by Isabelle Rogerson – AFC Wimbledon(28/8/23)with exclusive photo gallery from Ben Gilby.
Above: AFC Wimbledon celebrate Ellie Dorey’s stunning second goal in the closing stages on yesterday’s FAWNL Cup Determining Round tie with Chatham Town. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
AFC Wimbledon left it late to start the competitive season with a victory as Kevin Foster’s side won in dramatic fashion yesterday.
Substitute Sandra Soares Martins scored with a long-range strike with only a few minutes remaining, before Ellie Dorey’s goal killed off Chatham Town from the league above to secure a 2-0 FAWNL Cup Determining Round victory at Carshalton Athletic.
The Dons dominated in the first half and Dorey was denied by Chatham keeper Cara Davies early on, before Ashlee Hincks shot off target. Hincks became increasingly influential as the first half progressed and she cut inside and delivered a fine cross, but no one was able to get on the end of it.
Above: Rosie Russell plays the ball forward for AFC Wimbledon yesterday. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Wimbledon came close to the breakthrough when Rosie Russell powered down the right side and crossed, but Chatham somehow managed to survive after three Dons players had attempted to find the net.
Hincks threatened to net the opener before the break, but she was denied superbly by the Chatham keeper – and that meant a 0-0 scoreline at half-time.
Above: AFC Wimbledon’s Ashlee Hincks drives forward yesterday. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
The pressure from the hosts continued after the interval with Ashleigh Goddard going on a solo run to power through on goal, but she ended up in a collision with the Chatham keeper Davies. At the other end, Lauren Allen was required to make an excellent save after a rare attack from the visitors.
When Wimbledon captain Hannah Billingham shot over, it appeared that Chatham were going to hold on, but Soares Martins had other ideas.
Above: Sandra Soares Martins who scored a stunning opening goal for AFC Wimbledon yesterday. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
The substitute tried her luck from just outside the centre circle, striking the ball beautifully with a shot that lobbed the keeper, and found the bottom right-hand corner.
It was certainly a great way to make the breakthrough, but there was more to come. As the clock ticked towards full-time, Dorey tried her luck from distance and her well-struck effort nestled into the bottom corner.
Further photos from the match from Ben Gilby for Impetus
Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!
Above: Players from Atlético Madrid and AC Milan show their solidarity with Jenni Hermoso, a former Atlétiplayer before their Women’s Cup match yesterday. Photo: Diego Souto.
If you’re like me you were a) obsessed with the World Cup and b) have spent much of the week since then alternately flabbergasted, horrified, and disgusted at the ways in which the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have destroyed any iota of credibility they had.
You may also have been inspired by the solidarity shown by players and non-playing women’s team staff in Spain and players and women’s football fans around the world. It has been a lot – to process, watch, listen to. It has also been revealing.
In case you have been paying less attention, this is about RFEF President, Luis Rubiales’ abuse of Spanish player Jenni Hermoso at the end of the World Cup Final. This abuse was first relayed on television to millions globally, then replayed endlessly on social media and news reports.
That means that the image of Rubiales holding Hermoso’s head against his as he kissed her on the mouth is now seared into everyone’s brains as are the various images of him repeatedly grasping at the bodies of other players, or grabbing and thrusting his own crutch in celebration while standing next to Spain’s monarch.
What we saw was a glimpse on the biggest stage of a leading figure in women’s football expressing his limitless entitlement, especially insofar as that extended to the bodies of female players under his employ.
He said afterwards that he believed that what happened was normal, not out of the ordinary. And we probably need to believe him on that at least – that this behaviour is normal for him. What was, however, new was those millions of eyes watching and calling him out on it. And that has resulted in a week in which Rubiales’ behaviour and the behaviour of those closest to him has remained in the spotlight. With that spotlight so much has been revealed – not just what happened at the Final, but also in the years leading up to that.
RFEF Modus Operandi Revealed
What has most stood out over last week is the ruthlessness of the RFEF, the organisation’s unwillingness to deviate from a course of action set by its leadership, to back their man, no matter what, and, as part of that, their shocking readiness to resort to what can only be described as manipulation, gaslighting and vindictive hostility.
Manipulation: This was first seen during the flight back to Spain when repeated pressure was applied by Rubiales and Vilda, petitioning on Rubiales’ behalf, to Hermoso, her family and teammates, and to Spanish team captain (and presumed more ‘friendly’) Ivana Andrés. The objective was to persuade one of them to stand alongside Rubiales and legitimate his videoed denial that anything that untoward had occurred. Neither agreed. So instead, the RFEF sent a ‘statement’ on behalf of Jenni Hermoso that she did not see or agree to (see gaslighting, below). This meant that by the time the flight landed most of the media were confused about Hermoso’s position.
Above: Players from Swedish side Linköping prepare wrist bands showing their support for Jenni Hermoso this weekend. Photo: Linköping.
But these were not the only instances of manipulation and unacceptable pressure this week. On Saturday all members of the women’s team coaching staff, except Vilda, resigned en-mass, calling for a change of leadership. Their resignation letter revealed that female non-playing staff had been forced to attend Rubiales’ speech on Friday, to sit in the front row and to applaud in order to present a façade of women’s approval of the President’s aggressive denials and claims.
Gaslighting: Here the RFEF’s statements are textbook, specifically designed to make us doubt what we know happened BECAUSE WE SAW IT WITH OUR EYES. After all, not only have we all seen the televised abuse but also widely circulated Instagram live video from the changing room immediately post-game in which Jenni Hermoso stated that she did not want what had happened. Then, on Friday, Hermoso released a statement via her union and agents in which she reiterated that she had not consented. In other words, in the immediate aftermath of the game Hermoso said that she did not give consent and five days later she doubled down, saying exactly the same. Moreover, given that time for reflection, in the Friday statement she was able to clearly name what had happened as abusive. Yet RFEF statements ignore all of that and instead parse the on-stage interaction into tiny moments, presenting stills, examining who was leaning into or away from whom as if this matters. While Rubiales went further in his Friday speech to RFEF, positing a little dialogue in which (conveniently) Hermoso gives explicit consent for a kiss while they are on the stage:
“I said, ‘Forget about the penalty, you’ve been fantastic, we wouldn’t have won the World Cup without you.’ She said: ‘You’re great.’ I said, ‘A kiss?’ and she said: ‘Yes.’”
When RFEF has claimed that their “evidence” “proves” that Rubiales must be believed and that Jenni Hermoso wanted what happened to happen they are engaging in the type of gaslighting and victim-blaming (‘she wanted it’) that is only too common in sexual abuse trials. To see it perpetrated by an organisation responsible for Spanish football and, as part of that, of player wellbeing is shocking. In none of this is there any recognition of power – and that as Casey Stoney so eloquently articulated it is always inappropriate for someone in a position of authority to initiate sexual contact with someone over whom they exercise power.
In other parts of their statement RFEF also implicitly question whether the statement released by Futpro (the players’ union) accurately quotes Hermoso. In doing this – and with zero irony – RFEF’s own untrustworthiness and falsification of Hermoso’s words is transformed into a reason to question other sources.
Vindictive hostility: The RFEF and Rubiales have acted with hostility and aggression over and again. Starting with Rubiales himself, who in informal mode on a radio interview called those who were concerned about his action ‘idiots and stupid people’ and later in his non-resignation speech attacked ‘false feminists’ as propagating the suggestion that he acted abusively. They have made veiled, and not so veiled, legal threats against Hermoso and against any players who refuse to play for the national team – something that the entire World Cup squad and dozens of other Spanish players have pledged. We also see aggression in language that repeatedly and publicly states that Hermoso, who is employed by the RFEF and therefore owed a duty of care, ‘lies in all statements she makes’ (note: this language was removed but was on the RFEF official website for a few hours on Saturday).
Even in the immediate aftermath of the World Cup final, we saw triumphalism and hostility. Most obviously in RFEF’s social media which on full-time tweeted: ‘#Vildain’, a reference to the hashtag #Vildaout, used by supporters of Las 15. There are of course those that do argue that the win ‘validated’ Vilda’s stewardship. I disagree, but your position on this is irrelevant, the point is that a national federation used a world cup victory to get one over on their own team’s supporters. That is seriously petty.
A glimpse behind the curtain
What happened this week – the manipulation, hostility, and gaslighting used in defence of Rubiales – tells us a lot about how RFEF has been operating. And it helps make sense of the complaints of Las 15, the Spanish players who wrote a letter of complaint after last summer’s Euros in which they asked for improvements. It also makes sense of why some players, under pressure from their clubs and the federation (no doubt employing similar methods to those seen here), did not sign up to that letter.
Above: Members of SC Freiburg’s ultras support show their solidarity with Jenni Hermoso during their men’s Bundesliga game with Werder Bremen this weekend. Photo: Nordtribuene.org.
The ways in which RFEF and Rubiales handled Las 15’s complaints looks all too familiar from this vantage point: instead of meeting and talking with the players and instead of looking for a solution they made public the players’ communication at the same time as they circulated an aggressive response branding the attempt to get change as “blackmail”, “unprecedented in the history of football” and that players must “admit their error and apologise” or face bans of up to five years. And then there is the grudge-holding visible in Vilda’s selection of just three of those players who came back, making themselves available for selection, bringing in only those most obviously necessary: Aitaina Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey and Ona Batlle (Bonmati and Batlle went on to start every game at the tournament and Caldentey started five of eight).
It makes sense that some players who experienced this, most notably Barcelona starters Mapi Leon, Sandra Panos, and Patri Guijarro, did not think anything was going to change and continued to make themselves unavailable for selection, sacrificing their chance to play at the World Cup.
But it also makes sense that other players gave up believing that any action they took would achieve more than the few improvements it had already wrought and that they ended up returning to a federation and coach that had not supported them, but which provided their only opportunity to play for their country. It was a poisoned choice. But we know that people return to those who abuse them. This is not their fault.
A Rotten Institution
What has happened in the aftermath of Rubiales’ assault, and what happened over the last years has revealed the institutional misogyny at the RFEF. It is not simply the acts perpetrated, or words spoken, by the President. But rather the complicity and disregard for players from him and from the organisation charged with managing Spanish football – men’s and women’s.
Those statements that have been made – backing Rubiales; pushing back on players – have been made in the name of the RFEF and come adorned with corporate branding. The legal teams employed pressure placed on employees, the falsely attributed words, coordination of institutional responses and push back against Las 15, was not the work of one man. This is not surprising.
There is plentiful evidence of Rubiales’ ties to people in positions of power and many have enabled and benefited from his tenure in the RFEF. One of those is Jorge Vilda, the coach Rubiales has backed throughout, who has (with his father behind him) been a big supporter of the President, and who for most of this week had Rubiales’ back, pressuring Hermoso’s family on the President’s behalf, clapping his speech. Until that is (perhaps sensing the winds of change) late on Saturday, long after players, coaches, politicians, and supporters around the world had spoken out, and only after the Spanish men’s coach did likewise, Vilda issued his own mildly worded critique.
If Rubiales’ actions have been facilitated by many others, suspending Rubiales (which has now happened, following FIFA bringing charges) or permanently parting company with him (hopefully around the corner) is essential but not enough.
We need wholesale change. That means new people, without ties to current leadership. It also means creating avenues for players to raise concerns and ensuring they are supported in doing this by their representatives.
Above: Atletico Madrid’s Leicy Santos holds up Jenni Hermoso’s shirt and points to her in the crowd at their Women’s Cup match with AC Milan this weekend. Photo: Attacking Third.
It is worth remembering that while Spain has managed to make their problems very visible RFEF is not the only federation failing its players. Across the world we have seen players protesting about not being paid (Jamaica and South Africa), being underpaid (Canada and the UK), and about serious abuse. Most seriously, Zambia’s manager faces charges of demanding sex from players as quid pro quo for selection and against whom new allegations emerged during the World Cup.
#SeAcabó (It’s Over)
Women’s football deserves better.
Players deserve not to be abused. They deserve to work in an environment in which they are supported to play, not manipulated, gaslit, and threatened. After all, if Spain won the World Cup while dealing with all of this, it’s frightening to think what those players could do with a little bit of support.
Meanwhile, the actions of RFEF have laid bare the misogyny, manipulation, and abuse that women footballers suffer, but they have also provided glimpses of something hopeful. We have seen women footballers, coaches, and supporters in Spain and around the world coming together to organise, take action and fight back. And this time it’s not 15 but 81 Spanish women’s team players and they are not sending individual letters but are coordinating publicly and with their union. This time it will be harder to find replacement players or pressure them individually to concede.
And if this last week has shown us how viciously men in positions of power will fight to retain what they see as their entitlement, it has also shown that they may not be as invincible as they believe themselves to be.
Above: Sevilla players wore shirts with the hashtag SeAcabo (It’s Over) in support of Jenni Hermoso this weekend. Photo: Sevilla Futbol Club.
Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!
Ben Gilby provides a detailed report from one game and a round-up of all the other matches in Western Australia’s NPL Women’s competition (28/8/23).
Above: Fremantle City celebrate Abbey Green (6)’s sensational late winner at Perth RedStar yesterday.Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
Main report
Perth RedStar 2-3 Fremantle City
A superb hat-trick from Abbey Green inspired Fremantle City to come from behind to send champions Perth RedStar to their first NPLW WA defeat since the season’s opening day.
Green’s first strike, a cool finish inside the box had given the visitors an early lead, however with just over 20 minutes to go, goals from Olivia Wood and Sophia Neal had put RedStar in front lead only for Freo’s Perth Glory attacker to turn the game on its head.
With the hosts already confirmed to have retained their NPLW WA title, Fremantle knew they had to win to have any chance of securing the double chance in the Top Four Cup by finishing second. Faye Chambers’ side produced a dominant first-half performance as they set about trying to earn that right.
The visitors had their foot on the pedal from the early stages. Seven minutes in, Jamie-Lee Gale won possession from Quyen Doan and sent a swerving shot in from the corner of the box that was turned away for a corner by Maya Diederichsen in the RedStar goal.
Within four minutes, Freo hit the front. A free-kick was played forward from inside their own half, which Green headed over her marker and slotted calmly into the net.
Shortly afterwards, Gale supplied a pass from the right towards Green, positioned on the edge of the box, and the Perth Glory talent sent a viciously curling effort just wide of the left-hand post.
Above: Abbey Green (left) put on a sensational display for Fremantle City yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
Perth RedStar sought to work their way back into the possession and territory count, but were, at this stage, unable to match the penetration and creativity of Fremantle for whom Gale, in particular, was in outstanding form along the right in combination with Tash Rigby and Green. The home defence were having a tough time trying to keep the trio subdued.
Just before the half-hour mark, Rigby sent a ball in for Nina Boorman to power a bullet header goalwards but was ruled offside. Annabelle Leek also saw a free-kick fly over the top in this spell.
As the game neared the interval, Freo created two further chances. Gale broke free once more on the right to play a perfectly paced ball in for Olivia Trueman, whose header was just pushed away by Diederichsen. Then, into stoppage time, Leek powered in a free kick from the edge of the box that bounced in front of the RedStar keeper before being scrambled away.
Fremantle went in deservedly ahead – but despite the dominance of possession and territory, it was only a one-goal lead – and RedStar are masters at making the opposition pay for not turning chances into sufficient scoreboard leads.
Indeed, that looked to be the case as Carlos Vega Mena’s side started the second period by forcing two early free-kicks outside the box and a flurry of corners. The arrival of Olivia Wood as a substitute after the break was giving the home team added impetus.
Wood was the source of RedStar’s leveller 13 minutes in. Reina Kagami found Chiori Ikeda outside the box, and a neat ball through found the substitute who took a touch, and let the ball bounce twice before firing a vicious half-volley into the net.
Above: Perth RedStar celebrate their second half comeback that saw them hit the front. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
Wood had an opportunity to put her side in front when she was played through one-on-one with Freo keeper Indiana Antones but blazed her shot over the top. However, with 68 minutes played, RedStar had better luck and hit the front as Ikeda’s corner from the left curled in and was met by the head of Sophia Neal.
Seasoned NPLW WA watchers may well have been forgiven for assuming that was that, and RedStar would go on to record a routine win. Yet Fremantle were not done, as Green stepped up to the plate showing her immense talent.
Just five minutes after the hosts hit the front, a free-kick outside the area was cooly turned in by Green to level the scores.
Both sides had their chances in the final 10 minutes. First, Rigby burst through for the visitors but her eventual shot was held by Diederichsen. For RedStar, Jayna Ridley put a low ball across the byline from the right for Neal, but the shot went wide of the near post.
Then, as the clock ticked towards stoppage time, Fremantle were awarded a throw-in near the byline on the right-hand side. Gale’s throw found Green with her back to goal with seemingly nothing on. However, the attacker had other ideas. She turned her defender and sent an absolute rocket of a shot curling into the top left-hand corner. It was a moment of sheer class from a quality player.
Whilst Perth SC’s win over Balcatta Etna results in Fremantle City finishing third, denying them the double chance in the Top Four Cup, this result and the way it was achieved will be a huge confidence boost for the port city club going into post-regular season football.
Perth RedStar are undoubtedly deserved champions for another superb season – but this outcome will give renewed hope to the other sides in the top four that the champions are beatable as the season reaches a thrilling conclusion.
Above: Fremantle CIty goalkeeper Indiana Antones claims the ball amidst heavy traffic at RedStar Arena yesterday. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
Above: Perth SC’s hat-trick hero Ella Lincoln (right) celebrates with her team mates yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth SC secured second spot on the final table with a comprehensive win over Balcatta Etna in their first game at Dorrien Gardens since 21st May.
The Azzurri hit the front with 23 minutes played as Ella Lincoln was played in and lifted a skillful finish over Gabby Dal Busco from outside the box. They doubled their advantage seven minutes later when clever work from Jess Flannery, who was able to run into space and thread a perfectly weighted pass for Lincoln to sweep home once more.
Above: Perth SC’s Gemma Craine looks up as she motors forward against Balcatta Etna yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Six minutes before the interval, it became 3-0 as Liana Cook was found in space with a crossfield pass. Cook looked up and saw a space in the top right-hand corner of the net which she instantly fired the ball into for another brilliant finish.
Balcatta needed to respond quickly, and within three minutes of the restart, reduced the deficit. Tia Stonehill applied a rapid press to Ruby Marshall who was in possession with success, and in idiosyncratic style, motored away and curled home a classy finish from the edge of the box to seal the Golden Boot with her 24th goal of the campaign.
Above: Tia Stonehill (centre) celebrates her goal that guaranteed her the Golden Boot for 2023. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Yet any hopes of a dramatic comeback from the visitors were dashed within moments as Gemma Craine, stationed centrally around 15 yards outside the box played in Lincoln outside her in space. The attacker turned E.J. Doust and curled a low shot into the right hand corner of the goal to complete her hat-trick.
With just under 20 minutes remaining, Cook completed the scoring with her second of the afternoon. A Perth corner from the right wasn’t cleared allowing Judy Connolly to direct the ball goalwards and Cook turned to fire in from right of centre.
Above: Liana Cook – scorer of two goals for Perth SC yesterday celebrates. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Hyundai NTC 5-0 Curtin University
The NTC will once again go into the Top Four Cup in fourth place despite a comfortable win over a Curtin University side who end the season having lost all 21 of their matches.
A team showing a number of changes from their regular starting line-up hit the front with just seven minutes played thanks to a sensational individual goal from Emily Garnett. The left-sided midfielder danced along her flank before cutting in and firing a brilliant finish just inside the box past Danielle Petch in the Curtin goal.
Twenty-three minutes in the hosts doubled their lead as a long ball was played through for Theo Moulthys to run onto and slot home. Six minutes before the break, a cross-shot on the right from Louise Tana flew into the far top corner of the net.
Eleven minutes into the second period, the NTC went 4-0 up as a poor attempt at a clearance from the visitors allowed Garnett through to run into acres of space and lift the ball over Petch.
A series of unfortunate events for Curtin led to the final goal of the encounter in stoppage time at the end of the match. Petch came out to meet a cross which in turn was directed past her by Mia Britton. The ball rolled agonisingly in slow motion towards the goal with two visiting defenders unable to prevent its progress over the line which was ensured by Mischa Anderson.
The NTC now have an exciting end to the campaign with the State Cup Final against Murdch University Melville next weekend followed by a Top Four Cup trip to Fremantle City the week afterwards.
For Curtin University, this has been a torrid season with 21 defeats out of 21, only eight goals scored and 168 conceded. Their status next season remains in question. State League Division One champions-elect Hammersley United have turned down promotion.
However, Football West rules state that if that division’s runners-up – who will be either Perth AFC or UWA Nedlands – meet promotion criteria then they have the right to play off against Curtin for a place in next season’s NPLW WA. It will be a few weeks before that can be unravelled.
Murdoch University Melville 0-0 Subiaco
Match abandoned after 11 minutes
Friday night’s match at Besteam Stadium was ended prematurely by the officials after one of the floodlight towers went out eleven minutes into the match. At the time of writing, the scoreline of 0-0 looks set to be recorded as the outcome of the game rather than any rescheduling.
Murdoch University Melville now go on to next week’s State Cup Final against Hyundai NTC at the brand-new State Football Centre. For Subiaco, their 2023 campaign is done.
NPLW WA FINAL TABLE 2023:
Table From: Squadi.
Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!
Above:Ruby Nathan in action for New Zealand. Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra United have today announced the addition of New Zealand U20 international Ruby Nathan to their ranks for the A-League Women season.
Nathan, a strong running forward who has been playing club football in her native New Zealand, was a member of the Junior Football Ferns who played at the U20 World Cup in Costa Rica and travelled to the U17 Women’s World Cup in India for the Young Ferns.
“Ruby is a quality addition to our ranks, and will no doubt have an important part to play in our 2023/24 Liberty A-League season,” Canberra United Head Coach Njegosh Popovich commented.
“We have been monitoring her for a while and have been impressed with the displays that she has put in at international level for the various New Zealand age grade representative teams.
“Ruby is a tall attacker who can operate anywhere along the front line, or deeper, and brings a lot of experience of tournament football despite her youthful age. I am sure that she will settle perfectly into our group as she possesses the characteristics that we look for in our young players.”
Nathan, who won the Golden Boot award at the 2023 OFC U19 Championships in Fiji, scoring eight goals including a brace in the Final victory over the host nation in Suva, is looking forward to the opportunity the move presents.
“I am extremely excited by the opportunity that joining Canberra United will provide me and can’t wait to get started,” Nathan said.
“I have always wanted to test myself at the top level and feel that joining a club like Canberra in the A-League Women is the natural next step for my career as they have a reputation for helping young players to flourish.
“I have heard excellent things about the club and have heard that the supporter base is large and enthusiastic. I am looking forward to working with the fantastic players that are at the club and to repaying the faith the coaching staff have shown in me.”
Above: Jazmin Wardlow (purple shirt) in action for Fiorentina last season. Photo: Keep Up.
Central Coast Mariners have today revealed the signing of American defender Jazmin Wardlow from Italian Serie A side Fiorentina.
The 25-year-old has spent the past 12 months at the Italian club, playing 21 matches and scoring one goal. Wardlow attended Santa Clara University between 2015-2016, lining up for the Santa Clara Broncos. After success in the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament, the defender took her talents to the University of Oregon, making 38 appearances forthe team.
In 2019, she was 21st in the National Women’s Soccer League draft, becoming the first-ever player from her University to be drafted in the competition. Wardlow moved to Europe in 2021, joining Serbian SuperLiga champions ZFK Spartak Subotica. She made her debut for the club in the 2021/22 UEFA Women’s Champions League shortly after.
Mariners’ Head Coach Emily Husband sees the American as an extremely valuable addition to the squad. “I am very excited to be able to welcome Jazmin to the Coast. She will be a really good addition to the group that we are building ahead of the upcoming season.
“She has a lot of flexibility in where we can play her, which is great for our versatility. She has a fantastic left foot, a brilliant engine as well as good attacking and defensive output. She brings experience to this team which will be huge for us this season.”
Wardlow is extremely excited to be joining the Coast, eager to get started as the season approaches quickly.
“I am super excited to be able to play for the Central Coast this season. I wish we were already starting; I am looking forward to meeting all of my teammates,” she said.
“Speaking to Emily it just made the decision to sign for the Coast super easy. I felt so much love and support from her and Shaun which is amazing being so far from home. As a footballer, I am extremely passionate, physical, technical, tactical, hard-working and a great leader. I honestly just can’t wait to get started.”
Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!
Above: Mackenzie Arnold roars in celebration after the win against Ireland. Photo: Football Australia.
Mackenzie Arnold’s performance in the Matildas’ quarterfinal match against France rightfully earned her the Player of the Match award. Her crucial saves kept Australia in the game against a fierce opposition. But Arnold is just one of many goalkeepers who put in remarkable performances for their countries and significantly shaped the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Most of the time, when a team wins a match, the forwards and midfielders get all the glory. It’s true, they are the ones who win matches, but it is the defenders and goalkeepers who prevent their team from losing matches, which is equally as important. Often the efforts of goalkeepers go unnoticed, but the exceptional performances of keepers in the 2023 Women’s World Cup have forced players, spectators, and analysts alike to take note.
Goalkeepers in this World Cup took home nine of the 64 Player of the Match awards. That’s the most, by a fair margin, of any Women’s World Cup. According to the FIFA technical reports, this is how many goalkeepers have received a Player of the Match award at each World Cup: France 2019 (four), Canada 2015 (six), Germany 2011 (three), China 2007 (three), USA 2003 (three).
It’s important to note that the 2019 and 2015 editions featured 24 teams and consisted of 52 matches. Furthermore, the 2011, 2007, and 2003 editions featured 16 teams and consisted of 32 matches. Even still, taken as a percentage, the 2023 Women’s World Cup still comes out on top: 2023 Australia/New Zealand (14%), Canada 2015 (12%), China 2007 (9%), USA 2003 (9%), Germany 2011 (9%), 2019 France (8%).
The 2023 Women’s World Cup has been a global goalkeeping showcase. The winners of the Player of the Match award have been very geographically diverse, coming from five different continents.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria), Olivia McDaniel (Philippines), Gaëlle Thalmann (Switzerland), Courtney Brosnan (Ireland), Rebecca Spencer (Jamaica), Daphne van Domselaar (Netherlands), Zećira Mušović (Sweden), Mary Earps (England), and Mackenzie Arnold (Australia). Further, Daniela Solera (Costa Rica) made the most saves in this World Cup with 22. This shows that not only are goalkeepers among the best players in each team, but that the quality of goalkeeping is exceptional throughout the world.
While there have been many great goalkeepers throughout this World Cup, here are a handful that were truly extraordinary.
Mary Earps (England)
Above: Mary Earps makes a superb fingertip save against Colombia in the quarter-finals. Photo: Lionesses.
Earlier this year Earps won the FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper award, and this World Cup she backed it up with the Golden Glove award. Throughout the tournament she kept three clean sheets.
Against Nigeria, Earps made two big saves and prevented 17 goals from being scored. Against Colombia, she made another two saves and prevented 15 goals. But it was her performance in her first-ever World Cup final that was the most impressive. Despite England’s loss, Earps kept them in it until the death, making four huge saves, including a penalty from Jennifer Hermoso, one of the deadliest strikers in the world. In total, she prevented 14 goals from being scored. A Golden Glove-worthy performance.
Mackenzie Arnold (Australia)
Above: Mackenzie Arnold controls the ball inside her 18-yard box. Photo: Football Australia.
Arnold kept four clean sheets, which was the most of any goalkeeper this tournament. But the most impressive aspect of this feat is the quality of the opposition she achieved it against, including Denmark, France, and Olympic Gold Medallists Canada. Against Canada, she made three saves and prevented 11 goals. Against Denmark, she made another three saves and prevented 13 goals. But it was against France in the quarterfinals that Arnold put in a career-defining performance making five saves and preventing 20 goals during regular time.
Her heroics did not end there. During the penalty shootout, Arnold saved two penalties and gifted Australia with two chances to win the match. The first was an incredible diving, fingertip save, which tipped Eve Périsset’s shot onto the side post. Arnold then stepped up to take the vital fifth penalty. If she had scored she would have won the match for Australia. She didn’t convert the kick, but she had the belief and confidence to try.
More impressively, she then took her place in goal again and maintained her composure. Seven kicks later, Arnold made another top save against Dali, but VAR ruled that she was off her line and Dali took the kick again. Phenomenally, Arnold kept her cool and saved Dali’s penalty again, which gifted Australia with their second chance to win the match. Absolute nerves of steel.
Zećira Mušović (Sweden)
Above: Zećira Mušović prevents a goal-scoring opportunity from Alex Morgan in Sweden’s win against the USA in the Round of 16. Photo: Svensk Fotboll.
Mušović’s performance against the four-time world champions, USA, was quite simply astounding. She made 11 saves and prevented 21 goals from world-class forwards Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman, who came at her for 120 minutes. Sweden was significantly outplayed in that match, but Mušović singlehandedly carried them to a penalty shootout, which her country won.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Above: Chiamaka Nnadozie takes a goal kick from the six-yard box. Photo: G3 Football.
Nnadozie held a clean sheet in three out of Nigeria’s four matches. If that wasn’t impressive enough, she did it against world-class opponents Ireland, Canada, and England.
Against Canada, Nnadozie prevented 15 goals, including a penalty save from the all-time global leading goal scorer, Christine Sinclair. Against England, Nnadozie prevented 12 goals against some of the best forwards in the world, such as Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, and Lauren James. The only match she conceded in was against Australia, where she made six saves and prevented a whopping 28 goals, which was enough to upset the heavy favourites.
Rebecca Spencer (Jamaica)
Above: Rebecca Spencer launches a goal kick. Photo: JFF Football.
Spencer also held a clean sheet in three out of Jamaica’s four matches. Two of those opponents were France and Brazil, heavyweights in the women’s game. Against France, Spencer prevented 13 goals from world-class forwards the likes of Kadidiatou Diani and Eugénie Le Sommer. Against Brazil, Spencer prevented 17 goals from attacking threats including Kerolin, Debinha, Ary Borges—who scored a hat-trick the week before against Panama—and Women’s World Cup all-time top goal scorer, Marta. Spencer only conceded once in the whole tournament. Sadly, that one goal would send Jamaica home.
Daphne van Domselaar (Netherlands)
Above: Daphne van Domselaar (left), celebrates Netherlands’ win against South Africa. Photo: Oranje Leeuwinnen.
Van Domselaar kept a clean sheet in three out of the Netherlands’ five matches. Her most impressive performance was against four-time world champions, USA, where she made two crucial saves and prevented 19 goals. Netherlands ended up losing in a tight match against eventual World Cup winners, Spain, but van Domselaar performed superbly during that match as well, making six saves and preventing 26 goals.
Alyssa Naeher (USA)
Above: Alyssa Naeher makes a diving save. Photo: USWNT.
Naeher kept a clean sheet in three out of the USA’s four matches. Naeher, like Spencer, only conceded once in the tournament, and that was against a strong Dutch side. While Naeher did not have anywhere near as many saves or goal preventions as her counterparts from other nations, she made history as the first goalkeeper to take and convert a penalty in the Men’s or Women’s World Cup. What an achievement.
Still a long way to go
FIFA has awarded the Golden Ball award, for the best overall player of the tournament, and the Golden Boot award, for the top goal scorer in the tournament, since the first Women’s World Cup in 1991. However, the Golden Glove award, for the best goalkeeper, has only been awarded since 2003. That in itself shows how little attention FIFA paid to goalkeepers during the early days of women’s football.
While it’s wonderful that goalkeepers are receiving more attention, there’s still a long way to go. Kit manufacturing giants Nike and Adidas chose not to produce any goalkeeper jerseys for the Women’s World Cup.
After Arnold’s amazing performance against France in the quarterfinals, she found herself with a lot of new fans, many of them outraged because they couldn’t buy her jersey. Sadly, this is a global issue. Before the tournament, Nike didn’t even sell a Mary Earps Lionesses jersey. Earps said, “It is a huge problem, and it is a scary message that is being sent to goalkeepers worldwide, that you are not important.”
Hopefully, this World Cup is a turning point for goalkeepers around the world. There is an online petition aimed at getting Nike and Adidas to sell female goalkeeper kits that currently has over 150,000 signatures.
While it was too late to have an impact on the 2023 Women’s World Cup, it seems to be inspiring positive change after the tournament. Nike announced recently that they will sell limited England, USA, France, and Netherlands jerseys in response to the outcry. While Matildas’ fans still can’t get their hands on an Arnold jersey yet, it is definitely a step in the right direction. Hopefully, this nudges Nike and Adidas to champion female goalkeepers the way they should. Only time will tell.
Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!
Impetus brings you up to date with all the player movements over the past 24 hours with Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory, and Sydney FC each announcing new players(25/8/23).
Above: Elise Kellond-Knight in action for Melbourne Victory at Perth Glory last season. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
Melbourne Victory have announced the key re-signing of midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight for the 2023/24 A-League Women season.
The 33-year-old heads into her second season with the club, making 12 appearances in her debut season before being sidelined by injury.
Kellond-Knight’s experience speaks for itself, making over 100 appearances for the Matildas and is heading towards 100 appearances in the A-League Women’s competition.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica said he was pleased to have someone of Kellond-Knight’s calibre back at the Club. “KK is an incredible professional and role model in the squad and we can’t wait to see more of her at Victory.
“Her contribution last season was more than just on the field. She provided leadership and experience to the squad and our coaching staff and has become an important member of the team. We can’t wait to see KK back fit and firing after her recovery from injury and know she will contribute significantly this season.”
Kellond-Knight was looking forward to the upcoming season. “Although it ended early with injury, I had a great first experience with this group at Melbourne Victory,” Kellond-Knight said.
“Jeff and the squad have developed a culture and mentality that demands the best from everyone in the squad and that is something I want to be a part of. The next goal for the team and myself is to bring the Championship home for the team and I’m hungry to achieve more with this group.”
Brisbane Roar
Above: Former Melbourne City defender Chelsea Blissett has joined Brisbane Roar. Photo: Melbourne City
Brisbane Roar have announced the arrival of a further two key players as they step up their bid for a return to Finals football in 2023/24.
First to be unveiled today was former Melbourne City defender Chelsea Blissett. Blissett joined Melbourne City in 2018/19 and has been there ever since, making 44 appearances in her time with two goal assists.
She got her opportunity with City when Matildas star Steph Catley had an injury setback in pre-season. Only a couple of months later, Blissett donned the green and gold and helped the Young Matildas qualify for the AFC Under-19 Women’s Championship. She scored two goals in three victories, resulting in her landing a new contract at City.
The 23-year-old was also part of the Championship-winning side in the 2019/20 season but is now looking forward to calling Brisbane home and opening a new chapter in her football career. She is determined to play her part in pursuit of a top-four spot this season.
“I’m super excited to be coming to Brisbane, I’ve been living up here on-and-off the past three years. It’s nice to finally be able to call this place home and to be playing for Roar as well, I’m excited for this new chapter in my football career,” Blissett said.
“I’ve been at City for five years and I loved it there but sometimes as a footballer, you need to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Coming to Roar and hopefully being able to build this team in the right direction and be a top-four team is something we’re aiming for this season,” she added.
Head Coach Garrath McPherson spoke about Blissett’s winning mindset and competitiveness which he believes will be a great asset to the team.
“Chelsea has the mindset of a winner and that has been a key factor in our recruitment strategy to build on the past two seasons. She is an extremely motivated person who is driven to be the best she can be, she’ll be a perfect fit for our locker room,” McPherson said.
“I really admire her competitiveness. She has always been a player who is fearless in any situation, and she will get the chance to inspire the Brisbane fans with this mentality,” he added.
Above: Ash Brodigan in action for Newcastle Jets. Photo: Newcastle Herald.
The Roar followed up this announcement with the news that former Newcastle Jets striker Ash Brodigan has also signed for the Queensland club.
The 23-year-old joined the Newcastle Jets for the 2015/16 season and went on to play three seasons, before taking a break for three years for personal reasons. She returned in 2021 in fine form, scoring her first A-League Women goal in that season and then four in the last campaign.
She has made 46 A-League Women appearances in her time at Newcastle Jets, scoring five goals, and making three assists.
Brodigan is excited to begin a new chapter in her football career at the Roar and continue to push herself as she develops as a player.
“I’ve had a few years with the Newcastle Jets, I think this is a new chapter in my life to step outside my comfort zone and see what it brings. I’m looking to see some improvement within myself. I’m looking to do football full-time. I’m excited to see how I can improve on and off the pitch mentally and physically and improve my game when I’m just focusing on football.”
“We want to make finals. I don’t know many of the girls so I’m looking forward to seeing how we all click and hopefully, we can make top four, then top two, and then win it.
Head Coach Garrath McPherson believes a bright future lies ahead for Brodigan, as she goes into her fifth A-League campaign after scoring four goals last season.
“She has the unique combination of being both physically dominant and technically gifted and when isolated against defenders, she can create chaos,” he said. “Outside of her technical and physical characteristics, her drive to continue to grow as a footballer and desire to be better have stood out in our conversations.”
Melbourne Victory
Above: Teenage prospect Rosie Curtis has re-signed with Melbourne Victory. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Jeff Hopkins’ side have today announced a further two players for their 2023/24 squad in the shape of teenage prospects Ella O’Grady and Rosie Curtis.
Junior Matilda attacker O’Grady, 17, joins the Club from the FQ Academy QAS side having spent her junior career at Cardinia United and Berwick Churches in Melbourne, before moving to Queensland where she played for Wynnum Wolves FC and then Eastern Suburbs in Brisbane.
Her form in the QAS saw her selected for the CommBank Junior Matildas at the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U18 Women’s Championship in 2022 where she scored four goals, including an extra-time winner against Thailand in the semi-final.
Melbourne Victory Head Coach Jeff Hopkins said he was looking forward to seeing what O’Grady can produce at A-League Women’s level. “We’re incredibly pleased to have secured one of Australia’s most exciting prospects for the upcoming season.”
“Ella is young but has good foot skills, is technically strong, and has a football brain. She is also a focused and committed individual who is not scared of hard work and this is the kind of player we want to have as part of the Melbourne Victory squad.”
O’Grady said she was excited to be joining the Club and to play for Hopkins and the team. “I’m excited to be joining Melbourne Victory, meeting the team and getting the opportunity to work under Jeff and the coaching staff.
“It has been a dream to play in the A-League and to take my football career to the next level. I am looking forward to the challenge, the opportunity and to be part of Melbourne Victory.”
Meanwhile, 19-year-old midfielder Rosie Curtis has also signed on for another year at the club.
She returns for her second season with the senior A-League Women’s side, after making her debut in the 2022/23 season and graduating from the Club’s Elite Girls Program.
Curtis made her debut against Canberra United in March this year and came off the bench in the Club’s two crucial Finals matches against Melbourne City and Sydney FC last season.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica said: “We’re glad to have Rosie back with the squad for the upcoming campaign. Rosie was rewarded with her senior debut last season and we feel she will continue to develop at the Club under the guidance of Jeff and the senior players.
“All of our Elite Girls Program players in the senior squad are players we believe have a big future in the game and we are looking forward to how they continue to develop at the Club.”
Curtis was also looking forward to another season at Victory. “My first season with the senior squad was a great experience for me and I’m thrilled to be back for more.
“Working with Jeff and the team has been an incredible experience for me and the taste of senior football I had, especially in the Finals Series, was something I want to be a part of more and more.”
Sydney FC
Above: Tori Tumeth in action for Melbourne City. Photo: Melbourne City.
A-League Women Champions and Premiers Sydney FC have added two Young Matildas to their squad for the next two seasons.
22-year-old defender and former Junior Matildas’ captain Tori Tumeth will link up with Ante Juric’s squad alongside 16-year-old midfielder Sienna Saveska, who was again called into the Young Matildas squad this week following the Asian Cup 2024 qualifying campaign.
The pair join with Sydney FC close to smashing their Women’s Membership target of 1,000 Memberships following the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup; having already surpassed their previous best two months ahead of the season start.
Head Coach Ante Juric is delighted to have secured both players. “Tori and Sienna are excellent young players who have been on the club’s radar for a few years now. I’m glad they have accepted this opportunity to join us as I believe they both have big futures,” he said.
“Tori is someone I have coached before in my time as the Young Matildas coach. She impressed me immensely and she has continued to flourish as a cultured ball-playing defender.
“Sienna is someone that will excite and create chances for us going forward and in my opinion is a star in the making. Both have the potential to become Matildas in the years to come and we at Sydney FC will do all we can to help them reach those levels. It is something we pride ourselves on and have been successful with in recent times.”
Tumeth was a virtual ever-present for Melbourne City over her first two seasons and has fought back from an ACL knee injury over the past 12 months. She is anticipating a big season for the Sky Blues.
“Sydney FC’s recent success as well as the Matildas has really helped ignite Women’s football and it’s truly exciting to be a part of. I am excited for a new challenge joining Sydney FC. I’m extremely determined to help this group retain the Championship and Premiership.”
Saveska impressed in her Liberty A-League appearances for Western Sydney Wanderers last season and is expecting more time in the spotlight this campaign.
“It has been my childhood dream to play for this club and to be mentored by fantastic coaches like Ante and his coaching staff. I’m delighted to now call this amazing club my home.
“I’m excited to be joining a winning group of girls and for the challenge of defending the club’s silverware, as well as continuing the growth of women’s football in this country.”
Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!
Author Louise Blair has given Impetus one copy of her book ‘Sam Kerr Kicking Goals Journal’ for a lucky young player to win in this special competition.
Originally published in Australia, this 160-page book is aimed at junior footballers early in their journey in the sport.
Above: An example of some of the skills tips in Louise Blair’s book.
Packed full of tips on how to improve as a player, both in terms of footballing skills and developing a positive attitude.
There are spaces each month to chart individual aims and monitoring both the player and their team’s progress throughout a season.
Above: Support in aiding youngsters developing a growth mindset approach to playing the game.
Want to be in with a chance of winning the book? Just answer this question:
How many goals did Sam Kerr score at the 2023 World Cup?
To enter:
Send your answer as a direct message to @ImpetusFootball on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Threads.
Answers must be received by 6pm on Saturday 26th August 2023. Unfortunately, due to postal charges involved, the competition is only open to UK-based entrants. The winner will be announced on our social mediaplatforms on Sunday 27th August 2023.
GOOD LUCK!
Above: There is plenty of space in the journal to fill in aims for the season or month ahead!
Impetus‘ French editor Jean-Pierre Thiesset spoke exclusively with goalkeeperKatriina Talaslahti who recently signed a two-year deal with D1 Arkema side Le Havre(24/8/23)
Above: Katriina Talaslahti with her new jersey. Photo: Anne Talaslahti.
Katriina Talaslahti, the previous number one goalkeeper helped Fleury to finish fourth in D1 Arkema in the 2021-2022 season. However, she was put on the sidelines for most of the 2022-2023 season without any clear reason except that old keeper Manon Heil came back after her pregnancy.
The lack of playing time made it increasingly hard for Talaslahti to show her skills and talent to prospective clubs during the 2022-2023 season. On a positive note, she was able to use the season to develop her individual skills with the club’s goalkeeper coach to become an even better version of herself as a professional goalkeeper.
The expectation is that Le Havre will put their confidence in Talaslahti next season as they were looking for a solid and younger goalkeeper to join their team. Was this a good move for her? Personally, I think it was the right move because Le Havre is a team that produced a good result in D1 Arkema last season considering that they just moved up from D2 while finishing at the eighth place with high points. Hence, it can be assumed that the team’s goal is to continue to progress in the standing.
“I feel very great and excited about my signing with Le Havre,” the goalkeeper told me. “First of all, I am excited to be able to continue playing in France in D1 Arkema as the league is one of the very top leagues in Europe. Also, Le Havre is a new city and a new experience for me, so I’m looking forward my time there. I think we have a great team, can compete against big teams on the same level, and have a good chance in D1 Arkema to compete for the top tier.
“I feel and hope that next season will be a lot better for me. My goal is to prove myself to everyone as the other goalkeeper is still there, but I believe that I will get my chance to play. Furthermore, Le Havre is a stable and well-organized club backed up by their men’s team which plays in Ligue 1 in France. Also, Le Havre’s staff told me that they will play in the great Océane stadium with a capacity of 25,000.
“This is a very nice stadium for our team to play. This shows us all that Le Havre is making an effort to raise women’s football in France, just like in England, Spain, and Germany since last summer’s 2022 European Championships. I think it is a huge step for a women’s team to play in a stadium like Océane and it will help us to bring more people to watch our games.”
“Before I decided to sign with Le Havre, I had a few opportunities in Italy, Germany, Spain, and some other countries. I compared the leagues and made the final decision to stay in France as I have already played for several years in D1.
“The league is competitive, and it is a very good move for me; it will be challenging but I know it will be a fair challenge with the other goalkeeper, and I will have the opportunity to play. I signed a two-year contract, and it will be an interesting time coming up.
“Of course, I really hope we will do our best in the league. With all the communications with Le Havre before signing, I feel like I am moving into a very professional team with a strong and organized background from the men’s side.” Talaslahti said.
The Finn wanted to stay in D1 Arkema due to its competitiveness and visibility all over the world. She also has the opportunity to show her strength and skills in front of some of the best teams and their best strikers in D1 Arkema. Now, that she is where she wants to be, everything depends on her, and I am sure that she will show that she deserves better than being on the bench.
Talaslahti will join Le Havre with Eva Kouache who she played with during 2019-2020 season at Olympique Lyonnais when they won the 2020 UEFA Women Champions League.
The goalkeeper concluded our talk saying: “I cannot wait to start training session with my new teammates at Le Havre.”
Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!
Over the past few days, a total of 17 players have been announced by seven clubs in the A-League Women, and there have been coaching developments at a further two sides. Here’s Impetus’ in-depth guide of who is going where (24/8/23).
Above: Cortnee Vine talking earlier this week about her decision to stay at Sydney FC for another season. Image: Sydney FC.
Matildas World Cup stars Cortnee Vine and Tameka Yallop will be playing A-League Women football for 2023/24 after being announced as signing contracts with Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar respectively.
Vine was The Matildas Women’s World Cup penalty shootout hero in their dramatic Quarter-Final win over France, and has signed a new deal at the harbour-city club,
The attacker has played a key role in helping the Sky Blues win the last three Liberty A-League Premierships and last season’s Championship, as well as reach the Grand Final in each of her three years at the club.
“I’m excited and thrilled to be staying with Sydney FC and playing in the Liberty A-League for this season,” she said. “I can feel the Women’s World Cup has ignited a real passion for the women’s game in this country and given it real momentum.
“We are heading into an exciting new era for Australian football and I’m incredibly happy to be a part of it.”
Sydney FC Head Coach Ante Juric is extremely pleased to have retained Vine’s signature.
“Cortnee is a tremendous player and a great advocate for the game in Australia,” he said. “She lives and breathes football and showed at the World Cup that she is one of the best players in the world.
“To have her playing for Sydney FC next season and helping to defend our Championship and Premiership is a real coup for Sydney FC and women’s football in Australia.”
Vine has scored 20 goals in 44 appearances for the Sky Blues and been named the Professional Footballers Australia Team Of The Year Captain for the past two seasons.
Above: Tameka Yallop, speaking after Australia’s stunning World Cup win over France, is back at Brisbane Roar. Image: Brisbane Roar.
Meanwhile. Brisbane Roar have revealed that Tameka Yallop will be returning to the on a multi-year deal ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The Australian star comes back to the Roar after previously spending ten years 2008-2018 at the club and being a part of the 2008/09 Championship winning campaign.
Yallop has a wealth of experience under her belt, with her career including international stints at the Boston Breakers, FFC Frankfurt, Iga F.C. Kunoichi, Mallbackens, and Klepp IL.
She moved to Melbourne City for the 2018-2019 season but came back to Brisbane in 2019. When departing the Roar in 2021, she went to English WSL side West Ham United for a season before joining Brann for a year.
The 32-year-old has scored 116 goals in her career, and will look to bring this experience to the squad to inspire younger players and contribute to the overall success of the team this coming season.
Yallop spoke of her excitement at returning home. “I’m excited to be home. Having a World Cup at home just brings the nostalgia back to returning to Brisbane Roar as well, where I did a fair chunk of my youth football. The timing couldn’t be better,” Yallop said.
“Not only how far we went in the tournament, but it’s great knowing there’s going to be more opportunities for younger players coming through, better training facilities, more coaches available to them, and the fact that it’s going to keep growing and going up from here is exciting,” she said.
With a wealth of experience under her belt, Yallop believes she can offer guidance to younger players in the squad to achieve great results this season.
“I have a lot to offer for younger players coming through and balancing out the team. Having a range in the age group really shapes the team so I’m looking forward to providing that experience,” the midfielder said.
“The very first inaugural season, winning the Championship is a very fond memory of mine, I am always chasing that feeling again. That will be our team’s aspirations this season and mine as well.”
Brisbane Roar head coach Garrath McPherson was delighted about the return of Yallop. “Tameka is a role model for the next generation of Brisbane Roar footballers. Having her return home to her family, friends and football club is something that is sure to excite the whole city.”
“She has been overseas competing in the world’s best competitions for a number of years and we are proud that she has returned to us to continue her career.”
“She played an important role for the Matildas across their World Cup campaign and no doubt loved being back home during this time. I am happy that she gets to continue her career with her loved ones nearby.”
McPherson describes Yallop as “the ultimate professional”, after achieving great things in her career so far as a world-class player. He looks forward to seeing what she will bring to the squad this season.
“She has a real opportunity to share this mindset within the locker room. As a central midfielder, creating and scoring goals have been trademarks of her career, and having her back in orange provides us another attacking weapon for the seasons ahead.”
Club by club signing news
Adelaide United
Above: Hannah Blake, who has joined Adelaide United after an eye-catching spell at Perth Glory last season. Photo: NZ Football.
New Zealand forward, Hannah Blake, has joined Adelaide United ahead of the Liberty A-League 2023/24 season.
Blake, 23, won her first professional contract with Perth Glory in March, signing as an injury replacement for Rylee Baisden until the end of the 2022/23 A-League Women season.
The striker scored on debut in a 3-1 win against Western United in February, and she totalled three goals in six starts for the Glory. Her long-range strike against Melbourne City in a frantic 4-3 win was voted the Club’s goal of the season.
Blake was a member of the New Zealand side at the 2016 U-17 Women’s World Cup, the U-20 Women’s World Cup 2016, and again at the U-20 Women’s World Cup 2018.
Blake can’t wait to get started with her new Club in what will be her first full season on a professional list after finishing her college studies.
“I’m really pumped to be joining Adelaide which is a team you hear a lot about and there are some players also with similar previous experience here which will only help me settle in,” Blake said.
“I got a bit of a feel for the A-League last year which has only made me hungrier to properly launch my professional Club career,” Blake said.
“I’ve seen what Adelaide bring to the table and I’m extremely excited to hit the ground running in pre-season and with my new team.”
The dynamic and hard-working forward has been based in the USA since 2019 where she has starred for the University of Michigan Wolverines in NCAA Division 1, the highest level of US college football.
Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, hailed the signing as another great coup for the Club.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the Club after watching her perform in the US against some top players, and in her brief stint last season here in Australia,” Stenta said.
“To her credit she has shown commitment to her studies which is something we also value at Adelaide United, and now that Hannah can fully focus on football, the sky’s the limit.
“We really think she can flourish here in Adelaide and provide another passage to goal for us.”
Brisbane Roar
Above: Jenna McCormick in action for Adelaide United last season. Photo: Adelaide United.
As well as the return of Tameka Yallop, Brisbane Roar have been busy this week in tying up two other deals.
First announced was former Matilda and defender Jenna McCormick who made her first appearance in the then W-League with Adelaide United in 2012 and later went to Canberra United where she spent two seasons.
The 28-year-old also declared her interest in the newly formed AFL Women’s competition in 2016, playing for Adelaide Crows when her A-League commitments did not overlap but ultimately chose to pursue football as a career.
The defender had stints at Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City, Adelaide United last season, and even spent a season at the Roar in 2018/19. In 2019, McCormick made her Matildas debut against Chile and currently has four caps for her country.
McCormick comes equipped with international experience after stints at Norwegian top football league Toppserien, Spanish club Real Betis, and the Danish Women’s League Elitedivisionen.
She looks forward to returning to the Roar, a club she has some great memories at and one where she played in one of her best seasons.
“I’m very excited to come up and play with Brisbane Roar again, I had such a great time the last time I was playing there in 2018. Really thrilled to have another opportunity to pull the orange on and personally, had one of my best seasons here so looking to replicate that,” McCormick said.
“Team success first and foremost, is definitely my mentality coming into this campaign. I’m due for some success and silverware so I’m feeling really inspired and confident to have a really good season with the group.”
Off the back of the World Cup, McCormick acknowledges the positive impact it had on Australia and hopes to see continued support for women’s football as the season approaches.
“I think this is a fantastic opportunity that the A-League has to take advantage of the traction that the Matilda’s have created in the World Cup. We established a love of football in so many people around the country that may have not ever watched football before, it’s hopefully going to filter through to the A-League and get more people to the games,” she said.
Head Coach Garrath McPherson looks forward to bringing a ‘fan favourite’ back to the club, with McCormick’s leadership skills and winning mentality.
“I’m super excited to bring a player of Jenna’s experience back to the football club. She was a fan favourite during her time in Brisbane and has spent the time between then and now in some of Europe’s biggest leagues,” McPherson said.
“She is a team player first and foremost. This quality is something that I have always admired in her. She has a very high football IQ and together with her organisational skills and winning mentality, she returns as a leader of our backline,” he added.
Above: Hannah Holgersen – newly announced by Brisbane Roar. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Also announced on Tuesday this week in Queensland was the arrival of Danish forward Hannah Holgersen.
Holgersen played football locally in Denmark before joining Brøndby Idræts Forening (BIF) after guidance from the U15 Youth National Team coaches to play more competitively, where she remained and played with their U18 team.
After spending time at a boarding school, she returned to football in 2017 and started playing in Copenhagen with B93 which saw them work their way up to the best league in Denmark, 3F Kvindeligaen.
In 2020, Holgersen joined AGF in the same league, before making the trip to Australia for something new. She made 25 appearances in the top-flight Danish League, scoring three goals during her time in the competition.
Holgersen made her Liberty A-League debut last year with Adelaide United, where she played for three minutes and then injured her MCL which saw her out of the game for the remainder of the season.
The Danish forward is eager to give the Liberty A-League another shot, now with the Brisbane Roar.
“I can’t wait to get started in Brisbane, so thankful for the opportunity and I just want to show myself and everyone else what I’m capable of,” Holgersen said. “I’m excited for a new and exciting environment and come out on the pitch full time again. I’m more inspired than ever, after watching [the] World Cup games,” she added.
“I really hope that Australia is ready to keep riding the women’s soccer wave and come out to the A-league games. I want to show this club what I can do, and help bringing some good results in.”
Head Coach Garrath McPherson is pleased to welcome a player with such strength in the forward line after Holgersen showcased this talent in the top-flight league in Denmark.
“Speed, power, and an attacking mindset are three key qualities needed for success in our competition. Hannah has shown all three across her career in the top-flight in Denmark,” McPherson said.
“Hannah provides us with an attacking weapon who can be deployed in a number of positions to create and score goals,” he added.
“She is so excited at an opportunity to transition from Denmark to the A-League, this eagerness to take her opportunity is something that really excites me and the coaching team.”
Central Coast Mariners
Above: Paige Hayward pictured during her time at Adelaide United. Photo: Adelaide United.
CentralCoast Mariners have revealed the signing of forward Paige Hayward.
The 28-year-old joins the club from Adelaide United, having previously also spent time playing football in the United States and Austria. Born in Sydney, Hayward spent time in the US College System, playing with the University of Texas, before transferring to Texas Southern University. Spells with Houston Aces, Houston Dash, and Austrian side FFC Vorderland followed before a move to Adelaide United.
Head Coach Emily Husband is thrilled to have Hayward signed for the Central Coast this season, seeing her as an extremely valuable asset. “I am extremely excited to have someone like Paige joining up with the Mariners. She has a lot of experience both in the A-League and abroad and is a quality player to have on the team.
“Among many things she will bring versatility to the squad. There are a few different areas where you can utilise Paige which I think will help us to be an adaptable squad in how we want to play.”
Hayward is eager to get started ahead of the upcoming A-League Women’s season as the club return to the competition.
“I am thrilled to be a Central Coast Mariner. To be joining a program that I can see making so much progress in the women’s space, I wanted to be a part of it. Emily’s style and wanting the team to have a togetherness is exactly what I want from a group.
“The Central Coast is such a close-knit community and club which we want to keep building on. That has impressed me the most so far, we aren’t just individuals, we are a team. The club isn’t just a business from what I can see, it is a family.”
Melbourne Victory
Above: Emma Checker has moved back across Melbourne from City to Victory in a major deal for Jeff Hopkins’ side. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Melbourne Victory have announced nine players this week including some big names re-signing and a major new arrival from rivals Melbourne City.
With Kayla Morrison’s return and the arrival of Rachel Lowe from Sydney FC previously headlined, a plethora of further announcements then followed from the club.
The capture of Melbourne City defender Emma Checker is a major coup for the club. The 27-year-old joins the Club from Melbourne City, returning to Melbourne Victory for her second stint with the Club after making 133 A-League Women’s appearances and winning two Championships throughout her career.
Checker has represented her country at senior international seven times, making her Matildas debut in 2012 against Hong Kong, and has played domestically in France, Korea, and Iceland before returning to Australia.
Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins said he was looking forward to welcoming Checker to the squad.
“We’re thrilled to have Emma join the squad for the upcoming season. We know her capability as a defender and believe she will be a perfect fit for the squad. She’s a leader on and off the park and her experience at A-League Women’s level is invaluable.
“We’re continuing to build a squad for the upcoming season that strikes the balance between experience and up-and-coming talent but more importantly, a squad that will challenge for the Championship and we feel Emma will be an important part of this.”
Checker was also looking forward to returning to Victory. “I’m excited to be returning to Victory, the club that I first moved to Melbourne for back in 2013.
“I am looking forward to the move and being part of the new generation of Melbourne Victory, it is a project that really excites me. Jeff and the squad have built a dominant force over the last couple of seasons and for me coming into that, I hope to contribute to the team getting back to the top this season.”
Above: Lia Privitelli celebrates a goal for Melbourne Victory during the 2021/22 season. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Next to be announced was the retention on Lia Privitelli. The 29-year-old returns for her eighth season at Melbourne Victory after making 84 appearances and winning two Championships during her time at the Club.
An integral part of the leadership team, Privitelli played a major role in leading the side to the 2021/22 Championship and has continued to be an important contributor to the A-League Women’s side.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica said he was thrilled to have Privitelli extend her time at Victory. “Lia is an incredible professional who leads by example and we’re pleased to have her return to the Club for another season.
“She has been a mainstay in the side since 2016 and has personified the squad’s development into the team that it is today. Lia will continue to be a leader in this side and help develop our next generation of A-League Women’s players while delivering on the pitch at the same time.”
Privitelli was also excited for another season with Victory. “It’s great to be back with the Club and the team for another season and I can’t wait to get started,” Privitelli said.
“Victory is home for me and this group is like my family. We’ve built a team that is one of the most formidable in the league and there’s no doubt the goal is to win trophies this season.”
Above: Key youngster Alana Murphy returns to the club for another season. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Young star Alana Murphy has re-signed at the clubfor another year.
The 18-year-old returns for her third season with the senior A-League Women’s side, first signing in 2021 as the Club’s first graduate from Melbourne Victory’s Elite Girls Program.
Murphy has made 31 appearances over her two seasons at Victory, being involved in the Club’s 2021/22 Championship run, and made 18 appearances during the 2022/23 season which saw her play a major role in the side’s finals push.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica said Murphy has continued to impress during her time at Victory.
“We’re proud to have our first Elite Girls Program graduate move into her third season with the A-League Women’s squad. Each season, she has continued to develop and progress as a footballer and has become a vital cog in the team’s midfield. We’re looking forward to seeing one of the country’s best midfield prospects continue to progress and help our squad achieve the ultimate success this season.”
Murphy was also glad to be returning to the squad for the upcoming season. “I’m thrilled to be able to put on the Victory shirt and represent the Club once again this season,” Murphy said.
“Victory is home to me and the last couple of seasons working with Jeff and the whole squad has given me the drive to continue to improve and succeed with this team.”
Above: Former Brisbane Roar star Jamilla Rankin has moved to Melbourne Victory. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Another key new arrival at Melbourne Victory is that of former Brisbane Roar star Jamilla Rankin.
The 20-year-old made 45 appearances for Brisbane Roar over three seasons. The fullback has represented her country at senior international level, making her Matildas debut against Spain in 2022, and has been a regular in the youth international setup, impressing across her young career.
Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins said he was looking forward to seeing what Rankin can produce in the Victory environment.
“We’re thrilled to have Jamilla join us here at Melbourne Victory and we believe she will be an important asset for the upcoming season. Jamilla is a tenacious, versatile defender who will complement our defensive group. She can play multiple positions across the back four and can be lethal going forward as well.
“With Jessika Nash on the other side of the field, we believe this young and up-and-coming group of fullbacks will be able to prosper here at Melbourne Victory.”
Rankin is also looking forward to her new challenge in Victoria. “I’m excited to be joining the team in Melbourne and can’t wait to get started. Talking to Jeff and the players, they are building an exciting team to challenge for the Championship and I feel this will be a great environment for me to continue my career.
“I’m looking forward to joining a new environment in Melbourne and delivering week-in, week-out for the team.”
Above: Paige Zois celebrates Melbourne Victory’s 2021/22 Grand Final triumph. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Jeff Hopkins’ side rounded off their announcements with the news that two other exciting young stars will be back at the club for the new season.
Talented teenager and fan favourite Paige Zois has returned for a third season at the club. Zois has made 18 appearances with the Club, playing a role in the 2021/22 Championship and is a youth international representative.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica said he was pleased to see the 19-year-old extend her time with Melbourne Victory.
“As another graduate of our Elite Girls Program, we’re thrilled to have a young prospect like Paige continue to be part of our system. Each season, Paige has made important steps in establishing herself in the squad and we can not wait to see more from her this season,”
Zois was also excited to be returning to the squad. “I’m thrilled to be extending my time at Melbourne Victory and I can’t wait to return to work with this group ahead of the upcoming season.
“This group means so much to me. They have been an important part of my development on and off the field and I want to achieve more goals with them this season.”
Above: Ava Biredid – a star of the future with Melbourne Victory will return to the club for another season. Photo: APS Sport.
Following hot on the heels was the news that Ava Briedis has been retained. The 17-year-old heads into her second season with Melbourne Victory’s A-League Women’s side after making 11 appearances in her first senior campaign.
A graduate of the Club’s Elite Girls Program, Briedis made her first start for the senior team in the season opener against Western United and started in the side’s semi-final against Sydney FC in April.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica said he was excited to continue to see Briedis’ development at Victory. “We’re thrilled to have Ava continue her journey at Melbourne Victory. She stepped up to the senior squad last season and made great progress as she continues to grow as a footballer.
“Seeing players graduate from our Elite Girls Program to our A-League Women’s squad is incredibly rewarding for everyone at Melbourne Victory and we look forward to Ava and many more female players coming through our program and into the senior women’s side.”
Briedis was also excited to be back for another season.
“Last season was an incredible experience for me and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop at Melbourne Victory. Working with Jeff and the team every day was a big learning experience for me and to play a role in a side that has achieved so much over the past couple of seasons was amazing.”
Above: Boroondara-Carey Eagles’ super striker Kurea Okino has just been announced by Melbourne Victory. Photo: Bayside United.
Melbourne Victory’s final capture so far this week is Japanese forward, Kurea Okino who has been in outstanding form for Boroondara-Carey Eagles in the NPLW Victoria this season.
The 24-year-old has previously played professionally in Japan for Vegalta Sendai and Tokiwagi Gakuen. Okino has taken the NPLW Victoria by storm this season, scoring an incredible 31 goals in 21 games.
Melbourne Victory Head Coach Jeff Hopkins said he was looking forward to seeing what Okino can produce at A-League Women’s level.
“We’re incredibly pleased to be able to secure Kurea’s services for the upcoming season. What she has produced in the NPLW Victoria has been incredible to watch and we have no doubt that the transition to A-League Women’s will be seamless for her. She’s a striker’s striker. Her nose for goal is obvious in the numbers she’s produced and we believe she has the quality to reproduce that for our squad this season.”
Okino was also thrilled to be joining her first professional Club in Australia. “I’m excited to be joining Melbourne Victory and testing myself in the A-League Women’s competition,” the striker said.
“I had a great season in the NPLW and the next challenge for me is to continue this form with Melbourne Victory in the A-League Women’s. Speaking to Jeff, the team is hungry for more and to achieve success this season and I’m excited to be part of the squad and the A-League Women’s competition.”
Newcastle Jets
Above: Melina Ayres in action for Melbourne Victory last season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Newcastle Jets have announced the major signing of striker Melina Ayres for the 2023/24 A-League Women’s season from Melbourne Victory.
Ayres has scored 30 goals in 84 appearances across all competitions with both Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory and has previously represented the Junior and Young Matildas.
Originally from Murrumbeena in Melbourne’s east, Ayres started her footballing career by playing with Glen Eira Phoenix and then Eastern Lions. She made her debut in the W-League for Melbourne City in 2015, coming on as a substitute and scoring in a 6-0 win against Sydney FC.
Ayres went on to win the 2017 W-League Grand Final. Coming on as a substitute against Perth Glory which was resulted in a 2-0 win.
Melina has also had huge success at NPL level in Victoria, claiming back to back Women’s golden boot awards for 2016 (24 goals) and again in 2017 (40 goals).
From 2017 onwards, the star striker has played with Melbourne Victory where she has claimed a Premiership for the 2018/19 season. Ayres would then go on to win a Championship twice with the Victory in 2020/21 and again for the 2021/22 season. In 2022, Ayres tested herself abroad by playing with Breiðablik in Iceland’s first division.
Ayres is excited for the challenge ahead with the Newcastle Jets and is eager to get underway in Newcastle.
“I’m excited to join Newcastle Jets and link up with Gary van Egmond for a new phase of my career. This is a new challenge for me and I’m looking forward to contributing to the growth and success of the Jets A-League Women’s program.
I’m also anticipating enjoying life in Newcastle, finding the best surfing spots and embracing the football community in the Hunter region.”
Perth Glory
Above: Alex Epakis has signed a new deal as head coach of Perth Glory. Image: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory have confirmed that Head Coach Alex Epakis has signed a new, two-season deal with the club.
Epakis joined Glory ahead of the 2020/21 campaign and has led the team to fifth and sixth-place finishes in the last two years.
The 32-year-old also gained further invaluable experience by taking up a temporary position with the Philippines national team which saw him provide scouting and analysis expertise for Head Coach Alen Stajcic ahead of and during this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
He is now relishing the prospect of building upon the significant progress that has been made over the last three years and propelling the club into the Finals for the first time since 2019.
“I am very excited to re-sign with the club,” he said. “During my time at Glory to date, I have really enjoyed and valued the opportunity to be the Head Coach of a proud team and a great group of people. My focus continues to be set on achieving a level of success that the club, team, staff, and supporters can be really proud of.
“I am really looking forward to the responsibility of leading and working with the group now and into the future. The playing group continues to evolve and I am excited by the great hunger they have to improve and push the boundaries to build a distinct identity that competes to win football matches.
“The club is putting the right pieces in place to support our team goals and I have no doubt that this will continue into the foreseeable future. I am looking forward to the responsibility and challenges ahead.”
Club CEO Anthony Radich, meanwhile, is confident that Epakis will continue to move the club’s women’s program in a positive trajectory over the next two seasons.
“Alex has done a fantastic job since he joined the club in 2020, often under trying circumstances and we are extremely pleased to have retained his services,” he said.
“He is one of the brightest young coaches in Australian football and the progress our women’s squad has made under him is clear to see. Since first taking up the role, he has been very clear on his vision to develop young players and provide them with a clear pathway and opportunity to play senior football with Perth Glory.”
Western United
Above: Western United head coach Mark Torcaso has an exciting new opportunity. Photo: Western United.
Western United have announced that head coach Mark Torcaso has agreed a deal to become the next head coach of the Philippines Women’s National Team – a job he will be doing in conjunction with his existing role at the A-League Women club.
On the back of the Philippines’ stunning debut in the FIFA Women’s World Cup – where Western United stars Angie Beard and Jaclyn Sawicki featured prominently – Torcaso will hope to continue building the nation’s growing reputation in women’s football.
Torcaso said the chance to manage on the international stage was impossible to give up, admitting his anticipation to get started.
“It is truly an honour to take up this position with the Philippines. It is a dream come true to be taking on an international coaching opportunity. This opportunity is one that we couldn’t pass up and we are incredibly grateful for the support of everyone at Western United in making this work.
“The Philippines team has been a great football story over the last year and it is really exciting to be able to work with this group. I can’t wait to get started and bring more success to this nation.”
Torcaso will bring Isuzu UTE A-League Men legend and Western United Under 23’s Assistant Coach Andrew Durante along with him as an assistant coach, with both men remaining in their respective roles at Western United.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato hailed this as a monumental moment for the Club to have Torcaso and Durante on the world stage.
“We are immensely proud as a football club that Mark and Andrew have been given this opportunity on the back of their hard work and excellence in their positions,” he said.
“Mark showed his talent as a coach with us last season in getting the girls to the Grand Final in the inaugural season and he is richly deserving of this opportunity.We are delighted to allow them both to take this opportunity while remaining committed to Western United and we look forward to watching their progress with the Philippines in the future.”
This appointment is another indication of the growing reputation of the A-Leagues. With a number of young players moving overseas over the last 12 months, Torcaso and Durante’s export as coaches is reflective of the heights that the A-Leagues continue to reach and aspire to.
Torcaso and Durante will enter camp next week to familiarise themselves with the squad ahead of a first round of matches in September and 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers in October.
That will see Torcaso go toe-to-toe with Tony Gustavsson and the Matildas in Perth, providing him and Durante with a special moment in their careers.
Torcaso has been one of the leading managers in Victorian women’s football since taking over Calder United’s inaugural side in 2016.
After winning a remarkable 11 trophies at Calder, Torcaso stepped into the role at Western United and carried the team all the way to the Liberty A-League Women Grand Final, winning the Coach of the Year award.
Above: Keiwa Hieda – who Western United boss Mark Torcaso is excited to see in the A-League Women next season. Photo: Western United.
Western United has added Keiwa Hieda to its roster for the 2023/24 season, with the Japanese winger set to become one of the most exciting players in the competition.
Joining on a scholarship contract, Hieda has shown her supreme quality after breaking out in Japan, moving to Calder United in NPLW Victoria having top-scored in VPLW last season at Preston Lions.
The 23-year-old has carried that form into the top division with Calder, scoring nine goals heading in the regular season to help guide the team into the finals. Her dominance also continued in the NIKE F.C. Cup where she won the Teresa Deas Medal for the player of the match as Calder defeated FC Bulleen Lions in the final.
Making her first venture into professional football, Hieda is set to bring an abundance of enthusiasm and positivity into the squad.
“I’m really excited to play for Western United. Speed and dribbling is my strong points and I will take advantage of my strengths. I can’t wait to play for Western United,” she said.
“I learned a lot of tactics from the coaches at Calder, and it’s really reassuring to be able to play with them again. I know a lot of teammates and understand their playing style, so I want to communicate with them more and win the title together.”
Western United Head Coach Mark Torcaso hailed the continued impact of the Western-Calder United partnership and said Hieda will be like no other player in the competition.
“Keiwa is in that rare breed of player that plays every game like it’s her first while playing every game like it’s her last at the same time,” he said.
“She has such an appetite and joy for the game, always playing with a smile on her face and that is represented in the way she plays on the pitch. Daring, cheeky, brilliant skill, and an outstanding desire to work for the team off the ball.
“We identified her as a big talent to bring into the Calder system and see if we could bring her in at Western, and she has shown she is more than at the level. Our fans are in for a treat with Keiwa, she is so unique and will be a joy to watch for us this season.”
Above: Silver Bell Morris, who will be part of the Western United A-League Women squad next season. Photo: SBS.
Also at Western United this week, it was revealed that young stars Natasha Dakic, Silver Bell Morris, and Alyssa Dall’Oste will remain part of the club for the new season.
Dakic made 11 appearances for United in her first season as a professional, starting twice while also appearing in the Semi-Final win over Sydney FC.
The talented centre-back has returned to Calder United in NPLW and has quickly resumed her form in that competition as she aims for a heightened role with Western United this season.
Dakic said she is looking forward to being part of United’s follow-up attempt after a brilliant debut campaign in the Liberty A-League.
“I am excited to be a part of Western for a second season. Although we had a lot of success last season, there’s still continued work to do. I am motivated to continue working hard and to achieve more with the team this A-League season.”
Dall’Oste came on for her maiden appearance in professional football in February, playing the closing stages of United’s 6-0 win over Newcastle Jets.
After shining in NPLW with Calder United over a number of seasons, Dall’Oste made her first leap into a professional environment and pushed Hillary Beall in training throughout the campaign.
Remaining one of the state’s top young shot-stoppers, Dall’Oste is eager to continue learning and putting herself forward for minutes in the Liberty A-League. “I’m thrilled to be back at Western this season. It’s exciting to stay and be a part of the continuing growth of the Club,” she said.
“Last season was a great learning experience as my first professional season, so I’m eager to hopefully earn my way into a more regular role this season.”
Morris was the youngest player in Western United’s inaugural Liberty A-League squad, signing as an 18-year-old after impressing in NPLW Victoria with FV Emerging.
Niggling injuries throughout the campaign prevented Morris from making her professional bow, but her ability shone through in training and she will be eager to step out onto the pitch next season.
“With the success the Club had last year, just being in that environment was very cool. I’m really looking forward to the coming season and working towards my debut for the Club,” Morris said.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato spoke of the importance of keeping hold of the Club’s talented young players as the side develops beyond its inaugural season.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that our first season in the Liberty A-League is only the beginning of our story and that we continue to improve each season,” he said.
“As a result, it is vital that we are able to retain top young talents like Natasha, Alyssa and Silver Bell and we are pleased to have them continue their professional football journey with us.”
Dakic, Dall’Oste, and Morris continue United’s squad building for next season with 12 players now confirmed for next season and plenty more to come before pre-season starts next month. Other players already confirmed on their squad include Chloe Logarzo, Angie Beard, Hannah Keane, and Catherine Zimmerman.
Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!
Above: Bulleen celebrates their premiership. Photo: Bulleen Lions Instagram
Caitlin Friend’s team have claimed the premier’s plate on the final day of the season, following Boroondara’s result against South Melbourne.
Every round 22 game kicked off simultaneously last Friday night, and when the teams took to the field at 8:30pm, the title was still in the balance.
Bulleen Lions 3-0 Southern Unitec and Boroondara-Carey 0-2 South Melbourne.
Coming into the final round, Boroondara-Carey could claim the premiership with a win against South Melbourne. Bulleen Lions hosted bottom placed Southern United and needed a win and for South to get at least a point. Bulleen were without an injured Claudia Mihocic, but looking to rebound from disappointment in last week’s Nike FC Cup Final.
The Lions came out in aggressive fashion and made the breakthrough in the 23rd minute. Alana Jancevski switched flanks to the right wing and cut inside to unleash an unsavable long range strike to give Bulleen a 1-0 lead.
It’s closing in on half time.
Bulleen are winning 1-0, Boroondara are equal 0-0 with South.
Maja Markovki’s well taken finish in the 35th minute gave them a comfortable lead against the bottom placed Southern United, and those in the stands started to keep an eye on the score at Boroondara’s game. Markovski was found unmarked in the penalty area after Rosie Rodger’s tricky footwork on the left opened up space for her. The finish was high into the net for the former Melbourne Victory striker’s fourth goal of the season.
Meanwhile, across town, Tayla Christensen’s strike had put South Melbourne 1-0 ahead against Boroondara. The Eagles turned the ball over in back half and the New Zealander showed no hesitation in making them pay. The title looked like it was headed to The Veneto club, but being a goal down was no impediment for much of Boroondara’s season, the team had been a goal machine in 2023, and nothing was certain with another half to play.
Danielle Wise scored for South Melbourne in the 75th minute to give Boroondara a mountain to climb. The captain cleverly made space for her shot and finished on her left from the edge of the penalty area.
Danielle Wise might have just sealed the game for South Melbourne and handed the league to Bulleen.
Seven minutes later across town, Bulleen sealed their win with Rosie Rodger finishing a terrific move after more delicate and inventive footwork, this time close to goal.
The final results made it look like an easy night, but this was a thrilling end to the title race. Boroondara and Bulleen swapped top spot between them for many of the final rounds with neither able to get a defining result until the final game day of the home and away season.
Boroondara’s campaign is something that they should be immensely proud of. The Eagles return to the NPLW has been a huge success, and they may still claim a Grand Final appearance.
They have recruited well, played every game with attacking verve and approached every opponent with infectious confidence. They signed the eventual Golden Boot winner in Kurea Okino who has lit up the home and away season with 31 goals in 20 appearances.
They supported the Japanese goal machine by getting Margot Robbine back to the club and signing ex Geelong Galaxy midfielder Emily Sutcliff. 2023 will be a season to remember even if finals to not go to plan.
Bulleen are worthy premiers. They have been well organized and perfectly managed. The first half of the season saw them rely largely on reserve players before those with A-League experience arrived.
Although they sat mid table for the opening rounds, they were hard to beat, and deadly from set pieces. It was enough to keep in touch with the top four and build some momentum. When the likes of Jancevski, Paige Zois, Markovski and an incredible Beattie Goad took to the field, It meant that Bulleen had a star studded lineup that had also developed significant depth. The performance of Rodger on the final day of the season was evidence of that.
Caitlin Friend on building a team throughout the season.
“It feels really good to be honest” Bulleen coach Caitlin Friend told Impetus Football after securing the premiership.
“We’ve been working very hard, and I’ve been learning from a lot of mistakes, so to finally win something and to finally get some credit for all our hard work it is almost a bit of a relief, it takes the pressure off a bit. It’s been a really good weekend for sure.”
After having one season cut short by COVID, and coming close in 2022, Friend’s Bulleen Lions claimed the premier’s plate. The relatively comfortable win on the final day capped off what was a carefully managed campaign by the manager.
Bulleen had to build into the season. The first nine league games, they were dependant on academy and reserve players until the A-League stars such as Alana Jancevski, and Paige Zois were available.
This saw Bulleen win only twice in that period, but crucially they only lost once. Friend says it set the stage for the title run.
“It was a very interesting year with all the A-League players coming in at about round nine. I think that changed the whole league to be honest.
“We did really well to secure a good defence from the start of the season, because that hasn’t really changed all year.
“That basically won us the premiership, because in the first half of the season we were really hard to score against. Then it was all about transitioning in eight new players midway through the season which can be quite challenging as well because you don’t want to disrupt any of the team culture you’ve built so far. You don’t want the players that have worked hard all season to feel like they’ve been pushed to the side, and you want those A-League girls to feel like they have to work for a spot.
“That was probably the most challenging part, to make sure the team culture stayed strong.”
The culture was evident throughout the season, with club stalwarts like Alex Natoli reaching a milestone game, and Aroha Little continuing to push for a spot in the senior squad. Rosie Rodger’s match winning display in Round 22 was symbolic of the depth built in the early weeks.
The arrival of the sports big names did not yield immediate wins. It took some time for the team to click, but a dramatic 1-1 draw with South Melbourne featuring a late equaliser by Jancevski was a sign of things to come.
“That South Melbourne game was the best game of the season for me so far. I thought it was so competitive. It was such a great match. I thought we deserved a draw for sure and I thought yep it is going to be a really cool season ending.
“Calder has really lifted since then, now those Bulleen-Calder matches are really high tempo as well.”
Bulleen were a goal down, they had been unable to break down South Melbourne all night and there was 80 seconds left to play.
Then Paige Zois and Alana Jancevski came up with a plan…
Two new faces at The Lions, and one returning Matilda were all instrumental as the season progressed. Beattie Goad rejoined the club after playing stints in the Germany, Spain and with Melbourne Victory. Maja Markovski spearheaded the attack, and Claudia Mihocic joined an already strong defence to make things tougher for the opposition, and chip in with a volleyed goal herself.
“We worked really hard in terms of defensive recruitment,” says Friend of Mihocic’s arrival.
“We also got our visa player Katie Beck, Claudia and a couple of full backs from interstate. That was a huge focus.
“Claudia was a target of mine last season. She has unfortunately been plagued with a few injuries this year…. You can tell when she is available she makes a huge difference for us.
“She could be Australia’s best Centre back going forward.”
Markovski’s form has been vital. After being released by Melbourne Victory, the striker has shown new levels of versatility and consistency with Bulleen. She has scored some impressive goals, but has also worked hard around the ground, pressing and creating space for the like of Goad and Jancevski to exploit.
Her ability to link play from deep and finish chances she helped start have given Bulleen tactical options that few teams can boast. Friend’s faith in the mercurial forward has been repaid by a Markovski that looks rejuvenated.
“Obviously I have believed in her all season and put her in that starting lineup every game. she knows that I back her and she plays with freedom and confidence.
“Hopefully that continues to evolve, and she can really give us something in the semi final.”
The arrival of Goad was a surprise to many NPLW watchers. She has history at the club, but while still contracted to Victory and studying medicine, many fans assumed that she had a full schedule.
The playmaker has looked a class above at times. As a player who has performed against the likes of Barcelona and the German national team, she was always going to dominate on occasion.
“It was really important for her to keep ticking and to have some sort of team and competitive environment,” says Friend of her former teammate.
“She’s a really humble kid as well. She’s added a ton of experience and a ton of quality to our team but is extremely humble and chill about it as well, so all the young girls really look up to her.”
Bullen are the premiers, but life does not get easier. The face Calder United in the first semi-final. A team they have struggled to beat this season, and who claimed the Nike FC Cup a week ago.
Friend has hope that this time, Bulleen can reverse the trend.
“It is funny to be playing Calder three out of the last four games.
“I have put a lot of work into studying them, so I feel confident in how they’re going to come into the game and how we’re going to approach them.”
It will be a tough game. especially against a side that thrives on the big occasion. Is it a blessing in disguise to meet them now instead of the final?
“They always seem to get up in those big games,” says Friend.
“Maybe in the semi-final they won’t get up as much.”
Bayside United 0-1 Calder United
Calder United celebrated their Nike FC Cup win with a 1-0 defeat of Bayside United. Lucy Richards chased down a loose touch by the Bayside defence and tucked away the finish in 21st minute. It was the only goal of the game, and with Calder assured of fourth spot, this game was a formality and a chance for the defending champions to sharpen their game ahead of finals.
Bayside finish in eighth place. After knocking on the top four just over a month ago, results did not go their way in the final weeks, but they had a season that provided much for fans to celebrate. The goals of Kayla Deaver alone were worth tuning in for every week.
Preston Lions 1-4 Box Hill United
A Mindy Barbieri masterclass ensured that Box Hill ended their season on a high. The combination between Barbieri and Perth Glory playmaker Sofia Sakalis has been a feature of the league this season, with the pair being consistent highlight makers for the club.
It was that killer combination that opened the scoring. Sakalis drew multiple defenders and played the ball back to Barbieri who’s looping shot put Box Hill ahead in the first minute.
Kanna Moriya added a second in the 12th minute. Asuka Doi’s quick through ball put the midfielder into space behind the defence. She shot across goal to double the lead.
Emily Kos’s run and cross provided Barbieri with an easy tap in for goal number three before half time.
It took until the 78th minute for Preston to hit the score sheet. Melanie Camilleri tucked home Ella Mastrantonio’s whipped in ball to make it 3-1.
It was not enough to deliver a lifeline for the home side. Barbieri brought up her hatrick in the 82nd minute. Asuka Doi set up the chance with another well-times pass, but there was still plenty to do.
Unable to outpace her marker, Barbieri cut back and inside onto her right boot before curling the effort home from outside of the area. The final score was 5-1 after Doi finally scored one herself from close range. It capped off an entertaining if inconsistent season from Box Hill.
FV Emerging 3-2 Heidelberg United
FV Emerging ended their season on a high with an entertaining win over Heidelberg United. Alana Cortellino scored the opener in just the fourth minute. Danella Butrus’s through ball looked to have been cut off by the visitors defence, but the lightning quick forward snuck in to get to the ball first and finish calmly.
A second half double from Georgia Beaumont put Heidelberg into the lead. Katrina Nikpour and Rina Omiya to tee up Beaumont who lashed her shot home after cutting inside with her first touch.
Beaumont’s second effort was a wonderful goal. After exchanging passes with Nicole Blackett, she looked up and curled home her effort from ling range. The game had suddenly turned in The Berger’s favour. It was 2-1 in a matter of minutes.
Although both teams were on the attack, It was Emerging who took all three points. Anika Dovaston added her own wonder-strike to the evening’s highlights in the 73rd minute to level the scores and Kira Myers scored the winner in the 86th.
With her back to goal and the chance seemingly gone, Myers turned and shifted her weight to create some space. The shot beat Maizel’s through a crowded penalty area and was a stylish way to win a tough game.
The result meant that Emerging finished in 10th position but with plenty to be proud of. As usual they have unearthed some stars. Dovastron and Cortellino were regular contenders for team of the week, and Candice Kilderry earned a move to the US College system. She will play for Little Rock University and has already scored in her first appearance in the new setting.
Heidelberg United have had a tough season, marred by inconsistency off and on the field. Injuries to key players, absentees due to Young Matildas selections and a home ground refurbishment meant that they were unable to regain any momentum once it was lost in the second half of the season.
Expect them to rebound in 2024.
So the preliminary final approaches. Bulleen will face Calder United in a rematch of last season’s Grand Final and the recent Nike FC Cup. Boroondara will host South Melbourne who helped deny them the premiership on the final day of this season.
Picking a winner feels impossible at this point. It should be an enthralling end to 2023’s Victorian NPLW.
Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!
impetusfootball.org 