Above: Kurea Okino at training with Melbourne Victory. Photo: Melbourne Victory
It took less than an hour for Kurea Okino to announce herself in the Victorian NPLW. Boroondara-Carey were two goals down to Bulleen until the Japanese striker took centre stage.
Okino attacked a low cross from the right flank to give her new team a lifeline, then in the 89th minute, she controlled a high pass and finished between two defenders.
That was week one.
20 games later, she had scored 31 goals, was the runaway golden boot winner and had literally won too many awards to carry at the NPLW Gold Medal night.
Okino finished the season as top scorer by more than doubling the tally of second placed Danielle Wise. To go along with that, she won the Gold Medal voting, the media award and the players award.
It was unanimous. In her first season, in a new country, Kurea Okino was the best player in the competition.
The newly promoted Boroondara-Carey Eagles were a joy to watch in 2023. They finished second place on the table, and scored 61 goals and winning 12 games. The team was blessed with attacking talent, Emily Sutcliffe, Rebecca Lim, and Margot Robbine all scored goal of the season contenders, and they played a confident, high tempo, risky yet rewarding attacking style of football.
Boroondara’s recruitment was as bold as their game plan, and Okino is the prime example.
The Eagles signed the forward based on video footage alone. According to Okino, they were they only club in Australia to make an offer, and with the same fearlessness that she attacks a cross, she headed to a new country to pursue her dreams.
“I love Australia,” she told Impetus Football in an interview in which this writer was heavily assisted by Google Translate. “It’s not busy, and the coffee is very good.
“I don’t know (if any other clubs were interested), Boroondara saw my video and hired me.”
Okino was welcomed into the club and developed a quick bond with her teammates and board member in charge of the Women’s game Graham Smith.
She was able to adjust to life in a new country and a new style of football instantly, through the help of the club, and Smith’s household pup Zoe.
Her dominant form hid the fact that she had to learn a new league and football culture.
“It’s almost like saying it’s completely different,” she says of the Australian NPLW compared to Japanese football. However, she was suited to the new league and Boroondara knew exactly how to get the best out of their star striker.
“I made the most of my style of play without changing anything.
“This has been my best season.
“I was able to fit in well thanks to my teammates…It’s the beauty of teamwork.”
Midway through the season, Boroondara signed attacking reinforcements. With the league’s best defenders still struggling to find a way to contain this new striker, they added Margot Robbine. The former Canberra United and Melbourne City attacker rejoined the club in Round Nine for a 5-4 win against Heidelberg United.
The duo struck up an instant partnership, and Robbine won the only individual award that Okino missed out on.
“It’s a good relationship,” she says of her combination with Robbine.
“Margot’s wide field of vision (was the key to their success).
“She’s a very good partner who was watching me closely.”
Robbine’s long-range rocket was a worthy winner, although Okino scored many contenders herself.
“I wanted it too,” she says of the Goal of the Year award.
“But I’m happy that Margot scored the best goal of the year.”
Okino is a fast, powerful but quick footed forward, equally dangerous off either boot and capable of shooting from almost any distance. She admired Alex Morgan growing up, and some of her best highlights resemble that of the World Cup winning American.
She scored headers, tap ins and volleys throughout the season, but says her favourite way to score is through a long range strike.
She finds pockets of space in crowded defences, and can turn defenders with her back to goal, or race in to finish moves. Many of her 31 goals have come from impossible looking scenarios. She made a mockery of the XG stats this season, outperforming her expected goals to a scarcely believable level.
Simply put, Okino was spectacular, entertaining and unstoppable.
Ridiculous season for Okino in @nplwvictoria, who outperformed her xG by +12.3 this season, per Opta 🤯
“I came to Australia to go to the A-League,” she says of her ambitions when leaving home, and her performances with Boroondara made her impossible for A-League Women clubs to ignore.
Following the departures of club heroes Melina Ayres and Catherine Zimmerman, Melbourne Victory needed a reliable, versatile forward to lead the attack.
After dominating the NPLW, Kurea Okino is ready for the A-League Women and is just as excited as the fans are. She has a cheerful, outgoing and energetic personality. Along with her performances that has helped her the language barrier.
“I don’t speak much English, I can’t,” she says about herself.
“But I’m always smiling.
“I would be happy if you could feel free to talk to me.”
“As a Melbourne Victory striker I will do my best for the team to score goals.”
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Above: Aerial action as AFC Wimbledon’s Ashlee Hincks rises for a header in the Swindon Town box. Photo: Emily Topping.
It was a tough day at the office for AFC Wimbledon Women, as they exited the League Cup after a defeat to Division One South West side Swindon Town.
The rain lifted just before kick-off at The County Ground, for what was to be a warm and muggy afternoon. The Dons made one change to the starting line-up from Wednesday’s defeat to Ashford Town, with Lauren Allen coming in for Faye Baker.
The first 20 minutes of the game were an even affair, with the Dons pushing forward towards the Swindon box. On 24 minutes, the hosts caught a break and charged down the right wing, with Ellie Strippel ending up in a one-on-one with Allen, finishing off the move by slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner.
The Dons pressed for an equaliser, with much of the battle being in the midfield. 37 minutes in Nicola Gibson received a yellow card and a sin bin, meaning the Dons were playing with 10 until two minutes into extra time. But it was Swindon who doubled the lead, with another well-worked counter-attack, with Annie Colston finding the back of Wimbledon’s net.
With 49 minutes on the clock, the Dons finally made a breakthrough. Sandra Soares Martins and Ashlee Hincks showed some great link-up play on the right. Hincks sent in a cross, which Ashleigh Goddard got on the end of to half the deficit before half-time.
Wimbledon started the second half well, with most of the play being in Swindon’s half, but without any clear chances to speak of. With 53 minutes on the clock, Hincks was given a chance, with a free-kick 40-odd yards out. After some Swindon confusion in the box, the ball found it’s way all the way into the bottom-right corner, and Wimbledon had equalised.
Just before the free-kick was taken, the Dons made their first substitution of the game, with Impetus sponsored Emma Plewa coming on for Soares Martins. Plewa brought another threat and had a chance which was well-saved shortly after coming on.
Wimbledon kept chasing for a winning goal, but again, it was Swindon who took advantage of space on the wing, with Helena Diaz-Butcher finding Strippel once more for their third of the day.
Despite the constant pressure from our side, it just wasn’t to be. The hosts would then go on to score a fourth to put the game to rest.
After the game, manager Kevin Foster said, “We’re not going to get too downbeat – we go again next week in the league, which is the important part!”
AFC Wimbledon Women are back in league action on Sunday 17th September (3pm kick-off), when Chesham United visit Carshalton Athletic’s War Memorial Ground.
AFC WIMBLEDON: Allen, Russell, Brooks, Highman, Billingham (Sampson), Ali, Gibson, Donovan (Mann), Goddard (Taylor), Hincks, Soares M (Plewa)
Scorers: Goddard 45+4′. Hincks 53′.
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Ben Gilby was at the Championship game between Crystal Palace and Durham which saw a sensational show from the Eagles, with Chris Myatt at the Bromley v Sevenoaks Town FA Cup tie (11/9/23)
Above: Charlotte Lee scores a stunning overhead kick for Bromley yesterday. Photo: Chris Myatt for Impetus.
Barclays Women’s Championship
Crystal Palace 9-1 Durham
Above: Annabel Blanchard’s long-range finish puts Crystal Palace 2-0 up yesterday. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: Annabel Blanchard, scorer of a hat-trick for Crystal Palace, looks to beat a Durham defender. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: Durham clear their lines under pressure from Crystal Palace at Sutton United FC yesterday. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: Palace’s four-goal hero Elise Hughes (facing camera) celebrates with Shauna Guyatt (21) and Molly-Mae Sharpe (8). Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round
Bromley 8-1 Sevenoaks Town
from Chris Myatt at Hayes Lane
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Report by Liberty Simonsand photography by Mariella Prew at Princess Park.
Above: New Zealand international Paige Satchell on her debut for London City Lionesses yesterday. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.
In what was an overall dominant display from the home side, the 1-1 draw between London City Lionesses and Reading at Princes Park was a true demonstration of the talent on display in the Barclay’s Women’s Championship.
In a contest between the newbies to the league and last season’s top dogs who fell just short of promotion, the new head coaches from both sides were able to bring the best out of their players in what is the third game of the season.
Both sides named their strongest starting XIs, with new recruits to both teams. It was a debut start from kick-off for London City’s Kiwi forward Paige Satchell, in a frontline that also contained the versatile experienced Danielle Carter and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah as well.
Above: London City Lionesses and Reading battle yesterday. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.
Likewise, Reading had strength and summer singings across the pitch, including Emily Orman between the sticks. From kick-off, London City’s aim was clear, dominate the ball and push the Royals’ defence as much as possible. They did this consistently, with Reading forced to make strong blocks and quick decisions to keep Orman untested.
Whilst in the first 10 minutes or so, the game was slightly erratic and uncontrolled, the home side were able to find their rhythm and control the game, with consistent possession of the ball. The link-up play between Satchell and her new teammates was building nicely as she gained more confidence within the team and started to test the Reading full-backs more. Any time the home side did lose possession, Reading were quick and precise in their counterattacks, bouncing on the somewhat limited opportunities they were given.
In a game of tricky and tactical midfield areas, London City relied too much upon allowing their forward line to drop back to help build up play. Whilst this sometimes paid off, other times it meant players like Carter were passing into the space she would have been operating in, and the effort was useless.
In the first half, Connie Schofield was instrumental in midfield for the home side. Involved in every phase of play and movement, she was the driving force from midfield. Whilst this did switch to Lois Joel in the second half, London City Lionesses’ ability to control the midfield and force Reading to over the top to create was their strength.
Above: Discussions under way for London City Lionesses yesterday. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.
As the game progressed, Reading were called in to make key stops and blocks from across the field, which they did with ease. In the end, neither ‘keeper was overly tested, with defence from both sides keeping the ball away. Whilst in shape and solid across the pitch, Reading were disorganised and erratic in the build-up to the goal from Boye-Hlorkah. Whilst the corner itself was dealt with, the inability to clear effectively and a lack of communication meant the ball was pinned around the box by the home side before the winger slotted it home just before halftime.
In many ways, London City were incredibly dominant in the first half and nothing showed that more than Satchell’s growth throughout the game. In her 60 minutes of play, the number 13 was pushing forwards, as well as tracking back. She was creating danger down the wings and linking up with her new teammates with the ease of a player who had been at the club for more than a couple weeks.
The Football Fern was creating play from seemingly nowhere, never stopping and always forward-thinking. Likewise, for the visitors, another player who grew into the game was defender Easther Mayi Kith. Whilst she made some great blocks and kept the experienced Carter at bay, her confidence to pull ahead from her marker with the ball and contribute to building play was clear throughout, as well as her sensational balls over the midfield.
After half-time, Reading came out with a hunger that unsettled London City. Reading were pushing from the restart for the equaliser, and whilst it wouldn’t come until the dying minutes, it did highlight some of the home side’s weaknesses. In these moments, London City were left out of shape and open, with Reading able to exploit and push their opponents like they weren’t able to in the first half.
Above: Reading on the front foot. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.
However, whilst this stayed for around 10 minutes the case, the visitors weren’t able to capitalise on London City’s disorganisation. Once the home side settled, they were fighting for a second, which they got before it was ruled offside. In a testament to Reading’s superb defensive solidity, the home side were unable to capitalise on the many attacking moments they had in the second half.
Schofield was less prominent in the second half, Captain Joel grew. Her determination and control of the midfield grew into the game, as did her skipper role. Like the first half, any Reading counterattack was snuffed out quite easily by London City. In many ways, it seemed the home side were going to be the most likely to score the second goal of the game so when Reading scored the equalising in the 90+6th minute, it was a surprise to pretty much everyone.
It was Lauren Wade with the late drama, after a quiet game. But as they say, big players will provide big moments. And nothing is quite as big as a last minute of extra time equalise to continue your unbeaten streak in a new league.
London City Lionesses will walk away from the match upset that they couldn’t hold onto the 1-0 lead in the dying minutes in a pretty uneven game. In a match where they should have pushed Orman in goal more, in relation to their dominance in the rest of the game, the home side will take the hurt into their next fixture to right wrongs.
However, the strengths of the Reading defence were the ones to stop the sustained attack of the home side and showed Reading’s intent to not just survive in their new league but to push back up again.
Teams: LONDON CITY LIONESSES: Moloney, Neville, Brougham, Joel, Schofield, Satchell, Fitzgerald, Carter, Wilde, Littlejohn, Boye-Hlorkah. Substitutes: TBC.
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Ben Gilby provides a detailed report on the major semi-final between Perth RedStar and Perth SC and all the action from the elimination tie between Fremantle City and Hyundai NTC as the Top Four Cup gets underway in Western Australia, plus photography from both matches provided by Rob Lizzi and Denyse McCulloch (11/9/23).
Above:Perth RedStar celebrate in their success over Perth SC. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth RedStar 5-1 Perth SC
Ruthless Perth RedStar produced a scintillating second half-performance to put Perth SC to the sword and advance directly to the Top Four Cup Finalyesterday.
Whilst Perth RedStar were able to select from a virtually full-strength squad, The Azzurri boss Peter Rakic, whose side has been hit hard by injuries all season long, had to be a bit more creative.
Above: Ella Lincoln in possession for Perth SC yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
With three players (Abbey Meakins, Alyssa van Heurck, and Jaime Duncanson) who would otherwise be regular starters having to be listed for the bench plus Poppie Hooks and Ruby Marshall away on duty with the State U18 Schoolgirls squad, it was far from ideal preparations for such a big game. Judy Connolly, who has played in such a range of positions this season, found herself in defence – but as always, the youngster put in a display of commitment and no little flair.
RedStar started calmly, looking to spread the play. If truth be told, the opening 15 minutes was a real arm-wrestle with Olivia Wood dangerous for the hosts. There were two early opportunities for her – one where she was caught offside, and the other which ended with a shot fired wide of the right hand upright.
Then, with 18 minutes of the clock, RedStar hit the front thanks to a hugely impressive team move. Sophia Neal threaded a pass through the centre for Leota on the edge of the box to find Wood out on the right. Her ball came in low towards Chiori Ikeda at the back post to slot home.
Above: Gemma Craine fires her shot in on goal. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The lead would last 10 minutes before an outrageous piece of skill from Faye Phillips got Perth SC level. Played in by Matilda Bohm, Phillips turned her marker with aplomb and advanced up the field. She then played in Gemma Craine outside her who drove into the box and held off the attempted challenges of both Andreia Teixeira and Quyen Doan to score.
RedStar almost hit back when Leota hit a volley from close range that Rebecca Bennett repelled magnificently in the Perth SC goal.
As the half reached its conclusion, Craine’s influence on proceedings grew for the visitors. She was flourishing in a more free role. It would remain 1-1 at the break.
However, a red-hot start from RedStar after the break set the tone for a dominant second-half display from Carlos Vega Mena’s side, and within seven minutes they were back in front.
Above: Second half sub Katie Ritchie drives forward for Perth RedStar. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Substitute Jay Coleman found Leota on the right and a high ball was played in for Ikeda to meet it first time on her midriff to score hers and RedStar’s second.
The lead was further increased 11 minutes later as a free-kick on the half-way line resulted in a bout of head tennis which ended with Coleman hitting a stunning volley from around 30 yards that flew into the net.
RedStar were ruthless and added a further two more goals. First, with just over 15 minutes remaining when Reina Kagami played a low through ball into the stride of Sarah Carroll, and the Perth Glory star advanced to slot comfortably past Bennett for 4-1. Four minutes into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes, Doan fed Kagami who in turn found Abbey Woolley who beat Connolly to complete the scoring.
Above: Sarah Carroll turns away after putting Perth RedStar 4-1 up. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth RedStar advance straight to next Saturday’s Top Four Cup Final at the new State Football Centre. Perth SC must now gather themselves to face the winners of the elimination semi between Hyundai NTC and Fremantle City on Wednesday.
Above: Hyundai NTC celebrate Emily Garnett’s (fourth blue shirt from the left) goal at Fremantle City that put them 2-1 up. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
Ben Anderton’s NTC side produced a great performance to end Fremantle City’s season at Hilton Park.
It was a battle of two sides missing their Perth Glory players Fremantle were without Tash Rigby, Abbey Green, and Sarah Cain, with the NTC missing their starlets who have moved to the Glory – Tanika Lala, Georgia Cassidy, and Grace Johnston
The talented teenagers hit the front with 32 minutes played when Maja Archibald’s corner from the left was played back for Mischa Anderson to sweep home a stunning long-range shot from an acute angle.
Above: Fremantle City goalscorer Jamie-Lee Gale in action yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
Yet, just five minutes later, Freo levelled as Lilly Bailey dropped a high ball through which allowed Jamie-Lee Gale to pounce and turn the ball home.
Into the final 17 minutes, the NTC stepped it up and re-took the lead with a piece of sensational skill from Emily Garnett, who is really catching the eye as she comes into the squad in the final weeks of the campaign. Garnett turned her marker, then cut inside once more before unleashing a stunning shot that curled into the net.
Three minutes later the game was settled when Archibald motored down the left and played Garnett in at the back post. Her shot was parried by Dayle Schroeder in the Fremantle goal but fell perfectly for Louise Tana to direct the ball home into the left-hand corner.
Above: Hyundai NTC’s Emily Garnett, in fine goalscoring form since she came into the team towards the end of the season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
In a repeat of last year’s Top Four Cup, Hyundai NTC now face Perth SC on Wednesday night for the right to take on Perth RedStar in Saturday’s Final.
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Impetus’ Rebecca Hall has been in Linköpingfor Arsenal’s Champions League qualifying campaignall week. For her final dispatch, shehears the conflicting emotions of players and coaches in both camps after Paris FC’s sensational win over the North London side (10/9/23).
Above: Joy for Paris FC after they send Arsenal crashing out of the Champions League on penalties. Photo: Paris FC Feminines.
Arsenal’s Champions League hopes are over at this early stage after Paris FC ran out winners in a penalty shoot-out after Jonas Eidevall’s side managed to come back from 2-0 defecit.
Putting on a physical display, Paris FC took the game by storm in the second half by scoring two goals within one minute of each other. Both goals came from Mathilde Bourdieu.
Above: Paris FC built a 2-0 lead before remaining composed to seal the win on penalties. Photo: Paris FC Feminines.
Arsenal fought back, as new signing, Alessia Russo, scored her first goal for the club. This was followed by Jennifer Beattie grabbing a last-gasp leveller in the 96th minute, which saw the game go to extra time. A goal was quickly produced by Louise Fleury in the 106th minute, but Russo answered in the 116th minute, taking the game to penalties. The tense game saw Paris FC win 4-2 against the English heavyweights.
After the game, Paris FC’s captain, Gaëtane Thiney, shared her joy “It’s amazing, football is amazing. I think we deserved it, we played very well and continued to believe in the victory. I am very happy, for me, but also the younger players… they will remember this all their life.”
Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall reflected on a painful outcome, saying: “It hurts a lot, because we had such a good experience in Europe last season, and we wanted to build on that.
“We also knew from the beginning this mini-tournament was going to be tough, for a number of reasons. One is the opposition; Paris is a good team. Another part is the really limited preparation time and playing on a 3G pitch, which we’re not really used to.
Above: Arsenal fought hard to comeback at the death from a 2-0 deficit. Photo: Arsenal Women.
“I think there are good things and bad things in our performance today, I think we created enough chances to win the game if we just look at it objectively. We put ourselves in a really difficult situation.”
Eidevall commended his squad saying: “The players showed great determination, heart, belief. I’m really proud of the players that we could fight our way back, twice in the game. And then it comes to penalty shootout outs, and it is very small margins”. He carried on to say that his main thoughts are to “take care of the players that are working so hard for the club”.
The Arsenal boss also urged for wariness, “when you get the wrong result in football, it can create a lot of noise. But the reality is we are neither a better or worse team than we were last night” and that it is “natural” for “not everything to work seamlessly in the beginning”.
Arsenal will now look to focus on domestic trophies. Before the Women’s Super League begins on 1st October, the North London side travel to Adidas in Germany for a training camp which Jonas Eidevall described as a “really important four-day period”. Prior to the international break, Arsenal will face Chelsea in a friendly.
Above: The 2023 Victorian NPLW premiers, South Melbourne. Photo: South Melbourne FC
South Melbourne 4-2 Bulleen Lions
South Melbourne has won the 2023 Victorian NPLW Grand Final after defeating the Bulleen Lions 4-2 in an entertaining game at The Home of the Matildas.
Bulleen entered this game as the premiers. Caitlin Friend’s team finished on top of the ladder after winning on the final day of the season to leapfrog Boroondara-Carey.
Ironically, it was due to South Melbourne winning their Round 22 match against The Eagles that secured Bulleen top spot. But that was the last favour that George Georgiadis’s team was willing to do this season.
Bulleen came in to this game without Tiffany Eliadis, Alex Natoli and Lia Muldeary from their best lineup. Semi-final hero Claudia Mihocic was also unavailable for selection.
South Melbourne were at nearly full strength, and welcomed Leticia Mckenna back into the starting lineup. The experienced youngster was a substitute in last weekends win over Boroondara and was busy early. She had the first shot on goal within 30 seconds.
South opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Tayla Christensen’s corner curled in to beat Gaby Garton directly. The goal felt eerily reminiscent of the way Bulleen conceded in last season’s decider to an Alana Cerne cross that turned into a shot.
Bulleen were able to equalise through Maja Markovski’s excellent goal. The in-form attacker was deployed on the wing and she was able to spread the ball wide to Beattie Goad, then finish off the cross herself in the 24th minute.
South retook the lead with another Olympico. This time it was Akeisha Sandhu from the opposite side who found the net directly from the corner.
Markovski almost equalised, but was denied by a miracle save from Miranda Templeman. The South Melbourne goalkeeper dove the wrong direction, but an outstretched leg deflected the ball clear after Markovski’s clever turn and shot.
Bulleen came out of the break and looked more in control of the game. Despite Alana Jancevski and Rosie Rodger creating moments of danger and Paige Zois stamping an influence on the midfield, they were unable to draw level.
South’s other captain and star recruit Danielle Wise effectively sealed the game in the 70th minute. Bulleen were in relative control of the game, but a turnover in midfield led to Danielle Wise being sprung free on the counter attack. She had some close misses throughout the night, but made no mistake on this occasion. Making it 3-1 and giving Bulleen a mountain to climb.
Substitue Zoe Lambi scored the fourth for South as Bulleen piled forward in search of two goals. The well taken finish capped off a sweeping end to end move.
Jancevski pulled back a consolation goal in injury time, but the match was soon over and South Melbourne are premiers once again.
This was a terrific achievement from South who invested heavily in their side this season. The signing of Wise was a no brainer after the striker won the Golden Boot in 2022, but the additions of Miesha Westland, Leticia Mckenna, Miranda Templeman and Lambi were masterstrokes.
It took some time for South to hit their straps this season, but they peaked that the right time. It was not a perfect year, but it was a well-managed campaign.
On the night itself, they played to their strengths. The defensive pairing of Leah Varley and Brianne Reed were excellent, and limited Jancevski’s influence as much as possible. She has been one of the leagues best strikers this season and proved impossible to keep quiet for the full match, but overall the defence did their job.
The midfield worked hard, and released the likes of Christensen and Wise quickly. They tried to put the depleted defence under pressure quickly and that earned them enough scoring chances to take home the trophy.
Bulleen will leave disappointed and wondering what might have been. They played well enough to draw level, but South simply took their chances better and when luck was a factor it was not in Bulleen’s favour.
There was a clear domino effect from their injuries and player availability. No Natoli or Mihocic meant that Tyla-Jay Vlajnic had to deputise at centre back. Beattie Goad was required at fullback and without Muldeary, there was no option to get either player forward very much.
They won the premiership, and it would have felt like a real injustice had they ended this season empty handed, but the Grand Final proved one challenge too many in a long season.
If there is a silver lining it is that the younger players like Rodger, Aroha Little and Jessica Young all look like future stars of the competition.
There is plenty to build on for Bulleen and will continue to attract experienced players to add to their impressive youth.
This day was all about South Melbourne though, and it was a hugely impressive win over a highly fancied opponent.
South set out to be champions again, and they have achieved that after missing finals entirely in 2022.
Congratulations South Melbourne, and all the teams who played in the 2023 Victorian NPLW season. It really was a terrific year of football. It has been a pleasure to cover this league, and watching it provided the privilege of seeing some of the best players in the country and the most promising rising stars.
In her debut article for Impetus, Emily Brown details eight docuseries or films to stream in order to cure the post-World Cup blues (9/9/23).
Above: England come together at the World Cup – there are plenty of opportunities to delve into the inside story of the Lionesses within Emily’s choices. Photo: Lionesses.
Now that the Women’s World Cup (WWC) has concluded, if like me and many other football fans, you need a remedy to cure the post-World Cup blues whilst in anticipation for the next season to start, here is a list of all the things you should watch to keep you entertained while you wait.
The list below is compiled of all things women’s football including many a nations journey to this year’s World Cup including a docuseries focusing on one of the two host nations of this year; Australia, insider access to the Women’s Super League (WSL) teams, the journey of the Lionesses and their successful Euro’s 2022, some history behind women’s football as a movement and in which direction it’s heading, as well as some feel-good ways to enjoy the magnificent game.
Above: YouTube Trailer Thumbnail featuring Hayley Raso, Mary Fowler, Sam Kerr, Steph Catley, and Katrina Gorry. Photo: Disney Australia & New Zealand.
‘Matildas: The World at Our Feet’
Disney+
Up first is a six-part docuseries by Disney observing the semi-finalist Australian team, the Matildas,through their journey to becoming hosts of the tournament and the battles they faced in preparation leading up to the tournament’s opening.
This series not only explores the difficulties needed to be overcome on the pitch but off the pitch also. It explores wider significant issues such as the remaining sexism and inequality women footballers and women in general face, as well as commenting on important topics such as the normalisation of motherhood as an elite athlete for example.
Overall, the series does a great job of connecting fans from around the world to the Matildas. It will make you both laugh and cryand want to stay connected to each player, rooting for them as individuals as well as the team (possibly even secretly when they’re the opposition to your own national team).
‘All Roads Lead Down Under’
FIFA+
Following on, we have yet another impressive docuseries that follows multiple national teams desperate to qualify for their World Cup spot, including those who narrowly made it to qualification and those who missed out entirely.
At times the series becomes quite emotional as you see how much qualification for the World Cup means to players after following their personal stories including where they came from, their journey up to now, and the troubles they faced along the way.
Countries included are Argentina, India, Thailand, England, Chile, Nigeria, Denmark, Trinidad, Tobago, Wales, and Tahiti. From the range of nations alone it is apparent that there will be many important comparisons to be made between developed and underdeveloped countries and how this affects their accessibility to football.
Again, this is another documentary exploring how women’s football is inevitably entwined with wider issues outside of just football including battles involving race, sexuality, social inequality, and other adversity.
Above: ‘Inside the Pride’ featuring the Lionesses Picture: England Football
‘Inside The Pride’ Collection and ‘Lionesses: Champions of Europe’ Documentary
YouTube and BBC iPlayer
The ‘Inside the Pride’ collection documents the different stages the Lionesses have gone through in the past couple of years, allowing England’s journey to victory to be seen from the inside. Watching this you’ll appreciate even more the strength the team have to pave the legacy they are leaving for future generations.
The collection consists of the Lionesses’ journey to the Euros to victory in bringing home the trophy, the journey leading up to the beginning of the World Cup and I would not be surprised if another documentary is added to this list now that England reached the 2023 World Cup final for the first time.
The BBC documentary ‘Lionesses: Champions of Europe’ specifically, relives England’s 2022 success, interviewing the people who made it all happen including manager Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson. This is one of many England documentaries to feast your eyes on if you are already missing seeing the Lionesses perform on the international stage and in their domestic clubs.
Above: Ashot of (from top left) Jess Carter, Leah Williamson, Alex Scott, Emma Hayes, and Simone Magill Picture: BBC
‘Alex Scott: The Future of Women’s Football
YouTube – The Women’s Football Archive
Alex Scott, ex-Arsenal and England defender turned pundit, who would have become a very familiar face (if not already) to those watching the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup, partners with the BBC again here to form this informative documentary.
Scott follows the growing popularity of women’s football pre-home Euros in England and discovers what this growth means for the future of women’s football and the younger generation. Scott does not just look at the impact stemming from the rise of women’s football in the UK but travels to places around the world observing the expansion of the game globally.
Interviews include a multitude of WSL players including many a Lioness, managers including Chelsea’s Emma Hayes, journalists, agents, former players, and many more integral figures involved in and outside the women’s game.
Overall, the documentary focusses on how the women’s game has grown with its record attendances and viewing figures as a result of its increased visibility, but even more so on how to sustain the current intense momentum of this growth and to make it ever lasting, ensuring a long-lasting impact.
However, it is important to note that the documentary does not neglect to look at the issues and negativity that have accompanied such positive change such as the disparity between top profile players and players who fall under the radar despite how hard-working and successful, they are just because they do not feature internationally for example.
Additionally, among many other issues, Scott addresses the unfortunate fact that, as it stands in the UK currently, young people belonging to the black community and young adults of other ethnic minorities are currently not getting the same opportunities as other adolescents in the UK due to various issues surrounding race and background. Scott opens eyes to why this is the case, addressing the problem of opportunities to become involved in football being taken away or restricted from certain groups of young people because of where they live. The documentary delves into the impact of this adversity, exploring the subsequent absence of a diverse pipeline to football in this country due to a lack of diversity in talent pathways at youth level.
Above: Advertisement for UEFA’s documentary series featuring Alexia Putellas, Jule Brand, Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson, Sveindis Jonsdottir and Sarah Zadrazil Photo: UEFA.tv
‘EQUALS’
UEFA.tv
A lot of the stars you would have seen take the international stage during the World Cup feature in this six-part documentary series from UEFA. The series interviews many sports stars from across the globe discussing a multitude of topics surrounding women’s football including the growth of the game and how to improve and sustain this growth (like that in Alex Scott’s documentary).
Many topics feature in these episodes with a different focus each episode. Overall though there is a very important message and makes an example of the direct impact of the growth of women’s football on not only young female footballers but for women in general (especially those in underdeveloped countries).
The series identifies the importance of what this growth means and how important it is for this growth to be sustained whilst women’s football is still connected to issues away from just football. A great one to watch after watching Alex Scott’s documentary to understand just why growth needs to be sustained and not just how.
Above: Cover Photo for series featuring Emma Hayes and Chelsea’s key female figures Picture: DAZN
‘One team, One Dream: This is Chelsea’
YouTube – DAZN UEFA Women’s Champions League
If, whilst watching the World Cup, you found yourself wanting to know more about the Woman’s Super League (WSL) in England, then this docuseries would be a good place to start.
The series follows Chelsea Women through their 2020-2021 season where you will witness country captains Sam Kerr and newly appointed England captain Millie Bright, as well as many other star international players that graced this year’s World Cup stage, in their domestic club environment. This could make it clearer to people of perhaps what a lot of international players have had to overcome in their footballing career to be able to be as successful as they are now.
As well as being enticed by the players you loved from this team whilst watching the World Cup, another reason to watch this docuseries is to learn more about the team’s manager, Emma Hayes. She is another person who you would possibly have started to recognise when watching ITV’s broadcast of the World Cup. Chelsea’s manager was awarded an OBE last year and the title of The Best FIFA Football Coach in 2021 as well as many only managerial-related honours.
Above: Thumbnail for the series featuring the title of the project Picture: Arsenal
‘Togetherness – An AWFC Documentary Series’
YouTube, Arsenal.com
The most recent addition to have included in this list is the newly released five-part documentary series following Arsenal Women’s Football Club’s (AWFC) 2022-23 season. After all the club endured this past season, it wasn’t uncommon for fans to believe that a film could have indeed been made following the ups and downs the club survived. This docuseries does the equivalent, taking us behind the scenes and giving exactly what fans have been asking for.
Hot topics that the docuseries explores includes the many tumultuous moments surrounding the ACL crisis that struck many of Arsenal’s key, high-profile players including Lioness’ captain and Arsenal’s defender Leah Williamson, fellow Lioness Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, and Laura Weinroither. All of whom were all set to play for their country in the World Cup just gone but unfortunately had to miss out due to their injury.
Additionally, fans will get insider access to the emotional exit of Jordan Nobbs from the club she grew up in, Champions League nights, and the unfortunate end to their narrowly missed run as well as the club’s first-ever sell-out of the Emirates Stadium hosting 60,000.
Above: Protagonists Jesminder Bhamra (Parminder Nagra) and Jules Paxton (Kiera Knightley) displayed in cover photo for the film Picture: Disney Plus
‘Bend it Like Beckham’
Disney Plus
If you fancy more of a calm and light-hearted way to enjoy women’s football, then this film could be for you. For most people it would probably be the case of re-watching this timeless classic whilst basking in the glory of a (hopefully) successful WWC.
This film perfectly demonstrates different people from a variety of backgrounds coming together and how as women the protagonists create new opportunities that may not have been accessible before, paving the way by themselves and for themselves, much like the footballers in real life. Hence why so many young girls and boys from marginalised communities are inspired by this classic, finding the representation of those like them displayed here.
Overall, this film will speak to your inner child, making you believe that realising the dreams you once thought were impossible to retain are not all that far off.
(To add to your viewing experience and to provoke thoughts on the significance of this film you could follow up by watching the BBC documentary ‘Bend it Like Beckham: 20 years On’ where Miriam Walker-Khan looks at the film’s impact on its audiences.)
Honourable Mentions:
‘Dare to Dream’ – a three parted documentary on YouTube exploring the history of the U.S Women’s Soccer Team.
‘This is Football’ – Episode 2: BELIEF’ – an episode on Prime Video
‘Wrighty’s Diary – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – 13 episodes on FIFA’s YouTube
Above: Central Coast Mariners’ new signing Shadeene Evans. Photo: Central Coast Mariners.
Central Coast Mariners announced the signing of forward Shadeene Evans for the upcoming A-League Women’s season.
The 22-year-old joins the club from current A-League Women’s champions Sydney FC, having spent the past 12 months with the side. Prior to this, Evans spent time at Adelaide United, as well as another stint with the Sky Blues.
Born in Borroloola in the Northern Territory, Evans was the first ever scholar from Impetus‘ charity partner John Moriarty Football as she joined up with the Football NSW Institute and Westfield Sports High as a 14-year-old on the recommendation of former Mariners Head Coach Alen Stajcic.
The forward got her first taste of A-League Women’s football after signing with Sydney FC on a scholarship in 2018, before making her league debut against Western Sydney in January 2019. She scored her first goal later that year against Melbourne Victory. Evans spent a season in South Australia where she appeared for Adelaide United on seven occasions, before returning for another season with the Sky Blues.
Having played under Mariners Assistant Coach Jake Stephenson at Northern Tigers for a number of seasons, Evans has been a regular performer in the NSW NPL Women’s First Grade competition.
The 22-year-old, who has featured for both the Under 17’s and Under 20’s Australian Youth squads, now joins the Central Coast Mariners in the hunt for a new challenge.
“I am super excited to be a Mariner this season. With the Central Coast returning into the A-League Women’s competition, it is a great chance to come into a new team and help to create a legacy with the club,” Evans said.
“I know a lot of the girls in the team which is nice as well. I’m excited to be able to work with Emily, play in front of the Mariners fans and get started this season.”
Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband is excited to have the youngster on board, seeing her as an extremely valuable addition.
“Shay has already had a few seasons’ experience in the A-League competition, so I am super excited to have her with the Mariners this campaign. She brings great energy and demands that her teammates are always putting everything they have into anything,” she said.
“She is still very young and has good ability off both feet, so she will be a really good addition and forward for us this season.”
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Rebecca Hall is in Linköping for Impetus to cover Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign. Ahead of tomorrow’s final game with Paris FC, she reports from the Gunners’ pre-game media conference (8/9/23)
Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall at today’s media conference. Photo: Rebecca Hall for Impetus.
With a place in the Champions League group stage at stake, Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall is well aware of the significant threat posed by Paris FC tomorrow.
The Arsenal boss and his staff were at Paris’s first game – a 4-0 win over Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih to gain a better understanding of their opponents. “I think Paris are very good at the counterattack… and they score a number of situations from wide areas. Ultimately, Eidevall contemplated that “The game was quite representative of Paris’s strengths”.
The potential impact of new signing Alessia Russo was also commended by the Gunners boss, who said: “I think she has the potential and ability to play in a really high tempo, and in small spaces because of that. She has so many different qualities, and you see that on the training pitch as well. So, I think she will fit really well”.
Eidevall was also asked the question most football fans are desperate to know, concerning where Mary Earps will be this upcoming season. The boss remained calm with a face that gave nothing away.
Above: Lina Hurtig speaking to the media today. Photo: Rebecca Hall for Impetus.
He reconfirmed that Arsenal “remain active in the transfer market. There might be business to be done”. However, the Swede firmly stated “no comment on that specific individual”. So, the questions remain as rumours continue to swirl around Earps, Manchester United, and Arsenal.
The good news continues for Arsenal off the pitch as well. Not only was Beth Mead named on the bench for Wednesday’s Champions League fixture, but this week has also seen, England Captain, Leah Williamson take a big step in her ACL recovery.
Williamson is now running on the zero-gravity treadmill at the club’s London Colney training ground. On how players’ injury progress impacts the team’s morale, Eidevall confirmed it ”definitely gives positive momentum”, “I always think, and we see this with Beth (Mead) now, you need to find your rhythm again… but we’re so excited that each one is making progress and every day getting closer to go back on the pitch”.
Also speaking to the media today was Arsenal’s former Linköping star Lina Hurtig. The Swedish international was received by huge applause at her former club, and the cheers continued even after the game, in which she scored. Reflecting on the reception, Hurtig said, “It was great, I have a lot of great memories, it was a special feeling coming here, it kind of feels like home a bit.”
Arsenal only had a week of training ahead of their first game of the season as a full squad, Hurtig emphasised the club’s positive team environment and explained that their short time together has been “good” and “we’re starting to really connect again after this summer.”
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