Above:Sydney FC celebrate Shea Connors’ winning goal at AAMI Park today. Photo: A-League Women.
Shea Connors’ goal just over 20 minutes from the end sealed Sydney FC’s record-breaking fifth A-League WomenGrand Final win in a hugely enjoyable tactical battle at AAMI Park today.
Head coaches Dario Vidosic and Ante Juric are renowned as the league’s technical masters, and they gave each other’s teams a series of complex puzzles to solve in a bid to seize the momentum of this season finale.
Throw in the thrilling influence of a young outrageous teen talent on either side – Daniela Galic for Melbourne City and Indiana Dos Santos for Sydney FC, and you have a game for the ages. This pair, aged 17 and 16 respectively are, unless there are a string of unfortunate unforeseen circumstances, going to be big Matildas stars in the near future. This will be the day both can look back on in the decades to come with real pride as their performances were integral to their teams’ threat on the day.
City boss Vidosic was forced to make three changes to his squad from last week’s semi-final second-leg win at home to Newcastle Jets. Melissa Barbieri came in between the sticks for her first Grand Final appearance at the age of 44, replacing quad injury victim Bárbara. Emily Shields had to come out of retirement to take her place on the bench as substitute keeper. Shelby McMahon’s injury ruled her out, with Tijan McKenna coming onto the bench.
Above: The two talented teens who were so influential on this Grand Final – Daniela Galic (left) and Indiana Dos Santos. Photo: Sydney FC.
Sydney FC were unchanged which ensured that captain Princess Ibini took her place in the starting line-up for a record-breaking eighth A-League Women Grand Final at the age of just 24. The attacker first represented the Harbour City club in the competition’s biggest game back in 2016 when she was 16. Ibini would be going out firing in a bid to secure a third Grand Final win.
Indeed, it was her side who made a rapid start. Cortnee Vine was causing chaos from the opening whistle, and won a free kick inside the opening 20 seconds, on the right, around 15 yards from goal. Mackenzie Hawkesby delivered for Margaux Chauvet to lift a clinical pass for Jordan Thompson who sidefooted a vicious shot goalwards, but Barbieri rolled back the years to deny the American with a brilliant one-handed save down at the left-hand post.
The frantic nature continued and, with five minutes on the clock, Shay Hollman conceded a free-kick. Rhianna Pollicina stepped up to the right of centre, 25 yards out, and curled in a perfectly weighted set-piece just ahead of Hannah Wilkinson which dissected the Sydney defence, but the Football Fern couldn’t quite direct the ball goalwards.
It was a chaotic opening quarter of an hour. Transitions multiplied across the park – all thanks to Juric’s game plan. The Sydney head coach had set his team out to provide the maximum disruption to City’s trademark patient passing build-up. The ultra-high press was preventing the home side’s ability to play out from the back, which had the added consequence of disrupting their connectivity further up the pitch.
Above: Melissa Barbieri in action in today’s Grand Final – her first appearance in the season finale game at the age of 44. Photo: Melbourne City.
In order to calm the waters, City slowed things down, but the real key was the increasing ability of their talented ball players and runners Daniela Galic, Laura Hughes, and Bryleeh Henry to get on the ball.
Galic demonstrated her outrageous ability to get past two defenders tight on the byline with superb footwork before pushing slightly further inside to get a better angle to get a shot away before Whyman denied her.
The 17-year-old was showing her full bag of tricks on this, the league’s biggest stage. Her runs along the right dragged multiple defenders away which provided the double benefit of her either being able to drive forward herself, or thread balls into the spaces created by her displacing Sydney’s defence.
Whilst City weren’t able to transfer their increasing possession to shots on goal, they had worked hard to earn the right to stamp their own style of play on this final after overcoming the initial tactical challenge thrown down by the defending champions. Honours were even at the break.
Above: Melbourne City’s Hannah Wilkinson (right) tussles for possession in today’s Grand Final. Photo: Sydney FC.
The second period opened on a continuing cagey note. Sydney were forced more on the back foot as City built the passes patiently. Emina Ekic and Leah Davidson’s time on the ball increased with the pair looking to thread the telling pass through. The Harbour City side were pinned back inside their own final third with their Matildas attacker Vine dropping back to assist her backline. Sydney were clocking up the metres in a bid to press high and fast in a bid to limit City’s options.
Having the possession and the patience is one thing, but the ability to put it in the net is what wins Grand Finals. Where Melbourne City failed to take advantage, Sydney made them pay in some style.
Indiana Dos Santos, playing in her second Grand Final at the age of just 16 showed yet another glance of her supreme ability with just over 20 minutes of the game remaining. Driving through the middle of the park, Dos Santos looked up and saw the run of substitute Shea Connors, and played a sensational long-range pass that arched into the American’s stride. Connors, on the pitch no more than two minutes, confidently slotted past the outrushing Barbieri for her first A-League Women goal in 14 months.
SYDNEY FC LEAD IN THE GRAND FINAL 🚨⚽️
Shea Connors scores her first goal for the Sky Blues at the perfect moment just two minutes after coming off the bench!
But what about the assist from 16-year-old Indiana Dos Santos 🤯
Sydney had not lost a game this season that they had gone ahead in – but Melbourne City had never lost a Grand Final in their four previous appearances – so something was going to have to give.
City began to ratchet up the pressure in their attempted fightback. With eight minutes remaining, Ekic’s free kick on the left curled in. Sydney cleared initially before possession wound back to Ekic who found substitute Leticia McKenna. The Western Australian’s shot was superbly headed over the top by Hollman.
The chances continued to come thick and fast for Melbourne City. Rebekah Stott’s header went wide of the right-hand post before Pollicina had a glorious chance when Whyman’s one-handed save delivered the ball to her feet right out centrally, right in front of goal, but she put her shot way over the top.
City received the bonus of nine additional minutes, but could not take advantage. Sydney had retained their Championship – earning a record-breaking fifth title to boot.
City had the possession, the territory, and the ability to win this game. Sydney had the experience, the nous, and the players to make the breakthrough when it counted – and that’s what matters in Grand Finals.
Melbourne City’s attack has looked unstoppable in recent weeks. Dangerous wingback Bryleeh Henry talks to Impetus Football about her change in position and season so far.
According to Bryleeh Henry, the result of Saturday’s A-League Women’s Grand Final between Melbourne City and Sydney FC will make for either “the best or the worst 21st ever,” as she celebrates her birthday the day after.
“It would be the best 21st birthday present ever, but I guess no matter if my birthday was the next day or not it’d be the same, I just really want to win that game,” she said.
Having won their two-legged semi-finals against Newcastle Jets with a six goal aggregate, Henry and her Melbourne City go into the Championship game as firm favourites. Henry’s pace and attacking ability were crucial to the win despite having played the game as a right back, a new position for her.
Playing in the right back slot under Dario Vidosic, City’s head coach, has allowed Henry to play with a new kind of freedom, one where she defends, but isn’t ruled out of joining the attack.
Luckily, while also being very good at it, the position change is something that Henry enjoys, having called it, “the best of both worlds.”
“I don’t really know how it started,” said Henry, who usually played in a midfield position and was previously used as a striker by her former club of Western Sydney Wanderers.
“Dario put me in right back at the end of that game [Against Brisbane Roar] and it sort of went okay, so then the next game he started me there.
“Since then it’s sort of stayed the same because it worked and that’s all that’s really to it I guess.”
One player. Six minutes. 𝐓𝐖𝐎 goals ⚽️🔥 @NZ_Football Ferns star Hannah Wilkinson is on fire!
A quickfire brace for the City star, with both goals set up by Bryleeh Henry 👏
Henry’s season is ending in complete opposition to the way it started. She partially tore her Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) in a training session only two weeks in, leaving her sidelined for two months.
“A couple of seasons ago, six games would have been the majority of the season. So you don’t really have time to make that comeback,” said Henry.
“The longer season really helped me out,” she said, as this is the first time ever that the A-League women have had a full home-and-away season.”
Henry credits her teammates’ competitiveness as a reason behind her recovery and progression as a player, having to fight to make her way back into the starting line-up on game days.
“At City, the facilities and the staff we have around us have been really good, so my rehab is probably one of the best I’ve done with my injuries so I was really lucky in that aspect.
“I’ve had to push myself and now it’s been good to be back and playing with a little bit more confidence as well.”
Back and seemingly better than ever, Henry played a full 90 minutes when City won the Premiers’ Plate against Perth Glory in the final game of the regular season.
“It’s the best feeling to get to the end of a long season and lift that trophy,” she said.
“We were really proud of ourselves, but I think our focus shifted really quickly to wanting to win the Grand Final.
“As a team it was really good and personally it was great. Some people don’t ever win a trophy in their whole career so I feel really privileged to be part of the team.”
Winning Saturday’s Grand Final would put a second piece of silverware in Henry’s trophy cabinet, one that she’s sure her team will be able to secure.
“It would be amazing, it’d be the icing on the cake I guess.
“The Premiership is obviously a big one because it shows throughout the season who’s been consistent. I think the Championship is really the big one, it’s the finals series there’s so much hype around it and it’s such a massive game so that would be amazing.”
When she looks at her future in football, her focus lies on doing what she needs to do to return to the senior national team.
“I really want to get back into the Matildas Squad. That would be, you know, a dream come true again,” she said, the ‘again,’ referring to her already having one senior cap already, when she appeared with the Matildas in a game against Brazil in 2020.
“I would love to go overseas as well and play. I think England would be the dream, but anywhere else overseas that is a really good league would be a dream come true as well.”
Henry has plenty of time to make playing overseas and for the Matildas happen, after all, she’s still only 20, for a few more days at least.
Above: Cortnee Vine chasing down an opportunity to score earlier this season. Image: Kris Goman for Impetus.
By Genevieve Henry (3/5/24).
Matildas star Cortnee Vine is all set to go in the A-League Women Grand Final this Saturday at AAMI Park against fierce competitors Melbourne City. She spoke to the media about Sydney FC’s relationship with finals, their opponents, and her outlook going into the match.
Going into their 7th consecutive and 11th ever Grand Final, the Sky Blues have every reason to back themselves. However, their Grand Final record against Melbourne City is less than desirable. Of the four times the sides have faced off in the ultimate game of the season, City have emerged victorious every time.
Melbourne City have rampaged into the final, high on confidence from winning the Premiership and after beating the Newcastle Jets 6-0 on aggregate in the two-legged semifinal.
“Melbourne City’s a quality side. For the last four years, I’ve always said they’re (one of) my top two teams. They play beautiful football and they’re coached very well. They have very talented girls and I think that showed during their semi finals. They have that confidence in themselves, they’ve been around for a little while. They take their chances when they get them, and I think it’s about stopping that when we can, and taking our chances when we get them. I think it’ll be a really entertaining game.”
But, Melbourne City aren’t the only stacked team. “We have a lot of great young players that are coming through. They’re just getting better and better.” Vine spoke specifically of Indiana Dos Santos, saying, “she’s one of those young ones I definitely see having a very successful career if she keeps going on the trajectory she is. She’s very exciting to watch, she always has a smile on her face, and she always wants to get better. Her and her sister (Jynaya) are out there another twenty minutes doing extra (training).”
From the beginning of the season, Sydney faced challenges and setbacks, with devastating injuries, travel complications, and large squad turnover. “Honestly, we kinda felt (like we couldn’t make the Grand Final) at the start of the year; new squad, young girls, just looked a bit different from the years before. To be in the grand final now, I’m very very proud of this group. Even Ante (Juric) himself says it’s been a different year– it’s been his most challenging year and has for us (senior players) as well.”
“It feels like the sweetest one to be apart of, just with the challenges we’ve had this year, the injuries we’ve had– the big injuries we’ve had, Nat Tobin, Kirsty Fenton, Shea Connors, Fiona Worts, even myself being out for about 8 weeks of the season– was a big hurdle. To get to this point, it’s very sweet. We’re all very proud of each other.”
Above: Vine will be hoping to secure her second Championship this weekend. Image: Sydney FC.
When asked about how losing the Premiership has affected their desire to win the Championship, Vine clarified that it hadn’t changed much; they always wanted to win it. “I wanted both. I wanted to be greedy, I wanted the double.”
“I would obviously love to win another championship. I want more silverware, I want championships.” For Sydney, anything less than excellence is failure. That’s the culture that has seen the Sky Blues progress to their 7th grand final, a feat previously unheard of in the competition. Vine attributes it all to head coach Juric. “I think Ante Juric just does that honestly. I haven’t heard of anyone else doing that before. He breeds a culture that is a winning culture, an accepting culture. We don’t get to the places we’ve been without him being the coach. Everyone gets along very well, on and off the field. What we create off the field reflects what we show on the field. We back each other, if one person gets beaten, we’re behind them. He builds this culture and no other coach does it like Ante.”
Although Vine herself has never played a Grand Final away from home, for her, it only adds motivation. “I look at AAMI as a home away from home, we’ve had a pretty good track record there. We’re all looking forward to the trip itself, and to hopefully win this Grand Final.”
“I think we’ll get a decent crowd. I’m hoping everyone will show what this ripple effect from the World Cup has done, and come to this game not just as Sydney FC and Melbourne City fans, but as football fans. I want it to be the biggest crowd we’ve ever had. I want to show that we’ve taken a stride into Australian football and we’re making a difference, and I think the best way to show that would be to have the biggest Grand Final crowd there.”
A lot has changed for Vine since the World Cup. From being a relatively unknown speedy winger just a few years ago, to being the face of the A-League Women, her stocks have risen astronomically. Choosing to stay at Sydney instead of departing abroad has been a major factor in the crowds Sydney have managed to pull all season. But, it’s also put a target on her back
“I think this whole season I’ve been marked pretty tight, and I think that it was always what it was gonna be like with staying in the league. There are a couple of coaches who have done really well making sure that there’s a centreback covering me, there’s a winger on me, and there’s a midfielder coming back for me. There’s quality players on the field, if you mark me tightly, there’s opportunities that come from somewhere else.”
Above: Melbourne City defender Rebekah Stott and head coach Dario Vidosic speaking to the media today at AAMI Park ahead of Saturday’s A-League Women Grand Final against Sydney FC. Image: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City boss Dario Vidosic outlined his belief that Saturday’s A-League Women Grand Final will be a fitting end to a record-breaking season, as defender Rebekah Stott looked ahead to a potential third Premiership and Championship double success with the team.
Summing up his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s big game, Vidosic said: “I think throughout the season every team sort of ebbed and flowed, but I think overall us and Sydney have been the two that’ve managed it the best and now we meet on the final day.”
Head coach Vidosic revealed that he will be without two players for the big game. Karly Røstbakken, as suspected, will be on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury in the first leg of the semi-final win over Newcastle Jets. She will be joined by Shelby McMahon who has a shin injury. Everybody else is available for selection.
He also emphasised the importance in making the week feel as normal as possible for his players. The City boss summed up his team’s preparations as having “reviewed the last game, we previewed Sydney FC, and we’ve gone through tactically how we’re going to apply ourselves on Saturday.”
This Saturday’s showdown with Sydney FC marks a return to the big stage for Stott. After only being able to play 12 games for Brighton and Hove Albion across several years, she is now aiming for her first piece of A-League Women silverware in four years.
A Championship winner with Brisbane Roar in 2012, the 30-year-old won Championships with Melbourne City in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020 with the Premiership and Championship double achieved with the Sky Blues in 2016 and 2020. The New Zealander is going all out for a third double success.
“To be able to win the Championship along with the Premiership would be so special to me, and this group of girls really deserve it,” the defender said. “We’ve worked hard all season, so it would be incredible.”
Having been a part of the league for such a long time, the 100-cap Football Fern emphasised how much things have changed over the years, but how joyous she is finding her current role with City.
“I think the whole league’s kind of had to shift with a lot of the players going overseas, but the amount of talent we have within our squad is just incredible and to see these young players playing the way they do, it’s so cool to see and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Above: Rebekah Stott hopes to be jumping with joy to celebrate a third double success on Saturday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Melbourne City
Saturday’s match will be the biggest challenge of the season for Vidosic’s team, but he’s confident in his players’ chances of success having overcome so many “curveballs” already in 2023/24.
“We still continued to play our way, so we just had to adapt a few little things and maybe a few players changing their roles slightly, but we still carried on normally as we would.”
‘Carrying on’ involved playing more games than ever before as the league finally got the full home and away season that fans have long been calling for – something that has brought new challenges.
“Going off previous seasons, you could argue some would get a more favourable draw than others because you wouldn’t play everybody home and away. I think people forget we lost Holly (McNamara) in round five, who was probably for me the best player in the competition, or one of arguably.”
The topic of the crowd for Saturday’s game has made the headlines this week. With City only attracting around 2,000 fans for their semi-final second leg at home to Newcastle Jets last weekend when the other Finals matches all had crowds of between 5,000 and 7,000, Vidosic suggested throwing open the doors of AAMI Park to let the people of Melbourne in for free – a sentiment that was not universally welcomed.
Stott spoke about the importance of having a big turnout of City fans in their home Grand Final this weekend, saying: “It’s huge. To see the stadiums full is a dream come true, that’s why we play, to impress the fans so to get a massive fan base here and hopefully break the record for a Grand Final would be incredible.”
Vidosic took up the baton once more emphasising: “I think the last few weeks has had telling signs, it’s been a while now since the World Cup and it’s great to have people come out and watch these ladies play.
“We saw record crowds throughout the finals, we were involved in two good crowds that we had and also in Maitland [there] was a phenomenal turnout, 7,000, and you get that finals feel.”
“Throughout the season we’ve seen some big crowds and we just hope that continues to build and build. It seems to be going in the right direction and I think that World Cup effect that’ll probably be felt in maybe 10 to 15 years for the young ones that got that World Cup fever, that went to the stadiums, that love these girls, that idolise them, that look to them so we hope that we have that immediate effect and that long term effect.”
The final word goes to Stott – after everything she has been through on and off the pitch, Saturday’s Grand Final has added importance and poignancy. Reflecting on her comeback, the defender said: “For me, getting back to this level has been so hard, but so special, so to win a Grand Final I think would make it even more special.”
The Lilywhites are without key players Martha Thomas and Drew Spence who both picked up injuries against Manchester United. Jessica Naz also reaches 100 appearances for the club which is an amazing achievement for a young player. While the seagulls were without Australian defender Charlie Rule. Some good news for them was that Captain Vicky Losada is back from her one game ban.
A late equaliser from Tottenham superstar Beth England means that they share the points at home. Both team had a slow start as they where unable to produce quality on the ball. The seagulls manage to force a turnover which resulted in a freekick. But it was sent straight Launa Buhler who sent it on to Matilda Vinberg and into the path of Charli Grant who runs with it and takes the shot but sends it just wide of the goal. This sparked a light inside this spurs side as they picked up a loss ball and where on the run again this time through Jessica Naz who feeds it through to Matilda Vinberg, but the Seagulls managed to clear their lines once again, although it falls to Grace Clinton. who sends it in, but it’s cleared once again. Again, it’s Clinton who picks the ball up in space goes on the run towards goal, but her shot is just wide of goal and it’s a goal kick for the Brighton keeper Melina Loeck.
There is a break in play here at the Gaugh Group Stadium, as the ball goes out of play. The Spurs fans filled in the silence as play is restarted. It seemed the break in play has disrupted the rhythm of the game as neither team can find the quality to hold onto the ball. Brighton go on the run through Lee as she finds some space, she has Bremer in support who sends the cross in and Elisabeth Terland gets her head to it but its pushed out by Spurs keeper Becky Spencer but Terland gets her foot to it and its 1-0.
The lilywhites continue to push for the equaliser as Grant, England and Naz all continue to try and push through the defence. The first substitution of the game came from the seagulls as Julia Zigiotti and Maise Symonds clash heads and Zigiotti is replaced by Tatiana Pinto. Although this does seem to shake the away side as minutes later Lee Geum-Min is running straight at Becky Spencer, but her shot was blocked.
Early into the first half the seagulls dominated the ball and are showing more quality on the ball. Spurs are struggling to find their rhythm in the second half as Clinton is brought down by Geum-Min who receives the first booking of the game. Jessica Naz then fouls Norwegian defender Maria Thorisdottir who wins a freekick just past the halfway line, she finds Geum-Min but it’s cleared by Grant. This sends England and Naz on the run but a missed timed pass from Naz and collected by Brighton keeper Melina Loeck.
The pace of the game is slowing down here, and Robert Vilahamn looks to make his first changes. As Olga Ahtinen, Matilda Vinberg and Luana Buhler all make way for Wang Shuang, Molly Bartrip and Kit Graham. With just over 30 minutes left to play here, the impact of the substitutions is strong for the Vilahamn’s side as they are bringing more energy into the game. But its Brighton that go on the run towards goal trying to extend their lead through Maise Symonds who sends the cross on but the header from Madison Haley is sent wide. Once again, the Lilywhites are on the break this time through Beth England but Brighton Defender Poppy Pattison comes across to clear it. Wang takes the corner which finds the head of Amy James-Turner it then falls to Grant who sends the shot in but its tipped over the bar by Loeck.
Photo: Brighton Hove & Albion Women on X
Mickey Harris is now looking to make his first tactical substitution as Madison Haley is replaced by young English talent Katie Robinson. We have 20 minutes to play here as the battle between Grant and Thorisdottir has caused yet enough issue for Brighton as Grant keeps weaving her way through. As she sets England off towards Loeck in the Brighton goal. Symonds comes across to defend it well. Summanen is also down here after running into Symonds just outside the penalty box. We prepare for the next round of substitutions as we experienced defender Ash Neville replaces Charli Grant for spurs. Brighton also makes two changes with Elisabeth Terland being removed from the game and Emma Kullberg coming on in her place and Li Mengwen for Lee Gem-min.
With just over 10 minutes left to play the Lilywhites are looking for the equaliser while the seagulls are looking for the winner. We see the impact of the spurs substitutions as Neville picks up the ball in space and is on the run towards the Brighton goal, she sends the cross in which meets the boot of England who directs it towards goal on the stretch. Vilahamn then choses to make his final change of the game as Jessica Naz makes way for Ellie Brazil. The last 10 minutes of the game both teams are pushing for the winner but both defences are holding strong, and neither team could finish in the box. But as the seconds ticked down on the clock Tottenham thought they had the final goal as a 20-yard Beth England header came in from a Neville cross, but it hit the crossbar. The final whistle was shortly after and points where shared here in East London. Both teams had serval opportunities to see the game to a close but where lacking the quality on the ball to finish in the box.
In Roberts Vilahamn’s post conference he said that “That it was an okay first half but we want to play better for the first 60 to 70 minutes” when asked how he would sum up the performance
He was also asked about if he thinks that using England on the wing and Naz at the 9 was working well, “we wanted to make sure we had a high pressing team today and i think is the best pressing player we have (Speaking about Jessica Naz) so that was the main reason but then we also have the freedom for Bethany to step in as a second striker and be in the box as well.
Impetus writers voted on the best three players and coaches for the 2023/24 season of the A-League Women. It was a big season with some stellar performances and intriguing narratives. Here, we reveal who was voted in our top three spots for both categories, and members of our team covering the league this season explain their reasons for the choice.
2023/24 Impetus A-League Women Player of the Season
Winner: Michelle Heyman
Above: Michelle Heymna (right) in control for Canberra United. Photo: Canberra United.
KIERAN YAP: Michelle Heyman has had another stunning season. 17 goals in 22 games for an inexperienced team that struggled for results is a testament to her individual quality. In the process, she brought up her 100th A-League Women goal, reinforced her status as one of the greats of the game and at the age of 34 earned a Matildas call up which resulted in five goals across two games.
Heyman continues to impress and impact games. Only three sides scored more goals than Canberra United this season, and none of them were in the bottom half of the table. Her seven assists bring her direct goal contributions up to 24 in 22 matches. Her record in the final third has not slowed, and neither had her pace.
Heyman’s form is deserving of a third Julie Dolan Medal, but she will face stiff competition. As an out and out striker, she remains statistically unparalleled in this league, and as an all round player she continues to be a star.
GENEVIEVE HENRY: Michelle Heyman has simply had an astonishingly good season. The fact that she managed to break Sam Kerr’s goals in a season record, get recalled to the Matildas for the first time in years, and help keep a struggling team off of the bottom of the table is only made more incredible at the age she’s done it at. She’s proof that age is just a number in football.
BEN GILBY: It’s been a fairytale season for Michelle Heyman. If ever you want a definition of a footballer, who gets better and better with age, just like a good bottle of Australian red wine, it’s the striker who simply is Canberra United. Prior to the season’s commencement, Heyman made it very clear that she was focusing in on a return to international football. To be able to achieve it and then thrive once more at the highest table whilst playing in a team finding it hard to string wins together just highlighted when ability, experience, determination, and sheer desire can do. All adjectives you would also associate more widely with the club that the attacker plays for.
The 35-year-old outlined the reasons she believes account for her outstanding form for club and country this year when, prior to the recent Matildas international with Mexico she said: “I’m just so much smarter these days, it’s fantastic! Experience and age is a gift, and I look at my 25-year-old self, and I wish I knew everything then that I know now. I think it’s better than ever being older because I understand the game more.”
Heyman has been peerless this season, and with her part of the Canberra United family, you just know the capital city side will come back next season fighting harder than ever on and off the field with their talismanic striker leading the way.
KRIS GOMAN: Heyman has stepped up a notch this season. It was very obvious that she wanted to get back into the Matildas and go to the Olympics. Amazing what a clear goal can do. She’s been completely dominant, breaking league records left, right, and centre and it’s been so uplifting to watch. Fully deserves this top spot.
Matildas star Michelle Heyman scores her 𝐟𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐡 goal in three days! 🇦🇺🔥 Back in the Liberty A-League with a bang 💣
It wasn’t the desired result for Canberra, but this was some strike from the golden boot leader 👏
Above: Cortnee Vine celebrates a goal this season. Photo: Sydney FC.
KIERAN YAP: Cortnee Vine entered this season with huge expectations. After achieving near global fame at the 2023 Women’s World Cup with her penalty kick against France, Vine became the face of the A-League Women and Marquee Player.
Her presence alone attracted fans in the early days of the season, and a Round One record-setting crowd could be attributed to the continued Matildas mania, for which she held the torch.
Vine’s season has not been as brutally consistent as Michelle Heyman, but she worked her way into form this season to re-establish herself as one of the outstanding wingers in this league.
Her acceleration and defensive work makes her a nightmare for many teams to defend, but her finishing has improved and in a season where Sydney FC’s attacking stocks has been heavily depleted by injuries, Vine has been the reason they contend for trophies.
10 goals and six assists across 19 games in a new-look Sydney FC team is an excellent return from a player who must have been feeling immense pressure to deliver on the hype of the World Cup.
GENEVIEVE HENRY: For a player who missed a fair chunk of the season, Cortnee Vine had a massive impact on Sydney’s season. With less than advantageous conditions for the Sky Blues, she still managed to thrive, creating and scoring many for her team.
BEN GILBY: No longer just a player with searing pace on the flank who can cut inside and lash home vital goals. This is Cortnee Vine Mark II – the new, smarter model.
The technique, advice, and confidence that the Sydney star has taken from her international experience, that culiminated in that moment in the World Cup Quarter-Final in France that none of us privileged enough to be in Australia last August will ever forget.
This season, Vine is still the red hot runner with the sensational finishing ability, but it’s now part of a player who is that bit smarter. She knows the additional channels to slot into, she knows the importance of reading both team-mates and opposition play in depth to ensure she can join or counter the moves where appropriate.
Cortnee Vine is now developing an all-round game that mark her out as someone who can be a key part of The Matildas’ drive towards gold in Paris this August.
KRIS GOMAN: Vine has matured a lot this season. She’s started playing like an experienced Matilda. The Sydney FC star always been attack minded but she’s a lot more strategic now, timing her runs, timing her crosses, reading the spaces. The Golden Boot leader board is crowded at the top but Vine is up there for both goals and assists. She’s also proven herself to be a leader both on and off the field.
Above: A safe pair of hands in Western Australia – Morgan Aquino. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Perth Glory.
KIERAN YAP: Morgan Aquino’s 2023/24 season established her as one of the best young goalkeepers in Australia. Perth Glory’s saviour on multiple occasions, she was outstanding when they were winning, and their best chance of making the finals when the team’s form tapered off.
The individual narrative around Aquino went from people noticing that she was playing well, to quickly accepting that she was an excellent player in great form. Glory conceded far more goals than anybody at the club would find acceptable, but any that she could humanly prevent, she did.
Aquino is still currently eligible for Australia’s Under 23 side. Another season of consistent and often eye-catching goalkeeping could see her with a senior call-up in the near future.
GENEVIEVE HENRY: Morgan Aquino is simply a brick wall. Her contributions were vital during Perth’s successful run, as well as keeping them in games during their struggle in the second half of the season. Her shot-stopping skills along with her experience and leadership make her invaluable.
Two penalty saves. 𝟰𝟬 saves more than any other keeper in the league. Still only 22 🤯 Morgan Aquino: If you don’t know, now you know 🔥👇
After showing flashes of promise in season 22/23, The @PerthGloryFC youngster is having a breakout campaign in the Liberty A-League 👏… pic.twitter.com/yXFKw62pFi
BEN GILBY: Aquino has been at career-best form throughout this season. A goalkeeper that Western Australians have known for a number of years has this potential ability in her locker is now delivering it week-in-week-out.
Speaking to me back in February, the 22-year-old put her outstanding run of performances down to two factors – having a total break from the game at the end of the 2022/23 A-League Women season, and getting the confidence from being a regular starter for Perth Glory.
Aquino spent much of the off-season travelling around Europe rather than playing NPLW football which brought her back to Perth well rested and fully focussed on honing her craft to keep the starting spot between the sticks for the Western Australian side.
The two previous seasons saw Aquino competing with first Courtney Newbon and then Sarah Langman for a spot in the starting line-up, with none of those players getting a consistent run of starts. This campaign, the position in goal was handed to Aquino from the start, and she kept her performance levels sky high to ensure that head coach Alex Epakis never even considered Lilly Bailey or Sally James.
It was a situation that Aquino felt played a significant part in driving her performance levels this year to another height; the hunger and desire to get the number one slot and retain it. Repeat it in 2024/25 and international recognition could well come her way.
KRIS GOMAN: Aquino has some very impressive stats this season. One of only two players to start every match and a save percentage of 81.1% including saving two out of three penalties. Given where Glory ended up in the table, it’s doubly impressive. She was arguable her team’s most important player this season.
2023/24 Impetus A-League Women Coach of the Season
Winner: Emily Husband
Above: Central Coast Mariners head coach Emily Husband – Impetus‘ Coach of the Season for 2023/24. Photo:Central Coast Mariners.
KIERAN YAP: The Central Coast Mariners coach had a big task this season. Emily Husband had to assemble a team from scratch that could compete immediately and help grow and retain a fanbase. The Mariners launched in a season packed with potential but also pressure.
Following the World Cup, there was an opportunity to attract and retain fans in the second life of the A-League Women’s team.
Husband delivered a combative and attacking side. She got her international signings like Faye Bryson and Wurigumula perfect, her young players like Peta Trimis evolved into potential stars and the NPLW or experienced A-League Women recruits like Isabel Gomez or Bianca Galic delivered stellar seasons.
When teams play The Mariners, they have rarely been in for an easy afternoon. They are well organized, confident and dangerous. Husband has taken them to within one game of a Grand Final in her first season in charge. It is a terrific achievement.
GENEVIEVE HENRY: In the Central Coast Mariners first season back in the league, they absolutely thrived and it’s mostly thanks to Emily Husband. Her recruitment of local and international players was top-notch, and she managed to get the best out of each of her players. She took relatively unknown names and made them stars.
BEN GILBY: Taking over as head coach of a club returning to the A-League Women after so many years away is a tough gig. Doing it as your first coaching job in the comp just ratchets up that level of toughness and pressure even further.
The responsibility of putting together a totally new squad of players, many of whom have never played A-League Women football before either is one that can weigh heavy on the shoulders, but not only did Husband wear that pressure lightly, but she cleverly, and, initially, quietly went about her building business.
Putting together a group she was familiar with from her time at the helm of Sydney University, along with some extremely astute signings from overseas and adding the priceless experience of both Kyah Simon and Casey Dumont showed that Husband was constructing an identity for the new Mariners side which was attractive to players. It would also become one that was attractive to fans and dangerous to opponents.
Husband and her Central Coast Mariners will face a different sort of pressure next season – people know what they are capable of – and they may face fierce competition to keep hold of key players. But Husband is so astute, I have a feeling she’ll just take it in her stride.
KRIS GOMAN: Got to admit Husband really wasn’t on my radar for most of the season but the way the Mariners finished the season and made the finals she ended up on every radar in the land. From very smart recruitment to bringing the team together, it all worked very successfully, especially this being her first season as a head coach in a professional league.
Second Place: Dario Vidosic
Above: It’s been an impressive season for Melbourne City boss Dario Vidosic. Photo: Melbourne City.
KIERAN YAP: In his second season in charge, Melbourne City’s Dario Vidosic has delivered a top-of-the-table finish while developing as a coach and improving on 2022/23.
Vidosic’s style is most easily described as possession based. City keep the ball and are extremely patient to a degree that borders on caution. Combined with the quality of players at his disposal, this had brought more wins than losses in his two-season tenure, but changes had to be made to improve this season, and circumstances forced him to adapt. He has done both to great success.
City’s early season form was typified by the pace and invention of Holly McNamara in attack. When the star striker succumbed to another horrible knee injury, he shifted tactics and personnel. Kaitlyn Torpey moved from right back to left wing to outstanding effect.
Torpey’s form earned her a transfer to San Diego Wave, and Vidosic reshuffled again. City’s mid season form dip almost cost them the league, but despite losing Torpey and goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx to transfers, and the likes of Daniala Galic, Tijan Mckenna, and Naomi Chinnama to international duty, City continued to adapt, and get the wins that they needed to clinch the premiership.
City seemed to become more confident in attack. Young players like Shelby McMahon were trusted to win important games, and Australia Under 23 striker Bryleeh Henry was switched to full-back. They were blessed with depth in the squad, but other sides have shown that having the biggest names does not necessarily equal success. Vidosic had to try things out and see what worked while in a title race.
It is hard to find any fault in the way Vidosic has coached over the home and away season. They were deserved premiers in 2023/24.
GENEVIEVE HENRY: Dario Vidosic balanced the experience and youth of his team excellently. Perhaps his most important achievement was his coaching of young star Daniela Galic, who played a huge role in Melbourne City’s premiership. His resilience to keep going through rough patches paid off greatly as they overtook a stumbling Sydney on the final day of the regular season.
BEN GILBY: Dario Vidosic deserves real credit for the performances of his Melbourne City side this season. A raft of new players came into the squad for this campaign to gel with a number of familiar faces. They have overcome injury, a run of matches where wins proved hard to come by and international call-ups to go about their business with no little talent.
Vidosic is an exceptionally smart tactician. Whilst he may not set up his side to be the most outwardly attacking – possession is the touchstone – the Melbourne City head coach has constructed a group of highly intelligent and cultured footballers who understand their role in the system to the nth degree and what they need to do both tactically and technically to gain the results necessary. That is down to Vidosic and his influence on this squad.
They have that ability that all the best teams have of taking chances when it most matters. Slow and steady wins the race could be a phrase invented to describe Vidosic’s Melbourne City side – and when it comes to winning Finals that is a key mantra.
KRIS GOMAN: Another coach relatively early in their top-level career, Dario Vidosic is someone who has made the transition from successful playing career to a hugely promising coaching one seamlessly. A premiership win and poll position for a Grand Final success in a dramatic end to the season. Can’t really do better than that.
Third Place: Kat Smith
Above: Kat Smith, who made a big impact after coming in at Western United. Photo: Western United.
KIERAN YAP: After being mysteriously removed from her post at Western Sydney Wanderers, Kat Smith made a return to coaching with Western United. The former Alamein FC coach returned to Victoria to take charge of the squad while previous manager Mark Torcaso focussed on his role with the Philippines national team.
Smith managed the balancing act of continuing what Torcaso has built while revitalising a team that looked to be struggling in the early rounds and imprinting her own style.
Western United soon looked back to their best, and if not for some poorly timed injuries to Adriano Taranto, Hannah Keane, and Chloe Logarzo they could have challenged for trophies.
Smith made subtle changes. Jaclyn Sawicki played in a slightly more attacking role, as did Aimee Medwin and Stacey Papadopoulos. Western were not as defensively tight as last season, but Grace Maher and Alana Cerne became the first avenues for attack and both defended well with the team playing higher.
Ultimately injuries derailed Western United, but Smith delivered a title charge and some entertaining football. Very few things need to be changed for next season, but Smith will once again alter what needs to be, and it will be no surprise to see Western back in the hunt for silverware in 2024/25.
GENEVIEVE HENRY: Kat Smith left Western Sydney Wanderers at the beginning of the season in a controversial and dramatic fashion. No one could have expected the success she achieved when taking over as head coach part way through the season for Western United. She turned their season around.
BEN GILBY: If ever a coach has personally worked to turn a team’s fortunes around in the A-League Women this season, it is Kat Smith at Western United.
After their sensational debut season in the competition last year that saw a Grand Final appearance, the Victoria side were out to go one better – but a combination of the league knowing all about them now, and head coach Mark Torcaso’s initial job share with the Philippines national side along with injuries to a number of hugely influential players made this a very different looking campaign.
With Torcaso taking the reins with the Philippines on a full-time basis, Kat Smith was offered a role of A-League redemption. After her shock departure from Western Sydney Wanderers virtually on the eve of the season, Smith walked into a Western United side who were in a tough situation themselves.
Smith stamped her vision, knowledge and game plan on her players. This and the return from injuries from some of those key squad members, buoyed by large crowds packing into their first real home stadium towards the end of the campaign saw them finish in the top four – something that looked nigh on impossible for much of 2023/24. Smith deserves huge credit for that achievement regardless of their elimination from Finals at the first hurdle.
KRIS GOMAN: Smith arrived at Western United after being let go from the Wanderers with no explanation but has thrived at her new club taking them to third place in the premiership and making the finals once again. Unfortunately, they were knocked out at the first hurdle, but it was a strong run through the season.
Impetus A-LEAGUE WOMEN PLAYER OF THE YEAR
ROLL OF HONOUR:
2023/24: Michelle Heyman (Canberra United)
2022/23: Alex Chidiac (Melbourne Victory) and Cyera Hintzen (Perth Glory)
Above: Perth SC’s Ella Lincoln – the inaugural winner of Impetus’ NPLW WA Player of the Month Award. 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 first month of the season, Ben Gilby, Kelechi Osunwa, and Ava-Marianne Elliott produced an eight-player long list from which April’s winner was selected.
The Long List – April 2024
Abbey Meakins (Balcatta Etna)
Above: Abbey Meakins (8) on target from the penalty spot in Balcatta’s – win at Murdoch University Melville in Round One. Image: Streamer.
After being one of many players at Perth SC last season who was hit by their injury jinx, Meakins followed her 2023 head coach Pete Rakic and a host of team-mates up to Grindleford Reserve to join Balcatta’s new look squad for this season. Meakins has found her touch with four goals in four games this season – one of which was a sumptuous long-range free-kick away to her old club. Meakins will be a key part of the Balcatta push for silverware this season, and her growing understanding with her new team mates, alongside the existing telepathy with those who joined her in making the move from Dorrien Gardens is already strong.
Caitlin Doeglas (Perth RedStar):
Above: Caitlin Doeglas – in flying form with Perth RedStar. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
The former Perth Glory A-League Women attacker is back in Western Australia and is wowing the fans with a series of consistently high-level performances. From Night Series onwards, Doeglas showed not only her class, but an infectious enthusiasm about everything she was doing. Pacey runs down the flank, cutting inside, turning would-be markers, and firing home top-draw finishes. Doeglas was showing it all and did with a huge smile on her face.
Mia Britton (Hyundai NTC):
Above: Mia Britton (gold shirt, right) captured last season at Subiaco in typical pose. Image: Streamer.
Maurauding runs along the right flank – footwork, pace, and intelligence way beyond her years, Mia Britton has hit the ground running in 2024. The NTC starlet has the confidence and ability to take on the most experienced opponent and escape with a deft piece of footwork. Additionally, the teen knows the channels to enter, and when to enter them. The influence she had in her side’s Round Four clash away to Balcatta Etna was hugely impressive.
Reina Kagami (Perth RedStar):
Above: Reina Kagami (8, right) celebrates with her Perth RedStar team-mates this season. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
One of last season’s stand-out players – arguably the stand-out player, Reina Kagami has picked up where she left off at the end of 2023. The goals are flying, the link-up play is even tighter and impressive, with the assists flowing as a consequence. A hat-trick and an assist in RedStar’s demolition job of Murdoch University Melville showed just what the Japanese attacker can do with space. She will only get better as the season goes on.
Charli Wainwright (Perth SC):
Above: Charli Wainwright – mature beyond her years. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
A key part of Murdoch University Melville’s team of young talents last season, Charli Wainwright made the move across to Dorrien Gardens in the close season, and she’s absolutely ripping it up. One of the competition’s most elegant ball players, at the age of 20, Wainwright has taken the captain’s armband in the early stages of the campaign and shone. Showing composure beyond her years, she continues to read the play incredibly well and never gives up on a lost cause.
Lucy Jerram (Balcatta Etna):
Above: Lucy Jerram – lighting up the NPLW WA on her return to Western Australia. Photo: JASP Photography.
Lucy Jerram is back in Western Australia with a bang. A goal-laden spell from the Night Series onwards, the attacker who spent last season in the NPLW Northern NSW came back home to join Pete Rakic’s new-look side at Grindleford Reserve. The impact has been instant. Powerful strikes and driving runs may take the headlines, but Jerram’s confidence and skillset are the things that mark her apart. Her sensational goal against Fremantle City in Round Two when she pushed the ball with millimetre accuracy between two Freo defenders and ran on it to curl a stunning finish past Dayle Schroeder was an absolute joy to behold.
Monoko Sakairi (Perth RedStar):
Above: Monoko Sakairi (left) with fellow new arrival from Japan, Arai Manami. Photo: Perth RedStar Instagram.
Coming to a new country with a totally different culture and language is a huge challenge at the best of times. Yet Perth RedStar’s latest arrival from Japan, Monoko Sakairi is, in these early weeks of the season, displaying all the signs of being a potential star of the league. Technically adept with great vision, excellent footwork, and close control, Sakairi is one for the purest. She’s built up a superb understanding with compatriot Reina Kagami – and that spells trouble for the rest of the competition.
Impetus NPLW WA Player of the Month for April 2024:
Ella Lincoln (Perth SC)
Above: Ella Lincoln in possession during Perth SC’s home game with Perth RedStar. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Five goals in four games may be an important stat – but even those impressive figures do not come close to telling the full story about Ella Lincoln’s April.
The attacker stayed loyal to the Dorrien Gardens club after a close season that saw a number of her 2023 Azzurri team-mates head for pastures new, and she’s absolutely revelling in her role asan integral player in Danielle Brogan’s class of 2024.
Lincoln’s partnership with Jess Flannery looks almost telepathic at times – their link up both close and over longer-range shows an uncanny knack of knowing where the other will be with devastating effect. Lincoln has stepped up, and there is real confidence in everything she does on the park.
Her all-round influence and consistent form between the latter part of 2023 and the opening month of 2024 is what, in the end persuaded our panel to give Ella Lincoln the honour of being the first ever Impetus NPLW WA Player of the Month.
by Tom Coopey at Villa Park for Impetus (28/04/24).
Above: Viviane Asseyi congratulates Shannon Cooke after her vital equaliserPhoto: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.
The three points looked to be wrapped up for Aston Villa, after Alisha Lehmann’s goal off the bench in the 72nd minute. A last gasp header from another substitute, in Shannon Cooke, secured an invaluable point for West Ham right at the death. West Ham have all but secured safety, whilst for Aston Villa it sees them remain in 7th, with a push for a place in the top half of the table now looking off the cards.
Aston Villa were the hosts of the Women’s Super League affair, with West Ham United making the trip to Villa Park. Rehanne Skinner’s side were looking to secure safety and retain their spot in the top flight, while Aston Villa, now only playing for pride, looked to end the season on a positive note.
Sophia Poor made her second successive start for Aston Villa, with the 17-year-old coming in for Leat, who was ruled out through suspension. Elsewhere in the line-up, Carla Ward opted for three other changes.
As for the visitors, they made just the one change with Emma Snerle coming in to replace Anouk Denton. West Ham were looking for their first league win since February.
West Ham were causing the home side a few early problems on the counter-attack. Poor was called into action, with Riko Ueki’s effort from a bouncing ball played through by Jess Ziu was drilled towards goal, but the youngster between the sticks was equal to her effort. It was the best chance of the first half.
Riko Ueki posed a constant threat to Villa. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus
A few moments later, Viviane Asseyi saw an attempt to find the far corner deflect behind. Asseyi was posing a threat on the left-hand side, this time beating the player before looking for a teammate at the back post. Riko Ueki had another opportunity to put her side ahead, this time with her header looping just over the bar.
Aston Villa had more of the ball after half-an-hour was played in the Midlands, but had nothing to show for it. It was Skinner’s side who were looking the more threatening, but were only able to test Poor just once in the first half. Ueki got on the end of a cross at the back post, struggling to find the desired connection, resulting in a routine catch for the Aston Villa keeper.
Rachel Daly had Villa’s first opening of the game, but her shot on the half volley was weak and comfortable for MacKenzie Arnold. Arguably Villa’s best chance of the half started with Kirsty Hanson driving with a direct run into the box, she looked for the cut-back, but no one was there to tap it into the empty net. Ward would have been happy with how her side were growing into the game towards the end of the half.
Once more, Ueki was at the heart of things for the visitors. She looked to find the top corner, floating just over. Down the other end, Hawa Cissoko worked her way in the box, before a drilled effort was handled by the keeper.
Riko Ueki and Miri Taylor tangle for the ball. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus
There was nothing to separate the teams after 45 minutes played at Villa Park. West Ham started the brighter side, with Ueki having the best chance of the half, early on. Ward’s side created chances of their own, whilst having the best of the ball, but weren’t clinical enough when going forward.
There were no changes made at the break, as the players came out for the second period in the Midlands. Villa came out of the blocks in the second period, with Daly having a glorious chance to give her side the lead. Hanson’s cross found the prolific striker in the middle, with her header firing just over the bar.
Emma Snearle’s corner found the head of Asseyi, but she knocked the chance just wide. Both sides were creating chances for themselves, it was just waiting for someone to step up to grab that opening goal.
Ebony Salmon replaces Miri Taylor. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus
The home side made their first change of the afternoon as the clock struck 60 minutes, Ebony Salmon came on in place of Miri Taylor. It was a tight game, with either side looking like they could nick the three points.
Alisha Lehmann came on for Villa, with Ward looking to find that all-important goal, Adriana Leon was brought off for the Swiss. Kenza Dali tried her luck from 25 yards out from a free kick, with Arnold reaching out to her right to tip it over.
Kenza Dali testing West Ham’s defence. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus
With the clock ticking at Villa Park, time was running out for both sides. Aston Villa were dominating the ball, with Skinner’s side not having a peep of the goal in the second period.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 72nd minute, with the super sub – Alisha Lehmann – finding the back of the net. Ward would have been smirking as this one found its way in. Lehmann met the ball at the front post from the cross, with her vital touch across goal, finding the far bottom corner. It only took her three minutes to make an impact, being the perfect time for her to grab her first league goal of the season.
Villa weren’t letting their foot off the gas, searching for a second to secure the victory. Lehmann’s drilled effort whistled just wide of the post, as she was in search of a brace.
Skinner made changes, with Cooke and Denton introduced, as they hoped to find an equaliser in the last 10 minutes. The visitors didn’t look as near threatening as they did in the first 45 minutes.
In the 95th minute there was a last gasp equaliser, with Shannon Cooke heading in to grab a huge point for the visitors. It was a major blow for Ward’s side after a much improved second half. Ueki, who had been a threat all afternoon, found the defender in the box, who powered it down under Poor to level the scoring.
Shannon Cooke salvaged a point for West Ham in added time. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus
It was a disappointing result in the end for Aston Villa, who will feel like it was two points dropped after the equaliser at the death. There were plenty of positives to take from West Ham’s performance and the character shown to snatch a point, with their place for the 24/25 WSL season looking to be secured.
Teams: ASTON VILLA: Poor, Mayling, Patten, Nobbs, Daly, Dali, Turner, Hanson, Leon, Taylor, Maritz. Substitutes used : Salmon (for Taylor 61’), Lehmann (for Leon 69’) Magill (on for Hanson 89’)
Scorers: Lehmann 72’.
WEST HAM UNITED: Arnold, Smith, Shimizu, Tysiak, Snerle, Ueki, Zadorsky, Ziu, Hayashi, Asseyi, Cissoko. Substitutes used : Denton (for Ziu 72’), Cooke (for Zadorsky 81’), Ademiluyi (on for Hayashi 90+2’)
Scorers: Cooke 90+5’.
Referee: Emily Heaslip
Attendance: 4,282
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Everton snatch late equaliser against Arsenal after 16-year-old Issy Hobson cancels out Alessia Russo’s opening goal, securing the home side’s first point against the visitors since 2012.
Hobson, now the youngest-ever goal scorer in Women’s Super League history, rescued a point for the home side in the dying minutes of the game.
In a somewhat lacklustre first half, Arsenal created the first chance of the game when Catlin Foord played a deft through ball from the left-hand side to Stina Blackstenius, who forced a good save from Courtney Brosnan at close range.
Foord could have scored herself, miscuing her effort after finding space in the Everton penalty area while Victoria Pelova dragged her shot wide of the post in first-half stoppage time.
Everton did threaten. A looped corner from Sara Holmgaard found Karen Holmgaard but her towering header struck the crossbar. Martina Piemonte had a speculative attempt from the halfway line but did not do enough to trouble Manuela Zinsberger in the Arsenal goal.
Pelova could have scored in the opening stages of the second half. Katie McCabe’s cutback found the Dutch international but again failed to convert the chance into a goal for the visiting team.
A Beth Mead cross almost found Cloe Lacasse to head home while Emily Fox fired a shot straight into the hands of Brosnan. Another Mead cross this time found Russo, but she scooped her effort over the bar.
It took until the 79th minute for Arsenal to break the deadlock. Lacasse cut in from the left side and found Mead at the far post. Her effort forced an excellent save from Brosnan, but the ball fell fortuitously to Russo in the box to fire home. Arsenal thought all three points were theirs
Yet it was not enough for the away side to seal victory. Everton had looked most threatening from corners throughout the game and second-half substitute Isabella Hobson rose highest to head home from the corner to snatch a point for the home side.
Arsenal’s already remote chances of winning the Women’s Super League are all but over after this result. For Everton, this should be considered a high point in an injury riddle season for the Toffees.
After the match, Everton manager Brian Sorensen said “In the first half they suffocated us but we saw it through and we got it in the end
I’m really happy for Issy. She trained well with us and will make a really good centre-back one day”.
Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall said “We needed to be better with the effectiveness of our chances today. We did better in the second half than we did the first half in regard to that, so it was a couple of good details that changed.
“It is really important for us to finish the season strongly”
Above: Joy on the faces of all taking part in the Cairns coaching session hosted by the Junior Matildas today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
The Junior Matildas welcomed 18 girls from Cape York House for Girls and Centacare Far North Queensland resettlement programto Endeavour Park in Cairns for a specially designed football clinic.
Australia’s Under-17 national side took time out from their preparations for the forthcoming U17 Asian Cup to teach new skills to young First Nation girls, and newly arrived youngsters from DR Congo and Bhutan.
Above: Junior Matildas’ head coach Rae Dower speaking today. Image: Football Australia.
Junior Matildas’ head coach Rae Dower outlined that the coaching clinic was designed and led by the players as part of the wider squad development of the ‘whole person’ around the footballer.
“It was a wonderful opportunity, the (Junior Matildas) players designed a little clinic, little training sessions…and all the young players – the smiles were incredibly large and they had a great time.
“It’s something that we always do wherever around the world we travel. They design and run some sort of a clinic for local children in that children, and it’s developed a lot of really great skills away from the game for the girls – understanding being young role models and young leaders.”
Above: Ruby Cuthbert speaking about her “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” in Cairns today. Image: Football Australia.
Young Western Australian Ruby Cuthbert, who made her A-League Women bow for Brisbane Roar this season emphasised how much the session working with the girls meant to her.
“It was a really amazing experience. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We were speaking to some of the girls afterwards, and they said it was the best day of their life. It makes us proud and makes us feel that we belong somewhere because some of aren’t used to that. Some of them didn’t speak English. If we can speak to them in a language through football, it’s an amazing thing.”
“For me, looking up to someone older than myself would have been amazing, so giving that opportunity to those girls, I think it just warms my heart and makes myself proud to be a role model to these girls.”
Above: Building bonds and becoming role models – the Junior Matildas in Cairns today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Cuthbert values the emphasis that the Junior Matildas set up has on developing young women’s life skills as well as developing their footballing skills on the international scene. The Fremantle-born defender said: “We are just so privileged and it opens us up and our minds up to what is out there in the world.
“Being so privileged in what we have, it makes us learn new skills, learn how to coach. No words can describe how amazing this opportunity was for us.”
Above: Members of the Junior Matildas and youngsters at Endeavour Park in Cairns today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
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