ACL’s, Top six’s and new signings: how Brighton can keep developing

By Ben Tattoo (1/1/25)

Above: Brighton’s team lineup Photo: @BHAFCWomen on X

Ben Tattoo caught up with Duncan Price, founder and editor at SheGulls – Brighton Women’s supporters group, discussing his hopes and predictions for the upcoming transfer window.

What can you tell me about your history as a Brighton fan?

I was born in Brighton and have been a Brighton fan since my teens. I had a passing interest in the women’s game.

Then, like a lot of people, the 2022 team that won the Euros set me on a path. I went to a game at the Amex with my wife and two daughters, which was nice because that was the game we won 8-0, and my eldest daughter couldn’t get enough of it.

Women’s football is a little bit more about the experience, rather than the result, which I really appreciate. 


You’re the founder of the ‘Shegulls’ Brighton Women’s fan group, how did you get that started?

I became a season ticket holder and was looking around for a community to get involved with around Brighton and there wasn’t really one. So, I thought, this is something I could take on. I think I started with a Twitter handle and went from there. That’s when Shegulls started in 2023. I’ve been a season ticket holder ever since; it’s been a journey.

After the first six to 12 months, we really leapt up in numbers.

The next step is getting more involved with the club because they have a lot bigger audience than we do.

What did you make of Brighton’s transfer business over the summer? 


What I really liked about the transfer business this summer was that they seemed to go for players who were younger but had a lot of experience.

Chiamaka Nnadozie has probably been the standout signing for us. Which is ironic in a way, because I don’t think that was an area that the fans were thinking that we were looking to upgrade. 


My one reservation was the fact that we didn’t go out and buy a recognised goalscoring striker. Michelle Agyemang (signed on loan), after coming off a really good set of performances at the Euros, but I do think there’s a bit of a caveat with that, that she really was used mainly as an impact sub. She got her ACL injury, which was horrific, and it’s left Brighton in a bit of a sticky situation, because she was what I think they’d pinned their hopes on to get them double-digit goals. We’re then down to one recognised striker, Carla Camacho, and she’s coming off an ACL a couple of years ago, although she did get back to full fitness for Real Madrid, before she left them in the summer on a free transfer. 


Brighton are currently in seventh place. How do you rate the season so far?

Brighton are not near the top three or four, but we’re probably a bit better than the bottom three or four.

There’s three of us – Villa, Brighton, and London City – who were a bit too good to fight for relegation, but not quite good enough, and certainly not consistent enough, to fight for a European place or top four. 


I think we probably are where we deserve to be. We’ve had quite a lot of injuries, and I think that’s one of the things that I’ve heard Dario (Vidošić) talk about a lot. They’ve put out the same 11 consecutively.

Who do you think Brighton will aim to sign? You mentioned you would like a striker?

There’s quite a few out of contract at the end of this season. There’s a possibility that we could get someone quite good.

It’s highly speculative and I don’t want to get Albion fans’ hopes up, but if they want to make a splash and galvanise the fanbase, then someone like Sam Kerr.

Tottenham have signed (Cathinka) Tandberg in the summer, (Signe) Gaupset is coming, and they’ve been linked with(Maika) Hamono on loan. If players are coming into clubs, there are going to have to be players coming out.

So signings that would make sense would be Beth England or Martha Thomas.

I think one of the more realistic signings might be Beth England. She’s good friends with Fran (Kirby).

What about the rest of the pitch? Do you think there’ll be any strengthening there?

We have to look and see where else we can get value. There’s a lot of really good talent in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden.

I really like Wilma Leidhammar, at IFK Norrköping. She got eight goals and eight assists, but IFK Norrköping came fifth or sixth, so she’s not getting as many headlines as someone like (Ellen) Wangerheim, who played for the team that came second.

 Leidhammar’s an attacking midfielder/striker. She’s got a traction engine of a left foot and a right foot, which is a real novelty, and she takes free kicks.

She’s already their captain at 23. Bringing in a player like Leidhammar, who’s got a lot of experience and is trusted by their team – that would tick a lot of boxes. I think players like her should be on the radar.

What can you see happening for the rest of the other teams in the WSL?

Probably you’re going to see more players move from teams that have already finished their season. The NWSL is finished, so there could be some movement there, although we don’t have a massive number of American players in the league at the moment.

I could see the top clubs hoovering players up, whether they get much game time or whether they bring them in in January and loan them out for six months.

I was looking at the Mexican league the other day. That would be an interesting one, because they’ve certainly got some good talent over there.

That would probably be the dark horse prediction; that we have a couple more players added from North or South America, which is a bit of an untapped market. 


If you could take any player you wanted from any side and start them in Brighton’s team, who would it be?

Oh, that’s a good question. It’s a bit high in the sky, but she did play for Brighton once upon a time; Alessio Russo would be my number one. Once a seagull, always a seagull.

She just does so much. Her work rate is so high, but she still has that goalscoring instinct, where you really can play her virtually anywhere along the front line, even as a nine or a ten.


She’s good in the air, she’s good with her feet. She’s pretty quick. She’s quite skilful. To me, she’s the sort of pinnacle forward.

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Stephen Peters & Bronte Trew: It’s all about taking our chances

by Ben Gilby (31/12/25)

Above: Perth Glory head coach Stephen Peters talking to the media. Image: Perth Glory.

Whilst there was great pride in the performance at Melbourne City last weekend, Perth Glory head coach and attacker Bronte Trew are lasering in on converting more chances into goals ahead of Saturday’s home game with Newcastle Jets.

Reflecting on the trip to AAMI Park, Peters said: “I thought it was a great performance tactically, physically, and mentally. I think we fell short technically. I think we did some really good things, we just didn’t execute at key moments, and they did, and it changed the game significantly.

“I thought our reaction after the first (Melbourne City) goal was decent, and our reaction after half-time was decent. I thought that game was a really good marker for us. A missed opportunity for points, definitely, but the performance in isolation was really good…We’ve got to bring these things that we feel good about from that game into Newcastle now.”

Perth have an excellent home record since making the Sam Kerr Football Centre their patch. Trew praised the atmosphere created by having “the fans on top of us” – so they are confident about continuing that run, albeit against a Jets side who have looked dangerous so far this season.

“Whilst we respect Newcastle and what they’ve achieved this season, which I think has been great, this game for us is about us being consistent and making sure we put some pride in our performance,” Peters identified.

The Glory boss was full of praise for the New South Wales side, and knows his team are in for a physical battle on the weekend.

“(Newcastle are) Tough, direct, uncompromising. They’ve got some good quality in their final third, like Indy Breier is good at whipping crosses in. She’s a real find for them. Melina Ayres needs no introduction, Kelly Brown we know very well. Josie Allan is quite a handful, Sophie Hoban is a very good player in my opinion, so they’re a good team, they are a transitional team and they’ve taken some good scalps already this season.”

In terms of team selection for the game, there is generally positive news on the injury front, starting with Georgia Cassidy who pulled up in the second half against Melbourne City.”

“Her muscles tightened up, and there’s a lack of conditioning there from the time she was out (injured going into the season), so it’s about making sure she has match practice under her belt,” Peters explained.

Above: Izzy Dalton in possession for Perth Glory at Melbourne City. Boss Stephen Peters was delighted that she was able to play for 80 minutes. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

“She really tried to stay on the pitch, but the size of the pitch, and the amount of defensive work she had to do, she felt pretty tired. The positives were that (Izzy) Dalton got through 80 minutes and (Emma) Tovar got through 90 minutes…

“Nat Tathem is almost back to full training which is quite remarkable, and Megan Wynne is not far behind, so we’re looking good in that regard.”

On the other side of the ledger, the injuries suffered by Naomi Chinnama and Ella Abdul Massih look like being longer term.

“Naomi’s dotting every i and crossing every t, so I would expect her to be back in a very safe and timely fashion,” the Perth Glory head coach said.

“Abdul Massih has just got a complication with a bit of scar tissue around along the ligament that she got repaired, so she’s seeing a couple of different specialists; podiatrists etc to try and get it pain free. She’s struggling with it, and I really feel for her because she has done everything right, but it’s just one of those things.

In terms of how he thinks his side are shaping up as the league approaches its half-way point, Peters is largely happy – but wants his attackers to be more clinical in 2026.

“I think we’re probably a win short, maybe four points short from where we could have been. I think we’ve only really had two bad performances – Canberra and Melbourne Victory, so I feel we’re really well placed to make the top six, we’re in that area, we just need to be more clinical in front of goal and defending our goal. The competition’s so tight you have to put back-to-back results together, and then you are in a good space…

“When it’s going your way, you have to take your chances. The teams that do that well will be in the top six.”

Bronte Trew: Trusting in the plan
Above: Bronte Trew (white shirt) in action for Perth Glory at Melbourne Victory. Photo: Adrian Geremia for Impetus.

Perth Glory attacker Bronte Trew had mixed emotions about her sides’ 3-1 defeat at Melbourne City – she was delighted to get her first goal of the season, but frustrated that the Western Australians didn’t get something out of the game.

“They (City) are a good side, and in the first 20 minutes, I myself had a couple of chances that it would have been a different game if we had took those chances…they took their chances and we didn’t. It was good performing like that against a top team, and we can take a lot from that going forward…”

“It was probably the best game of football we’ve played all season despite the loss…it was a good stepping stone going forward, and if we play like that against other teams, we’ll be able to get points.”

Trew’s goal early in the second half gave Perth a chance of getting back into the game – and it came as the result of a fantastic move involving two locally produced Young Matildas.

“Getting that goal meant a lot for me. It was a good team goal, it was a good representation of the way we play – from Georgia Cassidy doing that through ball to Grace (Johnston) and getting it to back post – it just sums up the way we play together as a team. Me personally getting that goal, it opens up a lot of confidence for me and hopefully now I can get a lot more goals.”

Trew is confident that if she and her team can convert a greater percentage of chances when they come – starting with Saturday’s game with the Jets, good times are ahead for the Glory.

For the former Western Sydney Wanderers player, it’s all about trusting in the process – she believes in head coach Stephen Peters and knows that the feeling is mutual.

“At the start of the season I was coming off the bench, but he did have a plan for me, and I did trust that, and he did start me when he thought I was ready, and it’s important as he does trust in my ability for the team as well.”

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Rasmussen double wins another Dub thriller as Mariners see off Brisbane

Central Coast Mariners 3-2 Brisbane Roar

by Ben Gilby (31/12/25)

Above: Isabella Coco-di Sipio (left) celebrates Central Coast Mariners’ opening goal against Brisbane Roar today. Photo: A-Leagues.

Goals either side of half-time by Annalise Rasmussen ensured that Central Coast Mariners came from behind to defeat Brisbane Roar at polytec Stadium today and move up to third on the ladder – just three points behind leaders Canberra United.

It was another Holiday thriller in the A-League Women – a competition that has delivered goals and drama in spades over the past eight days.

The game see-sawed magnificently. After Isabella Coco-di Sipio’s early strike for the home side, Roar hit back with two goals in five minutes from Grace Kuilamu and Sharn Freier before Rasmussen’s sensational intervention.

Mariners came into this game after blowing a 2-0 lead to Melbourne Victory on Saturday, conceding three goals in as many minutes in stoppage time at the end of the game. Head coach Kory Babington made one change to his starting line-up, with Western Australian Baxter Thew coming into defence for Elizabeth Barwick-Grey.

Brisbane Roar were in action for the first time since 13th December, and head coach Alex Smith named the same starting line-up that suffered a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle Jets in that encounter.

The match started with a bang, and with three minutes played, Annabel Martin’s throw on the right, just parallel with the 18-yard box found Peta Trimis, who made a clever run unseen by the Roar defence which allowed her to get a low ball across from the by-line. Momo Hayashi could not clear, and in came Isabella Coco-di Sipio to smash home at the second attempt.

Brisbane levelled with 13 minutes on the clock, Kiera Meyers beat Lauena Baumann along the right and let fly with a rocket that was repelled with a spectacular diving parry from Annalee Grove, but the ball fell perfectly for Kuilamu to turn into the net on the half-volley from close range.

Five minutes later, Meyers was influential again along the same flank as she fed Ashlyn Miller outside her. The defender lifted a high cross into the six yard-box where Matildas star Sharn Freier got up highest against Martin and Thew to head in off the post.

Roar were then hit with a major blow as Kuilamu suffered what appeared to be an injury to her left knee. It would result in a significant amount of stoppage time at the end of the first half, and the Mariners would make the visitors suffer again.

Nine minutes into that added time, the home side were awarded a free-kick when Kijah Stephenson was adjudged to have fouled Izzy Gomez a third of the way into the Roar half, on the right. Martin’s lofted set piece caused chaos in the Brisbane box as Chloe Lincoln missed her punch and defender Hayashi could only direct the ball up for Rasmussen to head home.

Then, 10 minutes into the second half came the ultimately deciding moment. Trimis slotted a perfectly weighted ball to Gomez in the middle of the park, she in turn played a delightful first time pass into the feet of Rasmussen into space. The attacker took a touch and calmly placed the ball into the net.

Whatever Roar tried, they could not find a way back into the encounter, and this costly defeat against a top six rival, along with the injury to Kuilamu means Alex Smith has a lot to think about before Saturday’s home game with red hot Wellington Phoenix.

The Mariners face an intriguing trip to Adelaide United a day later. On paper, it’s a winnable match, but if the South Australians can build on their impressive demolition of Western Sydney Wanderers in last weekend’s battle of the bottom two, then we could be in for another classic.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-3-3): Grove, Martin, Thew, King, Baumann, Quilligan, Kraszula, Gomez, Trimis, Rasmussen, Coco-di Sipio. Substitutes: Buchanan, Farrow, Fuller, Hughes, Levin, S.Varley.

Scorers: Coco-di Sipio 3, Rasmussen 45+9′, 55′.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-1-4-1): Lincoln, Medwin, L.Varley, Hayashi, Miller, Woods, Freier, Stephenson, Jansson, Meyers, Kuilamu. Substitutes: Brown, Franco, Kruger, Piazzi, Seidl, Struder.

Scorers: Kuilamu 13′, Freier 15′.

Referee: Mikayla Ryan.

Attendance: 3,298.

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The Main Event: Phoenix fire their way to another victory

Western Sydney Wanderers 0-3 Wellington Phoenix

by Isabelle Campbell (30/12/25)

Above: Wellington Phoenix (white) and Western Sydney Wanderers contest possession tonight at Wanderers Football Park. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.

In a scrappy and physical encounter at Wanderers Football Park, Wellington Phoenix secured a dominant 3-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.

The Phoenix’s attacking quality proved too much for the Wanderers, with a brace from Emma Main and a goal from Samba sealing the result. The win marking Wellington’s first points earned points away this season and took their recent for and against tally to 10-0 when taking on Sydney’s clubs in the competition.

The match began at a slow tempo, but it didn’t take long for Wellington Phoenix to make their mark. In the seventh minute, Emma Main opened the scoring with her first goal of the season. Positioned perfectly in front of goal, Main tapped in a precise pass from Samba to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

The match soon became a hard-fought contest, with both teams battling fiercely for possession in the midfield.

As the half progressed, Wellington continued to apply pressure. In the 39th minute, they were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position after a foul on goalscorer Main. Grace Jale stepped up to take it, but Sham Khamis in the Wanderers’ goal was quick to react, clearing the ball away from danger.

Shortly after, Wellington thought they had doubled their lead when Samba slotted the ball into the back of the net, but the celebrations were cut short as the offside flag was raised.

Above: Wellington Phoenix were well supported in Western Sydney with plenty of noise for their Nepalese star Samba. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

The match became increasingly physical, with six minutes of added time playing out in the first half. Despite this, neither side managed to find the back of the net again, and the teams headed into halftime with Wellington Phoenix leading 1-0.

The second half got underway with Wellington showing no signs of easing up. It didn’t take long for Samba to get her name on the score sheet. In the 48th minute, a well-timed cross from Brooke Nunn found its way into the box, and after a fumble from the Wanderers defence, the striker slotted home her third goal of the season, much to the delight of the large group of Nepalese fans in the stands.

The Phoenix weren’t content to stop there, and just minutes later, they furthered their lead. In the 52nd minute, Main netted her second goal of the game, putting Wellington up 3-0 and continuing to put pressure on the Wanderers.

Shortly after, Emma Pijnenburg, the New Zealand international who has just signed from Dutch club Feyenoord, made her A-League debut, coming on as a substitute.

With Wellington in control, the Wanderers didn’t see their first shot on target until the 84th minute. They won a free kick just outside the box, and Amy Harrison stepped up to take it. However, Vic Esson was equal to it, gathering the ball and maintaining her side’s clean sheet.

Despite a late push from the Wanderers, they couldn’t break through the Phoenix defence, and Wellington Phoenix walked away with a 3-0 victory, securing their first away win of the season.

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-4-2): Khamis, Cerne, Buchanan, Wang, Matos, Chessari, Harada, Harrison, Berryhill, Ng Saad, Soeun. Substitutes: Hooks, Bennett, Yuan, Younis, Caspers, Edwards.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Esson, Bott, Barry, Walker, Jale, Samba, van der Meer, Main, Wall, Nunn, Vlok. Substitutes: Danieli, Elliott, León, D.Brazendale, Benson, Pijnenburg.

Goals: Main 7, 52’, Samba 48’.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello

Attendance: 1,622.

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What should Aston Villa do in the January Transfer Window?

By Ben Tattoo (28/12/25)

Above: Villa pre-match against West Ham this season Photo: Aston Villa FC

In the next of his series, Ben Tattoo spoke to author, podcaster and Aston Villa superfan, Freya Taylor-Hall about the upcoming transfer window.

 Can you tell us how your journey into football fandom began?

I grew up in a Sunderland-supporting family and went to a lot of the men’s games.

I moved to Birmingham for university and one of my friends there went to Villa’s Academy. She said I should come to a game sometime, which I did when they were still at Bescot Stadium, and I haven’t looked back.

I started going along to matches and meeting the other supporters, it’s just such a lovely atmosphere. You go for the football, but you go for that social aspect as well, which has been great.

There are some teams that you support because there’s a feeling, and it just feels right. Villa is one of those clubs.

What did you make of Villa’s pre-season transfer business?

When Lynn Wilms, the Dutch superstar, was then announced, we thought how’s that happened? It was incredible!

We’ve seen a shift in Villa behind the scenes, especially from this season. It feels like they are striving for more and striving for better.

We signed Ellie Roebuck, I think that’s only going to solidify and secure her chance at getting back in the England squad, so it’s fantastic for her to compete with Sabrina D’Angelo.

I like the fact with Villa that we have always brought in names that are either underrated or unknown, and we are able to then showcase them to the world.

The one that’s really surprised us in the best possible way has been Lucia Kendall, from Southampton.

She’s just gone from strength to strength, and we’ve seen what she’s done for the senior Lionesses as well over the past few winter breaks.

Do you think that signings like Wilms were a show of intent?

Yeah, definitely, and it shows some good business as well, because throughout the WSL we know how big the gaps are between the top four usual ones and the bottom end.

What Natalia Arroyo is really keen on is bringing that youth throughand I think that’s what Villa is starting to do very well, because there was a time where we were letting a lot of our youth go.

George Mullet went out on loan, but now she’s back with us, and getting minutes in the starting lineup, Rachel Maltby as well is doing incredibly well.

Another signing, Maya Hijikata, the young Japanese international, we didn’t know much about her, but she’s been a superstar already after arriving injured.

It is definitely a statement of intent from Villa.

What’s your impression or feeling about the season so far?

It’s a strange season, because you’ve got the gaps starting to take place already, in the WSL, you’ve got City way ahead on 30 and Villa on 13.

Villa are still comfortable in that mid-group. I don’t think it’s that they’re playing badly. I just think other teams have levelled up and are on a good run.

I think what Villa needs to do in order to push on, because fifth was their highest place finish a couple of seasons ago, is bring in those signings and the support system as well.

Systems that are actually going to keep us up with those clubs, and really compete, because we’ve seen what’s happened with Liverpool and West Ham.

If you take your eye off the ball for even a second, other clubs are going to leapfrog over you. I don’t think we’ve been playing badly at all.

I just think we’re a team that need to be a bit more clinical. We need to take our chances a bit more. But, ultimately, are the club willing to invest in that future to keep us up there?

Are you expecting many players to leave in January?

No, I’m not expecting any to leave at all, which is quite a nice thing to say.I don’t think we’ve got anyone who isn’t getting game time and I think everyone is pretty happy with where they are.

The only question I would have is, maybe, about Ebony Salmon, but there isn’t much of a push there. I think that’s just purely whether she is still in the right space for her, because she hasn’t been on her best form lately, but I think that would purely be a personal thing, it’s not technical.

I think everyone else is pretty happy, because if you look at Villa’s bench for most of the time, we don’t have that many people, so, if anything, a couple may be coming in.

What areas do you think that Villa need to strengthen, and who would you bring in?

I know there’s a lot of players in the Swedish League that have come to the end of their contract, because the Damallsvenskan has finished for the winter now.

We need another defensive midfielder, because Lucy Staniforth, as amazing as she is, with injury, she’s been in and out, so I think cover for her, because ultimately only got five registered midfielders and that’s probably our weakest area.

We’ve lost Jill Baijings to ACL, and Miri Taylor’s been dropping back in defence and doing a very good job, but she’s been all over the place, a bit like a Rachel Daly, this season.

With Staniforth out,  we’ve got three active midfielders at the minute, so everyone’s kind of doing a bit of a patchwork position sometimes. So midfield is an area to look at.

What do Villa need to do to climb the table?

We’ve got a pretty solid defence and the midfield is better than it ever has been – I think it’s just that final bit in front of goal.

I think a couple of goals will turn it around and winning the games that when we go in front, or if we’re holding out for a draw, that we see it through.

We’re seeing far too many times that we’ll take an early lead and then lose. Consistency is really what we need.

If you could sign any player for Vila who would it be?

I would love Ellie Carpenter. I just think she’s phenomenal – the speed on her is just incredible. Jess Park has been doing wonders since she moved to United. She’s a little firecracker, just all over, creating chances and we need that.

I want Kenza Dali back, because I think that was what we were missing – a creative ‘10’. I don’t think she’ll come back, but it’d be quite nice as she still loves the team, and she says she misses the fans.,

So, someone who’s a creative 10, like Kenza, someone who’s going to really link that midfield together and push on if possible.

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McNamara & Davidson on fire as City see off Perth

Melbourne City 3-1 Perth Glory

by Ben Gilby (28/12/25)

Above: Holly McNamara celebrates with Melissa Barbieri today. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

A hat-trick from Holly McNamara on her 50th appearance, with all of her goals supplied by perfect passes from Leah Davidson, earned Melbourne City the win over a hard-working Perth Glory side at AAMI Park.

Bronte Trew’s strike early in the second half, after an excellent build-up gave the Western Australians hope and some reward for their efforts, but in the end, it was the McNamara/Davidson partnership that was the difference.

The home side went into their second game in five games unchanged following their late win over cross city rivals Melbourne Victory, which ensured that two icons of the club, McNamara, and Rebekah Stott would celebrate landmark appearances in the competition, with the New Zealander marking her 150th game, and the Matildas attacker her 50th.

Perth Glory made two changes to the starting line-up that defeated Adelaide United last weekend with Emma Tovar and Susan Phonsongkham coming in for Clancy Westaway and Gabby Hollar.

It was a thrilling start to this game with both teams looking to create. Recognising City’s preference to play from the back, the visitors played a rapid press from the off, and with a number of their squad very comfortable on the ball, they gave the Asian Champions League Quarter-Finalists a lot to think about in this spell.

With four minutes played, Rola Badawiya escaped along the left, beating Stott to play in a cross with plenty of pace on it which the hosts couldn’t clear and Bronte Trew put an effort just over the top.

Dani Butros was a key part of the City attack in the early exchanges, and her battles with Grace Johnston were a highlight with Butros’ pace going up against Johnston’s excellent reading of the game.

Phonsongkam was influential for the Glory in the opening 20 minutes. Her ability across the front third in combination with Badawiya was causing headaches for the Sky Blue defence – both attackers are capable of excellent pacy footwork, accurate dangerous balls into the box, and the ability to finish.

However, for all Perth’s promise, they failed to make a vital breakthrough – and history shows that Michael Mattriciani’s side will make you pay.

Above: Onyi Zogg gets a foot in at AAMI Park today. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

That they did with 23 minutes played when Davidson’s perfectly weighted pass through found McNamara who beat Mischa Anderson for pace and escaped from Tijan McKenna to fire home.

To their credit, the Glory stuck to the game plan, and were working exceptionally hard; both Tijan McKenna and Julia Sardo were doing the hard yards both tracking City’s attackers, and assisting the attack.

With just under a quarter of an hour until the break, City released Alexia Apostolakis who broke clean into the right hand side of the Glory box, but was met by Theresa Morrisey who snaffled out the danger.

Whilst this move didn’t result with a goal, it showed that if the home side could pull Glory players around, a telling ball into the slightest gap could lead to breaches at the back with the injection of pace – the danger for Perth in using a high block.

Three minutes into stoppage time, City doubled their lead. Perth keeper Morrissey played a pass out to Tijan McKenna who was immediately swamped by Chinaza Uchendu. Winning possession, the City attacker squared a low pass to Davidson. In turn, the midfielder laid off for McNamara to smash the ball into the net from near the penalty spot. A perfect time to score.

However, just five minutes into the second half, Perth were back in the game. A superb piece of vision from Georgia Cassidy saw the Young Matilda play an excellently weighted pass from the middle of the park for Johnston on the right to turn in a low cross for Trew to turn in at the back post.

On the hour mark, McNamara picked the pocket of Cassidy on the right and laid a low ball into the centre of the area for an unmarked Butros, but the former Football Victoria Academy player directed her shot at Morrissey.

However, with 20 minutes to play, up stepped City’s dynamic duo to finally settle matters. Stott supplied Davidson who then played a beautifully judged pass for McNamara to run through the Glory defence and lift the ball into the net.

The final chance of the afternoon fell to substitute Gabby Hollar, who hit a powerful half volley wide of the right hand post, to deny the league yet another dramatic conclusion to a match this weekend.

This was a pleasing win for City, who backed up their derby day win in midweek with some top quality offensive play. Whilst Perth’s unbeaten run is over, the application and promise shown across the opening hour of this game would have been enough to beat the majority of sides in the competition. It all comes down to putting the ball in the net when the chances came. McNamara did just that.

For the full gallery of Tilly McDonald’s photographs from AAMI Park today, go to our Instagram page – @ImpetusFootball

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Mieres, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Turner, Butrus, Keane, Davidson, McNamara, Uchendu, L. McKenna. Substitutes: Barbieri, Wilson, Rako, Jackson, Roestbakken, Jugovic.

Scorers: McNamara 23′, 45+3′, 70′.

PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Morrissey, Johnston, Anderson, T. McKenna, Sardo, Dalton, Cassidy, Tovar, Trew, Badawiya, Phonsongkham. Substitutes: Phillips, Hollar, O’Donoghue, Lincoln, Westaway, Zogg.

Scorers: Trew 50′.

Referee: Bec Mackie.

Attendance: 1,937.

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Dale delivers to keep Canberra United in top spot

Newcastle Jets 0-1 Canberra United

By Kieran Yap 27/12/25

Above: Sienna Dale is mobbed by teammates following her winning strike. Photo: Canberra United.

Sienna Dale’s 93rd minute goal has kept Canberra United in top spot after an entertaining battle with the Newcastle Jets at No. 2 Sportsground. The result was Canberra’s sixth consecutive game without a defeat and keeps them a point clear of Melbourne Victory with a game in hand.

Antoni Jagarinec’s side arrived in Newcastle following a hectic month of football. After winning three games in the space of a week against Victory, Sydney FC and Melbourne City, they escaped with a draw after two lightning delays and an equaliser at the death against Central Coast Mariners.

Canberra fans would have been hoping for a comparatively simple match, but their drama filled season continued with Dale’s last-minute heroics.

The Jets have had a more mixed December. An excellent 3-0 win over Brisbane Roar was followed up by a loss by a similar margin to Melbourne Victory. It was a game they deserved more from and Stephen Hoyle’s team needed to respond against the high-flying United to re-establish their finals credentials.

In an entertaining match, Newcastle sat relatively deep, with numbers around the edge of the box. They looked to break on the counterattack but could not find an easy outlet with Melina Ayres pushed deep by Canberra’s defence. Josie Allan was deployed in a playmaker role, and created Newcastle’s best opportunities while Claudia Cicco was excellent in defence.

Canberra United attacked with more regularity and intent, but could not find the final ball or space to get a good shot on goal. Their best chance came from a turnover after their press resulted in Emma Hawkins turning and shooting from close range, but the effort lacked the power or precision to beat Anna Leat in goal.

Allan continued to pull the strings in the attacking third for The Jets, and her clever pass found Ayres with space to shoot, but the Jets striker was uncharacteristically off target with her effort.

The second half, saw Canberra pin back Newcastle until the hour mark. Sasha Grove swapped flanks with Hayley Taylor-Young and found herself in more attacking positions from the left wing. Michelle Heyman became more involved as Canberra found another gear.

Newcastle eventually halted that momentum, and worked their way back into the match, but could not turn that into goals. Ayres embarked on a promising solo run, but her eventual shot was scuffed from outside of the area.

As full time approached, it began to feel like one of those draws that deserved to be more. Grove’s clever movement and tenacious work in the penalty box set up Heyman to score, but her shot went over the bar.

The Matildas striker turned supplier in the next play, her run and well-timed pass set up Mary Stanic-Floody with only Leat to beat, but her shot was well saved and needed more power.

Stanic-Floodt put that missed chance behind her quickly. There was no time to do anything else, and her next contribution helped decide the game. Her backheel flick sent fellow substitute Dale through in on goal, but she still had plenty to do.

The finish matched the buildup, and Dale defied the pressure of the moment to calmly loft the ball over the onrushing Leat to nestle under the bar and into the net.

The win cements Canberra’s newfound identity as a team that will not stop until the final whistle. For the second game in succession they have decided the result at the last possible moment, but it is not luck. They look calmer as the pressure rises, and seem confident that they have the players to turn the day their way.

Dale has established herself as a key player off the bench, capable of changing the game. Heyman could easily have had two against a lesser goalkeeper and Grove’s versatility in attack and midfield has made her a weapon no opponent has been able to contain so far.

They next face Western Sydney who will be smarting from a comprehensive loss to Adelaide United and needing to respond. Jagarinec’s team will now need to adjust from their customary position as underdogs into dealing with being favourites in most fixtures for the next phase of the season.

Newcastle will face a trip to Perth where they will face an improving and defensively strong Glory side. A result there could reignite their season.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Leat, Cicco, Prior, Bates, Breier, L Allan, Dundas, J Allan, Copus-Brown, Ayres, Hoban. Substitutes: Adams, Brown, Johnson, Ritchie, Page, Wilson.

CANBERRA UNITED (4-4-2):  James, Grove, Robers, Bertolissio, Gordon, Sasaki, Taylor-Young, Hawkins, Heyman, Aulicino. Substitutes: Dales, Christopherson, Stanic-Floody, Malone, Majstorovic, Wardlow.

Scorer: Dale 93’

Referee: Molly Godsell

Attendance: 1,614.

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Victory score three in added time to rescue point against Mariners

Central Coast Mariners 3-3 Melbourne Victory

By Isabelle Campbell 27/12/25

Above: Rhianna Pollicina. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

What had looked like a comfortable afternoon for the Mariners turned into one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent A-League history. Central Coast had taken a commanding lead in the second half, but Melbourne Victory staged a remarkable fightback in stoppage time to secure a 3-3 draw at Polytec Stadium in their second meeting of the season.

Central Coast Mariners welcomed Melbourne Victory for the second meeting between the two sides this season, in a fixture carrying added significance after last year’s Grand Final that saw Victory fall in penalties.

After several high-intensity clashes in recent history, the rivalry between the two sides continues to grow into a notable one.

Melbourne Victory controlled possession in the opening minutes but struggled to turn that dominance into a clear-cut chance, often falling short with the final pass. Holly Furphy registered the game’s first attempt on goal, though her effort was comfortably gathered by Mariners goalkeeper Annalee Grove.

Central Coast began to grow into the contest midway through the half, with Izzy Gomez getting a shot away, but she was unable to keep her effort on target. Victory continued to push, and in the 20th minute Furphy came close again, firing narrowly over the crossbar with a well-struck effort.

At the other end, Annalise Rasmussen won a free kick in a promising position for the hosts, but the resulting set piece failed to trouble Victory keeper Courtney Newbon. The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when Peta Trimis produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a stunning strike from around 30 yards that flew into the back of the net to give the home side the lead.

Victory responded and Furphy was again denied in agonising fashion, this time seeing her effort crash against the crossbar. Just before halftime, Rhianna Pollicina earned a free kick for the visitors. Alana Jančevski opted for a short pass to Pollicina, briefly catching the Mariners defence off guard, but the resulting effort only found the side netting.

The teams headed into the break with Central Coast Mariners holding a 1-0 lead.

Central Coast Mariners began the second half on the front foot, continuing to look dangerous in attack. Peta Trimis delivered a quality cross into the box early on, searching for Annalise Rasmussen, but the chance was cleared by the Victory defence.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute when Rasmussen struck from the right side of goal, finishing confidently after Izzy Gomez provided her second assist of the match. The Mariners showed no signs of slowing, and Rasmussen was soon on the scoresheet again as Annabel Martin threaded a perfectly weighted ball through to the forward, who converted from close range to complete her brace and extend the lead to 3-0.

Melbourne Victory turned to their bench in search of a response, with substitute Ella O’Grady making an immediate impact. She tested the Mariners defence with a shot in the 76th minute that drifted just wide of the post. Victory continued to push forward, creating chances through O’Grady and Sofia Sakalis, but the breakthrough remained elusive.

That changed in the first minute of added time when Rhianna Pollicina fought her way through the defence and slotted the ball into the net to give the visitors hope. With four minutes remaining, Victory surged forward once more, and just two minutes later Sakalis found the back of the net to reduce the deficit to just one goal.

The late drama was not finished there. In a moment of brilliance, O’Grady produced a piece of magic to score from outside the box and bring the match level, completing a stunning added-time comeback for Victory, with all three of their goals coming after the 90th minute.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-4-2): Grove, Barwick-Grey, Martin, Gomez, Rasmussen, Kraszula, Quilligan, King, Trimis, Baumann, Coco-Di Sipio. Substitutes: Farrow, Levin, Buchanan, Familton, Clough, Varley.

Goals: Trimis31’, Rasmussen 53’, 61’.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-4-2): Newbon, Maher, Morrison, Bunge, Pickett, Jančevski, Pollicina, Lowe, Sakalis, Furphy, White. Substitutes: Blissett, Ray, O’Grady, Saveska, Techera, Woodward.

Goals: Pollicina 90+1’, Sakalis 90+3’, O’Grady 90+4’

Referee: Page Malau-Aduli

Attendance: 1,427.

Adelaide secure crucial home win in seven goal thriller

Adelaide United 5-2 Western Sydney Wanderers

by Callum Logie (27/12/25)

Above: Erin Healy (left) celebrates scoring her first goal with Emily Hodgson (right). Photo: via the A-Leagues.

Adelaide United returned to the winners list of the A League Women’s in a huge way, recording a statement win over the Western Sydney Wanderers 5-2.

Erin Healy led the way scoring a brace, and was assisted by Emily Hodgson, Paige Zois and Chelsea Dawber. Allyssa Ng-Saad and Chloe Berryhill also got on the board for the vanquished Wanderers, but it was not enough.

In the 10th minute of the game, Matilda McNamara found herself some space from around 22 yards out, and posed the first true test for the Western Sydney keeper, Shamiran Khamis. Khamis was able to collect confidently and keep the score level, Western Sydney absorbing the bulk of the pressure in the first ten minutes.

10 minutes later, a chance developed out of nothing from Tahlia Younis. A couple of aerial battles led to Younis picking up the ball in an advanced position and after getting the best of Zoe Tolland with the dribble, Melegh charged out which nearly cost the hosts a goal. However, Melegh’s efforts saw Younis end up directing a tame effort wide of the goal.

A moment later, Adelaide broke their goal drought with Hodsgon poaching a goal in the 6-yard box after a determined cross from an outstretched Adriana Taranto. The play was all set up from the creative work out wide from Emily Condon. This gave Adelaide a deserved lead for a team that was in control for most of the first half.

For Western Sydney, the key to attack was finding Yuan Cong in advanced positions and allowing her to hold up the play for Kim So-Eun and Berryhill to break forward and run in behind the Adelaide defence.

Taranto made a challenge in midfield in the 30th minute which set up Dawber in a decent position. Dawber confidently played it through to Healy who ran into the box from the final third. Healy’s effort was directed wide, but Adelaide’s hard work in the midfield was paying dividends with breakaway chances.

Condon again was the instigator for Adelaide’s second goal, this time receiving the ball on the right side of midfield and cutting the ball back to Zois on the edge of the box. After taking a touch, Zois was able to drive a beautifully struck curled effort into the top left corner to grab her first goal for Adelaide United.

Healy was determined in the first half, pressing forward along with Dawber and creating another half-chance in the 38th minute, driving a snapshot wide after winning the ball at the edge of the box.

McNamara regularly made runs forward, the Western Sydney midfield too occupied with Zois and the Taranto twins to close her down. In added time, McNamara found herself all the way forward to the edge of the box and struck an effort just off target.

The pressure from Adelaide did not relent, and they got their reward just before half time as Healy received the ball on the edge of the box, dribbled outside before cutting inside and drove an excellent shot at the near post to extend the lead to 3 goals at half-time.

At the beginning of the second half, Western Sydney substituted Ng-Saad onto the field and the change had an immediate impact as Ng-Saad was able to strike a speculative effort past Melegh who was out of position. While it was still a multiple goal deficit, the 17 year-old’s first A-League goal lit a match for the visitors.

The following 15 minutes were rather tensely contested.

Many a midfield battle was taking place with Adelaide trying to break down the defence controlling possession while Western Sydney pressed and tried to move with pace.

At 61 minutes, Dawber received a nice cross at the edge of the box after some determined work from Hodgson, but her strike was straight at Khamis who was able to collect confidently.

Dawber had another chance 4 minutes later after winning possession high up the pitch. Her shot was slightly hindered by Ella Buchanan and it ended up straight at Khamis once again, denying the forward her first goal of the season.

After the slip earlier in the half, the Reds continued to create chances and were rewarded again at 68 minutes. Dawber finally had her goal after some determined play from substitute Fiona Worts. Worts played the ball back to Dawber on the edge of the box who struck an excellent shot past Khamis to make it four goals for the Reds.

While they were down, the Wanderers certainly were not out after a great run forward from Danika Matos led to a low driven cross to Berryhill who converted from in close.

At 78 minutes, Younis got onto the ball in an advanced area and directed a low driven shot at goal. Melegh did very well to dive down to her right and collect the ball without spilling as the determined Wanderers were looking for any chance to get a goal back.

In the 86th minute, after a period of parity, Adelaide struck again after a terrific free kick cross from Zois found the head of Healy who doubled her goal total for the game, making the lead insurmountable for Western Sydney.

Adelaide scored more goals in this game than they had for the rest of the season, but now that it has started raining, the team will be hoping the goals pour in from here out after such an impressive goal scoring performance.

Western Sydney left the fixture with more questions than answers, but they can take solace in that they never gave up and were able to score a couple of goals against a team that were better on the day.

While this only moves Adelaide United to 10th on the table, it puts them within striking distance of the top six, only two points separating 6th and 10th place.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-2-3-1): Melegh, E. Hodgson, Tonkin, McNamara, Tolland, M. Taranto, Zois, Condon, Healy, A. Taranto, Dawber. Substitutes: I. Hodgson, Jenkins, Makris, Morgan, Murray, Worts.

Scorers: E. Hodgson 22′, Zois 35′, Healy 45 + 4′, 86, Dawber 68′.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (3-4-3): Khamis, Wong, Harrison, Cerne, Matos, Chessari, Younis, Buchanan, Kim, Yuan, Berryhill Substitutes: Bennett, Caspers, Edwards, Harada, Hooks, Ng-Saad.

Scorer: Ng-Saad 48′, Berryhill 75′.

Referee: Izzy Cooper

Attendance: 5,781.

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Ella Tonkin: Adelaide United are “one game away from breaking things open”

by Ben Gilby (24/12/25)

Above: Adelaide United’s Ella Tonkin talking to the media today. Image: Adelaide United.

Ella Tonkin believes that success for Adelaide United in Saturday’s battle of the bottom two against Western Sydney Wanderers at Coopers Stadium will be the springboard for a successful 2026.

“It’s a hugely important game this Saturday…we historically do quite well against them…we can be really successful, I think we’re honestly just one game away from breaking things open this season – we need just one positive successful performance and I think we’ll be off, and I reckon that will be this weekend.”

The 23-year-old defender believes that all the foundations were there to be seen for the South Australian side in last weekend’s loss at Perth Glory, but they just need to make the most of their attacking weapons to turn pressure into goals.

“The result was disappointing, but there are a lot of positives to take out of that game. I thought we were dominant, we had a lot of the ball, and some good passages (of play), it’s now just about turning that possession into meaningful attack and capitalising on our chances.

“A team is most successful when they are all on the same page, working towards the same thing – so we stick to the same processes and just sharpen up on them this week and hopefully the result will come on Saturday.”

Adelaide went into the game in Perth in recovery mode after being decimated by a flu bug that led to the postponement of their game with Melbourne City. It was a process that Tonkin admits was “really difficult” for the playing group.

“People (were) in and out of the team, (there were) smaller training sessions. It was difficult to manage…but we’re all healthy and back.”

After long term success and stability under Adrian Stenta’s stewardship, the Reds are coached by Theo Tsiounis this season, and Tonkin recognises that it’s been a positive change.

“I’ve learned a lot from Theo from a personal perspective. I’ve really grown as a player and I love the girls. We just need to get those results and this year will be perfect. I think we can start doing that from this weekend onwards

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