Above: Chloe Lincoln looks on after Sweden’s third goal.
Sweden 3-0 Australia
The Australian Under 23’s began the four nations tournament with a 3-0 loss to Sweden.
The damage was done in the first half with two early goals from Johanna Renmark and a close rang finish from Ebba Handfast settling the result.
The Under 23’s looked sharp in the opening minutes. Hana Lowry was deployed in a more advanced role than she has been at Perth Glory and had the game’s first shot on target after Australia’s press spilled the ball loose.
Chloe Lincoln pulled off a very strong one on one save and Alexia Apostolakis stopped a certain shot on goal with a skilfull sliding tackle while retaining possession.
Similarly to the senior side, The Under 23’s looked to play out from the back at all costs. It is a risky tactic, especially with a team that had never started a match together, but it is a big part of this program to ready players for the senior Matildas, and game style is crucial to that.
It is however, how the first goal was conceded. Hesitancy on the ball created an opening for Renmark, and she was simply more clinical than Lowry was with her similar opportunity earlier on.
The second goal was well taken, but unlucky. With the ball on the wing, right back Bryleeh Henry was turned and the cross found Renmark to scuff her shot home from close range. There was a momentary pause among the Australia camp as Henry seemingly went down injured under no contact. Sweden played on and took advantage, but for a minute hearts were in mouths as teammates and staff feared the worst.
Henry was able to play on and was not subbed out until midway through the second half to the relief of anybody watching.
Sweden’s third goal came after Australia’s efforts to clear a corner resulted repeated efforts from the hosts. At the third attempt, Handfast bundled the ball home.
Australia had their chances to attack, although they found moving the ball through midfield difficult against the organized Swedes, when they did get forward, they looked dangerous. Ana Margraf was industrious and creative in midfield. Leah Davidson delivered an excellent cross after a clever move to lose the defender on the right.
Laura Hughes and Leah Davidson were strong in midfield, and most of Sweden’s joy came down the flanks.
The Swedes defensively were very structure and physical. They paid special attention to nullifying Daniela Galic before she could have any time on the ball. Kahli Johnson was kept wide, and the Swedish defenders did not let her get an easy pass away.
Australia’s back four were all good individually, but the goals looked like a result of a defence that had not played much football as a unit. It is something that is likely to improve over the next few games.
There were positives. Henry looks to be continuing to develop into a top quality fullback, Apostolakis rarely looks flustered, Margraf is a quiet chance for a senior call up and Lowry was lively in an attacking role. These games are about development, and although winning is a big part of that, these players will have each learned something from this game. Clinical finishing in the final third was the main difference between these sides, and despite the scoreline, Australia was not played off the park.
The tough tests continue as Australia face Germany on Sunday morning (AEST).
Above: Mary Fowler speaking from Coopers Stadium in Adelaide today. Image: Football Australia.
We’re less than 48 hours away from the first of the two Matildas’ friendlies against China, and attacker Mary Fowler is determined that she and her teammates will do everything possible to put themselves in the best possible place ahead of the Paris Olympics.
“We’re doing well. We’re the kind of team that tries not to waste a single session, so camp has been really good so far, we’re trying to get the most out of it, and we’re having fun as well!” the Manchester City star smiled.
Friday’s match at Adelaide Oval marks a return to the South Australian capital for Fowler. It was at Adelaide United that she made her A-League Women debut after signing for them at the age of 16. She would go on to play seven games and score three times in the 2020/21 campaign for the Reds. Reflecting on her return to the city, the attacker admitted ruefully: “To be honest, I don’t remember the place much! But it’s nice to be in Australia, I’ve missed being home.”
The Matildas will lock horns with China on Friday for the first time since 13th February 2020 when the pair faced each other in Parramatta during the Tokyo Olympics qualification tournament – a game that saw Emily van Egmond’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser ensuring the Matildas made the final qualifying round tie against Vietnam.
Fowler recognises that China pose a unique challenge. They are coached by Ante Milicic who knows many of the Matildas squad inside out from his time as national head coach, assistant, and boss of both the U20 and U23 Matildas teams between 2014 and 2020. Therefore, Australia will be pushed all the way to use their new tactical setup to break through the expected defensive conundrum that the former Matildas boss will set up.
“It gives us an idea of where we’re at, look at the things we’re working on, and see the things we could improve, so I think it’s a good match for us to have this camp.”
Whilst you would expect the attacker to be one of the first names on the squad selection list for the Paris Olympics, the Manchester City star’s outlook on life means she is philosophical about what’s ahead.
“I’m someone who just tries to enjoy the day, take it for what it is, and I’m here to do my best and have a bit of fun, and we’ll see what happens.”
Pictures from Matildas training at Coopers Stadium, Adelaide by Courtney Pedlar via Football Australia:
Above: Abbey Meakins (dark blue shirt) battling away for Balcatta Etna against her former side Perth SC earlier this season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
To further complement Impetus‘ coverage of the NPLW WA competition in 2024, we’ve assembled a group of people who are watching the competition’s matches especially closely to identify the competition’s most consistent players each month. For the second month of the season, Ben Gilby, Kelechi Osunwa, Tommy Dolman, and Ava-Marianne Elliott produced a five-player long list from which May’s winner was selected.
The Shortlist – May 2024
Emily Dinsdale (UWA-Nedlands):
Above: Emily Dinsdale in action for UWA-Nedlands last season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: UWA-Nedlands FC.
A player taking part in her first season on NPLW WA football for the league’s newest team, Emily Dinsdale is emerging as an increasingly influential player who has taken to this higher level of football like a duck to water. Her vision, tracking, and runs have been apparent from the very earliest period of the campaign, and she has also found the net as her team looks to consolidate their spot in the competition.
Matilda Bohm (Perth SC):
Above: Matilda Bohm, who has been hugely impressive at the back for Perth SC this month. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
It’s been an excellent May for The Azzurri and whilst their 15 goals scored may have taken the headlines, they only conceded three times. One of the key reasons for that stat is the outstanding form of Bohm. Her strong presence and excellent reading of the game see her get deserved recognition as one of the best players around the league this month. Just when you think Bohm cannot get better or more influential to her team, she steps it up ever further.
Jess Flannery (Perth SC)
Above: Perth SC’s Jess Flannery. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
It’s been a joy to watch Flannery in these early rounds of the season. The attacker has formed a lethally telepathic relationship with Ella Lincoln as her side are racking up the wins and the goals. Flannery has hit the back of the net four times during the month and, as both her and her new look team gel further grow, all eyes fall on the Azzurri‘s huge game with Perth RedStar the weekend after next. If Flannery plays to her full potential in that match, it’s going to be a heck of a watch. She’s had an outstanding May.
Sarah Carroll (Perth RedStar):
Above: Sarah Carroll, pictured last season for Perth RedStar. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Sarah Carroll is an integral part of the Perth RedStar team. When she becomes influential in a match, it’s a sure sign that the champions are on their way to gaining and holding onto the upper hand in the match. Carroll has the enviable ability to attack along the flanks as well as having the nous to make runs into the channels, find colleagues with perfectly weighted passes and chip in with more than her fair share of goals. On top of those attributes, she has an excellent defensive brain as well. The former Perth Glory player has the experience and ability to guide her less experienced teammates – and she has been in outstanding form this month.
Impetus NPLW WA Player of the Month for May 2024:
Abbey Meakins (Balcatta Etna):
Above: Balcatta Etna’s Abbey Meakins (right) – the May winner of Impetus’ NPLW WA Player of the Month Award. Photo: One Touch Sport Photography.
Eleven goals in eight games this season – seven of which came this month alone. It’s fair to say that Abbey Meakins is back to her best after a frustrating wrist injury that occurred in a freak training incident last season. It’s not just about the goals though, she is reaping the rewards of the creativity around her of Jamie-Lee Gale and Lucy Jerram as Balcatta look to take the step up to silverware contenders across all competitions this season. If Meakins can keep her form at this level, then there could be exciting times ahead at Grindleford Reserve this season – she is the deserved winner of this month’s award.
Impetus NPLW WA Player of the Month Award Winners 2024
On June 4, a new documentary about the rise of women’s football in Australia will air on Stan. Impetus spoke to Maggie Miles and Maggie Eudes, the co-directors of Trailblazers about bringing this story to the screen.
In the afterglow of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, and in the lead up to the Paris Olympics, much of the talk around women’s football has been about the future.
We live in exciting times. Australia’s women’s national team play in front of sold out crowds around the country, the players are household names, and a year on from the tournament, Matildas mania has not slowed.
But this has been the result of many years of work in relative anonymity compared to their male counterparts. The success of the present is only sweetened with knowledge of the past and a new documentary is set to appear on Stan ahead of the Paris games.
Trailblazers is produced by Savage Films and tells the story of the women who made this possible. The sacrifices on and off the pitch, and the struggle for equality. There is over 100 years of women’s football history and it’s all lead up to now.
Directed by Maggie Miles and Maggie Eudes, Trailblazers is set to not only hype up fans for an Olympic medal quest, but also provide important context of how the sport has climbed to the mountaintop of national prominence. The core theme is gender equality, something that The Matildas epitomize in their push for a fair pay deal and perhaps surpass in popularity.
“We we made a a really big decision at the beginning to talk to the players first,” says Miles of the genesis of the project.
“We had this idea that we wanted to tell at least part of the story of Australian women’s football if thr players wanted it told, and we were always keen on speaking with Matildas Alumni.
“They were all really, really keen, because we wanted to recognize the shoulders on whom the current team stand and the ones before them and the ones before them, and we feel that was very strongly our focus.”
Miles is an esteemed Australian filmmaker having brought films such as Paper Planes (2014) and High Ground (2020) to the screen. Widely known for producing works of fiction or drama, she has begun making documentaries. Trailblazers was partially inspired by her experience making Dare to be Different and embedding herself in a special needs school that taught through the arts.
“I loved working with the teachers, with the parents, with the students on that. I think developing stories from getting on the inside and getting to know people, getting to hear their stories and shape their stories but in a creative way is what Maggie and I have done.
“Of course, meeting Maggie (Eudes), who was also interested in documentary, and Maggie being a player herself as well as Director of Photography, it’s been a really great.
“We both had a passion both for the story, but also to do the next exciting project that was interesting to each of us for different reasons.”
Co -director Maggie Eudes is a renowned cinematographer in Australia having worked on Five Bedrooms for Channel 10 and in broadcasting the World Surf League. She brings a unique perspective to the project as a semi-professional footballer of 15 years, most recently as a midfielder for the swashbuckling Boroondara Eagles in Victoria’s NPLW in 2023.
“It was really important for us to show in the film that women’s football wasn’t behind because women were not interested in sports or or football or for some, obscure reason there was a real reason.
“They were banned from playing for so long. So we needed to explain that context and also, I think that shows that the World Cup was not an overnight success.
“We really wanted to show that with the Alumni going all the way back to the seventies with Julie Dolan being the first captain.
“We needed to tell that story from where it started basically.”
Completing the film created a hectic schedule for both directors. Eudes was in the middle of an NPLW season in Victoria where Boroondara played midweek and throughout the World Cup.
Much of the filming was completed over the course of a couple of years, but the documentary involved a trip to Europe completed with elite precision.
“Maggie (Miles), and I went to Europe, for 10 days or not even not even 10 days. And we spoke to Sam Kerr, Steph Catley. We just went from club to club,” recalls Eudes.
“I probably didn’t share that too much. But I was definitely looking at the calendar and be like, ‘alright, I’m gonna miss the fewest games possible and be like, you know that weekend, I’ve got a Friday night game. So if we leave on the Saturday morning, I’ll miss a little bit less.
“That’s how it is when you when you play football and you’re really into it, and you’re into the season and the seasons going well as well.
“It’s balancing out where you don’t miss out (or) you don’t lose your spot. I guess there’s a bit of extra stress. But then, as soon as we landed in Europe, you know it was, go go!
“Then we did another filming trip in Australia, where we were probably gone for a week, and we interviewed a lot of the Alumni in that in that trip.”
Paper Planes (produced by Maggie Miles) is one of this author’s favourite Aussie films.
A must see film
Reactions to the film have been universally positive. Football presenter Kat Sasso praised it online, and as a pioneer of modern women’s football, Heather Reid described it as a “must see” account of the journey of many individuals and how far women’s football has come in Australia, particularly in recent decades.
If there is anything you need to watch it’s this doco. I was lucky to be at the premiere and it had me in tears multiple times. A MUST WATCH https://t.co/2F1XlAQ3J8
“I was somewhat overwhelmed with emotion after watching the preview earlier this year,” Reid told Impetus.
“Even though I’d helped the producers with fact-checking, sourcing interviews and identifying photos, actually seeing the nearly completed film made me feel proud – especially when thinking about the personal and collective efforts of so many people who contributed to the progress and transformation of women’s football in Australia.
“The game is more popular, successful and equitable than ever before thanks to the efforts of our courageous pioneers.
“I was uplifted hearing their stories, and I also shed a tear or two with accounts of hardship, discrimination and persistence.
“I congratulate everyone involved in bringing this important journey of women’s football to life and look forward to seeing the final version.”
Purpose, empowerment and inclusion
Matildas Alumni Moya Dodd first played for the national team in 1986, and was a member of the squad to travel to China for the FIFA Women’s Invitational Tournament (the pilot for a World Cup.) One could be forgiven for assuming she has seen and heard every tale to be told about The Matildas. But Trailblazers contained things that were new to her.
“It’s kinda funny,” Dodd said to Impetus.
“People get way more excited now when they hear I was a Matilda than they ever were at the time.
“It just shows how much equity has been built in the team by every generation. And it’s great to hear the stories shared.
“There are some stories in the film that I didn’t know – from players that I shared a pitch with. Karen Menzies’ story will stop you in your tracks.”
Dodd features in the film, and says that the legacy of the Matildas Alumni goes beyond the football pitch, and Trailblazers captures that.
”This is a story not just about a football team, but about purpose, empowerment and inclusion. It’s a shared story that millions of fans are now a part of.”
A flexible gameplan and adaptable team
When the directors describe the adaptability and teamwork involved it is easy to mistake it for a coach talking about their squad and season.
They credit the work of their producers and editors in achieving the final product. Miles and Eudes led an all-female creative team, some of who were new to football, but soon became converts.
“Having a small team is really great because we were very agile,” said Maggie Miles.
“So just keeping it really small, Lucy Maclaren, as a lead producer is just so amazing and just really adept. We we kept having to just strategize and think on our feet.
“Then Sara Edwards, our editor is just so incredible, you know, and really fast, too. And so yeah, I think having a small team really helps to keep you adaptable as well.”
Maggie Eudes concurred.
“I’d say a good half of the team had no interest in sport going into the project. So then their interest was very much in gender equality, but they had a different view on a on a lot of scenes and aspects of the film.
“Like our editor knew very little about football, or maybe nothing about football when she started. And now she’s a big fan…having that diversity of the experience. Within the team was great, and I think it shaped the film.”
Both directors say that the all women team was an important aspect of the creative process. Although it was something that they aspired to, it still occurred naturally over the course of production.
“I remember talking really early with Maggie and talking about having an all-female team,” reflects Maggie Miles
“And we’re like, ‘Well yeah, great. But it just might not be possible on a practical level.’
“So it wasn’t necessarily something that we always went, ‘what’s the next role we need to fill? let’s make sure it’s a woman.’
“I don’t remember thinking about that at all, actually. It wasn’t until the very end and you look around (that we noticed.)
“Then when we started dealing with Stan that we were on a Zoom once, there were maybe 12 people from Stan, and there’s only one guy, and it’s like, ‘Oh, wow! What is this?’”
In that way, the making of Trailblazers reflects the subject matter. Diversity in media, and in sports is a key factor in gender equality. The current and past players all want to leave a legacy and this documentary will hopefully aid with that.
Each generation has left the game better off than when they began and Trailblazers tries to capture that and inspire the future ones.
Maggie Eudes showreel
“The current players who, when we interviewed, they’re just laser focused. It was extraordinary,” said Miles.
“The Alumni all had motivations bigger than their own.
“They wanted to speak about their own experience, but they wanted the broader story told, and I think we’re sort of tapping into change as well, because while we have had some challenges, we’ve also had an incredible amount of interest and momentum.
“If we look at what happened during the Women’s World Cup 2023, we asked someone in in the lead up, ‘Well, what do you expect will happen, what do you expect you will see in the World Cup?’
“One of the words that came up was joy. You know the joy of watching the joy of participating. The people I know people inside the game weren’t surprised.
“But look what happened… this extraordinary cauldron of activity around the Women’s World Cup spread across Australia and New Zealand with a massive wave of interest. So I think we sort of tap into that.
“We did make a decision to kind of if you like, role model the future. So we deliberately don’t bang on about what’s hard, what’s not working what’s still got to change.
“Of course we do acknowledge those things, but we’re actually promoting the things that have changed. We’re promoting the stories that that need to get out there.
“So, I think you know, we had a certain mindset, and maybe we tapped into, you know, a societal readiness for that as well.
Maggie Eudes is full of admiration for what the players achieved, often step by step and over 40 years of playing and advocating for the basic and equal treatment.
“They all wanted to leave the game in a better state that they’ve they found it no matter what that means.
“30 years ago it meant just having your shorts provided to now having your own hotel room as opposed to sharing with someone else and flying business class.
“What they had in common as well is the passion for the game. I think even you know, with things being maybe easier for the players that are playing now, the passion’s the same.
“They have different things they need to deal with. You know, the players now have to deal with that massive pressure of being so well known being watched and having to perform.
“It was really interesting, I think, and it was really humbling actually to see that even in Sam Kerr.
“Because they’ve gone through what they’ve gone through, they know where they come from like this, they they’re grateful, and they’re really humble.”
The film is destined for to be watched by many, but for Miles and Eudes, the measure of success is not in viewing numbers alone. The film will be available for schools with education resources mapped to curriculum. The goals are long term even if in the short term you will be moved and entertained.
“We’d like the film to empower whoever is watching the film to to see their passion” says Eudes.
“It’s a bit cliched, it’s the title but to blaze their own trail.
“If that path doesn’t exist and you think it should then we want people to feel that they can do it.
“There’s also this idea of collective action and the power of the collective. So you know if that’s something that can be taken on board by whoever’s watching and feels like that.
“They need to blaze their own trail, and they want to do it collectively.”
Maggie Miles saw the way that The Matildas inspired a country and hopes that the film like each generation of Matildas can help people pursue their passions.
“Step into that thing that you want to do and you’re passionate about.
“It’s not only about sport and we have seen in responses to the film thus far that people do come away and talk about that thing that they’re interested in, that they’ve always wanted to do.”
“That’s that’s what we hope for, that it will spark people to guts it out and follow their own dreams as well.”
Trailblazers premiers on June 4 on Stan. The project’s website and links to Impact campaign and resources can be found here: https://trailblazersfilm.com.au
Ben Gilby and Ava-Marianne Elliott provide a full report each along with all the details from the round’s other two matches plus photography from Cat Bryant and Denyse McCulloch(27/5/24)
Above:Sophie Meaden fires home Fremantle City’s equaliser against Perth SC yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Cat Bryant.
Game of the week
Fremantle City 1-1 Perth SC
by Ben Gilby
Freo and Perth SC fought out a tight battle at a grey and damp Hilton Park on Sunday afternoon, producing a result that favoured neither team.
The Azzurri‘s failure to seal a win allowed Perth RedStar to extend their lead at the top of the ladder to five points. Balcatta Etna were also able to close the gap on Perth SC to just a single point with their success over Murdoch University Melville. Fremantle are now five points behind fourth place as a consequence of this score-line.
Above: Fremantle City’s Abbey Green makes a run yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Cat Bryant.
Fremantle City went into the game on the back of their 2-1 win at Murdoch University Melville last weekend which awakened their Top Four Cup hopes after having to mould a new squad this season, something which has been made even more challenging after the departure of key player Laura Waltman after the campaign opened.
The Azzurri are really starting to purr and there was a first start for Young Matilda Tijan McKenna in a hugely talented youthful midfield alongside the likes of Georgia Cassidy and Charli Wainwright.
Freo started the game on the front foot with Alex Poad particularly influential along the right. She was linking up excellently with Maya Spatafore. Whilst she did not see as much of the balance of play as Poad, Abbey Green’s presence on the opposite flank was always a source of danger to Perth with her pace and powerful balls into the box.
It took the visitors around 18 minutes to balance out the share of possession and territory. Cassidy found Jess Flannery with a well-weighted pass on the left of the box, with the attackers’ shot going across the face of goal. Cassidy was showing both sides of her game, the strong tackles and the eye-catching delivery of passes. In this period, McKenna was also busy, looking to thread passes through to her attackers.
Above: Georgia Cassidy breaking through for Perth SC against Fremantle City yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Cat Bryant.
Despite the rise of the Azzurri, it was the hosts who had a golden opportunity to hit the front after 27 minutes as Anna Powell was brought down on the right-hand edge of the box by Sophia Papalia as she looked to dance through. There was no hesitation from referee Stephen Knight who pointed to the spot. Up stepped Annabelle Leek, but her spot kick flew over the top.
Moments later, Leek was in the thick of the action at the other end as she diverted Cassidy’s pacey cross over the top – going out for a corner when at one stage it looked likely to be an own goal. From the resulting flag kick, substitute Epril Nossent directed a shot goalwards that Janice Kiama cleared.
Back came Freo and following an underpowered clearance from Perth keeper Lilly Bailey, Poad lifted a high shot goalwards from outside the box that fell into Bailey’s arms.
Fremantle were back to frustrating the visitors’ powerful attack. They had clearly studied Perth SC’s build-up play, filling their regular channels with bodies. Whilst they let the Azzurri have the ball in their own half, they set a multi-player press in offensive play. Leek was sticking tight to Flannery throughout, and Ella Lincoln was largely kept on the periphery of the action with two Freo shirts sticking tightly to her.
Above: Annabelle Leek charging forward for Fremantle City yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Cat Bryant.
Just before the break, Cassidy was shown her second yellow card of the afternoon after an off-the-ball incident with Janice Kiama. In the short spell between this and the half-time whistle, McKenna took on a more defensive midfield role in order to ensure no damage was done to the scoresheet before the interval.
At the opening of the second period, Freo signalled their intent to take advantage of having an extra player by bringing on the pace and poise of Tanika Lala in a central position.
However, it was the visitors who asserted themselves despite being a player in areers, and they were rewarded for their brave attitude 11 minutes into the second period. Substitute Anika Stajcic’s free-kick inside their own half came in high for Wainwright. The talented young midfielder played a 1-2 with Lincoln before possession returned to Stajcic centrally on the edge of the box. Her pass was deflected into the path of Wainwright who turned her marker, twisted away from another and laid off to Lincoln outside her to control and then fire impressively into the net.
Confidence was coursing through Perth now with Lincoln driving up the left and holding off Leek all the way. When Fremantle did get any possession and territory, the quality of the final pass was lacking.
Above: Ella Lincoln (9) celebrates her goal that put 10 player Perth SC ahead at Hilton Park yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Cat Bryant.
However, as the game moved into the final 20 minutes, they stepped it up. Mikayla Lyons came off the bench, and within moments were level in some style. Leek played a perfectly judged crossfield pass out to Green on the left flank. The Perth Glory A-League Women attacker in turn fed Sophie Meaden ahead of her before getting the ball back. Tightly marked by two defenders, Green got a pass away aided by a Perth boot for Meaden who fired a rocket into the top right-hand corner of the net to level the scores.
The Azzurri had one final chance to take the win. Wainwright found McKenna 30 yards out who let fly, with Schroeder getting down at her left-hand post, but the ball escaped her grasp and fell for Lincoln, however, the home defence scrambled the ball away only for Kiama to foul McKenna 25 yards from goal. Stajcic’s resulting free-kick went over the wall but into the arms of Schroeder.
Freo had a flurry of chances in the final three minutes to claim the points, with Lala involved each time. First, the Perth Glory player went on a trademark dancing run centrally before laying off to Clara Hoarau fed Meaden, but Lilly Bailey saved.
Then, Lala developed a move to feed Meaden in the box who then played a pass back to Tiana Boots who was denied by Bailey. Finally, Lala looked to close down Bailey’s clearance, but her former NTC teammate got the ball away.
Above: Sophie Meaden (third maroon shirt from the right) is congratulated by her Fremantle City teammates after her superb equaliser yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Cat Bryant.
This was a frustrating result for both sides. Indeed, the real winners today from this outcome were Perth RedStar, Balcatta Etna, and Hyundai NTC.
More of Cat Bryant’s photos from the match yesterday
In-depth review:
Subiaco 0-5 Perth RedStar
by Ava-Marianne Elliott
Above: Perth RedStar’s two goal hero Reina Kagami (black shirt) takes on Frankie Murray-Hocking yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (Denyse RM Photography Facebook).
Perth RedStar completed a convincing victory at Rosalie Park yesterday in order to extend their lead at the top of the ladder.
The visitors wasted no time in trying to fashion an opener. A chance for Lauren Continibali came within the first minute, although she was just unable to find the right connection to strike the shot with enough power. The ball was parried away before Emily Dunn ambitiously attempted from range, albeit the chance fell straight into the gloves of an awaiting Monique Todd for an easy save.
Despite Subiaco’s superb defensive efforts, plus a valiant spell of control from the midfield, it didn’t take long for RedStar to hit the front. With eight minutes on the clock, Andreia Teixeira’s vision and perfectly executed long-range pass over the top of the field was collected in space by Reina Kagami, who was able to convert and give the visitors an early advantage.
Falling behind in the game’s early moments, it was key for Subi to remain level-headed. With mistakes arising and miss-placed passes being played straight into a relentless RedStar’s feet, it was clear that the away side were going to make the 90 minutes as challenging as possible for the Subiaco.
Above: Subiaco’s Bonnie McQueen (22) looks to play a pass as Reina Kagami looks on. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (Denyse RM Photography Facebook).
Surely enough, the chance to double the score line arose in the 18th minute, and Redstar capitalised. After Continibali pressured the Subiaco backline into rushed passes to try and send the ball away from the advancing attacking threat, Jaalah Rudd’s clearance only landed as far as Kagami on the edge of the box.
Renee Leota was there to collect the ball, before sending it back across to Kagami who had made a run into better space and completed her brace in under twenty minutes when a convincing strike with her left foot hit the back of the net.
RedStar still were relentless in their possession, giving Subiaco few chances to break down the pitch. In the 27th minute, a quality run from Savannah Olsthoorn resulted in Teixeira forcing her to the ground, conceding a free kick, and providing the home side the opportunity to pull one back. Unfortunately, Frankie Murray-Hocking’s delivery had too much power and was sent flying over the top of the bar.
Quickly, the champions were flying out on the counter. Momoko Sakairi’s cross in the penalty area found Leota, but with the pressure of the defence no luck came from an excellent string of build-up play.
Above: Lauren Continibali (15) breaks through to get a shot in with Subiaco goalkeeper Monique Todd looking to block. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (Denyse RM Photography Facebook).
Shortly after one failed chance to send the scoreboard up to three, RedStar found yet another. After being granted a corner in the 34th minute, Caitlin Doeglas first connected with the ball ahead of the mass of defensive reinforcement in the box, and Todd was sent to ground in the scuffle, leaving the net open. Clever movement and anticipation from Quyen Doan at the far post secured another excellent goal for the visitors.
As the last few minutes of the half ticked by, RedStar saw more opportunity when Continibali cut a cross back to Doeglas, whose attempt just crept over the top of the bar. The former A-League Women star had better luck shortly afterwards. Dunn’s throw into Leota was concluded by Doeglas’ strong-footed shot that was sent soaring past Todd’s grip, extended the visitors’ lead to four at the break.
The second half predictably opened with RedStar immediately aiming to show more quality, surging forwards, and dominating the field from the get-go. Despite their strengths to undo the Subiaco side so far, the home side’s defensive work in the first half, regardless of the fact they conceded four, mostly met the RedStar forwards with equal fight. In the first five minutes of the half, it was still RedStar holding the majority of the ball, making it evident Subi’s defence were going to have to keep up the tireless effort.
In the 50th minute, the first promising chance arose for RedStar. Doeglas charged down the wing, cutting the back to Leota who just put a touch too much power on her shot, which soared over the bar and proving no worry for Todd between the sticks. Just a minute later, Doeglas continued to prove herself as an enormous source of danger, picking up the ball after Sarah Caroll poached possession from Shelby Cochran. Despite her strength on the break, Doeglas’ shot was collected calmly by Todd.
Above: Caitlin Doeglas, scorer of Perth RedStar’s fourth goal, in possession yesterday at Rosalie Park. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (Denyse RM Photography Facebook).
Subiaco had a glimpse of a promising break in the 55th minute of play when Olsthoorn took control of the field and bypassed the surrounding players in RedStar shirts before passing back to Marianna Tabain. The chance was cut short when Tabain’s pass searching for Olsthoorn was intercepted.
Olsthoorne’s influence continued. She yet again charged down the left-hand side of the pitch with one destination in mind. Yet again to Subi’s dismay, nobody was able to jump on the end of her cross into the box.
Despite not playing with quite the same intensity after the break, RedStar extended their lead when Doan stormed through the cluster of opposing players, thriving in the limited space to send the ball to Kagami on her right. Kagami’s expertly executed pass followed, spying Arai’s run into the box which she sealed with an excellent finish.
Cass Harvey found a chance for the home side in quick succession, going toe-to-toe with Mischa Anderson and coming away with the ball in yards of space, right in front of goal. Although it was a huge glimpse of quality, her shot was collected easily by Gabby Dal Busco in the 63rd minute.
Above: Savannah Olsthoorne put in a strong performance for Subiaco yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (Denyse RM Photography Facebook).
Rudd’s role in the Subi backline after her admirable strength for the course of the match so far shone through yet again in the 70th minute, when she took control of the possession and blocked Doeglas’ cross.
Subiaco found another chance to pull one back in the 78th minute when they were awarded a corner. Although the original cross was boldly blocked by Anderson, Danielle Suckling was able to send the ball back in for a second attempt. Much to Murray-Hocking’s dismay, her header, despite looking as if it was going to hit the net, rolled past the post.
For the final ten minutes of the fixture, RedStar continuously maintained the majority share of the ball, appearing threatening but unable to convert any more chances after several stellar saves from Todd and last-ditch blocks from the Subi defence.
Despite a massively valiant attempt from Subiaco for the full 90, the formidable RedStar side orchestrated a stunning display of football, proving exactly why they’re such a dominant force in the NPLW WA. Their clash with Perth SC after the week’s break for the State Cup looms large. Subiaco will return to NPLW WA action after their own cup tie against UWA Nedlands, who are just three points below them in the ladder.
Scorers: Kagami 8’, 18’. Doan 34’, Doeglas 44, Arai 62’.
More of Denyse McCulloch’s photos from the match yesterday
Round Wrap
by Ben Gilby
Balcatta Etna 4-1 Murdoch University Melville
Above: Abbey Meakins (left, dark blue shirt) – yet another two goals scored as Balcatta Etna came from behind to beat Murdoch University Melville yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Balcatta Etna moved level on points with Perth SC in second place on the ladder with this come-from-behind win over Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) with Abbey Meakins hitting a hat-trick to extend her goal tally for the season to 11 in eight games in the process.
Pete Rakic’s side welcomed Tia Stonehill into their squad for the first time this season after her spell with Perth Glory in the A-League Women. Last season’s NPLW WA top scorer with 24 goals, Stonehill is now the latest member of the dangerous attacking force that Balcatta have assembled this season.
The visitors, who despite being bottom of the ladder, have been producing greatly improved performances in recent weeks, hit the front with seven minutes on the clock. Emily Dewar’s corner from the right came in high to the back post and was met by the head of Emma Ylias. The ball came back off the bar, rebounded back off Ylias, and in.
Balcatta turned things around with two goals in four minutes just before the break. They levelled when Stonehill was brought down in the box. Abbey Meakins gathered the ball and rolled it into the left-hand corner of the net under the dive of MUM FC keeper Manon Gebauer.
The hosts went ahead three minutes from half-time when Meakins, eight yards inside the visitors half, laid a pass off to Lucy Jerram outside her on the left flank. Jerram ran between two defenders to pick up possession and drive into the box before lashing a powerful finish that Gebauer could only help into the net.
Pete Rakic’s side scored the game-breaking goal on the hour mark in some style as Meakins’ free-kick on the right, around 30 yards out flew straight in for a sensational goal.
GOAL! 59:09
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Balcatta Etna FC W in the Balcatta Etna FC W vs MUM FC W match at Grindleford Reserve.
The icing on the cake came with a fourth goal with 63 minutes played. Liana Cook gained possession from a throw tight on the right-hand flank and played in a high cross that bounced towards Jerram on the edge of the box. She ran on the with the ball and played back a low pass into the path of Meakins who turned and side-footed home with her first touch to complete her hat-trick.
Hyundai NTC 4-1 UWA-Nedlands
Above: Theodora Mouthiys (gold shirt, far right) celebrates putting Hyundai NTC ahead at home to UWA-Nedlands on Saturday. Photo: Football West NTC.
Round Eight opened on Saturday afternoon with Hyundai NTC ending their four-match run of defeats with this success over UWA-Nedlands at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.
The NTC took the lead just before the half-hour mark with a sweeping move that started with the ball at the feet of goalkeeper Jess Skinner and ended with a perfectly weighted ball into the stride of Theodora Mouithys. The NTC midfielder initially lost possession but ran onto a short attempted back pass to advance to a one-on-one with UWA-Nedlands goalkeeper Morgan Springer before rolling the ball into an empty net.
However, within two minutes the visitors were level. Michaela Thawley gained possession from an NTC throw on the left midway between the halfway line and the penalty area. The American laid off to Chloe Rodrigo outside her who then passed to Andrea Preiato ahead of her. Preiato then played a sumptuous back-heeled return ball to Rodrigo that allowed the midfielder to run diagonally into the box unmarked to lift a glorious finish into the far corner of the net.
Within eight minutes of the second half’s commencement, the home side restored their lead as Nelli Johnson ended a fantastic patient move that built from the back with eight passes (with one UWA-Nedlands interception in between) to cut in from the left to fire home from just under 25 yards.
Above: Lacey Heyes (gold shirt), who provided an assist for the NTC against UWA-Nedlands. Photo: Football West NTC.
With 20 minutes to go, the teenage side finally established a two-goal lead as Lacey Heys’ high ball into the box from the right-hand edge of the box caused all sorts of problems for Springer in the visitors’ goal, and substitute Cate McAuliffe came in unseen at the back post to send a first time side-footed volley into the net from close range.
Three minutes into stoppage time, the NTC completed the scoring with another beautiful passing move that started with Jess Skinner in their goal and saw Jess Johnson showcasing her talent – first with a centimetre perfect pass with the outside of her boot to McAuliffe outside her on the left – and then beat Springer one-on-one to play a low ball across for Mia Britton to tap home from close range.
Above: Mia Britton (gold shirt, palm facing camera) celebrates her match clinching goal on Saturday. Photo: Football West NTC.
Ladder Round Eight:
Table From: Squadi.
Round Nine will take place on the weekend of 8th/9th June, with next weekend seeing State Cup Quarter-Final action.
STATE CUP QUARTER-FINAL FIXTURES: Saturday: Perth RedStar v Murdoch University Melville, Sunday: UWA-Nedlands v Balcatta Etna, Subiaco v Perth SC, Fremantle City v Hyundai NTC.
Tyla-Jay Vlajnic’s spectacular goal separated the sides as The Essendon Royals and The Preston Lions played out an attacking 2-1 game at Cross Keys Reserve.
Few sides have recruited like Essendon has this season. For their return to the NPLW Victoria, the Royals signed Ava Groba, Julia Sardo and Raquel Derales from Calder United, former Adelaide United and Heidelberg midfielder Reona Omiya and Emily Sutliffe from Boroondara Eagles. Their most recent addition was Vlajnic. The Serbian internation has joined Essendon following her season in the A-League Women with Western United and made her home debut against Preston United.
The Lions arrived needing to bounce back after the loss the Bulleen last round, that game and midweek results meant that Preston had relinquished top spot on the ladder, and they looked ready to respond in the early stages with Susan Phonsongkham proving menacing threat in attack.
The Royals momentarily thought they had earned a penalty with a foul at the edge of the box, but it was adjudged to be a free kick 18 yards from goal. Ava Groba’s effort flew over the bar.
Vlajnic had the chance to show what she can bring to this side with a set piece soon after. She whipped in a free kick from the left and Sardo almost scored with a spectacular effort. She leapt, contorted her body and somehow flicked the ball over the defence and on target, but Charlotte Hrehoresin was able to hold onto the ball on the line.
Essendon took the lead before half time. Emma Robers met Groba’s corner at the far post. She was unmarked but still had work to do. The Western United midfielder nodded the ball across goal and looped over the defenders to nestle into the back of the net.
The Royals doubled the lead on the hour mark. It was the result of another corner, but once again required excellent individual skill. Groba’s delivery was cleared to the edge of the box, but Vlajnic was poised to strike and hit a right footed volley through the crowded penalty area and into the net to make it 2-0.
Despite the scoreline, the game still felt in the balance, and Preston pulled one back in the 73rd minute. Ellie Lamonte recovered the ball on wide of goal and rocketed an unstoppable low drive into the net.
The difference I the two teams in the end was depth. Essendon brought on Derales and Sutcliffe as the game wore down, and the two experienced campaigners strength the home side, the pace of Groba in attack meant that safety-first clearances turned into chances on goal and with Preston pushing for an equaliser, the match felt like it had one more goal in it.
That never arrived, and the home side held on for a 2-1 win. Essendon now sits in third place, but only one point behind Preston and with a game in hand. Next up they travel to play Alamein FC, while The Lions will need to be at their best to beat an improving Heidelberg United in Round 11.
A brace from captain Danielle Micallef plus goals from Emily Roach and Aimee Medwin were enough to see off a spirted performance from FV Emerging
South Melbourne threatened early. Francesca Iermano worked her way into the box but her attempt from a tight angle was comfortably held by Emerging keeper Sophie Dehne. Dehne again was involved soon after, palming away Emily Roach’s ambitious long-range effort.
Despite the early pressure, it was the visitors who struck first. Emerging won the ball back on the halfway line and the counterattack was on. The ball eventually reached Eva Kokotis in the penalty are. Kokotis remained calm in the box, creating enough space to get her shot away and fire the visitors in the lead.
One goal soon became two for Emerging. A fortuitouslydeflected free kick from Jade Tam wrongfooted Christina Esposito in the South Melbourne goal, doubling their lead in the opening sixteen minutes
South Melbourne thought they had pulled a goal back soon after, Danielle Micallef bundling home from close range, but was given offside. South Melbourne needed a decision to go their way soon, otherwise it looked likely the game would run away from them.
Their prayers were answered. Mesiha Westland was played through on goal where she was met by Dehne. The subsequenttackle from Dehne was deemed by the referee to be enough for a red card. South Melbourne had their lifeline.
The tide had turn. Grace Rapp’s looped effort struck the bar, the home side really turning on the pressure in the closing stages of the first half. Yet Emerging manged to hold onto their two-goal lead going into half time.
However, their two-goal lead soon evaporated in the space of a minute. Firstly, Micaleff pulled it back to 2-1. The captain was not to be denied by the offside flag this time, blasting the ballhome from an acute angle, past unlikely goalkeeper Emilia Ingles, and into the roof of the net
Then it was the turn of Roach to get in on the goal scoring action. Tayla Christensen’s cross found Westland of the edge of the box. Westland then touched the ball forward to Roach. The recent addition to the South Melbourne squad swivelled on the penalty spot and slammed in the equaliser.
tI would have been fair to assume at this point the game had slipped through the fingers of Emerging. However, they had other ideas. A short corner was played out to Ehva Gutszmit. Gutszmit launched the ball forward in specular fashion, floating over the head of Esposito and into the goal. Emerging had retaken the lead in the most improbable of situations.
Their hope was swiftly dashed, and it was South Melbourne’s captain who delivered their crushing reality. Micallef was deftly played through on goal and in those positions, she is deadly, levelling the game at 3-3
Ingles made a superb save to deny Micallef her hattrick, but the resulting corner gave South Melbourne the lead for the first time in the game. The ball fell perfectly for Aimee Medwin inside the box for her to finish and get her first goal of season.
Both sides could have scored more. Kokostis almost had her second goal of the game, but her long-range attempt was tipped over by Esposito while Medwin had her shot cannon of the post for the eventual winners.
From this victory, South Melbourne remain in 5th position after Boroondara’s 4-1 victory over Moreland on Saturday.
FV Emerging have yet to claim an away victory will be disappointed that this game was not the one to change this, especially after leading 2-0. After this game, they find themselves in nineth place, two points above tenth place Calder United
Report by Emma Burke, EXCLUSIVE match photos by Kris Goman, from AAMI Park for Impetus (25/5/24).
Above: Arsenal’s Australian international Caitlin Foord (red shirt) rises above Alex Chidiac at AAMI Park yesterday. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Arsenal may have taken the win against the A-League Women All Stars at AAMI Park in Melbourne, but it could all have been so different. The North London side’s head coach Jonas Eidevall spoke afterwards about just how strong their opponents were.
“They’re a very talented team, hardworking, tactically gifted as well, we could see that to the end it was a competitive game,” said Eidevall, before attributing Arsenal’s win not to the goal scored by Alessia Russo, but to the incredible save made by their 19-year-old goalkeeper Naomi Williams, who denied Melbourne City striker Hannah Wilkinson the potential equaliser in the final moments of extra time.
Above: Cortnee Vine looks to turn away from Katie McCabe at AAMI Park yesterday. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Both Catley and Foord praised the All-Stars team, made up of players they had played with or against in their time in the A-League.
“The All Stars coming together, having never played together before, I thought they were great, they were really challenging to mark going forward, and they’ve got incredible individual players,” said Catley.
“They worked really well as a team, the midfield caused a lot of problems for us getting on the ball. Their midfield was confident to get on the ball, to switch it, and that was where they caused us the most problems,” said Foord.
While both teams left the game unscathed injury-wise, there were some close calls for two of Arsenal’s Aussies, Catley exiting the game at half-time and returning to the bench with a heavily strapped right thigh, and Kyra Cooney-Cross exiting the game late and almost needing a stretcher to do so.
Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross (red shirt, on ground) crashes to earth under a challenge as Caitlin Foord appeals. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“I’m fine, I just had a little bit of a tight groin towards the end of that first half, so just keeping it good for the next stuff coming up,” Catley said.
On Cooney-Cross’ situation, however, when asked Catley rolled her eyes before laughing and calling her younger teammate “dramatic,” for almost being stretchered off for what Foord said was “a bit of cramping.”
This experience also allowed for the coaching staff and the rest of the Arsenal team to gain some insight to how the Matildas trio survive when travelling to Australia to play for their national team and then being thrown straight back into club football.
“You think you know jet lag because you’ve been to America a few times but it’s a totally different ball game going to Australia,” said Eidevall.
Above: Kayla Morrison (black shirt) looks to break through. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“I very much believe you have to put yourself in their [the players’] shoes at times to get a good understanding of what they’re going through and if you have that you can help better as well. It’s not only me now [who understands the Australian experience] it’s the rest of the team as well.”
While most of their club teammates now head into their off-season, the grind doesn’t stop for the Australian Arsenal players, as all three have been selected to play with the Matildas against China in Adelaide on the 31st of May.
“These are kind of our last prep and our last games on home soil,” said Foord. “We really want to make the most of that and start to get into gear heading into the Olympics.”
More of Kris Goman’s exclusive photos from AAMI Park for Impetus
Above: AFC Sudbury celebrating their 11-1 win in the Suffolk Women’s Cup Final on Tuesday night. Image: Paul Voller
On Tuesday night Tier Four AFC Sudbury defeated 11-1 Tier Seven Stowupland Falcons in the Suffolk Women’s Cup Final. A night that looks simple based on the scoreline but in reality was anything but straightforward.
APremier League stage
AFC Sudbury and Stowupland Falcons had the privilege of facing off at Portman Road, the home of now Premier League Ipswich Town and it was obvious from the moment of arrival that this was a Premier venue, the press invited into the same lounge as the hospitality guests.
The Hall of Fame lounge simply stunning, an a la cart buffet and hot drinks served by staff with smiles on their faces. Ipswich Town had treated this grassroots occasion like it was one of their own first team matches and it was brilliant to see.
The seats padded in the centre of the upper tier of the Cobbled Stand with a perfect unrestricted view of the pitch. Suffolk FA went to huge length to give the players an experience they will never forget. Flag bearers and senior dignitaries from the Suffolk Football Association greeted the teams as they lined up on the pitch before kick off.
AFC Sudbury (Pink) and Stowupland Falcons lining up to meet the Suffolk FA dignitaries pre match. Image: Shaun Button
A Super Start then Severe Weather
Everyone attending on Tuesday night might not have admitted it but everyone knew this result was a forgone conclusion before we started out. That didn’t matter though as both teams played with smiles on their faces roared on by their huge numbers of supporters either side of the Hospitality box in the Cobbled Stand.
AFC Sudbury were 6-0 up in 39 minutes, Sophie Jeffery tapped in, Eva Frazzoni got two plus Aliyat Lambe, Kaylee Dodd and Alex Penny made up the six. The game won already with some quality football but what was happening around it was equally as fascinating.
The Portman Road pitch had been saturated during the time Sudbury were scoring six. Horrendous conditions which led to referee Isabel Chaplin being forced into a difficult but correct decision to suspend play and take the players off the pitch on 40 minutes with the score 6-0 at the time 8.10pm.
The match was suspended on 40 minutes due to adverse weather at Portman Road. Image: Ben Pooley
A perfectly managed delay
Following the suspension and the rain continuing to fall many within the ground thought the game may be entirely abandoned. Suffolk FA managed this situation brilliantly by informing the crowd inspections would take place at 8.45pm and then 9.05pm to see if we could resume. .
The rain had stopped but the pitch was unplayable on the 8.45pm inspection but thankfully did pass at 9.05pm. The players then needed time to warm up so Suffolk FA announced the game would resume at 9.35pm, with the five minutes of the first half being played. A five minute half-time then the full second half. Perfect: we knew exactly where we were now at and everyone in attendance delighted we were continuing.
The game resumed after an 85 minutes delay. The pitch still wet but Sudbury ran riot and scored another 5 goals to win 11-1. Image: Steve Screech
Sublime Sudbury and Superb Stowupland
AFC Sudbury got the game complete with five more superb goals. Yasmin Drake from the spot to make it seven, Jess Allen made it eight, Ava Jouvenel nine, Alex Penny got us to double figures before Penny got her Hat-trick by making it 11. It was a great performance from AFC Sudbury in a no win situation where they had all the pressure. They can be so proud of themselves.
The Supporters magnificent as a crowd of 920 watched the biggest occasion in Suffolk Women’s Football. Just two persons shy of the Norfolk equivalent final the week prior which staged big name Norwich City in their home venue and Wroxham. Suffolk FA will be delighted by that figure and rightly so.
Just as we thought that was our lot, Stowupland Falcons decided they wanted to produce the moment of the night when Enya Moore scored for them on 86 minutes to the loudest cheers of the night from their supporters. It was a privilege to witness.
The game ended shortly after 10.30pm to a standing ovation for both teams followed by the medal and trophy presentations. It was a lovely night that had everything and a truly great advert for Suffolk Women’s Football.
Stowupland Falcons got a goal back late in the game thanks to Enya Moore and then lapped up the appreciation fron their adoring and very loud fans. Image: Ben Pooley
A Long but perfect Suffolk FA day
After working 9-5 in Norwich I caught the 5.30pm train to Ipswich, arriving at the ground around 6.20pm and leaving after a fun evening at 10.50pm. With the next train back to Norwich not until 11.42pm I had time for McDonald’s by which point the heavens had opened again for my walk back to the station.
I eventually arrived home at 12.40am after a long but really enjoyable day and to be honest I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is the third consecutive year I have covered the Suffolk Women’s Cup Final and Suffolk FA look after you like no other, treated like Kings from arriving to leaving and despite the weather it was a great evening.
Thanks to both AFC Sudbury and Stowupland Falcons as well as the Suffolk FA and Ipswich Town staff who were tremendous hosts all evening.
See you next year!
Stowupland Falcons did themselves proud on the night against opposition from three leagues higher. Image: Shaun Button
Impetus’ Emma Burke and Kris Goman were at the Arsenal media conference and training session in Melbourne today ahead of their game against the A-League Women All Stars tomorrow to bring you all the details from the event(23/5/24).
Above: Kim Little, Jonas Eidevall, and Steph Catley at today’s Arsenal media conference in Melbourne. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall, captain Kim Little, and their Matildas’ captain Steph Catley faced media in Melbourne today ahead of the Gunners’ game against the A-League Women All Stars tomorrow.
“We focus on playing our football and doing that as best as possible to represent the badge and our way of playing and hopefully if you are not already in love with Arsenal you will be when you see the team play,” said Eidevall of the club.
Above: A relaxed Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall at today’s media conference in Melbourne. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Arsenal have travelled to Melbourne with a star-studded line up including their three Australian players in Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Caitlin Foord, and a slew of other international names such as Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe, Lionesses star Alessia Russo, and Norway’s Frida Maanum.
They’re set to face an All Star contingent that is made up of Matildas such as Cortnee Vine, Tameka Yallop, league Golden Boot winner Michelle Heyman, and former Arsenal goalkeeper Lydia Williams in one of her final appearances on Australian soil.
Above: Joe Montemurro, the former Arsenal head coach, who takes charge of the A-League Woman All-Stars side tomorrow. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“It’s a great opportunity to see the best from a league that has produced so many great talents over the years,” said Eidevall of the opportunity to play this fixture. “It’s homegrown talent and it’s going to be exciting to see what that is tomorrow night,” he continued.
This is the first time the A-League Women has had an All-Stars contingent – another example of the continued growth of the women’s game.
“It’s a first for women’s football and it’s really special to be involved. It’s something that Arsenal is doing on the daily, breaking barriers and being the first to do things,” said Steph Catley.
Above: Matildas captain Steph Catley at the Arsenal media conference today. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“The change has been astronomical really since the World Cup for me, since the Euros in England for the [Women’s Super League],” she said.
Long gone are the days when Catley played alongside her Arsenal captain for Melbourne City in 2015/16 in front of a few hundred people.
“I loved living here, we lived just north of the City when I was here and I loved the City, so yeah it’s nice to be back even though we’re only here briefly,” said Kim Little.
Above: Kim Little in today’s media conference in Melbourne. Photo: Kris Goman for Impteus.
That season, eight years ago, saw Melbourne City’s introduction into the women’s league, coached by Joe Montemurro, who is coaching the All-Stars in tomorrow night’s game.
City won all of their games, becoming Premiers, and then Champions of the league, and Little was voted Player’s Player of the Season.
“I could never have even imagined back in the day, back then, that we would be where we are now. It’s pretty special,” Catley admitted. “To be here with my club team is a unique experience.”
Exclusive photo gallery by Kris Goman for Impetus from Arsenal training in Melbourne today:
impetusfootball.org 