2020-2021 campaign, the talented young midfielder was offered the opportunity to train with the first team at the age of just 16-years old. Although she was a player brimming with such unique potential and credited as a hugely creative asset to her team, there were areas of her game that needed refining.
Then manager, Willie Kirk, described Clinton as “a great kid, first of all, but she was a little bit lazy out of possession,” in an interview with BBC Sport in October.
Hard work paid off, as she made her competitive debut for the Toffees on the third of October 2020 in an away win at Aston Villa. Further, in April 2021 she put pen to paper and signed her first professional contract with the club, but she struggled to gain any consistent game time, which is why a move to Manchester United seemed like a relatively unexpected switch for her to make.
Championship Spell
Above: Clinton playing on loan to Bristol City. Photo: The FA.
As one door closed for Clinton after moving on from Everton, another opened in Manchester as she took the next step in her career, signing with United in July 2022 on a three-year contract. Manager Marc Skinner kept her training with the club for the first half of the 2022-2023 season in order for her to gain valuable insight and experience training alongside members of United’s team, before she departed for a loan spell in the Championship during the January window.
Clinton’s time at Bristol City was really the first time that she gave onlookers a glance at the amount of talent she held and how much of an asset she could be to a team. In her first appearance for City, she had an instant impact for her team and bagged a late equaliser that helped push the team to secure a narrow 3-2 in the fixture.
During her four-month stint in the Championship, Clinton played an integral role in helping The Robins gain promotion to the WSL for the 2023-2024 season. She additionally contributed a total of six goals and one assist across 12 league appearances. As the season came to a close, it became exceedingly clear that Clinton was more than ready to take the next step in her career.
Tottenham Hotspur
Above: Grace Clinton in Spurs’ first fixture of the year. Photo: Spurs.
Considering the United team were relatively stacked in terms of midfielders and attacking power at the start of the season, the most beneficial option for Clinton looked like a second loan spell. The decision has worked out well in favour of Robert Vilahamn’s Tottenham Hotspur, as the midfielder has played a crucial role in the mid-table team’s tactical set-up, where she has started to flourish with her recent consistent appearances (1157 minutes across 14 WSL fixtures).
Predominantly playing on the left-wing for Spurs, but also occasionally shifting into the ten role where she most thrives, Clinton is pure dynamite on the field. The midfielder, although not yet the complete product, has the potential to become an all- rounder with her strategic vision, eye for a pass (particularly diagonals), work rate, and defensive actions.
In her starts for Spurs, Clinton has primarily started wide within the most frequently used 4-4-2 formation. This positioning allows her to expertly find those pockets of space on the pitch, commonly in more central areas, and her intelligent movement off the ball means her teammates are never left short on passing options. She also has excellent vision for a pass, especially on the diagonal to generate more space in attacking areas by dragging defenders out of position.
“She’s a number ten, absolutely. In the future, she’s going to start as a number ten in the national team, I’m quite sure of that,” noted boss Vilahamn at the start of Spurs 2023-2024 campaign.
Above: Clinton picks up the ball in yards of space after a goal kick from Barbora Votíková. Both Katie McCabe and Beth Mead are hot on her tail, but she anticipates the threat of the Arsenal players and manoeuvres through the middle of close attention.
Above: With Victoria Pelova having eyes on Clinton, who gives the impression she’s going to try and find a path through Arsenal’s midfield, she effectively creates the chance for Martha Thomas to make a run into space before making the pass to her.
Across the season in its so far entirety, Clinton’s statistics reflect the actions that we are seeing from her on the pitch. Currently, she sits second in the league for most successful take-ons per 90 in the WSL (3.83). Her defensive actions after match week 16 are averaging 76.6% success for tackles (36 won), 8.39 recoveries per 90 (114 total), and winning 52.6% of her duels (131 won).
England Debut of Dreams
Above: Grace Clinton during her England debut. Photo: BBC.
With the success she’s seen since the start of this season for Spurs in the WSL, Clinton earned her first call up to the senior England camp in October of 2023 after catching Sarina Wiegman’s attention. The talented midfielder had already represented her country, being a regular in the youth teams from the under 17’s all the way up to the under 23’s squad.
Her first opportunity to see the pitch for her national team at Senior level came in the Lionesses’ recent friendly fixture against Austria, where England secured a triumphant 7-2 win. Her quality shone through when she took to the pitch, and the huge milestone of her debut was made significantly sweeter when she found herself on the scoresheet just 19 minutes into the fixture.
Despite Clinton’s season to date mostly consisting of her operating down that left-hand side, she started in a more unfamiliar central role for England. She went on to start against Italy in the Lionesses second friendly out in Spain, where she continued to demonstrate her well-rounded, versatility, and tactical adaptability. With such a strong start to her international career already in the tank, alongside a very impressive run with Spurs on loan this season, it’s likely it won’t be long before we see Clinton playing more minutes under Wiegman.
“She plays like a natural. She wants to have the ball. She picks up the things we talk about very quickly and that’s what you see on the pitch too.” Wiegman praised Clinton post- match.
With such a positive start to her young career, it’s interesting to consider the options for one of the WSL’s biggest up-and-coming youngsters. The debate between whether she would be more suited to staying with Spurs or returning to Manchester United appears to be an ongoing discussion, but it’s evident that Clinton is ready to face whatever challenge is thrown her way.
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Above: Taylor Otto seals the game for Melbourne City. Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City kept their title hopes alive with a 3-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners. Goals to Hannah Wilkinson, Emina Ekic and Taylor Otto mean that if results go their way tomorrow and in Round 22, they can still finish on top of the ladder.
Junior Matilda Shelby McMahon was the driving force behind City’s first goal. Her determined run on the left and follow up after Leticia Mckenna was stopped in the box gave Wilkinson an easy finish from point blank range.
Rebekah Stott’s adventure forward earned her team a penalty kick and Emins Ekic had City 2-0 up before half an hour was played.
The Mariners were given a lifeline when Wurigumula was fouled in the box, but Kyah Simon’s spot kick went wide with Barbara beaten.
The Brazilian goalkeeper was called into action again when Faye Bryson took a chance from long range. The shot looked headed for the top corner but for the top class save from the former Olympian.
Other than a few chances, City were effectively in control of the match, looking to kill the game off, Dario Vidosic introduced Rhianna Pollicina to the attack, and the skilful playmaker set up the sealer with a perfect square ball for Taylor Otto to finish.
The loss had little impact on the Mariners ladder position. Victory’s loss to Newcastle means that Emily Husband’s side remain in fourth. It does mean that their hot run of form has come to a halt.
For City, it was a comprehensive win against a potential Grand Final contender and a second clean sheet in a row while scoring. Importantly, they remain a chance to win the premiership, although they need Sydney FC to lose their three games in hand to make that happen.
The major prize in the A-League Women remains the Grand Final and if City has rediscovered their scoring touch heading into finals, that could reinstate them as one of the favourites to lift the trophy. Their game plan is well known, but they have depth, mobility and creativity.
Next week, it will be a homecoming for the Mckenna sisters as City travel to Perth to finish off the home and away season.
Above: Western Sydney celebrates Sophie Harding’s goal. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Western Sydney Wanderers climbed into fifth place on the ladder with a 3-1 win over Western United.
Sophie Harding was the difference with two goals and an accidental assist for The Wanderers, who won the crucial match despite going a goal down. The loss was a costly one for Western United. In addition to premiership hopes, they also lost Hannah Keane to a bad looking injury. Last season’s leading scorer was stretchered off late in the evening.
The stakes were high coming into this match. A win for Western United would have seen them momentarily regain top spot on the ladder, and things started off brightly for the visitors. Keane scored after a goalmouth scramble to give them the lead 17 minutes in.
Ella Buchanan levelled the scores for the Wanderers before half time. Cushla Rue drove into the box and her cross found Harding. The shot was scuffed but fell to Buchanan to tap in from what looked at first like an offside position. Replays confirmed that Alana Cerne was judged to have played her onside.
Harding continued to threaten and early in the second half, she sent a warning of what was to come. Her bullet-like header did not result in a goal, but The Wanderers had started the stronger of the two teams after the break.
On the hour mark, Harding put her side into the lead with a terrific individual effort. The Wanderers number nine collected the ball deep in midfield and started a sweeping counter attack. She finished the move herself after controlling the eventual cross beautifully and finishing cooly off her non-preferred left foot.
Harding then turned supplier with a mazy run and well-timed pass, but Rue’s shot skimmed wide of the far post. Western United were on the back foot, despite having the majority of possession. They were controlling the game, but Western Sydney’s counterattack was deciding the result.
Harding sealed the match with her second and another trademark goal. She accelerated beyond the Western United defence and struck a low shot to make it 3-1 in the 82nd minute.
Things had gone from bad to worse for Western United with Keane going off on a stretcher minutes before. the game was halted for a significant amount of time while she received treatment. No prognosis was available at the time of writing, but it no Wanderer had impacted her when she went down, and everybody on the field looked troubled by the injury.
Keane’s injury adds her to a list already containing Chloe Logarzo and Adriana Taranto. Three players who are among the first added to the team sheet each week, and all three who are vital to their success this season.
Kat Smith can turn to Catherine Zimmerman, and Kahli Johnson for the remainder of the campaign, but both are still working their way back to full fitness after injuries themselves. Johnson sent a reminder of what she can do with an excellent effort late in the game that crashed away off the upright.
Other options include moving Maher into midfield and Julia Sardo into defence, but that would disrupt one area to help another. Western will play finals, but back luck has hit them at the worst possible time just as things were clicking into place perfectly for last season’s runners-up.
In the immediate term, all anybody can do is wish Hannah Keane all the best in her recovery, and hope that the injury was not as severe as it first looked. She has been a star of the league since joining the club and will hopefully be back soon.
The day belonged to Western United. Even without the in-form Holly Caspers, their game plan did not need to change noticeably. They counterattack excellently and thrive without the ball.
They do not attack at every opportunity. If they win the ball in the right areas, they surge immediately, but if not, they keep their shape and move it slowly. It is a safety first approach that is achieving results along with highly entertaining football at times.
Most promisingly, The Wanderers game plan works brilliantly against many of the top sides. They picked apart Western United, just as they did Melbourne City and Victory. The 2-0 loss to Sydney FC has the caveat of the rescinded red card for Vicky Bruce, and they have won games convincingly without Harding on one occasion and Caspers on another.
This is a strong team with good depth and a game plan that works against good opposition.
Above: Newcastle Jets’ Melina Ayres celebrates late goal against Melbourne Victory. Photo: Newcastle Jets
The final push of the season is well and truly here, as two teams desperate to stay in the finals race took each other on in Newcastle.
Newcastle came into the fixture in excellent spirits after snagging a 3-1 away win over title contenders Western United. Melbourne Victory on the other hand were following a tense 0-0 Melbourne derby and will be looking pick back up the form that’s kept them in finals contention.
Newcastle made one change from the team that defeated Western United away from home with Claudia Cicco returning to the lineup in place of Josie Wilson. Melbourne Victory also made a change with Lia Privitelli returning to the lineup in place of Beattie Goad.
The Jets nearly had the perfect start as they won a corner in the fourth minute of the game. Mindy Barbieri sent a looping corner to the back post which Sarina Bolden headed down to Sophie Hoban. Hoban’s effort was deflected onto the crossbar by Jamilla Rankin and scrambled away.
Two minutes later, Barbieri sprinted forward after a ball was quickly distributed by Isobel Nino. Barbieri was able to square the ball to the talented youngster Emma Dundas who’s effort from outside the box forced a fingertip save from Courtney Newbon.
The first 10 minutes of the game were played at a very high pace, with both teams sprinting forward whenever they won the ball. At the 10 minute mark, Bolden tried a shot from a tight angle but rolled her effort straight to Newbon. Lauren Allan had another effort a moment later which was also well collected by the keeper.
Melbourne’s first proper chance came in the 12th minute, when Sara D’Appolonia found herself in an advanced position in the box, creating some space for Emily Gielnik. When the prolific attacker got on the ball, she curled an effort across the Newcastle goal which forced a good save from Nino.
Bolden was inches from giving her team the lead as a well directed cross from Lauren Allan found the head of the prolific forward who struck the crossbar from about 7 years out.
As the ball flew back and forth down the pitch, the Victory were able to create a great chance at 15 minutes as Gielnik directed a fantastic cross to Rachel Lowe. Lowe initially made weak contact with the ball but D’Appolonia was there to collect the ball and play it back for Lowe to convert and give the Victory an early lead, somewhat against the run of play.
Both teams were eager to press in the early going which created a lot of turnovers in the first 20 minutes. Hoban and Cassidy Davis were determined in their pressing and created a lot of possession for their team due to their work rate in the midfield. D’Appolonia was the catalyst on the other side.
The pace of the game slowed down as Melbourne Victory began to control possession. When looking to create going forward, there was a clear target for both sides. Victory were looking to create through Gielnik, while Newcastle were looking to create opportunities for Bolden.
At 35 minutes, D’Appolonia was again looking to create for the Victory, directing a low cross to the goalscorer Lowe. A scramble in the jets box led to Lowe being able to take a shot but Nino had closed off the space to make a save and keep the lead at only 1-0.
In the 38th minute, Newcastle created one of their best chances of the half as a Hoban run created some space for Dundas who played a terrific ball across to Davis who was able to dummy past a defender to take a shot which was excellently saved by Newbon.
The Jets were rewarded for their persistence, Lorena Baumann wandered forward and directed a terrific cross toward Bolden who was actually unable to make any contact with the ball. Running behind her however was the indefatigable Lauren Allan who drove the ball into the back of the net to equalise five minutes before half time.
In stoppage time in the first half, Bolden was denied the goal to give the Jets the lead. Allan made an excellent run down the right wing and drove a great low cross to the penalty spot which Bolden took first time. At full stretch, Newbon was able to tip the ball away from the goal and then quickly get to her feet to collect.
In a top six clash, you can’t ask for a better save than this 😮💨🧤
A crucial intervention from Courtney Newbon keeps scores level in Newcastle!
The second half started with Barbieri driving a deflected effort from outside the box to immediately set the tone. This was a do or die game for the Jets and they were playing like it. The ball stayed in the Victory’s defensive third for almost the entire first five minutes of the second half.
As had become a trend in this game, the moment that the Victory worked the ball forward, they took the lead once again. At 52 minutes, A floated free kick from Rankin was sent rather tamely toward the far post but Tori Hansen was the first to react and struck a well hit volley across Nino’s goal to restore the Victory’s advantage.
Lowe hit the crossbar after a freekick was only partially cleared into her path in the 58th minute. A well struck half-volley forced Nino into a fingertip save and the deflection off the bar was directed kindly enough for the keeper to collect.
Lowe had another chance in the 63rdminute as a break forward reached her in an advanced position, but the shot was directed wide of the goal. Young Matilda Lara Gooch brought some energy off the bench for the Jets, attempting a shot over the bar at 68 minutes.
Time was running out for the Jets as the final 20 minutes passed by. Davis took a long range effort which was well-directed but did not have enough power to test Newbon who had a very impressive game for the Victory.
In the 80th minute, substitute Melina Ayres ran across the edge of the box after a throw in from Laura Allan. The former Victory forward struck a curling effort which found its way past Newbon and into the back of the net to equalise for the Jets.
Newbon took a knock late in the game but elected to stay in the game as the minutes drained away for the Jets. Emma Checker was caught in possession by Allan in the 87th minute and the super sub Ayres struck a terrific effort into the top left corner that left the walking wounded Newbon flat footed. The Jets had their first lead with only three minutes to go.
INCREDIBLE 😱 Melina Ayres scores twice in seven minutes against her former side @gomvfc to win it for Newcastle! ⚽️🔥
Emotions were running high as in the 89thminute, Barbieri and Gielnik got into a scuffle, pulling on each others’ jerseys after Gielnik attempted to get Barbieri to continue the game. Isobel Nino reacted dramatically and ran out to pull Gielnik off of Barbieri, her gloves making contact with Gielnik’s neck which lead to yellows for Barbieri and Gielnik and a red card for Nino.
After a very tense eight minutes of stoppage time with Lily-Rose Dunbar in goal and only 10 players, the Jets were able to hold on for the biggest win of their season.
Impetus’ Ava-Marianne Elliot, Ben Gilby, Genevieve Henry, and Ryan Miller-Woods report on six different clubs’ pressers ahead of round 21 in the A-League Women (22/3/24).
Canberra United
By Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Njegosh Popovich speaking to the media. Image: Canberra United.
The media heard from Canberra United Head Coach Njegosh Popovich and Tegan Bertolissio ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.
Canberra head into this weekend’s match knowing that they’ve got nothing to lose. However, they’ll want to see out their last three matches of the season in the best way possible. A good result on Sunday will be massively beneficial for United for many reasons.
When asked whether the team has bounced back into training knowing the number of games left in the season, Popovich said, “we definitely have a little bit of fatigue in the legs, particularly the girls that have travelled and come back from overseas from the Young Matildas (Tegan Bertolissio, Sasha Grove, and Chloe Lincoln). A great result for them, qualifying for a World Cup and then they’ve lifted the energy in terms of the mental spirit for the players which is fantastic to see. For us, there’s three games on the table, that’s nine points. We need to push hard to finish the season as strongly as we can.”
Something else that has been very prominent over the past few weeks has been the future of the club and most importantly what’s next for Canberra United beyond this season. When asked how he has approached this period with the team itself, Popovich said, “it’s always a difficult situation in those sorts of terms. There’s no doubt that everybody wants a resolution as soon as possible. It does probably play on their mind a little bit, but that’s what professional football’s about, you’ve got to leave those sorts of things off the field, that we can’t control. We’ve got to concentrate on the field on what we can do.”
Canberra will want to get one over Wellington this round after the last the two sides faced each other in round fourteen, which saw the Phoenix win 2-0 thanks to goals from Wellington’s Mariana Speckmaier. Wellington will be determined to win to make finals.
When asked what he is expecting from Wellington this round, Popovich said, “they’re a team that’s actually in the hunt for the top six, so they’re going to come out spirited. They had a mid-week game against Adelaide (United). I think we’re more concentrating only on ourselves rather than them. It’s about us staying focused and trying to be the best we can.”
Above: Fresh off of Young Matildas duties, Tegan Bertolissio speaks to the media. Image: Canberra United.
One of the players that is a welcome return to the Canberra United squad from international duty with the Young Matildas is defender Tegan Bertolissio, who featured in two of Australia’s five matches at the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan. The 3rd placed finish that the Young Matildas achieved at the tournament could potentially see Bertolissio at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup later this year in Colombia.
When asked about how much testing herself against some of the best young players at the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup would help when coming back to the environment of Canberra United, Bertolissio said, “it’s definitely a very high level of players internationally, so coming back, it’s another level of experience, experiencing different types of football.”
When asked what she hopes to get out these last few games of the season, Bertolissio said, “honestly, just hopefully get a few wins under our belt, get some confidence going into the next season.”
When asked what she’s expecting from Wellington this weekend, Bertolissio said, “they’re definitely a very good team. They’re in contention for finals, so they’ll be coming out wanting to win the game and so will we. So, it’ll be a good game.”
Central Coast Mariners
By Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: American forward Rola Badawiya reflecting on her season. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
The media heard from Central Coast Mariners’ Rola Badawiya and head coach Emily Husband ahead of their upcoming match against Melbourne City on Saturday.
With their 4-1 win against Canberra United last round, the Mariners secured themselves finals football in their first season back in the league and will be looking to continue from where they left off against Canberra in this weekend’s match against City.
A player who was instrumental in that win was Rola Badawiya who scored a brace that brought her total number of goals for the season to seven. When asked about how the team is feeling after the win against Canberra, Badawiya said, “we’re buzzing honestly. I think we’re on a four-match winning streak which is our best in the competition so far. We’re loving it and getting that stride in right before finals.”
This was followed up by being asked about keeping that momentum against Melbourne City this weekend, Badawiya said, “yeah, definitely! We’re not stopping for no one, especially Melbourne (City). Last time we played them, I feel like we deserved to win. So this time we’re not taking no for an answer.”
As for the last time the sides faced each other in round eight, the match ended in a 1-1 draw that saw Central Coast take the lead thanks to Badawiya in the 53rd minute before City equalised with their captain and New Zealand international Rebekah Stott 25 minutes later.
When asked about how tough she expects the match to be against City, Badawiya said, “it’s definitely going to be tough. Melbourne’s a really good team. They loved to possess the ball; they have really good players but I think we can exploit them in a lot of areas. So we’re definitely doing that.”
Above: Head coach Emily Husband speaking with the media about her incredible first season with the Mariners. Image: Emily Husband.
Someone who would have been very pleased with the attacking prowess shown against Canberra United was head coach Emily Husband, who has implemented a brand of football that not only has the club currently fourth on the ladder and into the finals with two rounds left in the regular season, but most importantly has brought out the best from the players in the squad.
When asked how impressed she was of the performance from the team against Canberra United, Husband said, “I think the first-half performance was really good, we were clinical which makes a real big difference to us. There’s been games where we’ve created 20 chances and only put away two. That was completely different on the weekend. I don’t think we quite matched up in that second half. Obviously, Canberra came out and put a little bit more pressure on us and we’ve talked through that a lot this week and where we want to problem-solve that, but to come away 4-nil up at half-time was fantastic.”
When asked how to keep the momentum going for the Mariners heading into the Finals, Husband said, “we’re in a fantastic place at the moment. We’ve got nothing to lose from this point forward. We’ve sort of come in and, from a lot of people’s perspectives, overachieved. So now, we want to keep on putting pressure on the teams above us. The only way we can do that is by continuing to turn up, be fearless and wanting to win every game. We’ve got no reason to be scared of anybody and we just look forward to the rest of the season and what it’s got to bring.”
When asked what she’s expecting from Melbourne City, Husband said, “everybody knows that Melbourne (City) play the best football in the league, undoubtedly. The way that they keep possession and the movement off the ball is fantastic and it’s a credit to them. Obviously, we’re defensively always quite structured, so I think it’ll be a nice matchup. As with every game in this league, it’s always going to be a tough game but I’m looking forward to the challenge of it.”
Perth Glory
By Ben Gilby
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis speaking on Thursday. Image: Perth Glory FC.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis emphasised his determination that the Western Australian side end their poor run of results and finish the campaign away from the bottom four as they prepare for a trip to Brisbane Roar.
After a superb start to the campaign, Glory are yet to win a game in 2024, and as a result have dropped from the top two down to the lower reaches of the standings. Last weekend, Perth went down to a 1-0 loss at Western Sydney Wanderers – a game that Epakis believes was one of fine margins which allowed him to highlight positive steps forward from what had come before.
“I think there was certainly a level of disappointment around the result, but there was also a level of optimism around the performance,” he said.
“It was a lot more competitive, it was a lot more structured, it was a lot more of us across that performance, but unfortunately we had nothing to show for it, so we were sitting a little bit empty in the change rooms post-match, but we’re taking satisfaction knowing that we’re able to perform at a higher level for a longer period of time, and we can use that as a motivator this week.”
The run of 10 games without a win has seen the club move from what looked to be a nailed on place in the finals to being in a position that could see them finish third from bottom if they suffer defeat in Queensland on Sunday.
“We’re definitely fixated on finishing as strong as we can. We’re don’t want to sugar coat it, we’re disappointed that we’re not playing towards a play-off finish. That really hurts. We need to make sure we’re putting out performances that allow us to finish the season as strong as we can and give us the best chance of winning both remaining games…these games are certainly not dead rubbers by any stretch of the imagination.”
Above: Millie Farrow celebrates after scoring for Perth Glory in their last win on New Year’s Eve against Central Coast Mariners. Head coach Alex Epakis is determined his team will be back to winning ways before season’s end. Photo: A-League Women.
Whilst the Roar are also out of the Finals race, a recent 2-0 win over Melbourne City emphasises just how good they can be, and with Alex Smith’s side immediately below Perth on the ladder, Glory boss Epakis knows that Sunday’s showdown is a major opportunity to push away from the lower reaches of the ladder.
“Brisbane are a well-rounded team. There’s a lot of experience, there’s Matildas in that team, and there’s some players there that are in good form at the moment…we’re very close in the table in terms of the standings, and we need to make sure we put out a performance that allows us to ensures we stay above them post that game,” he emphasised.
“Tactically, they are pretty sound, they play in a shape that can cause problems for teams. We’ll be aware of that, but we want to make sure we build on the things we did well in our last performance against Western Sydney.”
Glory’s squad selections have remained pretty stable throughout the season. Asked whether or not the final two matches of the campaign give the opportunity for the likes of Tanika Lala who enjoyed a highly promising cameo on debut last weekend, or Tia Stonehill more minutes, Epakis played a straight bat.
“I’ll select the team and the squad that I believe gives us the best chance of winning, and players that are the most motivated and ready to put their best foot forward, whether that’s a player who hasn’t had an opportunity yet, or whether it’s a player who has played every game, ultimately that will be determined during training.”
Sydney FC
By Genevieve Henry
Above: Nat Tobin reflecting on her years with Sydney. Image: Sydney FC.
Ahead of Sydney’s vital match against Adelaide United on Sunday, the media heard from Cortnee Vine, fresh off of Matildas selection, and injured captain Nat Tobin, who just signed a new contract with the Sky Blues.
If Sydney can manage to get two wins from their last three games, they will secure a record fourth consecutive premiership. Tobin, the most decorated player in Sydney’s history with three Championships and three Premierships, will unfortunately miss out on finals due to the ACL injury that has kept her on the sideline all season. While her leadership and talent will be missed in these final few games, Tobin should be set to go at the beginning of next season.
“I didn’t have plans to go anywhere else. I love this club and I’m very happy to be here for the next two years.” Tobin commented that this was not at all unexpected, having been with the club for 12 years already. Reflecting, she said, “it’s a bit scary. That’s, what, almost half of my life that I’ve been here? I’m very proud to have been here for that long, and I like to think that I’m a very loyal person. I don’t really chop and change much in my life and that’s definitely been shown through my football as well.”
“I wouldn’t be playing at this level and committing this much time to (football) if I didn’t love it. I think women’s football has built a following because people can see we do it for the love of it. We don’t get paid a lot. It is difficult juggling full time work and football, but I really enjoy football and I’m not willing to give that up just yet.” Tobin, just engaged, said she’ll have to review the stage her life is at come the end of this new contract. “Other things happen in life, but these next two years, my sole focus is getting another two good years at Sydney.”
“Obviously, I haven’t had the best luck this year, being out for the whole season with my ACL,” Tobin said when asked about the possibility of overtaking Teresa Polias’ appearances record. She mentioned her run of illnesses that kept her out for periods as well. “The intention is there to continue racking up performances and also racking up silverware, of course.”
“It’s a pretty high standard set by Teresa, but I would just hope to have a similar legacy to what (she) has.”
If Sydney can achieve silverware this season, although she has been unable to contribute on the field, Tobin would go down as the winning captain. “Who would have thought at the start of the season that we would have the opportunity to take out the premiers plate? We went on a stint of draws, but the girls have so much resilience. We’ve had so much thrown at us this season. The team just keeps riding the waves. I would love to see that fourth premiership in a row come home to Sydney. From the outset of this season we wanted to do the double-Double, and we are on the brink of doing it.”
Tobin spoke of her recovery process, saying, “I feel great to be honest, it’s all on track. I’ve been running, I’ve started with change of direction, it’s actually started feeling really good now. I’m feeling so positive about it.”
One of Sydney’s key defensive players, the young and promising Kirsty Fenton, went down in the match against Wellington Phoenix last round in devastating fashion. It has been confirmed that she too has torn her ACL. Tobin said, “it’s been really heartbreaking, but I’m hoping I can provide her with that support. It’s pretty fresh in my mind, so I can hopefully support her through it.” She opened up on the advice she sent Fenton, saying “you’re at rock-bottom now, and the only way is up.” Tobin commented on the state Fenton is in, saying she’s handling it well, but is taking the time she needs to process it. “She’s a very resilient girl. She had a knee injury at the start of the season and came back incredibly well, and I think she’ll do the same thing this time around.”
Above: Cortnee Vine talks to the media about her Matildas selection. Image: Sydney FC.
Matildas superstar Cortnee Vine got off to a rough start in the season, being sidelined by injury for many rounds pretty early on, but the speedster has once again found her feet and is arguably the best player right now in the A-League Women. Her excellent form, 9 goals, 5 assists, and a whopping 38 chances created, has earned her a spot back in the national team. “Super excited to be part of the Matildas squad for this upcoming camp, it’s in America, so that will be really cool. I’ve never been.”
While making the Olympics squad of just 18 players is a tough goal to achieve, Vine shared her determination, saying “I’m just still hoping to be a part of that Olympics squad. I’m very grateful that Tony has called me back in for this one, and the Olympics has been a goal of mine since I was probably nine. So, doing it in a sport that I love, with a team that I love, is a dream. I can do as much as I can in club land and the upcoming games to try and prove myself, but I’m just focusing on the A-League finals series and hopefully creating history.”
Just recently announced was the A-League Women All-Stars game that will see the best players in Australia face Arsenal. “Those games don’t come around very often, and I think it’d be an amazing opportunity for not just myself, but for the girls in the league to come up against the girls that play for Arsenal. They represent their countries, it’s basically like a national team game, so it’ll be a good experience for any A-League player that gets selected in it.”
On her Matildas teammates Vine is set to face in the All-Stars match, she said, “I haven’t really faced them, obviously Kyra (Cooney-Cross) used to play for Victory, so we’ve versed her a few times, but having Steph Catley mark me on the right wing could be really fun, or it could be really bad for me,” she said with a laugh, “it’s always fun versing friends”
Wellington Phoenix
By Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Emma Main addresses the media. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
The media heard from Wellington Phoenix’s Emma Main and Head Coach Paul Temple ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Canberra United on Sunday.
Wellington goes into this weekend’s match off the back of a 4-0 win against Adelaide United at home on Wednesday, a result that has kept their finals hopes alive. Wellington need to win against Canberra to head into the last round of the season with a shot at finals.
Someone who’ll most likely be called upon on Sunday is Emma Main who will be hoping to make an impact in the match, towards Wellington’s charge to make the top six come the end of the Regular Season.
When asked how much confidence Wednesday’s result ahead of another must-win match for Wellington against Canberra, Main said, “I think it gives the team a lot of confidence. It’s great to get four goals and we knew that with the crowd behind us (on Wednesday) we could really pull out a result. Going into this weekend, we’re really confident that we can get a result away. It’s (a) must-win but our team tends to do quite well when those are the circumstances. We’ve been training well, we know what we’re going to do. (I’m) really excited and I think it’ll be a good challenge.”
In regards to the match on Wednesday, Main was asked whether the team approached the match any differently whilst their season was effectively on the line, to which she said, “we actually said since the Perth game (in Round 19) that we were in knockout football from then. Temps (Paul Temple) sat us down before the game and he said ‘You know this is our knockouts, we start now’. So, ever since Perth, that’s been in the back of our mind. I think going into this game it won’t be any different. We’ve got the same mindset and if we just carry on with how we did against Adelaide we shouldn’t have a problem.”
Above: Paul Temple speaking with the media. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
The result against Adelaide would have been very pleasing for head coach Paul Temple knowing their chances at finals are still alive. When asked how much confidence the win against Adelaide United has given the team ahead of Sunday’s match, Temple said, “it was great to get four goals, (a) clean sheet, and to play well with control and dominance in a lot of parts of the game was really good, and that stuff does breed confidence. Any team that you play against in this league is tough competition and I thought Adelaide still did some really good things in the game. What was good from our perspective is that we were pretty clinical with those chances, so I think that’s a good step forward for us as a team. That gives confidence going into Sunday.”
From the last time that Wellington and Canberra faced each other in Round 14, Wellington emerged victorious 2-0 in what was at the time a very crucial result for the Phoenix that broke a four-match losing streak of which overall they had a very good performance against Canberra. So with that result, the Phoenix would feel some form of confidence that they can do the same this weekend.
When asked how he expects Canberra to play on Sunday against his side, Temple said, “I think very similar to Adelaide. They (Canberra United) kind of have this nothing-to-lose mentality, but we know because we played them not too long ago, they’re dangerous. They’ve got (Nicki) Flannery, (Michelle) Heyman, and (Vesna) Milivojevic who have been consistently good in terms of assists and goals this season, so it shows what a threat they’re going to be. When that kind of attacking threat is let loose and essentially you can just go out and play, there’s a danger to that that you have to be very aware of.”
Western Sydney Wanderers
By Ava-Marianne Elliot
Above: Wanderers’ head coach Robbie Hooker discussing the match against Western United on Saturday. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
The media heard from Western Sydney Wanderers’ Head Coach Robbie Hooker and defender Vicky Bruce ahead of their upcoming match against Western United.
Wanderers head into the fixture off the back of a win against Perth Glory with their eyes on reaching finals. Currently, they sit in sixth place in the table and three points clear of Newcastle Jets, meaning they’re in a place where a win at home this weekend would likely see them achieve qualification for just the second time in the club’s history. Still, with two fixtures remaining, there is work to be done in the build up to the close of the regular season.
When asked how the team are feeling this week in the build up to facing second-place Western United, Hooker stated, “yeah, pretty good. We’ve come off a good week where we’ve picked up a couple of wins and a draw, so we’ve put ourselves in a really good position where we can secure a finals place with a win.”
The following topic of discourse was the 1-0 victory against Glory last weekend. “It was a gritty win, I thought we dominated most of the game, particularly with chances created.” Sophie Harding’s impressive strike from distance was the only goal of the 90, successfully securing both a win for Wanderers and her tenth goal of the season. Although the win was arguably narrow, there were a number of positives to reflect on moving forwards. “Sophie came to the rescue with a great goal, and we defended really well, kept a clean sheet for the first time in a while.”
When asked what the solution is to secure a win against Western United, Hooker said, “I think the key’s just more about us, and it’s been like that for probably the whole season. We just need to play and have the right mental approach with our own team. There’s not a team this season that I don’t think we haven’t been able to beat, Sydney’s probably the only team.”
Above: Vicky Bruce addresses the media ahead of the clash. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Bruce also addressed the media, opening with the fact that the squad “took this week to really make sure we’re ready to go and recovered” aiming to uphold mentality to secure a win in a top-six battle following what was a hectic week, playing a fatiguing string of three fixtures across seven days.
Towards the start of the season, Wanderers achieved a late 2-0 win away from home against Western United, and this weekend, they aim to replicate the result on home soil in order to walk away with three-points. “We know they’re a very strong team, they’re obviously one of the top of the table (teams) and we have played them before, and we were lucky enough to come out with a win there.”
Heading into the fixture, Western United approach the weekend following two consecutive losses and Bruce expressed outwardly the important role of the fans support this weekend to crack the side again, “I think this is a huge game, because if we win then we’re pretty much guaranteed to go top six, so if we can get all the fans out, the more we can get, the better support we have, the more chance we have at winning and solidifying our chances in the finals.”
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