Above:Alanna Kennedy breaks through for Australia against Iran in the previous stage of Olympic qualifying. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus 71.
Alanna Kennedy is back from injury and ready to play a leading role in getting the Matildas to the Paris Olympics.
Speaking to the gathered media, the defender said: “I’m feeling good and it’s been a couple of months since being with the Matildas, so I’m always looking forward to being back with the girls…it was a straightforward rehab for me. It’s been a straight road back to being available for playing.”
Next weekend sees Australia’s first international games of 2024 with a place in the Olympic Games at stake as they face off over two legs against Uzbekistan. You get the sense that Kennedy is champing at the bit to get back.
“For the majority of the time, to be settled in one place for a while, and have a break from all the travel is nice, but we’re all ready to be back in camp, and it’s an important camp for us. Everyone’s coming into good form and we’re ready to do a job of qualifying for the Olympics.”
Whilst the Matildas’ opponents fly under the radar somewhat, the Manchester City defender recognises that the green and gold come with a big target on their backs, and that patience will be a virtue.
“We all know for a team to have made it that far, they have some quality behind them. Any team we come up against at this stage will see us as a threat and play in a compact structure. It will be about patience and breaking down that structure. They will have a lot of motivation to create history. It will be a tough two games.”
Above: Alanna Kennedy can’t wait to be back with the Matildas after overcoming injury. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus 71.
Australia go into this two-legged tie without Sam Kerr, who ruptured her ACL during a Chelsea training camp over the WSL’s Christmas and New Year break. The loss of the Western Australian superstar is a big one, but Kennedy points to the World Cup as ample evidence that the Matildas are capable of making progress without their record scorer.
“We’re all heartbroken for Sam… but we can take confidence in the run we had at the World Cup (without her). Her leadership will still be present and she’ll want to be part of it in some capacity, but for other players, it is an opportunity to step up and show what they can do. I have confidence in the squad we have.”
Among those given an opportunity is 35-year-old icon of Australian football, Michelle Heyman. The Canberra United striker, who continues to show great form in the A-League Women is back in the national squad for the first time in six years. It is a return that thrills Kennedy.
“I’m really happy for Michelle. She’s been doing a great job for Canberra. Regardless of how many years it’s been, it is great that she’s been picked on her current form.”
The Matildas defender also hailed the first call-up for Kaitlyn Torpey, who has just sealed a move from Melbourne City to San Diego Wave in a record transfer deal.
“I’m excited for her, it’s great to have some young players around the setup. It’s great to see her play in the NWSL now, looking to better her game overseas. That mindset of the younger players is important. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone around family and be at home. Whilst the A-League Women is a great league, there is a lot more experience to be had overseas.”
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Melbourne City defender – Naomi Thomas-Chinnama. Source: @melbournecity on X.
With Melbourne City sitting atop the points table and Western United nipping at their heels, securing a win over Adelaide United was top priority for the league leaders. The challengers playing away from home, AdelaideUnited, came into the match only just off being bottom of the table but in fine form.
Adelaide travelled away to play in Melbourne at (the under-construction) City Football Academy Field. With the temperature at 21 degrees, the conditions were very pleasant for players and spectators alike.
Both sides were missing their first-choice starting players for various reasons. The Football Ferns Olympic qualifying campaign took away the star power of Hannah Wilkinson and Rebekah Stott from City allowing some young guns to shine. Adelaide started the match with a less than full strength side, due to injuries to key players who had achieved two very good wins in the last three matches.
It took both teams a while to settle into their preferred rhythm of play from the starting whistle, with neither side really looking threatening until the eight minute when Adelaide’s Morgan and Sasaki traded passes that eventually resulted in an optimistic shot on goal that was easily collected by Barbieri.
Adelaide tested everyone’s nerves as they repeatedly battled to get the ball out of their backfield throughout the early stages. City’s high press really put the pressure on goalkeeper Grove. However, a loose ball was quickly pounced on by Adelaide’s Jancevski whose burst of speed and through pass created space for Hodgson on the wing. Two passes later and Hannah Blake unleashed a mighty shot that narrowly missed after clearing the crossbar.
Adelaide’s near miss gave the team a burst of confidence, with the midfield players pressing higher up the pitch searching for a chink in City’s defences. City’s defenders withstood the repeated waves of attack, demonstrating coolness under pressure.
City player and recent Matilda’s training call up, Daniela Galic showed fleet footedness to cut open Adelaide’s midfield defensive line in the 26th minute. Despite the ball falling the way of City after rebounding off Adelaide’s goal box defenders, City couldn’t get a clean shot on.
A very soft foul given away by Sasaki gave City a prime opportunity to get the go-ahead goal in the 31st minute. A wayward shot from Pollicina held up in the breeze and sailed narrowly over the bar. An even closer near miss occurred in the 41st minute as Galic found the feet of Pollicina who unleashed a beautiful shot that travelled narrowly away to the left, missing the goal. Neither team really troubled the other offensively in the first forty five minutes and so the half ended 0-0.
Adelaide started the second half by taking the initiative. Two very good attacking manoeuvres required City to absorb pressure as Tolland and Holmes couldn’t convert the opportunities given them in quick succession. Following this early pressure, long portions of play after this lacked creativity or menace as the tactics of each team cancelled out the other team.
It was the inspired use of substitutions in the 62nd minute that injected energy back into the match. City’s forward Meyers beat her defender and played a centring pass that infiltrated through Adeldies lines eventually finding wonder kid Galic, who calmly slotted the ball into the back of the Adelaide net to take the lead 1-0.
Hodgson, Adelaide’s Captain, took it upon herself to get her side back in the match. A strong offensive run down the wing ended up with an offensive corner in their favour. A low trajectory corner kick by Jancevski somehow found its way off City defender McKenna’s body and rolled into the net! The match was tied again 1-1.
Not a side to roll over, in the 73rd minute City launched another offensive run with Galic storming down the pitch, laying off the ball to the wing, getting the ball passed back to her and having a shot. Grove was up to the task and managed to deflect the ball away from the goal using an extended leg. The subsequent attacking corner to City was dealt with, again by Grove, and the score line remained 1-1.
Where the previous 75 minutes of football had been a bit underwhelming, both teams turned on the afterburners from the 76th minute onwards. The match took on a new lease of life as each team played constructive attacking football, seeking the goal that might secure the win.
Adelaide came oh so close to scoring when defender Emily Hodgson launched a rocket shot that required Barbieri to nudge the ball out of play over the crossbar. Hodgsons shot came within a whisker of going in however Barbieri, City’s keeper, had enough experience to deal with it.
Adelaide went chasing for the win again in the 90th minute as Panagaris found Mullan in clear space. After assessing her options Mullan’s shot curled away just a bit too far, harmlessly going out of play.
The match finished in a 1-1 draw which is a fair reflection of how the match played out. Both teams were missing a number of first choice players and a lack of on field chemistry among the replacements did not provide the excitement of top quality football that would normally come with this match up.
There were some obvious performances to be proud of. Naomi Thomas-Chinnama (City) is one of the mainstays of City’s defensive line. She is extremely reliable and goes about her business with total professionalism. Alana Jancevski (Adelaide) displayed moments of football brilliance as she unleashed her speed repeatedly reminding City’s defenders that she was a threat. She is not a player to be taken lightly as she can score at will.
Arsenal achieved a crucial victory to give them a lifeline in the title race and a secure third-place position in the WSL table in front of a packed-out Emirates Stadium. The home support in North London was in full voice during the clash, and Manchester United now trail seven points behind the Gunners and a chance at Champions League Qualification next season.
Six notable changes were made to the Arsenal lineup from the side that lost 2-1 to West Ham in their last WSL fixture. Cloe Lacasse started on the left- wing in favour of Caitlin Foord, Sabrina D’ Angelo took the number one spot over Manuela Zinsberger and Alessia Russo made way for Stina Blackstenius. Marc Skinner’s Manchester United looked almost identical to their last league lineup, with only the injured Jayde Riviere missing.
The tension between the two sides was high from the get-go, and Arsenal’s backline looked worrying after a string of miscommunication between Laia Codina and D’Angelo, leading to two United free kicks inside the five-minute mark. With Nikita Parris in the nine for United, there was no room for further error
Codina was issued a warning before the home side knuckled down after an unsteady start, and they confidently claimed command of the possession. Their early efforts were quickly rewarded, but Mead’s first corner was punched clear by Mary Earps’. Luck struck the hosts on their second, as Katie McCabe’s corner kick rebounded off Geyse in the six-yard box, cruising over the line and into the back of the United net for an own goal.
Few chances were granted to United to make a break on the attack in the subsequent minutes, and Arsenal were relentless in their search for a second. The away side conceded a free kick in a dangerous position shortly after, but there was no trouble for an awaiting Earps as Mead sent the shot over the bar.
The opportunity to grasp an equaliser appeared in the 28’ minute after Arsenal were caught out in their own half, but Ella Toone’s shot took a deflection and crept just centimetres wide of the post. United were able to pull back a degree of control until Arsenal rattled Gemma Evans, and golden opportunity struck for the home side. Pelova’s pass to Blackstenius initially looked like a missed chance, until a poor clearance from Katie Zelem landed with Lacasse and allowed her to capitalise on United’s misfortune. The winger’s header soared into the right-hand side of Earp’s goal and effectively doubled the host’s lead.
Disaster struck the visitors yet again when left-back Evans’ challenge brought down Mead in the box. Arsenal was swiftly awarded a penalty kick, which Captain Little converted calmly from the spot, sending Earps’ diving in the opposite direction. By the half-time whistle, the home team were assuredly sitting three goals ahead of their opponents after a 45-minute battle.
The start of the second half entailed a change for each side. Despite her first-half impact and role in the seamless Arsenal midfield, Pelova was substituted for Kyra Cooney-Cross due to injury concern, and Gemma Evans was an anticipated change for United, making way for Leah Galton.
Skinner’s United started the second spell on a stronger foot with clear intention to chase down the host’s lead. The 51st minute saw a run into the Arsenal half that at first glance looked promising for the away side, but centre-back Wubben-Moy dealt with the threat with ease.
Arsenal’s most promising chances for a fourth came in quick succession in the second half, when a defensive error from Hannah Blundell was intercepted by Blackstenius in the box, but Earps’ was able to knock the attempt away.
A clearance from Maya Le Tissier again was collected by Arsenal, and the resulting build-up from McCabe and Little was in vain as Mead’s shot struck the inside of the post, hitting the woodwork for a second-time just moments later.
Lisa Naalsund shortly left the field to be replaced by Hayley Ladd, providing some defensive reinforcement and fresh legs for the away side.
United’s best chance of the 90 so far came in the 70’ minute mark, when Zelem was able to dispossess midfield maestro Lia Wälti, and Toone found Parris on the right-hand side of the pitch. D’Angelo saved the forward’s effort before Steph Catley fended off the rebound, the action forcing her off the field for fellow Matilda’s teammate, Caitlin Foord.
Right up until the dying moments of the game, United fought against the hosts until their tireless labour paid off. D’Angelo came off her line during the visitor’s corner, her attempts to claim the ball failing as Garcia slotted the ball into the net.
After 100 minutes of action between two top-table teams, the final whistle sounded and Arsenal’s victory in a historic fixture was officially sealed. With the defeat, the gap between third and fourth place extends to seven points, and the Gunners now sit just three points behind joint league- leaders, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Hat-trick Hero Bolden leads the Jets past the Roar
By Callum Logie (17/02/24).
Above: Newcastle Jets’ Sarina Bolden celebrates a goal against the Brisbane Roar. Photo: Liberty A-Leagues
In a season that has not gone to plan for either side, two teams with high hopes of finishing near the top of the table clashed at Maitland Sports Ground on Saturday evening.
The Brisbane Roar came off a valiant fought 3-2 defeat against Western United and are looking to put on some stronger performances defensively to complement the talent of their attackers. The Newcastle Jets also came into the match after a 2-1 loss against Western Sydney and were determined to get back the form that saw them defeat the Phoenix in the round prior.
Brisbane’s starting XI had three changes from their previous fixture. Captain Ayesha Norrie returned to the side, starting as one of the three centre-backs while Rebecca Kirkup got the start on the wing with Deborah-Anne De La Harpe picking up an injury late in the week. Ashlee Brodigan joined the attack with Mariel Hecher moving to the bench.
The Newcastle Jets also made a couple of changes from their previous fixture, with Sophie Hoban moving forward to get the start in place of Mindy Barbieri. Zoe Karapidis moved up into the midfield to allow for Claudia Cicco to return at the back for the Jets.
Newcastle Jets started strong, getting an early chance to the feet of Sarina Bolden who struck wide from inside the box within the first 10 minutes. The sides did look well matched in the early possession encounters, with the home side looking to use their pace when breaking forward.
A coordinated set piece in the 13th minute marked a decent chance for the Brisbane Roar as Brodigan got on the end of a corner routine but Isobel Nino proved equal to the effort. The Jets were looking to press high against the Roar but this did lead to some exposure at the back which granted the Roar some decent territory despite the pressure.
Alex Smith encouraged his team to play a possession based style of football which equated to an impressive 89% passing accuracy stat after 20 minutes for the Roar. This resulted in several entries into the final third but the defence of the jets were able to hold strong and reduce the amount of chances created.
The middle portion of the first half was full of possession contests, predominantly in the Roar’s half as the Jets looked to apply as much pressure as possible. The best chance came in the 35th minute when the Roar did manage to work their way forward and a Mia Corbin cross dangerously looped past Nino who misread the delivery. The ball was cleared intelligently however off the far post to keep the fixture scoreless.
In the 39th minute, the Jets won a corner as dividends for pressing and working the ball forward well. Libby Copus-Brown sent in a dangerous delivery to the edge of the six yard box which found the head of the prolific Bolden who converted into the far corner to give the Jets a lead before half-time.
Newcastle started the second half positively, with the same pace and pressing intensity they brought into the first half. After having managed to bridge the possession gap towards the end of the first half, Newcastle were looking to double their advantage against a dangerous Brisbane side.
The first quality chance of the second half did fall in favour of the Roar however as Tameka Yallop won the ball in the attacking third and took a low driven shot from outside the box which was saved by Nino to her left. A point of emphasis for Brisbane in the second half was getting Yallop more involved as she had a very quiet first half.
The game really opened up in the second half as the dangerous winger Lauren Allen worked her way forward down the right side. She set up a ground pass to the edge of the box which was struck well by Bolden but directed wide by the defence.
The Roar were looking much more purposeful when they got on the ball, playing a lot more forward passes and focusing more on creating chances rather than merely keeping possession. This led to a Norrie free kick in the 53rd minute which grazed the crossbar on the way over from long distance.
Isobel Nino showed great command of her box, not allowing substitute Hecher or Corbin to create anything threatening as she confidently collected and allowed the attackers to press before calmly distributing.
A significant chance did fall the way of the roar at the 35th minute when an inspired run from Sharn Freier led to a Kirkup strike which was deflected to Corbin who was unable to equalise thanks to a terrific recovery from Nino.
After Brisbane kept piling on the pressure through the second half, a quick break forward instigated by Lorena Baumann at 76 minutes released Bolden into a one-on-one situation with Silkowitz and the Philippines international converted clinically to double their advantage.
Just a minute later, Bolden sealed her hat-trick in a similar but albeit more difficult breakaway. Substitute Lara Gooch played the ball forward to Bolden who took on a determined Norrie. While getting a slight step thanks to her pace, Bolden struck across goal to convert her hat-trick thanks to a friendly bounce of the post to finish up what was a perfect day for the Newcastle forward.
From there, the Jets did not lift their foot off the gas pedal as Bolden had another chance in the 83rd minute. She got onto the end of a good cross but headed the ball over the bar to keep her tally at three for the game.
This game was much closer than the score suggests, with it being in the balance right up until Bolden took it away from the Roar in the second half. A world class quality player can do that to a team and Bolden managed to show her class here in what’s been a terrific season for the forward.
In a summary of Brisbane’s game and to an extent their season, Corbin hit the crossbar in the 94th minute of the game to mark the final chance for the unfortunate visitors.
Impetus’ Ryan Miller-Woods reports on three different clubs’ media conferences ahead of Round 17 in the A-League Women (16/2/24).
Canberra United
By Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Canberra’s Njegosh Popovich speaking to the media ahead of the tough clash with Sydney. Image: Canberra United.
The media heard from Canberra United Head Coach Njegosh Popovich and defender Emma Ilijoski ahead of Saturday’s match against Sydney FC.
Canberra were just five minutes away from getting their fourth win of the season against Perth Glory last round. If they had prevailed, they could have gone into this round with the prospect of being just three points off finals (with a game in hand). However, they were denied of that by a truly outstanding goal from Perth’s Isobel Dalton from outside the box.
Canberra will go into the match against Sydney knowing that they can take them on their day. The last time they faced each other, it ended in a 1-1 draw on January 3rd.
With getting a point away from home against Perth Popovich was asked if he was happy to have come away from it with something come the final whistle, to which he said, “without a doubt! It is the hardest trip on the calendar (to Perth) but the way that the girls performed and the resilience they showed was great.”
Club captain and all-time leading goalscorer in the A-League Women Michelle Heyman is having an obviously great season, leading the Golden Boot with 12 goals and second in the assists with five. The way she played last round, immediately after receiving her first call-up for Australia in six years proved exactly why she got that call-up in the first place, with a great game that included a brace, her third since she surpassed 100 goals in the league against Adelaide United in Round 11.
With that said confidence that returning to the national team would have brought Heyman early last match, Popovich was asked about that, “it’s an interesting one, I think all of her hard work is paying off. She’s been working hard all year, and the big difference is that she’s hitting the back of the net now more consistently, but she leads by example.”
When asked what he is expecting from Sydney FC this weekend, Popovich said, “I think much of the same, they’re deadly up top and we’ve got a gameplan going in and hopefully if we can execute, we will get the result.” Furthering on those plans, Popovich said, “I don’t think we individually target any player ever when we play against an opposition. As I’ve said before, and I’ll say it again, I think that they need to be conscious and worried about Michelle Heyman and what she’s going to do. Maybe Vesna Milivojevic and the run of form we’ve got with Nicki Flannery and Deven (Jackson) as well.” Showing massive confidence in his team, he boldly stated, “I think it’s more about them worrying about us than us worrying about them.”
Above: The recently-returned Emma Ilijoski sharing her injury journey. Image: Canberra United.
Last round against Perth also saw the return of Emma Ilijoski who had been out for over a month due to injury. Unfortunately, the return of Ilijoski was not under the best circumstances, as teammate Cannon Clough had to be substituted prematurely during the second half due to sustaining a seemingly uncomfortable injury.
When asked how it felt to be back playing, Ilijoski said, “it felt really good to be back on the field, obviously to be back with the team and get some minutes as well was important for me. It was a really good challenge. (The injury was) my kind-of first big setback in the A-League, so it was nice to work through it, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to support me on that journey.” On the injury itself, she shared, “I did some ligaments in my ankle but feeling good and firing and being back getting into training so that’s been really good.”
Despite Canberra being at the bottom of the ladder after 15 games played, not only have they still played some great football, but finals are still a possibility in this chaotic and extended season if certain results go their way. They have the quality, talent, and attacking prowess that could beat any club in the league.
When asked are finals still in her view, Ilijoski said, “without a doubt! We’re in this competition for a reason and I think it’s one game at a time for us. We’re focusing on three points each week, and the teams that we’re going to be coming up against have to kind of watch out in a way because every week we are really focused and it doesn’t matter who we’re versing, we have our gameplan and we’re focusing on ourselves. So we’re pushing for it.”
Central Coast Mariners
By Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Emily Husband speaking to the press. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
The media heard from Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband and Peta Trimis ahead of their upcoming match against Perth Glory on Saturday.
Central Coast came away with a draw against Melbourne Victory last round, a disappointing result considering the chances they had. If the Mariners want to win on Sunday, they need to be more clinical in front of goal.
They have the players to do that with Rola Badawiya and Wurigumula who have a combined 10 goals for the season, as well as players like Peta Trimis, Bianca Galic, and Isabel Gomez (who unfortunately is unavailable for the match due to suspension) providing that integral pass. If they do that and win this weekend, they’ll move up into finals position, displacing Perth in the process and potentially moving as high as fourth on the A-League Women’s ladder.
When asked how she and the team are feeling ahead of the game against Perth, Husband said, “we’ve had a really good week this week. Obviously gutted not to come off the back of a more positive result but a draw at home against a really strong Victory side, we’ve got to be happy with.”
When asked how the team felt after the match against Victory, Husband said, “it was good! Obviously, again to go in front a little bit earlier, it was something we spoke about from the week before having conceded early in the game against Western (United). That was an area of focus for us, we wanted to make sure we got off on a better front foot. (We) had some really good patches of football and defended well for good parts of the game as well. (But) sometimes you can’t stop quality strikes like (Emily) Gielnik had.”
The last time Perth and the Mariners met, Perth prevailed as 2-1 winners in a match that was eerily similar to last week against Victory, with 22 shots with only half of those on target, and just one converted. Husband commented on that result that “the math doesn’t add.”
As aforementioned, one vital player won’t be making the trip to Perth. Isabel Gomez has a one-game suspension for receiving five yellow cards during the season. Gomez has shone very brightly in the midfield, played some quality football well beyond her years. From an outside perspective, this loss looks as though it would negatively affect the Mariners, but Husband shared her confidence in her squad depth.
When asked who the replacement for Gomez will be, Husband said, “we’ve got a good squad, a really competitive squad. There’s players coming in and out of it all the time, so we’re always prepared for these situations where certain players are unavailable. I’ll always back my team and I know we’ll still come out strong regardless. Every player plays a vital part to our season.”
Above: The young and talented Peta Trimis chatting with the media. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
Another pivotal player for the Mariners this season is Peta Trimis, having had a great debut A-League Women’s season with Central Coast which has seen her play every match bar one and score three times this campaign, including last round against Victory. As recognition of her talent and efforts, Trimis was deservedly called up into the most recent Young Matildas squad for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan.
On her thoughts from the match against Victory, Trimis said, “that was a really tough game, but a really good feeling getting on the scoresheet.”
When asked what she’s expecting from Perth this weekend, Trimis said, “it’s going to be a tough game against Perth and a real decider leading towards finals but we’re going to give our all and hopefully come away with the win.”
Wellington Phoenix
By Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Manaia Elliot sharing her experience with the Phoenix so far. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
The media heard from the Wellington Phoenix’s Manaia Elliott and Zoe McMeeken ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Western United on Sunday.
Wellington didn’t play last weekend due to a rescheduling of their home match against Adelaide United, which will now be contested on March 20th. Western, on the other hand, pulled off a come-from-behind 3-2 win last round against Brisbane Roar which currently puts them just a point behind the league leaders Melbourne City.
Having spoken to the media on Wednesday, there was the announcement of Elliott onto a full-time contract from the scholarship contract she’d signed before the start of the season. Elliott has so far, played in 12 of the Phoenix’s 15 matches at this point of the campaign and has played a very important role throughout the season for Wellington.
When asked about her thoughts on how she has found her first season in the A-League Women, she said, “it’s been so great, so far. (I’ve) been lucky to have opportunities to get minutes, not what I had expected from the start of the season but (I) put in a lot of work and that’s been good to get some minutes in the A-League .”
Having started the season on a three-year deal that included two years as a scholarship player, the fact that she’s now on a full-time contract proves her worth within the Wellington squad and what she brings to the first team.
When asked what she had hoped for going into this season as a scholarship player, Elliot said, “the good thing with coming in on (a) scholarship (contract) is that you don’t have too many expectations but as soon as you surpass what you think you could have done that’s just (an) extra benefit. I was always pushing to get some minutes this season and to start in the first game (of the season) was a bit of a shock but just took that in my stride and am happy with how I’m going so far.”
The match against Western this round will be an important one for the Phoenix as it potentially could be the difference between making the finals or not. What is in the favour of Wellington is that the last time the two sides met in Round Four, the Phoenix prevailed with a 3-1 victory which included ‘that free kick’ by Macey Fraser.
When asked what the team thinks they can achieve against Western United, Elliot said, “no doubt, Western United are a good team. We obviously have a lot of players away with the (New Zealand) Ferns but we have depth in our squad and the whole squad is going to be ready for the weekend to show. We might be the underdogs but we’re ready to take them on.”
Above: Zoe McMeeken talks to the press about her improvement. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
A player who has not only had a breakout season for the Phoenix but is currently playing some of her best football is none other than Zoe McMeeken, in her third season with the club. Her role on the pitch has proved integral towards Wellington’s season with a never-say-die attitude, pace on the field and most importantly versatility when needed.
Essentially, McMeeken has now taken over the role that ex-Wellington and current Central Coast Mariners player Isabel Gomez had in the club’s first season in the A-League Women.
When asked how she has found this season to be with the Phoenix, McMeeken said, “I’m getting more game time so there’s not much to complain about. I think the team has been building, getting better each season. So, definitely enjoying this season a lot.”
What has been one of the biggest benefits for McMeeken is that she has creative freedom on the pitch wherever she plays. This, allows her to be what she may want for a period of time during a match and be what she needs to be when called upon. One can really see the difference with McMeeken from last season to this season.
On being asked whether she feels has improved defensively in the last couple of seasons, McMeeken said, “yeah! Personally, that’s definitely been my weak point, so it’s been something that I’ve been focusing on a lot but there’s still so much to improve on.”
This weekend’s match against Western United will see Wellington without four of their players: Brianna Edwards, Kate Taylor, Mackenzie Barry and Michaela Foster. The depth of the squad will be tested but will allow the opportunity for a fringe player to stake their claim for more first-team football.
When asked about the importance of the younger players to step up this weekend, McMeeken said, “I guess it’s more of an underdog mentality, kind of how we went into (the game) against Melbourne Victory with some Ferns being out. We really gave it to them. Hopefully, it is kind of a similar thing going into this game.”
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Above: Emily Gielnik celebrates her second goal of the evening. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
It was all Victory all the time for Melbourne at the Home of the Matildas tonight as they steamrolled the Western Sydney Wanderers, defeating the visitors 4-0.
The scoring opened early for Victory through American import Mckenzie Weinert, who scored the first of her two goals of the evening. Key pressure from Alex Chidiac on Wanderers’ goalkeeper Kaylie Collins led to Weinert finding an opening to pick the keeper’s pocket and come away with the ball that she then sent into the goal with ease.
Victory had a chance to further their lead early in the second half through an expertly taken free kick from Elise Kellond-Knight, whose direct ball rattled the crossbar before coming to ground, unfortunately on the wrong side of the line.
It wasn’t long after that Melbourne did find their second of the night. A corner kick helmed by Kellond-Knight was sent in with pinpoint accuracy to find striker Emily Gielnik who made no mistake in heading the ball through traffic in the box and into the net.
Weinert scored her second of the night after a ball into the box went bouncing around and she ended up with the final touch on it before it crossed the line.
While Victory was playing some of the best football they have all season, Western Sydney could not find a way around them, any movement they made towards goal was either snuffed out by well timed defensive movements or wasted in an attempt to go long.
The long shot from Gielnik, however, launched from near the half-way line was no wasted effort. It sailed over the outstretched reach of Collins, who had come well off her line.
Gielnik’s second goal of the game makes her only the fifth player in the history of the Women’s A-League to score 50 goals, and what a goal it was.
Domination des joueuses de Montpellier dans les 10 premières minutes qui se créé des occasions et 2 corners sans toutefois concrétiser. Bon débordement sur la droite et bon centre de Marie Levasseur à la 11ème minute mais qui passe devant les buts de Reims sans être repris par une de ses coéquipières.
Montpellier ouvre enfin le score à la 19èmeminute de jeu sur un magnifique coup franc tiré par Faustine Robert de 20 mètres qui met le ballon à ras de terre au ras du poteau droit.
Montpellier a failli aggraver le score à la 36èmeminute avec un tir sur le montant droit puis un autre sur le gauche dans la même action.
Belle occasion pour Reims à la fin de la première mi-temps sur un contre mais dégagée par Maria Petiteau, gardienne de Montpellier.
Le match est un peu plus équilibré en deuxième mi-temps avec Reims qui se créé enfin quelques occasions. Toutefois c’est Montpellier qui marque et fait le break à l’heure de jeu.
Ci-dessus : Marie Levasseur, Montpellier, lors du match contre Lyon en janvier 2024. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus 71.
A la fin du match sur une passe décisive de Marie Levasseur, qui fait encore un match très sérieux, Léa Khelifi marque le troisième but pour Montpellier.
Très bonne opération pour Montpellier qui reprend la 4ème place au classement qualificative pour les playoff.
Buteuses : Montpellier : Robert (19’), Ngeuleu (61’), Khelifi (90’+2).
Bordeaux 2–6 Paris FC
Il aura fallu attendre la 12ème minute de jeu dans un match dominé par le Paris FC en termes de possession de balle mais équilibré en termes d’occasions et de tirs, pour voir une sérieuse occasion pour le Paris FC par Julie Dufour.
A la 16ème minute de jeu, c’est toutefois Bordeaux qui ouvre le score par Hillary Diaz sur un cafouillage devant le but du Paris FC à la suite d’un coup franc.
Ci-dessus : Clara Matéo, Paris FC maillot bleu, lors du match de janvier 2024 contre Lyon. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus 71.
Le Paris FC égalise à la 27ème minute de jeu sur un tir de Daphné Corboz de 18 mètres sur lequel Justine Lerond, gardienne de Bordeaux, commet une erreur. 2 minutes plus tard, c’est Abigail Kim qui permet à Bordeaux de reprendre l’avantage.
Avec l’entrée de Mathilde Bourdieu et de Clara Matéo à la mi-temps, le match prend une tout autre tournure et le Paris FC prend un avantage de deux buts en 7 minutes grâce à 2 buts et 1 passe décisive de Clara Matéo.
Clara Matéo marquera un troisième but à la 72èmeminute.
Buteuses : Bordeaux : Diaz (16’), Kim (29’). Paris FC : Corboz (27’), Dufour (48’, 68’), Matéo (49’, 52’, 72’).
Lille 3–3 Le Havre
Un match un peu fou dans lequel aucune des deux équipes ne voulait perdre et qui se termina logiquement par un nul.
Ci-dessus : Cardia, Le Havre, lors du match d’octobre 2023 à Saint-Etienne. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus 71
Buteuses : Lille : Ribeyra (25’), Rabanne (48’), Pian (58’). Le Havre : Enguehard (4’), Cardia (45’), Benyahia (86’ sur penalty).
Guingamp 3–1 Fleury
Un match dominé d’un point de vue possession de balle par Fleury mais dans lequel Guingamp su être plus efficace. Sur plus de 20 tirs, Fleury ne fut capable d’en convertir qu’un seul à la fin du match.
Un mauvais résultat pour Fleury qui espérait remonter à la 4ème place du classement et qui au contraire recule à la 6ème place avec cette défaite.
Un match entre les deux équipes prétendantes à la première place du championnat de D1 Arkema avant les play-offs dans lequel les défenses ont pris le pas sur les attaques et qui se solde par un nul.
Ci-dessus : Clare Hunt, Paris SG (15) et Daniëlle Van De Donk, Lyon maillot blanc. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus 71.
C’était un match très engagé avec de nombreuses fautes pas toujours signalées par l’arbitre.
Selma Bacha, Lyon arrière gauche, a encore réalisé un grand match tant comme défenseure que pour aider l’attaque de Lyon.
Ci-dessus : Selma Bacha, Lyon maillot blanc, qui passe entre 2 joueuses du Paris SG. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impatus 71.
Il y avait 21 734 spectateurs, à très large majorité pour Lyon, et qui ont aidés les Lyonnaises à égaliser en fin de match sur un tir de Delphine Cascarino dévié dans son propre but par Elisa De Almeida. Delphine a été nommée joueuse du match alors qu’elle n’est rentrée qu’à la 68ème minute de jeu.
Buteuses : Lyon : De Almeida (90’ Contre son Camp). Paris SG : Chawinga (66’).
Ahead of next week’s first leg of the Olympic Games Final Qualifying Round tie between Australia and Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Ben Gilby takes a look at what The Matildas can expect (15/2/24).
Above: Umida Zoirova (15) celebrates a goal for Uzbekistan with Aziza Norboyeva (18). Photo: AFC.
Next Saturday, Australia venture to Tashkent to take on Uzbekistan with a place in the Paris Olympic Games the reward for the winner of the two-legged tie. For the Central Asian hosts of the first match, it’s the biggest opportunity in the history of their national women’s side.
Whilst Uzbekistan are yet to qualify for any major international tournament outside of the Asian confederation, they can point to two successive Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Cup Final victories, five qualifications for the Asian Women’s Cup, and an impressive run of results in the Olympic Games qualification competition so far.
How they’ve got this far
Round One
Whilst Australia received a bye through to the second round of the qualification competition for Paris 2024, Uzbekistan began their task almost 14 months ago in Tashkent. The fourth highest-ranked team in this stage of the tournament, Uzbekistan made short work of their opponents scoring 19 goals in the three games, with none conceded in their successes over Bhutan (9-0), Timor-Leste (3-0), and Jordan (7-0). Diyora Khabibullaeva hit seven goals in the process.
Above: Uzbekistan line up ahead of their 9-0 win over Bhutan in the first group stage of qualifying. Photo: UFA.
Round Two
For the second stage in a row, Tashkent hosted all of the matches in the group stage involving Uzbekistan. They went into the round-robin ranked as the third highest of the four nations competing alongside Japan, Vietnam, and India.
Ranked 50th in the world, Uzbekistan started their second stage group games against World Cup qualifiers Vietnam. Knowing that this opening game could be the key encounter in pushing for a place in the next round, Head Coach Midori Honda selected an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation. Despite Vietnam conjuring the best opportunities of the opening period, it was the hosts who scored the only goal of the game as Umida Zoirova played a one-touch pass to Nozimaxon Ergasheva who won a corner. As the set piece came across, Zoirova played a glorious touch for Khabibullaeva to sweep home what would be the only goal of the game.
Second up for Uzbekistan was a tough assignment against World Cup quarter-finalists Japan, the world’s 11th-ranked side at the time. In a hint as to what Australia could expect line-up and formation-wise, Honda switched to a defensive 5-3-2 setup with Maftuna Shoyimova and Modina Khikmatova adding extra ballast and Nilufar Kudratova replacing hot shot Khabibullaeva up front. The outcome was a 2-0 victory for Japan with Moeka Minami and Remina Chiba scoring within five minutes of each other during the opening quarter of an hour.
The last group game paired Uzbekistan with India, the lowest-ranked nation in their group. A strong victory would ensure the Central Asian nation would progress into the final round of qualifying and Honda responded with the emphasis on attack in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
India offered little resistance and went behind with just two minutes on the clock. Lyudmila Karachik’s corner was turned across the box by the returning Khabibullaeva for all-time record scorer Kudratova to direct into the net. Six minutes into the second half, Khabibullaeva found Zoirova in the box, who threaded a pass through the eye of a needle for captain Karachik to sidefoot home. Seven minutes from the end, a sumptuous team goal sealed Uzbekistan’s passage to the final qualifying round as three rapid-fire one-touch passes around the centre circle saw the ball played out to the right wing before play returned to the central area outside the area, where a further three one-touch passes ended with Karachik to fire home the winner.
The Head Coach
Above: Uzbekistan’s head coach, Midori Honda. Photo: The Japan News.
Midori Honda is a tactically astute head coach who has been in charge of Uzbekistan for two years. A defender throughout her playing career, Honda won a total of 43 caps for Japan having made her international debut at the age of 16 against Chinese Taipei in the Asian Cup with her final appearance coming ten years later at the 1991 World Cup. In her 19 games in charge, Uzbekistan has won nine times and finished fourth in the Asian Games.
Playing style
Uzbekistan are a team able to mix their formation depending on whether in possession or not and with talented midfield and attack weapons, Australia will have to be on the front foot to clinch their spot in the Paris Olympics.
Given time and space, Midori Honda’s side are very comfortable on the ball. Uzbekistan thrive when they are able to play a rapid-fire passing game in the centre of midfield and link up with their wide players. They have midfielders and attackers who are comfortable in possession, full of pace, and have the confidence to beat their defender and look for an incisive pass.
The battle of the midfield will be the key area of this tie – particularly in the first leg as Uzbekistan have a bank of attack-minded threats (see Key players, below) who have excellent footwork and can thread passes between defenders to unlock a backline.
Above: The 34,000 seater Milliy Stadium, venue for the first leg of Australia’s Olympic qualifier with Uzbekistan. Photo: Wikipedia.
This ability was highlighted perfectly with Uzbekistan’s breathtaking third goal in their win over India in the second group stage of qualifying. Three one-touch passes in the centre circle area of the field before the ball was fed out wide were then followed by a further three rapid-fire one-touch passes on the edge of the box leading to Karachik firing home from long range.
Honda’s side are happy to let the opposition have possession in their own half, but when that switches into the front third, the side revert to lines of five and two in front of their last three outfield players. In this situation, Uzbekistan have a tendancy to leave a lot of space between their two centre backs, Nafisa Nabiqulova and Kamila Zaripova, which the Matildas will need to ruthlessly exploit. A combination of perfectly threaded balls between the pair, or balls over the top, can pay dividends.
It is this part of the game that has the potential to bring Australia success. Uzbekistan have conceded 25 goals in their last 10 games – a run that has seen them lose 6-0 and 7-0 to China, plus 8-0 to North Korea since the end of September 2023.
In goal, Maftuna Jonimqulova is an excellent shot-stopper but can find a high ball into the box from crosses, set-pieces challenging on occasion.
Key players
Dilrabo Asadova
The 27-year-old is a tidy defender who is unharried and looks composed on the ball. Asadova started the games against Vietnam and India in which Uzbekistan kept clean sheets to earn their status as the best-placed runner-up in the second round group stage. Asadova is a key link player with Lyudmila Karachik in front of her.
Lyudmila Karachik
Above: Uzbekistan captain Lyudmila Karachik. Photo: All Football.
This 29-year-old attacking midfielder, who has captained her national side has pace and guile in abundance with excellent footwork out wide to turn and beat defenders. Karachik is a bag of tricks who can drop deep to start moves and looks to initiate one-touch rapid passing in the midfield. A player who loves to beat a defender and accelerate away, Karachik has good close control and a strong awareness of those around her.
This 24-year-old striker is sharp and clinical, boasting a superb international record of 27 goals in 25 games, including nine in this Olympic qualification series alone. Khibibullaeva is just three goals away from equalling the Uzbekistan national record of 30 held by Nilufar Kudratova. A creative dynamo who combines an ability to combine both close-range finishing in a poacher’s style with jinking play around the box, Khibibullaeva will be someone that the Matildas defence will have to keep a close eye on.
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by Ryan Miller-Woods at Watermans Cove, Sydney (14/2/24).
Above:Young Matildas head coach Leah Blayney (centre) with squad members (left to right) Claudia Cicco, Zara Kruger, Lara Gooch, and Shay Hollman today in Sydney. Photo: Tiff Williams, supplied to Impetus 71 by: Football Australia.
Ahead of next month’s AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, Young Matildas’ Head Coach Leah Blayney announced her talented 23-player squad that will be headed to Uzbekistan next month.
Blayney knows that if her side can finish in the top two spots in their group which also contains hosts Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei, they will automatically qualify for the 2024 U-20 World Cup in Colombia in August and September.
If they qualify, it will be the first time they’ll have entered the tournament directly since 2006 – a tournament that Blayney was in as a player.
In what was a real highlight from the squad announcement, 22 of the 23 players are currently plying their trade in the A-League Women with only Milly Boughton, on loan at third-tier English side Ipswich Town from WSL club Tottenham Hotspur being the exception.
Above: Young Matildas head coach Leah Blayney at today’s media event in Sydney. Photo: Tiff Williams, supplied to Impetus 71 by: Football Australia.
In terms of the squad itself and what was the biggest challenge with picking the final 23 players for the upcoming AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, Blayney said: “I think the fact that we have so many talented players across the country right now all competing for 23 spots.
“I definitely had some tough decisions that myself and our technical team did have to make that went down to the wire for some players and essentially we feel we’ve landed on a group that brings a lot of different qualities to bring our playing style to life, getting a lot of high match minutes in their A-League clubs as well as players who are in form.”
When asked what she’s looking for in this camp ahead of next month’s U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, the Young Matildas head coach said: “I’m very much invested in what we look like with and without the ball and then obviously, how we’re going to look to counter-act some of the strengths we know our opponents have in those matches.”
The influx of talent coming through the Australian footballing system, especially in more recent times within the NPLW and the A-League Women with youngsters playing with skill well beyond their years, emphasises what an exciting time in Australian football this is.
With the expanded Future Matildas program and how that has helped develop the Young Matildas, Blayney said: “It’s been excellent, in terms of reaching more players across the country and being able to deliver some of our national team content into them while they are in their NPL clubs and that environment outside of the A-League (Women), just additional touchpoints, additional opportunities for staff to work with a number of players from all over the country.”
Young Matildas Squad for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup:
Name
Position
Club
Alexia Apostolakis
Defender
Western Sydney Wanderers
Tegan Bertolissio
Defender
Canberra United
Milly Boughton
Forward
Ipswich Town (on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)
Madeleine Caspers
Midfielder
Sydney FC
Georgia Cassidy
Midfielder
Perth Glory
Claudia Cicco
Defender
Newcastle Jets
Indiana dos Santos
Midfielder
Sydney FC
Jynaya dos Santos
Forward
Sydney FC
Gemma Ferris
Defender
Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Tahlia Franco
Goalkeeper
Sydney
Daniela Galic
Midfielder
Melbourne City
Lara Gooch
Forward
Newcastle Jets
Sasha Grove
Defender
Canberra United
Shay Hollman
Midfielder
Sydney
Kahli Johnson
Forward
Western United
Zara Kruger
Midfielder
Sydney
Chloe Lincoln
Goalkeeper
Canberra United
Tijan McKenna
Defender
Melbourne City
Alana Murphy
Midfielder
Melbourne Victory
Jessika Nash
Defender
Melbourne Victory
Naomi Thomas-Chinnama
Defender
Melbourne City
Peta Trimis
Forward
Central Coast Mariners
Grace Wilson
Goalkeeper
Adelaide United
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Ahead of their first-ever season in the NPLW WA, Ben Gilbyspoke to UWA-Nedlands’ president Alexandra Lyons, and head coach Lawrence Lewis about the process that saw them become the competition’s first-ever newly promoted club, and the challenges ahead (14/2/24)
Above: The UWA-Nedlands squad celebrate their State League Night Series success last season. Photo: Football West/Fotoenzo.
UWA-Nedlands are getting in their final preparations for a huge 2024. After making the step up from the State League to the NPLW WA, the club is less than 10 days out from commencing the campaign with the Night Series.
That opening game, on 23rd February, away to Balcatta Etna, will be the culmination of a number of years striving to gain top-tier status that they held prior to the introduction of the NPL in Western Australia.
Club president Alexandra Lyons outlined the long journey that they have been on. “We’ve been actively preparing and investing in our program conscious of the potential requirements since not long after the NPLW was formed – having been in the Premier League in its previous iterations, it was always on the radar to return once we had our ducks in a row and a sustainable successful program.”
Above: UWA-Nedlands in possession last season. Photo: Celena Lyons, supplied by: UWA-Nedlands.
Last year saw the announcement that promotion and relegation would be open between the NPLW WA and the State League, in line with other states across Australia – as long as clubs could meet a range of criteria based on both on and off-pitch circumstances.
Lyons outlined the club’s determination to make the grade. “Once the league entry mechanism became available to us, the goal for 2023 was definitely to gain that promotion, as we felt that as a club we were ready and that we could add value to the pathway for female football by being a part of the NPLW.
“The licensing process itself for the first time is definitely a step up in terms of club administration – but from my point of view, most of the requirements should be good practice for any large club, and especially one that wants to be competing in professional or semi-professional leagues.”
UWA-Nedlands can point to a long-term commitment to women’s and girls’ football, with the club president outlining: “We are celebrating our 75th year in 2024, and female football has had a strong history throughout that period. UWA (University of Western Australia) Soccer Club seniors and Nedlands Football Club (mostly juniors) merged in 2010, and both originating clubs had women’s and girls’ teams. Some of those girls and women, who were part of the pre-merger teams are still playing today more than 14 years later, which I think is a testament to the club’s environment.
“Many of our current players, particularly younger players and those not from Perth, and those playing in our lower division teams connect with the club through the University. It’s a great entry point for recruitment and retention factor in our more social teams – and we’ve seen many great players who didn’t realise they were good enough for a higher level team, progress in through this pathway.
Above: Looking up to break through – UWA-Nedlands in action last season. Photo: Celena Lyons, supplied by: UWA-Nedlands.
“Certainly over the last decade, UWANFC has consistently had some of the highest numbers of female teams participating in competitions (plus over 200 girls playing in our in-house Joey Soccer program). Having a connection with UWA itself has certainly helped in that regard, as well as a local demographic with high female participation in sport.
“Despite relatively high numbers previously, we’ve experienced a step change in female participation and results since the appointment of Lawrence Lewis to the Female Technical Director role about five years ago, and the development and delivery on our Female Football Plan, which is now on its second iteration.
“In 2023, we doubled the number of youth girls teams from four to eight, and that was before the success of the Women’s World Cup. We’ll now be able to offer three streams for our youth girls with the benefit of numbers in 2024, further improving our member experience – and we are looking at having six or seven women’s teams this year – a massive achievement.
“On reflection, we’ve always had the factors for success in the female game, and a decade ago were a common stay in the Premier League (the top tier of WA women’s football prior to the NPLW’s introduction), but have truly begun to realise that in a sustainable fashion since dedicating strategic effort and personnel to it.
“We have the benefit of size, which not all clubs have – but the principles of inclusivity, focus on quality coaching, and not just copy and pasting an approach for boys onto girls are things that I think any club can take on. Unlike the male side of the game, which is quite set in its ways, there is a great opportunity for female football to set its own vision of how it will come to maturity, and grassroots clubs can seize that and drive that change.”
Above: UWA-Nedlands celebrate a goal last season. Photo: Football West/Fotoenzo.
UWA-Nedlands finally made the step into the NPLW WA, replacing Curtin University, who finished bottom at the end of 2023. They did so by finishing third in Division One of the State League amidst a tough battle with Hamersley United who finished top, and Perth AFC who were runners-up.
Head coach Lawrence Lewis reflected on the exciting competition between those three teams at the top of the table last season. “It definitely was a tussle for sure! Hamersley were able to recruit big and bring in some ex-NPL players with good experience and quality which allowed them to step up a gear big time. They were solid at the back and had some real quality in their forward line that usually meant they could score at any time during the game.
“Perth AFC have always been tough opponents for us, home and away and Rob Caruso has done a fantastic job in building that club up. Their Futsal roots bring in some high-quality players that gave us real trouble when playing them. In terms of ourselves, we have been able to drive a certain style of play from our juniors to our seniors that allows for good build-up play and wing play. Which is always great for our junior players to come and watch.”
The challenge on the pitch continued off it in the close season as the club looked to offer both improved facilities and a squad to sustain their newly earned status.
“We had to spend a lot of time working with our stakeholders in particular regards to our facilities, as a club not blessed with modern facilities – and are glad to have met the minimum requirements,” said Lyons.
Above: Launching an attack – UWA-Nedlands last season. Photo: Celena Lyons, supplied by: UWA-Nedlands.
“From an off-the-pitch perspective, my personal focus as President in 2024 is to advocate for and unlock the funding that we need to bring our facilities to a more fit-for-purpose level for all of our members – we are a club with over 1,500 members, with only four changerooms at our home ground.”
In terms of getting the team ready for the task at hand, head coach Lewis has been hard at work with his players for some time. “Preparations started well before Christmas, thus allowing us more time with the squad. We know that it will be a tough season, so getting the ball rolling early with the players’ pre-season work is key.
“We have been able to add players into the squad that come with NPL and similar experience, which is great for us and gives us an extra step in the right direction. Also bringing in support in the way of Salv Todaro as assistant coach has been great. He has been part of the NTC setup for some time now and has had spells at NPLM level also. He brings a wealth of experience to the club which we are very grateful for.
“In terms of recruitment, we have been able to secure players with NPL experience like Katie Schubert and some US-based players who have played there at college level and in Spain also, Michaela Thawley and Morgan Springer. Our captain Emily Dinsdale has been with the squad for the past few years and will also be key for us this season too.”
In terms of their first exposure to NPLW level competition, UWA-Nedlands commence their Night Series group stage campaign next Friday night away to Balcatta Etna. After that encounter come round-robin clashes against two of the most consistently successful NPLW WA teams of the last few seasons – Perth RedStar, and Hyundai NTC. It is a baptism of fire for sure, but one that excites both Lewis and his players.
Above: UWA-Nedlands head coach Lawrence Lewis. Photo supplied by: Lawrence Lewis.
“The anticipation within our team is high, especially considering the group we are in with those heavy hitters. The prospect of facing such strong teams in the Night Series adds an extra layer of excitement and eagerness within our squad.
“We recognize that these matches will serve as crucial tests, providing valuable insights into the level of competition in the new league. Our focus is on embracing the challenge, learning from these encounters, and using them as opportunities to gauge our strengths and areas for improvement. The atmosphere within the team is one of determination and unity as we prepare to make a mark in the Night Series and lay the foundations for a good campaign in the league ahead.”
In terms of his aims for the club’s inaugural season at NPLW WA level, Lewis is positive if realistic. “As this is the first time that a team has been promoted into the NPLW, the first thing is to stay in the league for the following year. We want to be able to provide our junior players a real pathway into highly competitive football and by staying in this league we can very much do that. By solidifying our position in the league we can push on.”
Above: In possession and looking ahead – UWA-Nedlands. Photo: Celena Lyons, supplied by: UWA-Nedlands.
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Ci-dessus : Cardia, Le Havre, lors du match d’octobre 2023 à Saint-Etienne. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus 71
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