Canberra announce double signing

by Ryan Miller-Woods (11/8/23)

Above: Vesna Miivojevic, pictured last season, is back at Canberra United for the new campaign. Image: Canberra United.

Canberra United have announced the re-signing of Serbian international Vesna Milivojevic for the upcoming A-League Women’s season along with Junior and Young Matildas international defender Tegan Bertolissio who will come across from NPLW NSW club Macarthur Rams.

Milivojevic was one of Canberra’s most integral and influential players playing in all 18 matches of United’s campaign where she scored eight goals and provided three assists as the club just missed out on making the Finals by goal difference to Melbourne Victory.

Her prowess on the ball, how important her contributions throughout the season, how she made things look so effortless with her passages of play, and the contributions she made for players such as Michelle Heyman, Grace Maher, and Nicki Flannery that led to goalscoring opportunities during the previous season, really does bode well for Canberra towards their charge of making Finals football for the first time since the 2020/21 W-League season.

When asked what made her come back to Canberra for the upcoming season, Milivojevic said: “I felt so at home here last season and had so much freedom on the field. I think we (Canberra and I) have some unfinished business.”

When Canberra head coach Njegosh Popovich was asked about how Milivojevic’s performances last season translated on the field, he said: “Our expectations (of her) were exceeded last season and I think we (Canberra) can only see better from Vesna again going through this year.

“She’s always been a talented and gifted player on the ball but her passion is second to none and that passion is one thing I think will emulate through the playing group (at Canberra) and the season.”

In more signing news for Canberra United, they have also announced the signing of Junior and Young Matildas international defender Tegan Bertolissio from NPLW NSW club Macarthur Rams.

Throughout her time with Macarthur Rams, she has not only played multiple roles in defence but throughout the season has been one the players that have really stood out for them as the Rams are currently second on the NPLW NSW ladder only behind APIA Leichhardt.

Bertolissi spoke of her pride in signing for Canberra United, saying: “I am absolutely thrilled to have signed for Canberra United and having been offered the opportunity to play in the Liberty A-League for such a well-known and successful club.”

“I would like to thank Njegosh Popovich for giving me the chance to show what I can do at this level, and I am looking forward to getting started, to continuing to learn from the coaches and the senior players, and playing my part in a successful season.”

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To start or to sub? The Sam Kerr Question

By Genevieve Henry and Kieran Yap 11/8/23

Above: Sam Kerr for Australia against France in July. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Tony Gustavsson will be in two minds about starting Sam Kerr. He is not alone. Whether or not to unleash the Matildas superstar upon the French defence from the first whistle or stick to a winning formula is the talk of the nation as the quarter final approaches. Impetus Football looks at both sides of the debate.

Sam Kerr should start

By Kieran Yap

If she is fit, Sam Kerr must start against France. The Matildas have found a groove in the last month of football, and shown that they can win without her, which is as important as it is impressive, but with respect to Denmark, Canada and The Republic of Ireland, none of those teams are France.

Australia’s 1-0 defeat in an earlier friendly will give little indication over how this game will pan out, except that chances were hard to come by in that match. It will likely be the same in this historic knockout game.

In that July friendly, Kerr’s pace took her beyond the French defence on multiple occasions, and although she was pushed wide, it seemed part of an Australian game-plan to cut the ball back to midfielders or wingers cutting inside. We saw that eventually work with Mary Fowler on that occasion in Melbourne. We have seen it repeated again in two of Hayley Raso’s goals in this tournament and Emily Van Egmond’s finish against Nigeria.

Against the French defence that has already experienced this, opportunities will be at a premium, and may only present themselves in half chances. This is where Kerr comes in.

In her short cameo against Denmark, the captain looked rusty on the ball, but showed her trademark evasiveness, body work and acceleration to create one chance out of nothing. She skied that over the bar from a tight angle, but there are few players in the world capable of manoeuvring into that position and being able to get a shot away.

Against a team that will expect to dominate all three lines, one of these half chances may be all Australia gets. As she showed with a late equaliser in the quarter final win over Team GB at the Olympics, Kerr thrives on these moments, she has show it time and time again throughout her career.

Kerr also brings value to the team defensively, particularly from corners. France, and specifically Wendy Renard are deadly from set pieces. Kerr’s aerial ability can help at either end of the ground, and s whether it’s with a clearing header or staying forward on the counter attack, her very presence can alter the way France attack and defend from dead balls.

Tony Gustavsson has often brought up England’s winning campaign at the Euro’s as an example of how we wants his team to prepare. Continuity in a winning team was a feature of Sarina Wiegman’s management and Gustavsson has referenced her reluctance to change the lineup as something to be replicated.

The Matildas have had a winning lineup, but he never would have aimed to approach this tournament without Sam Kerr as a Plan A.

We then get to the next question. How does he reshuffle the rest of the team. There could be a return to the lineup that saw Australia deliver an impressive run of friendly wins. This would mean Cortnee Vine returning to the left, Caitlin Foord moving central and either Emily Van Egmond or Mary Fowler returning to the bench.

Foord’s form on the wing and links with Steph Catley have been one of the catalysts for the wins against Canada and Denmark, so moving her from there would be risky. If he was to start Kerr, It is likely that Fowler or Van Egmond would retain their position in attack. On form it should be Fowler, on chemistry and pressing ability, Van Egmond would be the strongest choice.

Kerr’s return to fitness poses questions for the home side, but more for the opposition. They will have to plan around the Chelsea superstar and Ballon D’or nominee and her involvement should remain a close secret until kickoff.

However, if she is fit, she must start. Australia do not need Sam Kerr for the games where things are going right. She is needed when things are not. There is no better player to produce a miracle in world football. This is her moment to do it at least one more time.

Sam Kerr should not start against France

By Genevieve Henry

Kerr is great at creating and finishing chances. Her presence is often enough to occupy and scare opposing defenders. But, due to her lack of minutes leading up to this all-important match, Tony Gustavsson has to weigh all of his options. 

With pacey players at Australia’s disposal, the Matildas could simply wear out the French defence, and then bring on our most clinical and creative players. With average highest speeds just above 29 km/h, according to Keep up, a front four of Vine, Foord, Fowler, and Raso would absolutely exhaust the French defenders with their seemingly limitless energy. While these players are starting to reveal French weaknesses to exploit, Kerr could watch on and prepare.

In reversing the substitution made in the two sides’ last meeting, Fowler making way for Kerr could perform the same exact function. Kerr coming on the pitch would provide not only an attacking danger, but an on-field leadership boost that could inspire and calm her team. Just the image of her lacing up her boots and stepping out into the field could be a psychological threat for some already sapped players. Kerr brings so much more than her incredible qualities as a striker. 

Above: Sam Kerr in action for the Matildas against France in their friendly before the tournament. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.


As we have seen on multiple occasions, Wendie Renard facing Kerr is an intense, well-fought battle. Not only for their respective countries, but for Chelsea and Olympique Lyonnais as well. In most of their recent meetings, Kerr came out on top with the winning team. Now imagine a Renard who has had to quell attacks from a tricky Foord, who famously gives her nightmares, a speedy Vine, a magical Fowler, and an on-form Raso. With all of her experience, it’s hard to see a future where that all works out in Renard’s favour. 

France, in similar fashion to Australia, plays with attacking wing-backs in Ève Pérriset and Sakina Karchaoui. This adventurous tactic leaves gaps that Australian fans know all too well for wingers to take on a weakened French defence. The Matildas are known for their excellent counter-attacking football, and this situation sets up perfectly for that style of play. If Ellie Carpenter can play more reserved than usual in order to avoid that same opening for France’s wingers, this could work wonderfully. Whether Kerr is on the pitch yet or not, letting our attackers take on the field and cause chaos for France will open up pathways to goal that can be easily capitalised on. Excelling in quick transitional play, Raso and Vine can bring the ball up the field and send it to whoever the striker, or strikers, is. Doing this all game will surely tire out the defenders and make Kerr’s job a little bit easier, allowing more open and team play.

If Kerr is brought on at around the 60th minute, she can wreak havoc on a fatigued French defence.

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Indiana Dos Santos and Whittlesea Rangers FC feature in latest short film from Nike Football

By Kieran Yap 11/8/23

The Young Matilda and the girls team from Whittlesea combine forces with some of the biggest names in women’s sport and The Matildas team song.

Above: Young Matilda Indiana Dos Santos. Image by Calli Arciuli

Well it’s a grand old team to play for

It’s a grand old team to see

And if you know our story

It’s enough to make your heart goooooo…

It’s the song that’s roared through post-match celebrations on the Matildas team bus, and on the streets outside the stadiums during this FIFA Women’s World Cup. Until about a year ago, few outside of the playing group knew that The Matildas had a theme song, now it is ubiquitous with a win and features in the latest Nike Football advertisement.

While the previous Nike ads during this world cup have been about the players themselves, such as Sam Kerr’s Flip The Game, or the Brazil Jogo Pra Sempre one that recalls the famous 1998 Airport ad, the latest is centered around inspiration.

Titled “Here We Go – The Next Generation of Sport,” the impact that this World Cup and team can have beyond this tournament is the focus. The film aims to inspire young Aussies to embrace new visions of victory through sport and movement and to celebrate their wins fearlessly, inspired by the Matildas.

The clip features the next generation of female Aussie athletes, including skateboarder Chloe Covell, track athlete Ivy Boothroyd, surfing and golf phenomenon Sierra Kerr, Young Matildas footballer Indiana Dos Santos and a crew of dancers from the Bangarra Youth Program. It captures the young athletes as they re-imagine what victory can look like for the future of sport

The song itself has been re-recorded by the players from Whittlesea Rangers FC and set to music to soundtrack to celebrate different moments and acts as a catalyst for a new meaning for victory. This designed to get you out of your seats rather than pull on your heartstrings in the way many other inspirational projects have done in the past.

“As a female athlete and a mum, I know firsthand the power women have, to change the game and make a mark for the next generation,” said Matilda’s playmaker Katrina Gorry.

“I love being part of a team that is paving the way for the future; a future we are building not only for my daughter but for female athletes around the world.”

During this tournament, Matildas jerseys have reached unprecedented demand. They have outsold what the Socceroo’s shirts did during the last World Cup, with children’s sizes seeing the highest number of purchases.

Women’s football represents a huge growth opportunity for the sport and its sponsors. Nike Football was a trend setter in the men’s game as it became a global behemoth in the 90’s. It is something that it looks to continue with the women.

“We’re so excited to launch our latest brand anthem to showcase Nike’s commitment to not just growing women’s sport, but helping build a better game with more investment, access, and progress,” said Andy Keith, Senior Marketing Director at Nike Pacific.

“In sport, it is important to show female athletes celebrating powerfully and without fear. With this film we want to show what is possible, eliminate fear of judgement, and ultimately accelerate the future of sport on and off the pitch.

“From this huge global moment happening in Australia right now, all the way through to 2032, sport in Australia has exciting momentum to maximise.

“We believe this is only the beginning for the next generation of sport in Australia.”

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!

Stott makes City return whilst Sydney announce three new signings

10/8/23

Above: Rebekah Stott shows her delight at returning to Melbourne City. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Melbourne City FC.

Melbourne City FC have announced this morning the signing of New Zealand international Rebekah Stott on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee from WSL side Brighton and Hove Albion.

Stott has made 93 appearances for New Zealand’s Football Ferns and re-joins the club following a historic FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign. The central defender started in each of the Ferns fixtures, playing a crucial role in the team securing their first-ever World Cup win.

In her last appearance for City, Stott joined an illustrious club, making her 100th A-League Women’s appearance. With 75 appearances for Melbourne City, Stott is the club’s all-time leading Women’s appearance maker.

An inaugural member of City’s Women’s side, Stott has won four championships and two premierships at the club – including two invincible doubles. Highly respected by her peers, Stott was crowned Players’ Player of the Year in City’s history-making 2019/20 season.

Above: Rebekah Stott is back in sky blue. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Melbourne City FC.

A technical defender with an innate ability to read the play and attack from the back, Stott brings a wealth of experience upon returning from England’s Women’s Super League.

Speaking about her return to the club, Stott said: “Melbourne City is a special place, it’s home to me and I’m so happy to be back. I have so many incredible memories here, both on and off the pitch, and I’m determined to do everything I can to help the team be successful.

“Having just experienced such an incredible World Cup, I can’t wait for the new season to start. We have seen amazing support in the stands, and I believe it’s a turning point for the game and for the fans.

“We are all excited about seeing City fans at our games and hopefully helping to inspire the next generation of players at Melbourne City.”

Stott’s signing marks the first for City ahead of the 2023/24 Liberty A-League season, with more to come in the coming weeks.

Above: Lucy Johnson in action for Newcastle Jets against her new club Sydney FC last season. Photo via: Sydney FC.

Liberty A-League Champions and Premiers Sydney FC have strengthened with the signings of three new players.

Tenacious 24-year-old midfielder Lucy Johnson, 21-year-old dynamic forward Aideen Keane and versatile 21-year-old defender Margaux Chauvet arrive as the Sky Blues prepare to break the Liberty A-League membership record and defend their titles.

Johnson joins from Newcastle Jets, Keane from Perth Glory, and Chauvet returns following an injury replacement spell in Sky Blue last season.

Head Coach Ante Juric is confident each player will add new vigour to the squad. “All three girls will bring a fresh energy and desire to the squad, and they have good experience in this competition,” he said.

“Lucy had a good last season and has proven to be a gifted midfielder.  Aideen has enormous potential and is an exciting player. Margaux is a quality defender who can do several roles within a team.  I am excited to have all three players join us this season.

“It’s important we refresh our squad for the new season and that our players continue to have competition for their starting places. These players, along with a few others, will do that.”

Johnson described her joy at signing for the Sky Blues. “I’m delighted to be signing with this huge club that is Sydney FC. I’m determined to continue the tradition of bringing success to this club. I can’t wait to get to work with Ante and the girls,” she said. “It’s a big club, with high expectations but I am looking forward to that challenge.”

Keane believes she can boost her young career and win trophies with the club. “I’m so excited to be joining the club, I want to learn from the environment and create successful memories.

“Sydney FC is a proven platform for players to progress and gain either international recognition or be rewarded with careers overseas and that is something I want to achieve.”

Chauvet is happy to be returning in a full-time capacity. “I got a good understanding for the culture within this club last season and I’m very grateful to be experiencing it again,” she said.

“I’m excited to help this double title defence and am determined to earn a starting spot.”

Meanwhile, the club has agreed to release defender Mary Stanic-Floody to allow her to pursue other opportunities. 

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The rise of the women’s game in Morocco

David Astill celebrates Morocco’s sensational World Cup run in Australia and puts forward the belief that their inspirational squad could be just the start of big things for the women’s game in the North African country (10/8/23).

Above: Morocco celebrate their win over Colombia that put them into the last 16 of the World Cup. Photo: FIFA Women’s World Cup Twitter.

Morocco now has two hugely inspiring national football teams. To their men’s team’s historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar last year, add the achievements of their women over the past few weeks in Australia who have shown that they too are a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

The women’s team have had a lot more to fight for, with Morocco being an Arab country in which gender stereotypes, whilst fading in a number of areas, are still present, and the idea of women and girls playing football is still an uncomfortable one to some around the country.

Increase in support and interest

The Atlas Lionesses’ quest to gain respect and recognition has been supported avidly by a number of high-ranking people, including from the very top, with King Mohammed VI himself investing a lot of money in recent years into the development of both the men’s and the women’s games.

This has not been a spur-of-the-moment thing though, with plans to grow men’s and women’s football in Morocco budding well over a decade ago. In 2009, the King opened a new academy outside the city of Salé, just north of the capital Rabat, with the aim of producing young male and female players who could lead the next generation in helping to reshape and rekindle the Moroccan game and to transform the country into a world power in the sport.

In 2019, the King was once again front and centre as he opened a new training complex, again near the capital, which was to be used by both the men’s and women’s senior and junior teams, once again indicating the inclusivity that has been central to every stage of Morocco’s planning over the last decade.

In 2020, it was the turn of the domestic women’s league to receive some attention, with a deal agreed for the division to become professional and for junior competitions to be devised specifically for girls. Hark back to years and years ago, and this would have been unheard of, yet Morocco want to show that they have a modern outlook when it comes to the role of their female citizens in their sporting culture.

The hard work that has gone into giving female players of all ages opportunities to play has not gone unnoticed, with forward Rosella Ayane of Tottenham Hotspur stating that the facilities that they have had access to have allowed them to prepare for major tournaments in the best way possible because they have been able to train on high-quality pitches, be kept in the right place nutritionally and have been able to enjoy a positive environment in which they are given the respect and attention that so many other sides would love to have from their own federations.

At the World Cup

When looking at their performances at the World Cup, that training and preparation time has really come to fruition, with the Atlas Lionesses looking organised and balanced and each player knowing their roles and what was expected of them.

Above: Ghizlane Chabbak, one of Morocco’s stars at the World Cup. Photo: Morocco World News.

They did need some time to settle in, with the first game at Germany showing some defensive deficiencies that needed sorting out, but that was only natural given that it was their first game at this level and they were up against one of the traditional powerhouses of the women’s game.

However, even in that match, there were signs of what was to come, with the defensive line at times working together well to cover each other and enable a press of sorts, whilst there was a nice balance to their midfield play and indications of the threat that they posed if allowed to get behind their opponents.

There were little tweaks made here and there to the starting lineup in order to fix anything that did let them down, but head coach Reynald Pedros clearly wanted to maintain that balance and not disrupt what was already there, so his lineups rarely altered drastically from match to match. That allowed partnerships to develop and players to grow into the tournament, with Ayane, Élodie Nakkach, Fatima Tagnaout, and Anissa Lahmari just some of those who stood out during their time in Australia.

Pedros had said before the tournament that he would be talking to his counterpart with the men’s team, Walid Regragui, before travelling to Australia to get some advice on what they did so well and how he could assist his players in dealing with the nerves that would come from their first World Cup appearance. Whatever advice he received undoubtedly helped.

Looking to the future

Whilst the women’s team’s World Cup journey came to an end in the round of 16 earlier this week, when they were comfortably beaten by France, they have by no means disgraced themselves. In fact, it is quite the opposite, with them joining the men’s team in getting further than anyone thought they could and showing the world that Moroccan football is growing at a rapid incline.

The hope is that their performances, coupled with the vast amount of investment that has gone into bringing the game to all levels of society, will enable everyone to get on board with the sport and to welcome each other to it, with attitudes towards gender changing by the day in Morocco, as many have noted.

Morocco hosted last year’s Women’s African Cup of Nations and ended up finishing as runners-up, and they will be hoping to go one further next year when they once again become the centre of the women’s game in Africa. However, they are not only satisfied with hosting continental tournaments and have ambitions of bringing the world to their shores, with them submitting a joint bid to FIFA to host the men’s World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal.

It might take a little longer for them to bid for the women’s tournament, but the way things are going, an attempt to bring it to North Africa is not beyond the realms of possibility. The Atlas Lionesses need to take a lot of credit for that even being possible though, because they have proven to the world that Morocco is a nation to watch when it comes to the global development of women’s football.

The fact that there have been so many positive stories coming out of their tournament, such as Nouhaila Benzina becoming the first hijab-wearing player to feature at it, means that more and more people now have role models to look up to, and it is going to be really interesting to see where the women’s game in Morocco goes from here.

David Astill is a freelance journalist guest-writing for Impetus during the World Cup.

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Holmes commits to Adelaide whilst Nix re-sign Foster

8/8/23

Above: Dylan Holmes, who has extended her spell at Adelaide United, celebrates a goal against Perth Glory last season. Photo: Liberty A-League Women.

Adelaide United’s hopes for the new A-League Women season have received a huge boost after key midfielder Dylan Holmes signed a new two-year deal with the club.

With 70 A-League games under her belt across three separate stints at United, Holmes is instrumental to the Reds’ midfield machine, accompanied by a tireless work ethic and leadership capabilities. 

The 26-year-old admits it was a straightforward decision to remain in South Australia. “It was a pretty easy to call to make because I love my life here in Adelaide and playing for Adrian (Stenta),” she said.

“It’s exciting to have this kind of clarity about my future and a long-term plan to stay in the city where I have played most of my professional football. I’m really looking forward to the next few years and what we can achieve as a group.”

Individually, Holmes was awarded the 2023 Dianne Alagich Medal for an outstanding season, in which she started in 17 out of the 18 matches played. Holmes also won her first Matildas cap in 2021, featuring in a friendly against the Netherlands.

Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, hailed the signing as a major coup for South Australian football.

“We know the quality that Dylan brings on the field but what is also outstanding is her leadership off the field and around the group. You can build a squad around someone like Dylan and we as a coaching staff are thrilled to have her on board for the next two seasons.

“I firmly believe she can help lead this side to great things, and personally reach higher honours once again with the national side.”

Holmes capped her signing with a goal for Adelaide City in a 3-1 win against Flinders United in Round 17 of the Go Sunny Solar WNPLSA. 

Above: Michaela Foster, who will be back at Wellington Phoenix next season. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington Phoenix warded off interest from rival clubs to keep hold of reigning women’s player of the year Michaela Foster.

The Football Ferns fullback has signed a new one-year deal with the Phoenix for the 2023-24 campaign.

Foster, 24, has had an incredible 12 months; going from amateur football to scooping all the women’s major awards in her first season as a professional in Wellington. She also made her debut for the Ferns in February and was selected in New Zealand’s final 23-strong squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“There were a couple of other clubs interested in me so there was a bit of questioning about what I should do, but I just followed my gut,” Foster said. 

“It was always in my plan to come back and continue to work with the Phoenix. They gave me an awesome opportunity last year, so it feels right to come back and continue the journey with the Nix for at least another year. I’m excited to see what Temps (coach Paul Temple) can do with the team and see what the team ends up looking like. 

“I’ve never worked with him, but some of my international teammates have and I’ve heard good things about him. His vision is aligned with me and a lot of the other girls and that’s to make the playoffs. With Paul and some of the other people he’s looking to sign we can definitely do it this year.”

Foster will first take some time off to come down from the high of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which followed an intense nine-week training camp. It was a long two months that May/June camp but it paid off and the whole world saw that on night one against Norway. 

“That moment will be etched in our memories forever and whether we stepped on the field or not everyone was a part of it. Everyone that was a part of that camp helped get us to that moment.”

The former New Zealand age-group international didn’t get the opportunity to add to her five senior caps at the World Cup, with an injury preventing Foster from playing against the Philippines in Wellington.

Above: New Wellington Phoenix head coach Paul Temple spoke of his excitement at the potential further growth in Michaela Foster’s game. Photo: RNZ Media.

“That’s sport right. You play every game for your club and then when it comes to the World Cup you pick up an injury. My time will come, and I know that it’s still the beginning. I’m only coming into my second year in a professional club environment so I’m excited to keep learning. 

“I’ve taken a lot from that World Cup and that experience and learnt a lot from the senior players.”

Foster is hoping the unprecedented crowds which supported the tournament will get behind the Phoenix.

“I think we’ve changed the environment for women’s football in New Zealand with our win over Norway. We’re excited to hopefully get bigger turnouts at Sky Stadium this year. To see it full when we played against the Philippines was just incredible. 

“We know what that feels like and we’ll definitely be chasing that a bit more and hopefully we can keep bumping those numbers up.”

Phoenix head coach Paul Temple says Foster is extremely valuable to the team and is still developing.

“Michaela’s super exciting,” Temple said. “I know she’s a little older and isn’t regarded as a young player coming through, but when you think of where she started on a scholarship contract to where she got to, and now that journey has taken her to the World Cup. 

“Her self-confidence, her drive, and her ambition to get to the next level means we’re going to get an even better version of her next season. What she’s achieved in 12 months tells you she has an amazing capacity to learn and develop and her ceiling is extremely high. 

“It’s perfect for a coach because we think we can get even more out of her. It’s exciting to think where she can get to.”

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Victorian NPLW Catch Up Round: Alamein have a big win on and off the pitch.

By Kieran Yap (Kieran84@live.com.au) 7/8/23

Above: Alamein FC celebrate one of their seven goals. Photo: Centre Circle Photography.

Three games were played this weekend to make up for games missed earlier in the season. Alamein hosted an under-strength Heidelberg United, Preston travelled to face FV Emerging and Calder took on Bulleen in a crucial match for both sides.

FV Emerging 1-3 Preston Lions

Kaitlyn Torpey continued her form up front for Preston Lions as the visitors won 3-1 against the NTC side at Knox Football Facility.

The Melbourne City full-back has used her considerable pace and anticipation to break off-side traps at will and score steadily since being shifted to the strikers role at Preston.

Torpey opened the scoring in the 26th minute. Ella Mastrantonio’s vision and technique unlocked the Emerging defence with a perfectly weighted ball over the top. Torpey’s acceleration took her clear, and the finish was calmly slipped past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

Delaney Lindahl made the most of apprehensive defending from Emerging. The home side failed to clear a throw in and made for an easy, close-range tap-in for the American attacker.

Annabelle Yates pulled one back for FV Emerging in the second half. Alana Cortellino’s pressure helped keep the ball in attack, and her combination of passes with the ever-busy Anika Dovaston unlocked the space needed for Yates to bury the chance at the back post.

The result was finally sealed by another Torpey goal in the 93rd minute. Mastrantonio’s quick feet in midfield fed Miri Nishimura who threaded another perfect through ball into the path of Torpey.

The striker was at full pace when she cruised around the onrushing keeper for her second of the game and her second brace in as many weeks.

The result sees Preston jump to sixth on the ladder. The mid-season addition of Torpey to the lineup has given them the piece of the puzzle that they needed in the early rounds where quick attacks were unable to be finished off with the same regularity.

Retaining the speeders for next season may be difficult with the extended A-League campaign, but she has sparked Preston to life in the last few months.

Alamein 7-2 Heidelberg United

A combination of injuries, players away during the Women’s World Cup, and inexperience contributed to Heidelberg’s result away at Dorothy Laver Reserve. The other factor was Sidney Allen.

The Alamein skipper has been in deadly form this season and continued that with another strong performance to lead Alamein to a big win.

She only needed half an opportunity to make it 1-0 in the 11th minute. a loose touch at the back for Heidelberg allowed Allen the chance to burst clear from halfway and finish after a powerful run.

Allen doubled her’s and Alamein’s tally with a terrific finish just a minute later. The home side pressured Heidelberg and booted the ball forward from the turnover. Allen still had plenty to do and lifted the bouncing ball over the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 in the 12th minute.

Patricia Charalambous made it three in the 34th minute before Nicole Blackett converted a penalty kick to give Heidelberg a lifeline. The teams went into the break 3-1.

Blackett opened the scoring in the second half to give Heidelberg a lifeline, her touch around the keeper was all class and pulled the score back to 3-2 while bringing up her brace.

A well-worked corner kick restored Alamein’s two-goal cushion in the 64th minute. Charalambous whipped it in after an exchange of passes by the corner flag and Chinatsu Shgidara was waiting at the far post for an open header.

Elaina Vatcky made it 5-2 after absent marking allowed a pressure-free low cross into the box. The initial attack was parried at the near post, but Vatcky was on hand to bury the chance before Heidelberg could clear the ball.

Set pieces continued to plague the visitors. Shidara scored her second with another free header at the back post. Although this time she had at least jump to reach the ball, the finish was a textbook header across goal to make it six.

The final goal of the afternoon came late in injury time. Allen brought up her hat trick with a volley at the back post after a fast move from the hosts.  The outstretched boot of the Alamein captain made it seven for the day and her 12th of an impressive season in front of goal.

The scoreline was one-sided, but a number of goals came from set pieces or throw in’s for Alamein. Given Heidelberg’s missing players and newly promoted ones, this was always going to be a likely point of vulnerability. There was little time to organize and Alamein took full advantage.

In Sidney Allen, they also have one of the most dangerous creative players in the NPLW, who was able to get on the end of some chances herself on a big day out for the home side.

In other good news for Alamein FC, and the league, Dorothy Laver Reserve will be receiving a major upgrade. The club have successfully lobbied to receive one million dollars in Sportsground Improvement Allocation from the city of Boroondara.

The ground has always been a friendly one for spectators, situated within a park and with parking and road access while being across the road to a train station. The turf has been another story. This match was originally fixtured for mid-season. The ground was unplayable at the time and has often looked bobbly.

Despite this, Alamein have played some eye-catching football and made the most of their home ground. The redevelopment is well deserved for the women’s only club that is a fixture in the top division.

Calder United 0-0 Bulleen United

A win for Calder United could have blown the title race wide open, and a win for Bulleen could have virtually sealed it for Caitlin Friend’s side. The draw does not really hurt either team but still feels like a missed opportunity for both.

Top-of-the-table clashes can either be entertaining football extravaganzas or closely contested, tactical arm wrestles. This was the latter. Both side’s boasted a number of A-League Women listed players and members of the Future Matildas program. The rematch of the 2022 Grand Final produced some intriguing battles but no goals.

Bulleen’s case was not helped by a second-half injury to the in-form striker Maja Markovski, prior to this game breaker Alana Jancevski was also withdrawn, and although this move gave Bulleen more control of the midfield, it cost them a cutting edge when Markovski went down.

Calder were as disciplined and controlled as ever, but against Bulleen’s well-drilled defence, they found clear chances hard to come by. Kiewa Hieda was the most dangerous player for the home side and created the best opportunity of the match when she turned cleverly in midfield and put Larissa Walsh into space on the right.

The shot was right at a well-positioned Gaby Garton, and despite the attacking riches on both sides, a breakthrough could not be found,

The draw keeps Bulleen on top of the ladder, two points clear of second-placed Boroondara Carey, but having played one game more.

Calder jump to third, their premiership chances still alive and their finals place seemingly confirmed. Nobody will want to come up against them in a knockout game as they look to go back-to-back.

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Kerr and Foord: The dream is still alive

Ben Gilby reports the thoughts of The Matildas stars Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord as they spoke to the media after Australia’s 2-0 win over Denmark last night (8/8/23).

Above: Sam Kerr speaking to the media after last night’s victory over Denmark that saw her play her first minutes this World Cup. Image: Football Australia/CommBank Matildas.

Australia’s star striker Sam Kerr returned to the pitch in last night’s 2-0 win against Denmark and spoke of her overriding relief that injury concerns are behind her at last.

Speaking to the media after the game, the Western Australian said: “Hopefully this is the last time I have to talk about that calf! The girls have been smashing it and it was just a relief to be back out on the pitch.”

Kerr highlighted the team-ethos behind The Matildas’ continued growth in the tournament, which was encompassed by her initial reluctance to take the captain’s armband from Steph Catley when coming on towards the end of the match.

“She’s been leading the team and I didn’t really think the last 10 minutes…Steph’s a natural-born leader, and I know most of the time I wear the captain’s armband, and I didn’t think it needed to come to me.”

As someone who has been at the centre of never-ending national attention about the state of her fitness this tournament, Australia’s all time leading scorer outlined how the team have been trying to block out some of the frenzy to maintain focused on the task ahead.

“Every player has done so well. You know, it’s tough coming home with so much noise around you, but we’ve all stuck together and they’ve all done great, so I’m really proud.”

Above: Caitlin Foord speaks last night after her superb performance for The Matildas. Image: Football Australia/CommBank Matildas

Caitlin Foord put on, arguably, one of her best ever displays in a Matildas shirt in the win over Denmark, and spoke of her overriding emotions afterwards.

“Pleased, relieved, to have the job done and keep the dream alive.”

Asked about her stunning performance, Foord batted away the personal compliments to focus on the wider team. “It is my job to create and score goals, so I’m happy to see that go in! I’ve always said from the start though, I don’t care who score the goals as long as they go in. It’s a team collective (effort).”

As the tournament reaches the business end, The Matildas are growing and getting stronger with each passing game. Foord believes the host nation are ready for the big challenges ahead.

“It’s massive. Within ourselves, the belief. In the collective, we know we can beat anyone on any given day. We’ve set the benchmark now of where it needs to be (our performances) and we have to keep taking it up another notch.”

With a record-equalling crowd of just under 76,000 roaring Australia on last night, the Arsenal star now urged the Queensland fans to bring on more of the same for Saturday’s quarter-final against France or Morocco.

“It was very loud! The next call now is to Brisbane to bring it on and get it louder to help get us along.”

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Glory sign City keeper James

7/8/23

Above: Sally James, newly unveiled by Perth Glory. Photo: Football Australia.

Perth Glory today announced that Young Matildas goalkeeper Sally James will join them for the 2023/24 season.

The 20-year-old, who was part of the Australia squad at the 2022 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Costa Rica, began her senior career with her hometown club, Canberra United, before joining Melbourne City in 2021.

She made 12 ALW starts for City last season and recorded a 76.9 save percentage as they secured Finals football via a third-place finish. James is now relishing the prospect of embarking upon an exciting new stage of her football journey here in the West.

“I wanted to come to Perth because of the strong sense of togetherness within the team and staff and the positive environment that the club offers,” she said.

“I came to Perth in the off-season and spoke with [Head Coach] Alex [Epakis] and I liked his vision for the club and how he is big on supporting player development while fostering a competitive environment.

“My personal targets for the upcoming season revolve around continuous growth and improvement as a goalkeeper. I’m excited to work closely with the coaching staff and contribute to the team’s success in the push for Finals football.

“I believe that Perth Glory has an incredibly talented squad and a coaching staff that is dedicated to bringing out the best in each player. Each year, Glory has gotten closer and closer to the top four, so with collective commitment and hard work from everyone involved, I’m confident that we’ll be able to take that next step and challenge for the top positions in the league.”

Epakis, meanwhile, believes that with James on board, the club now has one of the strongest goalkeeping departments in the competition.

“I am really pleased to be able to bring Sally to Perth Glory,” he said. “She is a very motivated individual who is eager to come to the club and contribute to what we are trying to achieve as a team.

“She has great qualities as a goalkeeper and has been able to showcase these across recent seasons in both the ALW and with youth national teams. We are in a very fortunate position to have great depth across the squad and I believe the signing of Sally supports this notion.”

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