In the latest part of our WA on Wednesday series of player interviews from the NPLW WA, Subiaco‘s Savannah Olsthoorne talks to Ben Gilby about her footballing journey, life at Subiaco, and what more can be done to identify talented players from outside the Perth metro areas (22/5/24)
Above: Savannah Olsthoorne (white shirt) looks to break through against UWA Nedlands. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (visit Denyse RT Photography on Facebook)
Subiaco’s Savannah Olsthoorne is in only her second season as an NPLW WA player at the age of 29, and is catching the eye with her ability to provide regular assists and the potential to chip in with important goals for her side.
Olsthoorne describes herself as: “A team player with a high work rate. I don’t like to let people down so I will always give 110% and I think that is reflected in my game.” That desire to go above and beyond for her side has marked her out as a key member of the Subiaco side who are pushing for their first-ever place in the Top Four Cup at the end of the season. That ability combined with her speed, fitness, and composure in stressful situations has allowed a player that is new to the Perth metro football scene to flourish.
The Subi star has spent almost all of her footballing journey playing about her native Bunbury area, just under 170km south of Perth, and she outlined how her career developed in the state’s South-West.
“When I first started playing at the age of six or seven, there were no girls’ teams, so I always played with the boys. It wasn’t until I was 13-14 that I actually started playing in the women’s team and we had quite a lot of success and won many league titles.
Above: Savannah Olsthoorne in possession for Subiaco at Balcatta Etna this season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (visit Denyse RT Photography on Facebook).
In my second season, I actually won the association Youth Player of the Year which was a surprise to me at the time! I think playing with the boys helped my development as a player. The lack of opportunity was always the biggest problem in the South-West of the state.
“When the South West Phoenix FC started and Stephen Suttie came on board as the women’s coach, this provided a great stepping stone. The Phoenix club provided an opportunity for rural players to play to compete at a high level without the need to relocate. Steve asked me for about two-three years to join the women’s team, however at the time I didn’t want the commitment of travelling to Perth every second weekend to play (a journey of just under two hours.)
“In 2020 I finally agreed, and in that time we won the State League Division One title for three years in a row. Steve was a big contributor to my development as a player. I then moved to Perth and decided I would challenge myself by trying out for an NPL team. This had its own challenges – coming in at 29.
“I really had to prove myself. I ended up joining Subiaco and I’m very grateful for the opportunity Greg (Farrell, head coach) has given me. It has been the biggest challenge I have had – starting with a new team in the NPLW. Having to rebuilding relationships, prove myself, and show what I can offer is a challenge in itself.
Above: Savannah Olsthoorne looking for the pass. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (visit Denyse RT Photography on Facebook).
“I’ve always played in a team where the coaches already knew me, so almost starting fresh was rather unfamiliar for me. The coaches didn’t necessarily know my strengths, what I’m good at, or how to utilise my skills to get the best outcomes in a game situation. So it was a period of discovery from both the player and coaching perspective.”
Olsthoorne gradually grew into her new surroundings and the standard of the game, and towards the end of the 2023 season was flourishing, providing important link-up play and assists for the team – something she is continuing to build upon in 2024. The development of her confidence was the key element in her growing importance to Subiaco.
“I look back and I can see there were a lot of positive moments. I think last season, being my first season in the NPLW, was more a focus on building up my confidence in a new league, a new team, and adjusting to a new coaching style and strategy. Last season set some good foundations, and this season I’m really starting to find my stride.
With seven rounds of this season played, Subiaco are within touching distance of the top four, and with the league looking more competitive than ever this year, Olsthoorne is developing her role, playing in a different position for Greg Farrell’s side.
Above: Savannah Olsthoorne (white shirt) breaks through against Murdoch University Melville. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (visit Denyse RT Photography on Facebook).
“This season I am playing a slightly different role as a wing-back. Historically, I’ve always played as a winger, so adjusting to the defensive side is something new to me. Reading the ball and defensive positioning is something I’ve been working on with Greg and I’m feeling much more comfortable in the role.
“Overall I think the wing-back position suits my playing style very well and I believe there is still a lot of growth to be made in my playing ability. From a team perspective, I think we’ve made a positive start to the season. There were a lot of new players that signed this season and I think we are still learning to play with each other. We are seeing improvements every week, which I think really showed in our 3-1 win against NTC.
“Finding myself in a new position this year has had its own challenges, which has been exciting but also pushed me to continue to further my skill and knowledge of the game – so excelling in this new position will be a goal. And of course, making the top four is both a personal and team goal.
Above: Savannah Olsthoorne (white shirt) looks to hold off a Balcatta Etna tackle. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (visit Denyse RT Photography on Facebook).
With Subiaco becoming harder and harder to beat each season, the next step is to break into the top four. Olsthoorne believes that off the pitch, the foundations are there to give the players everything they need to make that breakthrough.
I think Greg and Annie Farrell have been big drivers towards the improvements. They both invest so much time and energy into developing players. They have put work into coaching apps, recovery programs and routines, player injury management, and most importantly team culture. They keep the players disciplined and accountable and think this is an important component. Both Adi Juric (technical director) and Branko Jelic (assistant technical director) take time away to do specialised training sessions with the team and individually, and this doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m sure there is a lot more that goes on internally, overall the club is going in a very positive direction.”
Whilst Olsthoorne is now a role model for players from the South-West of the state to continue to aim for the NPLW, it can only happen if player pathways from the area, and to the northern areas of Western Australia continue to evolve and develop.
“As access to better player identification pathways are now more readily available, and as awareness of women’s soccer becomes more prominent, the standards have increased a lot. I noticed this increase, particularly in the South West – player technical ability is a stand out compared to a number of years ago. I think we just need to keep doing what we are doing – creating awareness, development pathways and continue to target rural areas that don’t have prominent pathways because there is a lot of talent out there that we are still likely missing.
Above: Savannah Olsthoorne – having another solid season at Subiaco. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch (visit Denyse RT Photography on Facebook).
Above: Rhian Wilkinson at the squad announcement at the FAW, Hensol. Image: Rob Mellor for Impetus
Unbeaten in four games, having scored 12 goals and conceded none, it was no surprise to anyone that Cymru head coach Rhian Wilkinson announced a very familiar squad for the forthcoming games against Ukraine in WEURO 2025.
Eight of Wilkinson’s squad may be the wrong side of 30, but Wilkinson has one eye on the future in the selection of this squad.
“We kept a lot of the principles that we’ve had since I’ve come in, which is opportunities to get new young players into the environment, to give them exposure to the senior team, not just the players, but the training sessions and also games. So, always trying to find a really good mix of our experienced players with some youth and uncapped to make sure that we’re keeping the squad depth growing as we move through this campaign.” The Cymru boss said.
Wilkinson has the luxury of an (almost) fully-fit group to pick from; both Carrie Jones and Safia Middleton-Patel are now fit and available, having missed the first couple of Wilkinson’s games in charge through injury. Only Crystal Palace’s Elise Hughes is unavailable after suffering an ACL injury late in the season.
Wilkinson commented on Hughes’ injury: “This is football. Injuries happen. They’re obviously awful and upsetting. And in the women’s game, ACLs are quite a reality at the moment. Very, very sad for Elise, but also excited that we’ll hopefully have her back once we qualify for the Euros, but it gives, again, opportunity.
“We have to see it like that. She played very well for us. So did Kayleigh Green [Barton] coming in. We’ve got Mary McAteer, who’s been training here. We’ve got Olivia Francis coming in in that position. So, you’ve got to see these unfortunate setbacks as opportunities, and that’s how we’ll be looking at it.”
The Seattle Reign power-trio of Angharad James, Jess Fishlock and Lily Woodham all feature, as do Woodham’s ex-Reading connections Gemma Evans, Charlie Estcourt and the scarily on-form Rachel Rowe, recently voted SFA’s SWPL1 Player of the Year. Bristol City’s nucleus of Olivia Clark, Ella Powell, Carrie Jones and Ffion Morgan also get the nod.
Bristol City also supply one of the four new faces in 18 year-old forward Tianna Teisar, most recently seen playing on loan at Cardiff City Ladies. Also uncapped are goalkeeper Poppy Soper and forwards Ellen Jones and Olivia Francis (Sunderland and Manchester United respectively).
Wilkinson knows that not all WEURO 2025 qualifiers will be as straightforward as the victory over Kosovo, and that Ukraine are on paper the toughest opponents in the group.
“I thought Ukraine had a more dominant display [despite losing to Croatia],” she said, “but that’s football: results go different ways.
“Ukraine will be a great test, a new team for us to prepare for. And that’s what I’m looking forward to… I think we’ve set a standard, but there’s a lot we need to improve on. We know that these games are important for me to bed in my philosophies and ideas. And this is a new opportunity for us to raise the bar, to tighten up the areas I though we were loose on.
“I don’t mean that as a huge criticism: I gave them a lot of leeway to explore what I was asking them to do, and now there’s tightening up to be done to prepare for stronger opposition, and Ukraine is that next team in front of us.”
The squad in full: Olivia CLARK (Bristol City), Laura O’SULLIVAN (Cardiff City Ladies), Safia MIDDLETON-PATEL (Watford – On loan from Manchester United), Poppy SOPER (Ipswich Town – On loan from Charlton Athletic), Rhiannon ROBERTS (Real Betis), Charlie ESTCOURT (Reading), Josie GREEN (Leicester City), Hayley LADD (Manchester United), Gemma EVANS (Manchester United), Mayzee DAVIES (Manchester United), Lily WOODHAM (Seattle Reign), Ella POWELL (Bristol City), Sophie INGLE (Chelsea), Alice GRIFFITHS (Southampton), Angharad JAMES (Seattle Reign), Lois JOEL (London City Lionesses), Rachel ROWE (Rangers), Carrie JONES (Bristol City), Ffion MORGAN (Bristol City), Jess FISHLOCK (Seattle Reign), Ceri HOLLAND (Liverpool), Ellen JONES (Sunderland), Kayleigh BARTON (Charlton Athletic), Mary MCATEER (Sunderland), Olivia FRANCIS (Manchester United), Tianna TEISAR (Cardiff City Ladies – On loan from Bristol City).
Above: Dussindale & Hellesdon secured the Eastern Region Division One Title on Sunday winning the Step Six title in their first season at that level. Credit – Dussindale & Hellesdon Women FC
Eastern Region League Cup Final
Wroxham were beaten for the second time in Cup finals in the same week after they lost the Eastern Region League Cup Final 4-2 against Real Bedford. Gemma Croucher, Amber Smith, Natasha Fensome and an Own goal saw Bedford lead 4-0 at Half Time however second half strikes from Lily Alexander and Rebecca Russell saw Wroxham restore some pride in the final.
Eastern Region Division One North
Dussindale and Hellesdon won the Tier Six title following a 2-2 draw at Mulbarton Wanderers. Georgina Belton and Victoria Leyer scored for Dussindale and Hellesdon with Laura Hedtke and Alanta Griffith scoring for Mulbarton. The result was more than enough to see Dussindale and Hellesdon claim the Tier Six title in only their first year in the division.
Action from the match between Mulbarton Wanderers (Blue) and Dussindale & Hellesdon. Credit – Ben Cunningham.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Bungay Town went top of Tier Seven with a hard fought 3-2 win over Kings Lynn Soccer Club at Maltings Meadow, Goals from Mia Rose, Ruby Roos and Lauren Purling saw Bungay Town claim an important win. Nikola Maslak and Taeya Mayes scores for Kings Lynn Soccer Club.
Thorpe St Andrew and North Walsham played out a thrilling 4-4 draw at Sir George Morse Park. Rio Dobbie scored all four for North Walsham Town with a Rebecca Sutton hat trick and a goal from Natasha Frankland sealing a share of the points for Thorpe St Andrew.
Bure Valley secured the Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two title with a 9-0 win at Horsford Harriers on Sunday. Credit – Shay Porter
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
Bure Valley secured the Tier Eight title with a 9-0 win at Horsford Harriers. Willow Nye scored a Hat-trick, Emma Macmillan and Ellie Reader scored a brace each with Maisie Redgrave and Megan Swain getting the other goals. It completes a fine season for Bure Valley as they win Tier Eight in their first year as an Adult team.
Mundford went second with a 6-0 home win over Martham. Bethany Seymour scored a Hat-trick, Sophia Price scored a brace and Livvi Hodges scored the other.
Beccles Town Development picked up an impressive 4-2 away win at Shrublands. Alesha Tuttle scored a brace with Libby Elder and Vicky Bloomfield getting their other goals. Rachel Adams and Greta Jasinskyte scored for Shrublands.
FC Viking Valkyries were 5-0 winners at Horsford Hurricanes thanks to a Hat-trick from Jessica Bennett and goals from Megan Bird and an Own goal.
Freethorpe and Red Rose played out a 1-1 draw. Laura Hume scoring for Freethorpe.
Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two
FC Viking Valkyries were 3-0 winners at Hockering thanks to goals from Jane Diver, Kayleigh Ellwood and Lisa Ferdani.
It was celebrations all round for Bure Valley as they won the Tier Eight in their first season in Adult Football on Sunday. Credit – Shay Porter
Above: Lydia Williams (left) and Charli Grant at today’s Matildas media event in Adelaide. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson today revealed his 23-player squad for the two home games with China that will take place in Adelaide and Sydney on 31st May and 3rd June respectively.
The game next Friday night local time in South Australia will be The Matildas’ first game in Adelaide for five years, and their first at the iconic 53,000-capacity Adelaide Oval. Game two, at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium, will see a sell-out crowd of approaching 80,000 celebrate the career of 103-cap legend Lydia Williams, who recently announced she will retire after the Olympic Games in August.
The squad features 21 of the 23 players who helped the team qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics with 17 players based internationally. Six home-based players, including two from the A-League Women Championship winning side, Sydney FC, complete the squad.
Head Coach Tony Gustavsson emphasised the squad selected for the China series is the culmination of numerous camps and international matches since the World Cup last year. He sees this as an important opportunity for the players to make their final claims for the Olympic squad.
“The squad we have named for this upcoming series against China PR is based on their performances for their respective clubs and also in our national team environment,” Gustavsson stated. “Some players are selected based on past performances, in tournaments and in previous camps, while others are chosen for their current strong form.”
“With the Olympics approaching, selection is about seeing the overall picture over four years of performance and assembling the best team possible. We have looked at providing cover in each of the different positions and ensuring the player profile for those positions enhance the squad. We are pleased and confident we have those options across the pitch,” he explained.
Defenders Clare Hunt and Courtney Nevin and goalkeeper Lydia Williams return after being unavailable for April’s FIFA International window in the United States when the Matildas took on Mexico.
Above: Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson, who revealed his latest squad earlier today. Photo: Football Australia.
Katrina Gorry (ankle) and Aivi Luik (hamstring) are still unavailable as they continue to rehab after being ruled out in April, while attackers Amy Sayer and Sam Kerr remain on the sidelines with long-term ACL injuries. Kerr and Sayer will continue their rehabilitation programs in their home club environments and subsequently will not be available for selection for the Olympics.
“I think everyone can do the math here and understand that obviously the Olympic roster will be based mostly out of those that are in this upcoming May/June camp,” Gustavsson outlined.
“However, we also have some players in Katrina and Aivi unavailable for selection for this window but most likely will be physically available to be part of an Olympic roster. This window will be a tough one for me and my staff in terms of evaluating players, where they are, and then the final selection process for Paris.
“We want to use this camp to summarise the evolved playing style we have built upon in the last couple of months. To go back to what we did at last year’s World Cup and the core things we did well there and then add the layers we have worked on since.
“Then we will see if we can get more of a complete overview of where we are positioned, work on nuances and details and get some answers of where are we and what do we need to keep working on come the Olympics,” Gustavsson concluded.
Above: Charli Grant speaking today in Adelaide. Image: Football Australia.
Matildas defender Charli Grant spoke of her immense pride today in being in her home state to represent her country in front of a sell-out crowd next Friday.
“I’ve always been going on about how good Adelaide is, so I’m really excited to show the girls what Adelaide is all about,” the Tottenham Hotspur right-back said.
“It’s always an honour to be selected for the national team, and to be able to play here at Adelaide Oval is a little bit extra special to me, this is where I grew up, this is where my family and friends are, so to do this for them will be special to have them watching.”
Playing in the city’s biggest stadium is yet another symbolic sign of the massive surge in interest surrounding The Matildas since last year’s World Cup – and Grant was thrilled about how her home city has embraced the team.
“We (last) played here five years ago at Coopers Stadium (Adelaide United’s home stadium) and I think we were saying there were 10,000 there, now we’ll be in front of 50,000 at Adelaide Oval, so it’s huge for the women’s game, it shows how it’s grown and I’m really proud of Adelaide for stepping forward and giving us a place to play.
“I’ve always come to Adelaide Oval to watch AFL games and to be actually playing there is a really special moment.”
Above: Lydia Williams speaking to the media in Adelaide today. Image: Football Australia.
This international camp is a particularly bittersweet one for Lydia Williams. The Western Australian recently announced she will retire after the Olympic Games, and the two games against China in the coming weeks will be her last chance to represent her country on home soil.
“I’ve given a lot to the game. It’s important for me to leave it in a better position so players like Charli and the future is going to thrive. I’m going to look back and really enjoy this moment. The next few months I am going to get to play with a smile on my face as I know what the future is like for The Matildas, and that’s all I can ask for.”
That future may well be bright, but the present is pretty exciting too – both on and off the pitch for the Australian national side.
“It’s been five years since we’ve been here (in Adelaide). To have the reception and to be slowly ticking our way through Australia selling out stadiums is really an honour…The series is a farewell, leading not only into (the) Paris (Olympics), but a special send-off game in Sydney which I’m really excited for, and really special preparations for the team leading into the Olympics.
“It’s knuckling down into final preparations for the Olympics…whilst it’s going to be a nice moment and a nice camp, it definitely will be competitive in making sure we are in the best shape possible leading into Paris.”
Above: All smiles – Lydia Williams (left) and Charli Grant with Adelaide Oval, the venue for next Friday’s first game with China in the background. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
A Sarah O’Donoghue inspired Heidelberg United won their third game of the season in a relentless display against Brunswick Juventus. The final score was 4-0 at CB Smith Reserve, but it could easily have been more, with a new signing helping transform The Bergers fortunes in attack.
The visitors unveiled their new weapon to help climb the table. Bulleen Lions premiership winner Alana Jancevski made her first start since joining from Adelaide United in the A-League Women, but it was a full team assault in the opening stages with Heidelberg pressing high up the pitch and forcing Brunswick Juventus into quick touches or hurried clearances.
It felt like it was only a matter of time before the first goal and it arrived in the 14th minute. Sarah O’Donoghue’s ran down the right, turned inside and switched play for to provide Heidelberg with the time to cross. The ball bounced on the edge of the six-yard box and Stephanie Galea took advantage of some hesitant goalkeeping to nod home the opener.
Some quick interplay between several Heidelberg players resulted in a simple tap in for O’Donoghue at the far post. The slick passing move was thrilling to watch but was once against set up by an aggressive press that won the ball back in the attacking third.
Brunswick Juventus had struggled to get up the field, or to launch any meaningful counterattacks. Karina Tolios provided their best outlet on the left wing but bas mostly well marshalled by the visitors, and supply was largely cut off.
Jancevski gave her new side a glimpse of what she will bring with a clever roulette turn and in-swinging cross. The ball was cleared, but only for another corner and after a short exchange of passes with Kathryn Vlahopoulos, another inswinger caused chaos for Brunwick’s defence and Mami Ambo was on hand to make it 3-0 in the 42nd minute.
The half time stats reflected Heidelberg’s dominance. 15 shots on goal, with seven on target showed that the home side were under siege for much of the half. up the other end Mia Bailey was rarely tested, but her long and confident passing helped set up the multiple waves of attack.
Despite needing to chase the lead, Brunswick had sat deep for much of the half, It made sense considering the pace in the Heidelberg attack, but some hesitant or at times panicked defending had allowed them to be breached three times in a blistering first half.
Brunswick tried to switch things up a little in the second half, and pushed higher up the pitch. That left them open to the counterattack and a combination of Galea and Jancevski set up O’Donoghue for her second of the night.
Galea jinked down the right hand side and cut the ball inside the Jancevski at the edge of the box. The defence prepared to block the shot, but Jancevski instead flicked the ball to her left into the stride of the dominant O’Donoghue who danced around the goalkeeper, kept her balance and made it 4-0.
Thankfully for the home side, that is where the scoring ended. But that did not mean that Heidelberg had slowed down. Galea once again tested the defence with a cross from the right, and after the ball was spilled only the upright denied Vlahopoulos from adding a fifth.
Substitute Sienna Cappola brought the best out of the Bergers defence for the home side. She was found in space on the right by Nicole Cooper and only a lunging tackle from Cameron Barreiro and a fingertip effort from Bailey pushed it across goal to safety.
Galea looked certain to add to her tally when she raced behind the Brunswick defence in the 85th minute. Sienna Gidari was quick off her line and did well to cut off the easy shot, forcing the Heidelberg captain wide and once again the woodwork did the rest. The score remained at 4-0.
The win sees Heidelberg climb to seventh on the ladder but it was their most fluid and entertaining performance so far this season. The addition of Jancevski has helped gel the attack and she provides a certain x-factor to the side to match the craft and speed of Galea, Vlahopoulos and O’Donoghue.
Heidelberg have struggled to replace the goals of Danielle Wise since 2022 and while the former Adelaide United and Perth Glory striker is a very different sort of player, she is a proven goal threat, can score from any range and has an eye for a killer pass.
O’Donogue was superb in the first half, and her efforts with and without the ball helped set up the win in the early stages. Galea was as dangerous as ever and could easily have had a hatrick with some better luck.
Brunswick remain at the bottom of the table. The tests do not come much easier next week with a trip to face Boroondara Eagles who recently welcomed back 2023’s 31 goal hero Kurea Okino to the squad.
Heidelberg have another chance to improve their form against another newly promoted side in Round 10. However, Bentleigh Greens will want to provide a response to the thrashing they received from Bulleen and could be a sterner test than the table suggests.
Ben Gilby provides a full report from the weekend’s game of the round along with all the details from the other three matches, plus photography supplied by Rob Lizzi(20/5/24)
Above:Ella Lincoln (Azure shirt, centre) looks to break between two Subiaco defenders during Saturday evening’s matchbetween the two sides at Dorrien Gardens. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Game of the week
Hyundai NTC 1-7 Perth RedStar
Perth RedStar turned in a devastating second-half performance to come back from behind to comfortably defeat Hyundai NTC in Geraldton.
The defending champions had found themselves playing second fiddle to their teenage opponents for much of the first half, but a triple half-time substitution and slight tweaks to the way they approached the game allowed Carlos Vega Mena’s side to smash seven goals, win their seventh straight league game of the season, and lift a second successive Regional Trophy in this match at Wonthella Oval.
Located some 418 km, a four-and-a-half-hour road trip from Perth, the venue in Geraldton saw a packed grandstand for this encounter, part of Football West’s Regional Festival of Football.
Perth RedStar welcomed back Carla Bennett to the match day squad on the bench after the club icon missed all of the 2023 season and the opening months of 2024 with a serious knee injury. The NTC were without several regular faces including Louise Tana and Mia Britton.
It was RedStar who fashioned the first chance on goal in the opening minute as Theodora Mouithys was dispossessed by Reina Kagami who fed Olivia Wood, but the young attacker saw her effort go way over the bar.
After a long spell of cat-and-mouse with much possession in the middle of the park, NTC hit the front just before the quarter-hour mark. Jess Johnson showed her skill to turn her marker just outside her own penalty area and found Angelique Clayton outside on the right flank. Clayton had acres of space to run into and played a ball across for Houlis, equally unmarked. Whilst the pass was initially behind her, Houlis gathered and drove a shot that deflected up off of Andreia Teixeira in the box, over Gabby Dal Busco, and into the net.
GOAL! 14:01
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Hyundai NTC W in the Hyundai NTC W vs Perth Redstar W match at Wonthella Oval.
Houlis was her team’s hero eight minutes later once more, this time in defensive duties as she chased down Wood and made a great tackle to deny the RedStar attacker who was ready to pull the trigger.
NTC continued to have the better of the chances, and just before the half-hour, Nelli Johnson unleashed a spectacular drive from around 30 yards that Dal Busco pushed up onto the bar, and the ball bounced down into her grateful arms.
Ben Anderton’s young side were on top at this stage due to their outstanding work ethic and tactical setup. They were doing the hard yards to ensure that RedStar’s key creative talents of Caitlin Doeglas, Sarah Carroll, Momoko Sakairi, and Reina Kagami were being kept largely under wraps.
The NTC were looking to plug the channels and stick tight. This, plus their ability to play small triangular passing moves to both deny the champions and begin to build their own attacking moves was behind their strong first-half showing.
There were signs just after the half-hour period that RedStar were starting to find their feet as Leota picked up possession on her right and played a well-judged diagonal pass into Doeglas who advanced to get one on one with Megan Phillips blocking well. The NTC keeper was called into action with six minutes remaining on the half when Kagami found Wood on the right, but her powerful shot could not beat the custodian.
Above: Hyundai NTC (gold shirt) in possession against Perth RedStar in Geraldton. Photo: Football West/Tiz Heywood.
Then, just before the interval, RedStar crucially levelled matters. Wood was found at the back of the box and brought the ball down and under control excellently before being clipped by Houlis. After what seemed to be quite a pause, referee Jasmine Bremner finally pointed to the spot. Up stepped Doeglas to dispatch the ball into the right of centre for her sixth goal of the campaign.
RedStar looked to turbocharge their increasing momentum with a triple substitution at the break with Jayna Ridley, Quyen Doan, and Manami Arai coming into the action. Each of the trio would go on to play an important role in the turnaround of this match.
Ridley’s arrival was key in the early stages of the half in which her side found the front foot. This is a player with excellent vision, and the ability to find the right channels and passes at the right time.
Also integral to the defending champions’ domination of both possession and territory was the imposition of a rapid press which forced the NTC into errors and allowed the key influences of Kagami and Doeglas to get the time on the ball that they were lacking in the opening half.
Ten minutes into the second period, RedStar hit the front as Doeglas advanced along the right and played a one-two with Ridley to advance into space and curl a stunning shot into the right-hand corner of the net.
GOAL! 55:10
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the Hyundai NTC W vs Perth Redstar W match at Wonthella Oval.
Vega Mena’s side were now forcing the corners along the right and the errors from the NTC and just after the hour mark made the incessant pressure tell once more as Doeglas’ latest flag kick from the right was met by the head of Doan who got up highest at the back post – this was the start of a match-defining spell of four goals in just 16 minutes.
RedStar came close just four minutes later as Kagami found herself one-on-one with Phillips in the box, but inconceivably put her shot wide of the left-hand post when you would have put your mortgage on the Japanese star finding the back of the net.
However, it would take less than 60 seconds for the champions to extend their lead when Ridley found Doeglas once more and her low ball across from the left was met by the sliding Ridley to make it 4-1.
GOAL! 65:41
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the Hyundai NTC W vs Perth Redstar W match at Wonthella Oval.
With a quarter of an hour remaining, the lead went out to four goals in a highly unfortunate manner as Sakairi hit a shot from centrally positioned outside the box which hit the left-hand post and came back off NTC keeper Phillips and into the net. It was a tragic last piece of action for the afternoon for Phillips who had to be led from the field with an injury immediately afterwards.
Coming on consequently for her NPLW WA debut was Macy Johnson, who has played for the NTC’s U15 side this season. It was a difficult situation for the youngster to arrive amidst, and within two minutes she found herself having to pick the ball out of the net.
Bennett, back on the pitch after 15 months out cut in from the left and sent a perfectly weighted pass across to Arai who chipped the ball exquisitely over Johnson and in.
GOAL! 76:02
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Perth Redstar W in the Hyundai NTC W vs Perth Redstar W match at Wonthella Oval.
There was still time for a seventh, in the first minute of stoppage time as Doan’s corner on the right came in high to the middle of the box and was flicked forward for Ridley to head home.
This was a real masterclass from Perth RedStar in the second half – they were relentless in righting the wrongs of the first half, raising their standards to the highest possible levels, and the NTC were made to pay.
Ben Anderton’s side are now on a run of four straight defeats, with 20 goals conceded in this spell. How they deal with this will be the making of this side, but they have the talent to do so. They were shown the standards that they need to aspire to on Saturday afternoon up in Geraldton. UWA-Nedlands will be in their sights next weekend as they aim to get their top four hopes back on track.
Fremantle City closed the gap on the top four to just three points after bouncing back from a disappointing defeat last week with this victory at bottom side Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC).
The hosts made a nightmare start as Freo hit the front with only 25 seconds on the clock. Tanika Lala advanced on the left wing and played a cool back-heeled pass to Perth Glory teammate Abbey Green. Green fired in a pacey cross that perfectly dissected the home defence for Matilda Boyle to volley home.
It got better still for the visitors after eight minutes when Lala and Green combined yet again on the left, with the latter firing an almost identical cross into the middle. Boyle couldn’t reach it this time, but MUM FC could only clear as far as Lala centrally positioned on the edge of the box to rifle home a rocket from just inside the box.
GOAL! 07:55
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Fremantle City W in the MUM FC W vs Fremantle City W match at Besteam Stadium at Murdoch University.
The home side pulled a goal back just before the half-hour mark as Taylor Reid won turnover ball just inside her own half and fed Tiana Botha just ahead of her. The attacker held off Annabelle Leek and dispatched an excellent finish across Dayle Schroeder and into the right-hand corner of the net.
Murdoch University Melville continued to push for an equaliser into the second half but couldn’t quite make the breakthrough, however there is no doubt that they are an improving side. As for Freo, their credentials will face a tough examination next weekend at home to Perth SC.
Above: Jess Flannery (15) fires home for Perth SC against Subiaco on Saturday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth SC 4-0 Subiaco
Perth SC cemented their grasp of second place on the ladder after defeating a Subiaco side who would have moved into the top four themselves with a win at Dorrien Gardens in Saturday’s late match.
The Azzurri are starting to look powerful, and they went ahead with four minutes on the clock. Ella Lincoln’s initial burst into the left-hand edge of the box was broken up, but the attacker put so much pressure on the Subi defenders attempting to clear that they could only find Jess Flannery who turned the ball straight back towards the near post where a defender lost their footing allowing Lincoln to pounce and shoot high into the net from close range.
Above: Georgia Cassidy plays the ball forward for Perth SC against Subiaco. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Just over a quarter of an hour later, the home side doubled their advantage. A long high free-kick from inside their own half found Flannery on the edge of the box, after the ball bounced, the in-form attacker took a touch and saw her first effort repelled by Subiaco keeper Ash Riddle before the rebound fell kindly to her around centrally eight yards out to turn home with a low shot.
With 33 minutes on the clock, a ball through the central channel found Lincoln who turned her marker with aplomb and found her way between two defenders tight to her to lay off to Flannery, who was positioned to the left of the ‘D’. It was now her turn for a beautiful turn to leave her defender for dead and hit a first-time shot across Riddle and into the far corner of the net.
The Azzurri were then able to introduce Young Matilda Tijan McKenna for the second half. The local product was part of Melbourne City’s A-League Women Grand Final squad and emphasised the strong squad that has been constructed this season in a bid to wrestle the championship from Perth RedStar.
Above: A fortnight after being part of Melbourne City’s A-League Women Grand Final squad, Tijan McKenna charges forward for Perth SC. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
A fourth goal arrived two minutes from the end. Nadia Harvey dispossessed Frankie Murray-Hocking 25 yards from goal and laid off to fellow substitute Anika Stajcic outside her. The youngster took the ball towards the left-hand limits of the penalty area, took a touch to bypass a defender, and curled a high stunning shot into the net.
More of Rob Lizzi’s images from Perth SC v Subiaco:
Above: Jess Flannery (Azure shirt) tries to break through the close attentions of the Subiaco defence.
Above: Charli Wainwright (left) battles away for possession for Perth SC against Subiaco on Saturday.
UWA-Nedlands 1-7 Balcatta Etna
Balcatta Etna showcased their attacking prowess by hitting five second-half goals to defeat UWA Nedlands at the UWA Sports Park on Sunday.
The home side went into this game off the back of their first-ever NPLW WA win at Fremantle City last weekend, but despite a hard-working start from UWA-Nedlands, the visitors ruthlessly took advantage of Mackenzie Rastatter’s sending off just after the half-hour mark.
Within ten minutes of the red card, the hosts fell behind. Faye Phillips played a one-two with Rachel Jarvis from a corner on the left to cross in for Monique Godding to head home.
GOAL! 41:29
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Balcatta Etna FC W in the UWA Nedlands FC W vs Balcatta Etna FC W match at UWA Sports Park.
A minute into stoppage time, Balcatta’s Lucy Jerram picked up possession out on the left from Jamie-Lee Gale’s cross, turned Emily Dinsdale inside out before supplying a high ball in for an unmarked Monique Prinsloo to head in at the back post from virtually on the goal line.
The visitors started the second half as they finished the first with more rapid-fire finishing. Two minutes in, Liana Cook found space in the centre of the field to lay off for Godding to turn and find Gale on the right flank. She advanced to play a low ball across for Abbey Meakins to dispatch at the back post.
It was 4-0 with 54 minutes on the clock. A long patient build-up involving eight passes saw Prinsloo gaining possession just inside her own half towards the left. Despite being tightly marked and with her back to the ball, she turned, beat two defenders, and threaded a pass-through for Jerram outside her. The attacker needed no second invitation to take a touch and drive on into the box to lay a cool finish under Morgan Springer and into the right-hand corner of the net.
GOAL! 53:11
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Balcatta Etna FC W in the UWA Nedlands FC W vs Balcatta Etna FC W match at UWA Sports Park.
On the hour mark, Pete Rakic’s team went further ahead as Gale’s throw on the right, around 25 yards from goal was played back to her by Prinsloo, allowing the former Perth Glory player to advance up the flank and play across a low ball for an unmarked Meakins to turn home from a central position inside the six-yard box.
Twelve minutes from time, it became 6-0. Kat Jukic, on the left, laid off a perfectly weighted pass for Meakins who was positioned parallel to the penalty spot. She turned between two defenders and rolled the ball expertly past Morgan Springer to complete her hat-trick.
GOAL! 78:20
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Balcatta Etna FC W in the UWA Nedlands FC W vs Balcatta Etna FC W match at UWA Sports Park.
From the resulting kick-off, the home side were rewarded for their work ethic with a goal that rounded off an excellent passing move. Erin Armstrong, one of UWA-Nedlands’ best players this season so far, fed Samara Riches on the right flank. Riches turned the ball back to Michaela Thawley, stationed just outside the box to hit a stunning side-footed looping shot that Rebecca Bennett did well to repel, but it fell at the feet of Dinsdale to turn home from six yards.
Four minutes from the end, Balcatta restored their six-goal cushion. Inside her own half, Meakins played a perfectly weighted first-time pass into the path of Jerram on the left to advance in on goal. Springer stopped the first effort with the rebound falling perfectly for Jerram to slot home.
Table From: Squadi
Round Eight Fixtures – Saturday: Hyundai NTC v UWA-Nedlands. Sunday: Fremantle City v Perth SC, Balcatta Etna v Murdoch University Melville, Subiaco v Perth RedStar.
Above: Maja Markovski (white shirt) in action for Bulleen at Preston Lions. Photo: Bulleen Lions Instagram.
Bulleen Lions saw off Preston Lions 2-0 in a top of the table clash, ending Preston’s undefeated start to the season. Goals from Alana Cortellino and an own goal from Jamilla Rankin were enough for Bulleen to close the gap to the league leaders to two points.
Bulleen started the match with a bang. A ball over the top from Loudres Gonzalez found Cortellino, in the opening seconds. Cortellino composed herself and fired home into the bottom left corner, giving the away side the perfect start and her third goal of the season.
Bulleen almost made it two. Maja Markovski’s edge of the box effort clipped the outside of the post, catching Preston’sgoalkeeper Charlotte Hrehoresin somewhat off-guard. Hrehoresin then produced a smart save from Gonzalez from a similar range
Despite being under serious pressure for the opening 30 minuets of the game, Preston felt they should have equalized. Ellie Lamonte’s inch perfect back post cross found MebaeTanaka. Her header had Erin Hudson beaten but the ball just drifted wide of the post. Preston looked most effective through their wide play and this time it almost paid off with a goal.
Bullen should have doubled their lead in the final stages of the first half. Yuka Sato found space on the edge of the Preston box. Her deft pass found Katrina Nikpour but her effort was straight at Hrehorsein who was able to palm away the ball
Preston needed a fast start in the second half to get back into the game. They almost got what they desired and again it came through wide play. Lamonte’s run in behind the Bulleen defence was found, but her effort on goal was equally matched by Hudson, producing a fine save to keep the visitingsides lead intact.
Hudson again denied Preston, this time from Hayley Johnson’s point-blank header from a corner. With help from the defence, Bulleen were able to scramble the ball away. Thehome side were firmly back on top, and it felt as if an equaliser was inevitable
But Bulleen had other ideas. A devastating counterattack was concluded when Markovski accurate through ball found Jessica Young in the box. Young’s close-range effort was heading towards goal but was helped over the line by Jamilla Rankin at the back post to double the away sides lead againstthe run of play.
Markovski, who was outstanding throughout, was involved again, this time on the other end of a pitch. Her goal line clearance from a free kick from Susan Phonsongkhamstopped a certain goal for Preston, this proving to be Preston’s last real effort of the game.
Preston will look to bounce back from this defeat in potentially tricky away game against third place Essendon Royals. Bulleen hope they can maintain their 100% winning record since opening day defeat, against seventh place Senior NTC
Above: Michele Kang, Women Olympique Lyonnais Owner, center, celebrating her first title with the players. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
On Friday May 17, 2027 in front of 15,660 fans, Olympique Lyonnais won 2-1 versus Paris Saint-Germain to obtain their 17th title in D1 Arkema, the French Premiere League.
Above: Delphine Cascarino, Lyon white shirt. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
Lyon players put on an outstanding performance in first half by pressing all over the field and practically secured the game in a span of 4 minutes with Delphine Cascarino scoring in the 18th minute and Kadidiatou Diani in the 22nd minute.
Above: Kadidiatou Diani of Lyon dribbling by Sakina Karchaoui. PSG. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
It was a great game with both teams very engaged but Lyon never really let Paris hope they could come back, even when they had more possession and scored with Tabitha Chawinga in the 73rd minute. Danielle Van de Donk and Selma Bacha both provided excellent performances.
Above: Selma Bacha, white, sprints past her opponent. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
This match showed that PSG still have a long way to go in catching up to the serial winners. In their 6 games throughout the season, Lyon beat Paris SG 5 times (twice in D1 Arkema, twice in UWCL, once in the French up) and delivered only 1 draw.
Above: From left to right: Kadidiatou Diani, Vicky Becho and Ellie Carpenter, Lyon center with 17th win t-shirt. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
Above: Charli Grant in action for Tottenham Hotspur this season. Photo: Harvey Todd for Impetus.
Charli Grant’s career has been on a seemingly neverending upward trajectory. From Adelaide United to Matildas via the Damallsvenskan, the South Australian defender is now five months into her first taste of the WSL in England with Tottenham Hotspur.
It’s been a regular feature of our twice-yearly chats that we start with a reflection of how incredible it is that she has stepped up another level since the last time we spoke. Given that the previous occasion we touched base was December this time is no exception as Grant is now playing in arguably the toughest league in the world alongside some of the game’s greatest players.
“It’s been a bit of a roller coaster these past five months,” she admitted. “The club have been so welcoming to me and have made me feel right at home. But like any move, it’s never easy. Football life has definitely been an adjustment, everyone is at such a high level at training and the players we play against are all top quality. I feel like I’m improving every session. Along with football is setting up a new life, finding an apartment, transport, the best coffee, and shopping spots, but I finally feel settled in.”
The settling-in process was also helped by the presence of head coach Robert Vilahamn – someone who Grant knew all about from her time in Sweden when she came up against his BK Häcken side during her spells with Rosengård and Vittsjö.
Above: Charli Grant (right) in action for Vittsjö, where she came up against her present Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn. Photo supplied to Impetusby: Charli Grant.
“I found the decision to choose Spurs very easy. I played against Robert in the Swedish league and always thought very highly of his team and their playing style. I loved their high press. Robert also mentioned that he wanted attacking fullbacks, I always wanted to be at a club where I could play my style of football and I felt like this was the perfect club to be able to.
”Additionally the club were adamant that they were building something big and wanted to win. I want to be a part of that build and win silverware with this club. I’m glad I made this decision, I love the club and already feel like I’m developing so much as a player and person.”
Vilahamn is just the latest in a succession of Swedish head coaches that the defender has played under. As well as her bosses in the Damallsvenskan, Grant has established herself as an international under the Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson, and feels that the playing style that these Scandinavian coaches employ is the perfect fit for her game.
“They’re both similar (Gustavsson and Vilahamn) in the way they want a high press and love to be confident to play through the press. I think Robert is just helping me to be myself and refine just the finer details like my technical and decision making in build up. I feel like I’m developing so much as a player here.
The defender has been assisted in her early days in England by not just her Spurs team-mates, but the large number of her Matildas colleagues that are also based in the city.
Above: Charli Grant with fans after a recent Tottenham Hotspur match. Photo: Harvey Todd for Impetus.
However, the move has not been without its challenges. The biggest change that the defender has had to manage since coming to North London is the realities of playing against some of the world’s top players week in week out, and the physical demands that come with it.
“It is definitely a lot faster pace!” Grant smiled, “Not just in games but at training as well. You have to make decisions quicker and can’t afford to make errors otherwise the opposition will counter on you.”
The defender has been rewarded with some experiences that will stay with her for life already in her short time with Spurs – none more so than in this season’s FA Cup competition. A stunning quarter-final win on penalties against Manchester City was followed eventually by a place in the Final at Wembley. The semi-final success over Leicester City also provided Grant with some lifelong memories.
“At the start of the match seeing all the Spurs flags being waved around the crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium gave me goosebumps. I think that’s when it really sunk in that I’m playing for Tottenham, a Super League club, the league I’ve always dreamed of playing in. The second moment is that final goal, Martha’s (Thomas) goal. The relief, the adrenaline, and the excitement knowing we had made history was amazing. The team worked so hard to progress to the final and I’m so proud of everyone.”
Whilst that Final ended with the heartbreak of a 4-0 loss to Manchester United, once more the South Australian takes so many positives from the occasion. “The sold-out crowd, playing at one of the best stadiums in the world, and that final feeling. This is one of the biggest cups you can win and to make history with this amazing club making the final was incredible.”
Above: Charli Grant getting a shot in on goal for Australia last year in Perth. The South Australian is aiming to make her country’s Olympic Games squad once more. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
The key thing that has always made Grant such an immensely likable human being as well as an outstanding footballer is her humility and the fact she always remembers and cherishes people who have supported her on her ever-rising footballing trajectory. With the 2023/24 club season coming towards a close, the defender reflected on what she has achieved, admitting: “It’s hard to put into words.
“It’s a dream come true to play in games like the FA Cup Final, and for a top tier club like this. It’s a pinch-me moment. That was definitely one of the biggest games of my career and I wouldn’t be where I am without all the people that have supported me along the way. It was really special to play at Wembley in front of my mum, dad, and my partner, all of whom have helped me through some very difficult times in my career.”
Yet that FA Cup Final, and the last WSL game of the campaign against West Ham United tomorrow isn’t the end of the season for Grant. The South Australian has big dreams of a second successive Olympic Games selection for the Matildas. With Tony Gustavsson’s squad growing its strength in depth all the time, being part of the squad for Paris is tough, with only 15 outfield player spots available – but with the defender developing ever more as a player in the WSL, and with the ability to play both right back and left back, she remains positive about her chances.
“It’s definitely going to be a challenge to be selected into this upcoming Olympic roster. It’s always a challenge to make every squad for every camp because the depth is getting better and better. I think the game time I’ve been getting lately at Spurs will be beneficial and I just have to make the most of every opportunity I’m given and play with confidence.”
You just get the sense that Grant will seize this opportunity with both hands. The Olympics will be a full circle moment for the Matilda – it was her inclusion in the Tokyo Games that marked the beginning of her recent rapid ascent. Tottenham’s newest Aussie is growing by the game and you just know there are even better times ahead for her.
In her debut article for Impetus, Sophie Puodziusanalyses the career of Manchester City and England’s Jess Park, highlighting the versatility that marks her as arguably the most important young player in the country(17/5/24).
Above:Jess Park (left) celebrates after scoring in the Manchester derby earlier this season. Photo: Manchester City.
Jess Park is one of those young players who seems to have been around for ages. Still only 22, the East Yorkshire-born attacker has had the season of her life.
Park began her journey as part of a local boys’ team called the Elloughton Blackburn Swifts before joining the Hull College girls football team at around the age of 11. The Lioness showed her ability and maturity spending two years captaining York’s Regional Talent Clubs under 16s before joining Manchester City in 2017.
The attacker credits these experiences at the very start of her footballing journey with giving her a strong sense of leadership and mental strength allied to a detailed baptism into the demands of various positions and improving her vision on the pitch. From these humble beginnings have grown a player who is one of the Super League’s most adept young stars.
In her embryonic days with Manchester City, the youngster gained Champions League experience, starting a game against Lugano, assisting her team to secured a 4-0 victory. Park was deployed as a right winger and used her technical abilities to slip through a series of perfectly weighted balls into the path of striker Janine Beckie.
Still a teenager, Park made her mark on the biggest stage in the 2020 FA Cup Final. Coming on for City against Everton as a late substitute, the attacker used her dribbling abilities to withstand the Everton defenders challenge in order to slip an inch-perfect through ball to Georgia Stanway who slotted home. This was an early example of her awareness on the pitch in huge games and confidence in her ability to deliver vital passes with great precision and weight on the ball.
These attributes show the extensive impact that Park is able to have on the pitch even in a short period of time which has definitely contributed to her rapid advancements in recent years.
Above: Jess Park (left) at training with England. Photo: Rafaella Macintosh for Impetus.
Last season, Park underwent a successful loan spell at Everton in order to gain crucial minutes and develop her game to the next level. The Toffees preferred to use her in a more attacking role than Manchester City which allowed her to be higher up the pitch and partake in set-pieces. This allowed the youngster’s dribbling skills to be taken to the next level, gliding past opponents to deliver crosses into the penalty area.
The attacker developed a strong partnership with defender Katrine Veje leading the pair to create overlapping runs to produce two-on-one situations in dangerous areas which troubled opposition defenders. During her spell with the Merseyside club, Park scored five goals and made nine assists before her loan spell was cut short by a shoulder injury which also caused her to miss out on the 2023 World Cup.
Internationally, Park has been extremely influential for England at multiple youth levels as she scored an incredible 19 goals in 19 appearances for the England under 19s squad.
As part of the England under-23 squad, Park started in games against Norway and France which allowed her to build up her international experience in preparation for her eventual transition into the senior Lionesses squad.
Her inevitable first senior call-up came in September 2022 for two friendlies against the USA and Czech Republic. Her current form has certainly caught the eye of England manager Sarina Wiegman, leading to further selections in February this year for two international friendlies and in April 2024 as part of England’s Euro 2025 qualification campaign.
The youngster’s role for England is, again different to the one she excels in for Manchester City. Park is positioned much higher up the pitch in the number 10 role and often drags other players out of position in order to create spaces for her teammates to utilise. Her dribbling skills and turns on the ball come into their own to be showcased are showcased as part of England’s attacking style. Additionally, Park’s speed is also deployed as she completes overlapping runs to link up with the experienced Lucy Bronze and Lauren James.
The attacker’s versatility has been emphasised further in her most recent performances for the Lionesses, which has seen Park evolve into an attacking midfielder where she can use her technical skills and advanced vision to drive the ball further up the pitch.
Above: Jess Park at St. George’s Park, training with the Lionesses. Photo: Lionesses.
This shows why Park has become a regular fixture in the Lionesses team – she is an all-rounder who is able to impress in multiple positions across the attacking line.
Like her international role, the attacker’s role at club level is evolving as well, adding yet further strings to her bow. Now seen in the heart of Manchester City’s midfield, Park makes pivotal runs down the central to right-hand side channels of the pitch and take the ball under pressure. Her physicality and defensive qualities show that she is an extremely versatile midfielder.
Park is an integral part of City’s high press by charging at defenders, aiming to steal possession, and making vital interceptions. She has advanced quicker than many other players of her age due to her incredible vision on the pitch to spot gaps which she can exploit to the team’s advantage
The youngster links up well with right-winger Mary Fowler and centre-forward Bunny Shaw to create goal-scoring opportunities. Park and Fowler work together to produce overlapping runs down the right channel to overload the defensive structure. This creates space to provide pinpoint crosses for the prolific Shaw who has been a key factor in the club’s success this season.
This has been an extremely successful strategy as Park and Fowler boast 10 assists between them this season whilst Shaw has become Manchester City’s all-time record goal-scorer in a single season and crowned the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year.
Park can also score goals in major games at important times. Notably in front of a record crowd of 40,096 at the Etihad Stadium in the Manchester Derby where she scored two goals and provided an assist to secure City’s 3-1 win.
It is this combination of versatility, confidence, and key understandings with team-mates around her across the attacking third that undoubtedly establish Jess Park as one of the Super League’s most talented youngsters.
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