Sydney seal Premiers Plate

Sydney FC 4-0 Newcastle Jets

Report by Ben Gilby, EXCLUSIVE photos from Allianz Stadium from Kris Goman (2/4/23)

Above: Sydney FC lift the premiers plate after a 4-0 win over Newcastle Jets. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Sydney FC sealed a third successive Premiers Plate with victory over Newcastle Jets.

Whilst the match was not completely settled until the final 12 minutes, Ante Juric’s team were comfortable winners. The Harbour City side are going into the Finals, Canberra United apart, as the in-form side, and there will be confidence coursing through their veins as they look to improve on their recent record of five defeats in the last seven Grand Finals.

Whilst the match was played in dry conditions, there was a torrential downpour leading up to kick-off that left areas of the playing surface with significant amounts of water on.

With Sydney FC going into the game knowing they just needed to win, the Jets wanted to spoil their party to commemorate Tara Andrews’ 131st appearance and send Teigan Allen off a high ahead of her retirement.

Sydney FC hit the front just after the quarter of an hour mark as Princess Ibini put on the afterburners to get past Chloe Walandouw on the left flank before cutting back for Mackenzie Hawkesby to lift a first-time shot over Georgie Worth in the Jets goal.

Above: Mackenzie Hawkesby celebrates after putting Sydney FC 2-0 up. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

It took the Sky Blues until 12 minutes before the end to make the game safe. Madison Haley attacked along the left before cutting in and playing a pass to Hawkesby who was positioned centrally around 25 yards from goal. The talented attacker ran on and fired a shot from just outside the box which substitute keeper Claire Coelho got a palm to which only served to help the ball into the net.

Two further strikes in stoppage time at the end of the 90 minutes put the icing on the Premiers cake. Again, Haley was involved as her lofted pass in midfield was inadvertently headed into Cortnee Vine’s path by a Jet. The Sydney star, shortly to jet off to England to join the Matildas camp, gathered possession, and drove on before confidently dispatching a low shot into the net from just inside the box.

Vine completed the Sydney win six minutes into added time when she was found by Hunter on the right-hand side of the box and fired home.

With Vine finding peak form as her side go into Finals, the Sky Blues look to be red-hot favourites this time to finally end their run of three successive Grand Final defeats.

Above: Sydney FC captain Nat Tobin with the Premiers Plate. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Captain Natalie Tobin became only the second captain in history to lift the Plate twice in a row following in the footsteps of ex-Sydney FC skipper Heather Garriock in 2010.

“It feels fantastic to have set this new benchmark and we are all very happy,” said the five-time major trophy winner.

“To know we have created history and become the first team to win the Premiers Plate three times in a row is an achievement which will live with us all for a very long time. “I’m so proud of our squad and every one of our girls.  It has been a privilege to captain them. It’s very special and a great record to have but our goal is to win the Championship and we intend to keep going and complete the double.”

Head Coach Ante Juric was full of praise for his young squad who have an average age of just 21. “These girls thoroughly deserve this accolade. They have worked hard and I hope they get the recognition and acknowledgment this achievement merits.

“We’ve had a lot to deal with this season but our players have overcome every hurdle put in their way and I’m delighted for them. It is extremely hard to continue to be successful as everyone steps up against us and wants to beat us so to become the only team in A-Leagues history to win three consecutive Premierships is a remarkable feat.

“There is more work to do and we are more determined than ever to ensure we finish the season on a high in the Finals Series.”

Sydney FC have won the competition more times than any other club with this fifth Premiership in the club’s history. They are also clear on eight major Liberty A-League Women’s titles (three as champions, and five Premiers) ahead of the six won by Melbourne City.

The Sky Blues will face Western United on Sunday 16th April to determine who will proceed straight to the Grand Final.  Kick is at 5.45pm.

Kris Goman’s exclusive photo gallery from Allianz Stadium

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Rule, Tobin, de la Harpe, Fenton, Hawkesby, I. Dos Santos, Hunter, Vine, Lowe, Ibini. Substitutes: Collister, Green, Haley, Hollman, Offer (GK).

Scorers: Hawkesby 16′, 78′. Vine 90+1′, 90+5.

NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Worth, Clough, Garnier, Allen, Walandouw, Johnson, David, Agnew, Stapleford, Roach, L. Allan. Substitutes: J. Allan, Andrews, Brodigan, Coelho (GK), Puxty.

Referee: Isabella Blaess.

Attendance: 1,338.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Perth take the win but lose out on Finals by a whisker once more

Brisbane Roar 0-1 Perth Glory

Report by Ben Carey, post-match coverage from Ben Gilby (1/4/23)

Above: Elizabeth Anton and Demi Koulizakis run towards Gabriella Coleman in celebration of her match winning goal. Photo: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory beat Brisbane Roar in a tight contest on Saturday afternoon, but the point that Melbourne Victory took in Wellington earlier in the day meant that the Western Australian side’s Finals hopes would be dashed.

It was a mild, overcast day, and the game had good attendance and a great atmosphere. It was the Glory’s third game in three states in six days. They came into the match having lost to Sydney FC mid-week. The Roar lost Larissa Crummer to Norwegian club Brann during the week, yet another blow to the Brisbane club who have had a chaotic season. Nonetheless, they were looking to end their season with a win at home.

The match started out with a lot of energy. In the first 10 minutes, Perth Glory had a number of successive chances, mostly coming from corner kicks, but none of them were converted. Every attempt went high, wide, or was saved by the Roar keeper, Hensley Hancuff. Brisbane Roar absorbed the early pressure from Perth Glory and eventually settled into the match. They started pushing up a bit more and the match shifted to more of a midfield battle.

The Roar’s best chance of the first half came about five minutes before half-time. Sharn Freier put in a lot of hard work to get the ball down the left side of the pitch, and passed it out to Shea Connors, who found Hollie Palmer in the box with a nicely weighted pass. Palmer took a cracking shot across the face of the goal, drawing a spectacular diving save from Glory keeper, Morgan Aquino.

Brisbane came into the second half playing with a lot more intensity. They were passing better and pressing higher, trying to make something happen. Just a few minutes into the half, Brisbane defender, Jessie Rasschaert, almost scored from a header following a well-placed corner kick from Tamar Levin, but the header was just a fraction too high.

10 minutes later, up the other end, Perth was building a well-structured attack on the Brisbane goal. A Glory midfielder hit a beautiful low and hard cross into the box, which was spilled by Hancuff. The ball ended up at the feat of Hana Lowry, right in front of goal. It looked for all the world like it would be the goal that broke the deadlock. Lowry took a good shot , but Rasschaert was able to make a wonderful goal-line clearance to keep her team in the match.

It would not be Lowry who would break the deadlock, but she would be involved. In the 73rd minute, the Perth youngster’s well-positioned and perfectly weighted corner kick found the head of American international Gabriella Coleman, who power it past Hancuff, whose hand remained outstretched for a good five seconds after the goal went in, dazed by the angle and power of the header.

About 10 mintues before full time, the Roar had a series of corners, but they were unable to convert any of them into a goal. There was one half chance, where some sloppy defending by Glory gifted Connors the ball in the box. She turned and got a shot off, but it was cleared off the line.

Perth Glory managed to close out the game without many more hiccups. They dominated possession, passed accurately, defended well, and took their chances in attack when they could.

Hana Lowry, the talented young midfielder, had a phenomenal match, providing the match-winning assist, and creating several more big chances throughout the match. Coleman had a strong performance as well, scoring the game-winning goal and creating other goal scoring opportunities.

Kim Carroll, in her final A-League match, put in a very good shift, defending very well, and providing important leadership to her fellow teammates. It is very fitting that Carroll’s last match was in Brisbane, as she was born in Queensland and Brisbane Roar was her first A-League club, whom she played for seven years.

Brisbane Roar, by contrast, were too slow on the ball and not efficient with their possession. Connors tried her best, getting herself into dangerous positions and taking a handful of shots, one of which hit the side post. But she was largely isolated up the front without support from her teammates. Palmer had a good day in the midfield, creating several opportunities and taking a couple of shots on goal.

But the standout Roar player of the match was Rasschaert. Like Carroll, it was also her last A-League match, having played two seasons with Canberra United and two with the Roar. She defended exceptionally well at the back, blocking three shots from going in and making a number of vital clearances as well. She was also a vital presence in the Roar attacks, taking four shots on goals. It seems that she wanted to go out with a bang. It’s a shame that she is retiring, as this season was truly her best so far. Her leadership, pace, and skill will be sorely missed by the Roar next season.

Speaking after the game, Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis spoke of his pride in his team’s efforts, writes Ben Gilby.

“Very, very happy with the result and with the performance. It was a good way to end the season. We said prior to the match that we’re not going to be able to play Finals, but we wanted to put out a performance that was reflective of a Finals match, and I thought we certainly did that. We had some great phases of possession and looked in control for most parts of the match, and were unlucky not to get another goal or two.”

Whilst Melbourne Victory’s point at Wellington Phoenix meant that making the top four was out of Perth’s reach, Epakis outlined the motivating factors that the team still had ahead of kick-off in Brisbane.

“We still had a bit to play for – it was Kim Carroll’s last match, it was Hana Lowry’s 50th (appearance) and we wanted our last performance to be reflective of the things we’ve worked hard on playing-wise.”

The Glory boss was able to give a positive update on the condition of captain Tash Rigby who went down with an injury to her knee. “I believe at this stage it is just a deep cut.”

The Western Australian side have narrowly missed out on Finals for the past two seasons now. Last year it was goal difference, this time it will be a single point. It’s frustrating for Epakis, but he takes pride in seeing the continued positive developments at the club.

“Ultimately, we’re not going to get the opportunity to play Finals and that’s going to sting because we know we can compete with those top four teams. Our results and performances against those teams indicate that had we made it into the four, we would have given it a good shake-up.

“Nonetheless, we’ve had a strong and solid season. It’s certain had its ebbs and flows, but as I look back I see the players have progressed, the team has progressed and we’re heading in an upward trajectory.”

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (5-3-2): Hancuff, Riley, Rasschaert, McQueen, Rankin, Freier, Kruger, Norrie, Palmer, Levin, Connors. Substitutes: Shuttleworth (GK), Haffenden, Kramer, Davern, Robinne.

PERTH GLORY (4-2-3-1): Aquino, Foletta, Carroll, Anton, Rigby, Cain, Lawrence, Sakalis, Lowry, Blake, Coleman. Substitutes: Langman (GK), McKenna, Koulizakis, Hintzen, Jancevski.

Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley.

Attendance: 854.

Artwork by Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Western United win, but Keane needs a favour from City

Western United 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers

By Kieran Yap (1/4/23)

Above: Hannah Keane is mobbed by her teammates after scoring the opening goal. Photo: @aleaguewomen Twitter

Western United have won their final game of the season, and Hannah Keane shot her way into Golden Boot favouritism. However, even after a 2-1 defeat of Western Sydney Wanderers, they needed a favour from Newcastle Jets in order to win a premiership in their first season.

The equation coming into this game for Western United was simple but frustrating. They had to beat the Western Sydney Wanderers, which on their home turf was expected. They also needed Sydney FC to lose to Newcastle Jets, which felt unlikely given the form of those two sides.

The task was made slightly easier by the absence of Clare Hunt from the Wanderers side. The captain and new Matilda was not named in the line-up, and no injury information has been made available. It is possible that she was not risked with the coming international window in mind.

Western United started the game in top gear. They attacked down both flanks and moved the ball through midfield with ease. The Wanderers are normally a strong team without the ball and able to maintain possession in deeper midfield areas, but Angie Beard and Stacy Papadopoulos seemed to have acres of space to attack the visitors from fullback.

The opening goal came from a corner kick. Tyla-Jay Vlajnić whipped in an inswinger from the right-hand side. Hannah Keane timed her jump to perfection and nodded it into the net from the six-yard box. It was her 12th goal of the season, bringing her level with Michelle Heyman.

Western United continued to attack. Beard was in tremendous form and almost scored from long range. Her dipping shot was on target but Sham Khamis leapt well and got a strong hand to tip it over the bar.

Above: Hannah Keane – who now leads the A-League Women scorers chart. Photo: Liberty A-League Women.

Sydney Cummings almost replicated Keane’s goal, from another corner, but the ball skimmed off the top of her head despite the strong positioning. There was little pressure coming from the visitors, and Jaclyn Sawicki was able to dictate play for Western almost at her leisure.

When The Wanderers did attack, it was usually through Sophie Harding. The in-form striker is blessed with the pace and touch to take on multiple players, but Western United did well to usher her wide on most occasions. There was not much support coming from midfield in the first hour of play.

The second half began just as brightly for Western United. Unsurprisingly, it was Keane once again. This time, a long ball from the back, almost a clearance really, bounced on the wing. Keane pressured the defender and stole away. Once goal side, there was nothing between her and the goal except the angle.

Keane charged inward, opening the space in front of her, and slotted the ball beyond Khamis to make it 2-0, and bring up her 13th of the season. She now sits in outright first place in the Golden Boot race and will be in the odd position of barracking for Melbourne City’s defenders against Canberra United.

Western United looked to be in control of the game, but Kat Smith looked to her bench to try and shift momentum.

Sienna Saveska came into play, replacing Bethany Gordon. The Young Matildas attacker had an immediate impact. Her control, turn and pass almost put Harding into a threatening position.

Saveksa is a tricky, creative player with vision and skill beyond her 16 years. Before the game was over, those watching were to witness what this young star can produce.

Above: Sienna Saveska training with the Young Matildas. Photo: Twitter.

She received the ball at the edge of the penalty area, with an organized Western United defence ahead of her. With a quick shift of feet, Saveska created space for herself and fired a shot off her left foot. The shot beat Hillary Beall, with the help of a slight deflection, but the craft in making the opportunity was impressive. This was the first of what will likely be many goals in the A-League Women.

The Wanderers looked livelier as the half continued, and Western United had trouble maintaining possession. Chances for the home side became rarer, and more frequent for the visitors.

Western United held on as they have so many times this season. This performance was a combination of both their styles of play. They can absorb pressure when needed, and dominate play when possible.

Alana Cerne was nearly flawless at centre-back, and the Taranto twins were excellent in midfield. Out wide, Angie Beard continued to show why Western United were so determined to sign her.

This win may not be enough to win a premiership in their first season, but they will have the double chance in Finals, and should be immensely proud of their achievements so far.

Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Beall, Papadopoulos, Cummings, Cerne, Beard, Sawicki, M. Taranto, A. Taranto, Vlajnić, Keane, Johnson. Substitutes: Dall Oste, Iermano, Steer, Dakic, Sardo.

Scorers: Keane 23’, 55’.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-3-1-2): Khamis, Apostolakis, Ferrid, Steinmetz, Matos, Gordon, Harrison, Chessari, Price, Bolden, Harding. Substitutes: Saveska, Rue, Hall, Abdul Massih, Caceres.

Scorers: Saveska 80’.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau

Attendance: 361.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Phoenix delay Victory party plans

Wellington Phoenix 2-2 Melbourne Victory

By Denise Duffy (1/4/23).

Above: Wellington Phoenix draw level with Melbourne Victory. Photo: Keep Up.

In a thrilling encounter at the Sky Stadium, Wellington Phoenix’s never-say-die attitude allowed them to earn a hard-fought draw with Melbourne Victory, courtesy of a Grace Wiznewski goal eight minutes in to stoppage time at the end of the match.

It was a crucial match for Victory as they aimed to secure a spot in the Finals. Meanwhile, their opponents, the Phoenix, were desperate to avoid the wooden spoon for the second consecutive year. It was a fight to the end with neither team achieving their desired outcome.

From the start, the visitors dominated the game with their attacking pressure. Wellington Phoenix’s Paige Satchell handball at the top of the box set the stage for Alana Murphy to deliver a stunning set-piece goal ripping through a hole in the Phoenix wall leaving goalkeeper Brianna Edwards stranded.

As the game progressed, Victory continued to exert pressure and doubled their lead in the 24th minute, courtesy of a red-hot Melina Ayers, who turned past Marissa Van der Meer and unleashed a ferocious shot that rattled off the top woodwork and into the net.

In the 31st minute, there was a spark of hope for the Phoenix with a breakaway moment involving Satchell passing forward to a wide-open Milly Clegg. Unfortunately, Clegg’s final touch got away from her and was smothered by Victory’s keeper Casey Dumont. 

Towards the end of the first half, the Phoenix began to put on some much-needed offensive pressure against the Victory. Despite their efforts, and a Wisnewski long-range attempt, they were unable to find the back of the net and convert their opportunities into goals.

As the second half got underway, the physical intensity of the match increased, with both Victory and the Phoenix vying for the advantage. The game opened up, providing more space for both teams to work with and creating opportunities for them to add to their tally.

For the visitors, every goal would be crucial in improving their overall goal differential in comparison to Canberra United and increasing their chances of making it to the Finals. The Phoenix, on the other hand, were fighting to avoid the wooden spoon for the second consecutive year.

In the 66th minute, Wellington Phoenix substitute Emma Main took a shot from distance, testing Victory keeper Casey Dumont. Dumont secured the ball and stepped back into her goal, and although there was some controversy over whether the ball had crossed the line, the officials ultimately ruled that it hadn’t.

In the 74th minute, an errant back pass from Kayla Morrison caused Dumont to attempt to play the ball with her feet. It was challenged and picked up by Ava Pritchard, who took a long-range shot at an open goal, and the Nix were on the board.

Following an injury break for Casey Dumont, Jeff Hopkins’ side stepped up their attack, and Phoenix keeper Brianna Edwards had to make several crucial saves to keep her team in the game. In the 96th minute, she made a stunning save to deny Melina Ayers’ powerful shot from the top of the 18-yard box.

In the final dramatic sequence from the back, starting with keeper Edwards, to Foster, who found Taylor, Main then lofted a header towards the Victory’s goal, which tempted Dumont to come off her line past the penalty area. The ball bounced on the ground, and Wisnewski high-kicked it into an open goal in the 98th minute, securing a point for the Phoenix.

Following the match, head coach Natalie Lawrence spoke of her team’s progress, citing the growth from last season and the consistent effort put forth throughout the current campaign. Lawrence acknowledged the tendency for the team to fall just short in tight games but praised their perseverance and determination to fight until the very end. It was this fighting spirit that ultimately paid dividends in securing the crucial goal and salvaging a draw in the match.

The Nix boss said: “We also look at the progression that this team has made, not only from last year but throughout the season. And that kind of performance, I spoke about it in our huddle. So many times this season, we lose 2-1, we lose by one goal, even though we work, and we never give up, and we keep going until the end. And today we didn’t. Today, we found that goal.”

Meanwhile, Melbourne Victory’s head coach Jeff Hopkins was understandably frustrated by the outcome.

“Just really, really disappointed…the (way the) game went, (we) gave away two ridiculously poor goals. Just totally unlike what we normally do. And maybe the pressure kinda got to us a little bit in the second half. I guess everyone’s really upset in the moment. Myself included, but that said, we’ve still got a fighting chance.”

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-3-3): Edwards, Foster, Taylor, Van der Meer, Barry, Knott(c), Hassett, Wisnewski, Rolston, Satchell, Clegg,. Substitutes: Candy, Pritchard, Main, Cicco, Robertson.

Scorer:  Pritchard 74’. Wisnewsku 90+8’.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-2-3-1): Dumont, Morrison, Bunge, Nash, Tathem, Jackson, Eliadis, Murphy, Goad, Zimmerman, Ayres. Substitutes: Templeman, Privitelli, Markovski, Briedis, Curtis.

Scorer: Murphy 3’, Ayers 24’.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: TBC.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Hana Lowry: Living the dream and developing further

In this week’s Midweek Dub, Perth Glory star Hana Lowry speaks exclusively to Ben Gilby about her experiences with the Young Matildas at the U20 World Cup, and the A-League Women campaign ahead of her 50th appearance for the Western Australian side (31/3/23).

Above: Hana Lowry scoring for Perth Glory against Western United. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

Hana Lowry has long been seen as one of the best young players in Australia. Another impressive A-League Women campaign with her hometown club Perth Glory followed her making memories of a lifetime representing her country at last year’s U20 World Cup.

Before going to Costa Rica with the national team, Lowry spent a second NPLW season in New South Wales to further challenge herself both personally and from a footballing perspective. It was an environment that the Western Australian feels really benefited her.

“I stayed with the same host family again, as well as Sally (James) and Leticia (McKenna) from Melbourne City (who Lowry played with at Perth Glory in the past). The program is very professional and intense, and it helped me a lot not only for the tournaments with the Young Matildas but also for this upcoming A-League season.

“Although I didn’t play too many NPLW games due to travel, I really enjoyed my time at the Spartans, they created a great environment, and the games were at a really high level.”

Lowry’s selection for the Young Matildas squad for the U20 World Cup in Costa Rica gave her experiences that will stay with the youngster for life.

Above: Hana Lowry speaking to the media during the U20 World Cup last August. Image: Football Australia.

“I really enjoyed Costa Rica, it has always been my dream to play at a “World Cup since I was a kid and to be given that opportunity at a youth level was something that I will always cherish.

“For me, the best part was just being a part of such a big occasion. It’s a huge honour to wear the jersey, and I was so grateful I was able to do so in front of my family who have supported me so much. The most challenging part was probably the end of it all, it was a massive year for us, and there was a lot of preparation that went into it, so I think when it ended we were quite emotional it was all over but so grateful we were able to experience it. 

“We had a great team environment, and all the girls got on so well which helped us on the pitch. It was amazing to get exposure to playing teams with different playing styles, as well as being exposed to playing multiple games in a short space and playing in front of a big crowd, particularly against Costa Rica. Off the pitch, we were able to see a bit of Costa Rica, as well as Mexico where our pre-camp was, my family also came over to watch, so it was great to see them after being away from home for six months.”

It was a tough environment and one that involved challenges in terms of playing three international matches back-to-back against some of the world’s best sides in Spain and Brazil, plus host nation Costa Rica. Despite this, Lowry feels that the squad received the right type of preparations from the Young Matildas coaching staff ahead of the competition.

“It was definitely a big step up, but something that we had prepared for throughout the year. Going into the tournament, we knew we had a tough group and knew that we had to bring intensity into the games. It was great to get the exposure of playing against different teams, teams that previous age groups haven’t been exposed to.

Above: Hana Lowry with her Young Matildas team mates. Photo: Instagram.

“Although we didn’t get the results and therefore didn’t progress through our group, we were able to match it with Spain, the eventual winners of the tournament, as well as Brazil who came third. I think it taught us that we can compete against these kinds of teams, even though we hadn’t been exposed to them previously. 

With the U20 World Cup and NPLW campaigns over, Lowry returned to her hometown club Perth Glory for the A-League Women season. After narrowly missing out on Finals football in the previous campaign and keeping the vast majority of the squad together, big things were expected from the club this season. It took a while for the side to achieve the wins, as the Perth star recognised.

“I think looking back at the start of the season, there were definitely games we should have been more clinical in, games where we should have gotten three points but drew, or games where we lost but could have gotten something from. We knew that we could do better, and I think that was a positive for us. We weren’t performing at our best, and so we knew that if we were at our best, the results would start coming.”

Glory also suffered the massive setback of then top scorer Rylee Baisden suffering an ACL injury – something that put their season at a major crossroads. Subsequently, the reaction to the loss of their top scorer showed huge resilience.

“As a team, we have definitely become used to having setbacks and having to show resilience when everything is against us,” Lowry said. “Rylee’s injury was definitely a massive setback for us, not just her energy and talent on the pitch, but also her character off the pitch.

Above: Hana Lowry with her Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

“Players have definitely stepped up, both performing on the pitch, but also in their character and leadership off the pitch. I think Sofia (Sakalis) has been doing unbelievably well this season, she is a very special player and her dribbling and ability to create chances is something that has really benefitted us this year.

“Other players like Alana (Jancevski), Susan (Phonsongkham), and Hannah (Blake) have also helped us massively, they have won us games when we needed points and always bring the energy we need in games.”

Asked as to the elements that were crucial in the club’s unbeaten run through January and February that put Perth in Finals contention, the 19-year-old said: “I think as the season has progressed, we have improved on putting in 90-minute performances, where we don’t lose concentration in small moments, and I think we have improved on creating more chances and being more clinical.”

Perth’s unbeaten run came to an end at struggling Adelaide United. This combined with a tough schedule to the end of the season that saw only one home game and a spell of three games in three different states in six days has tested the Western Australians to the limit.

“I think as a group we have always done well when put in difficult situations, and for the remainder of the season having multiple games in a short space is definitely going to be challenging, but something we will embrace and give everything to give us the best chance of making Finals. We will need to be at our best each game, will need to recover well, and stay mentally in a good place.”

Above: Hana Lowry captured in a typical attacking moment against Newcastle Jets. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

As the season moves ever closer to its climax, Lowry reflected on her personal development in the A-League Women.

“I think I have developed well this season. This is my fourth season now with Glory, so even though I’m still quite young, I wanted to use my experience from previous seasons and what I’ve learned, to have a bigger impact on the team and results.

“I think physically I’m improving and understanding my role tactically better, but I definitely feel like there is so much more for me to learn and improve on, and I want to keep working towards scoring more goals and performing better under game pressure.”

Once her duties with her hometown club are over for another season, Lowry confirmed she is heading back to the east coast for the NPLW campaign.

“I will be heading back over to Sydney after the season, I haven’t thought about NPL and clubs too much as my focus at the moment is with Glory, and finishing the season as best as we can.”

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

A-League Women Friday Media Conferences

Ahead of the final round of the regular season, Ben Gilby reports on today’s media conferences featuring the head coaches of Melbourne City, Perth Glory, and Western United (31/3/23).

Melbourne City:

Above: Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic is confident of success in his team’s huge game with Canberra United this weekend. Image: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic believes that as long as his team maintains a belief in their ability, everything else will fall into place in their huge game with Canberra United on Sunday.

Vidosic outlined to the media today that when things don’t go City’s way, his team need to find a way to react positively. Looking back at their 4-3 defeat at Perth Glory last weekend after his side dominated the first half, the Sky Blues boss said: “It was the story of the season so far for us. It is belief. When we believed, we played, and limited them, in the first half, before they had any chances. It all (the Perth comeback) came from us.

“We gave away the first corner, we played back into the pressure. Second goal, we had shorter pressure and a great finish from (Hannah) Blake. Similar to the derby against Western United, we had all the chances, but were on the wrong end of the result. We need to put in 90-minute performances. There will always be swings in a game, it’s about how we respond to it.”

Vidosic is confident that his team can both contain and dominate Canberra United on Sunday and just has to remind his players of the events when the sides met earlier in the season at McKellar Park.

“We know their quality, we’ve seen their quality. But we can take belief. We went to Canberra and won 4-0. Michelle (Heyman) played that day, they (Canberra’s star players) all played. All their best players were on the pitch, but we controlled it well. They will create something, but we will try our best to limit their danger.

“If we play in their half and we force them back, we try to control the transitions. Everyone plays transitionary football against us. Canberra happen to be one of the most dangerous in transitions. It’s just about ‘can you score, and can you protect your box?’ “

One of the main messages that the City boss has been sharing with his squad ahead of the vital match is to embrace the occasion and flourish in front of their home fans to qualify for the Finals.

“We’ll try not to let the occasion get to us, we are at home, we have that advantage, so there’s nothing to be afraid of or to feel any sort of pressure. We’re going into the stadium to do what we love. It’s a great day, a doubleheader (with the men), so we’ll have all the City family there. The girls will be ready.”

Reflecting on his first season in charge of the team, Vidosic said: “We play a really, really good style. They (the players) have trained phenomenal and for my first season as a head coach, it’s been great. I have nothing but positive things to say. We’ve all learned a lot this season. I’ve learned different things to say and do, and how to nullify danger.”

Perth Glory:

Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis

Ahead of their last match of the home and away season, Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis wants his side to put in a performance to be proud of regardless of whether they qualify for the Finals.

“We want to make sure the performance reflects the group and what we’ve put on this year. We want to put on a Grand Final performance the best as we can, as it could be our last one.”

Perth Glory go into the game having played three matches in locations far and wide – New Zealand, Perth, and Sydney, in the space of 11 days and now add Brisbane to their itinerary. It’s been a nightmare schedule for the team from Western Australia.

“There are a few sore bodies and a bit of fatigue in the group as we expected. Every player was never going to play every minute of these (three) games (in six days). We just have to see what the squad will look like. We have the depth to manage it.”

Saturday’s opponents Brisbane Roar go into the encounter on a run of six games without a win – but Garrath McPherson’s side have put in some good performances against the competition’s top sides this season.

Reflecting on the Queenslanders, Epakis said: “There will be a different stimulus for them. They will want to finish the season on a high if they can. We still have everything to play for. We’re not too focused on them, we’re focused on putting on a performance that wins the game.”

Perth’s Finals hopes now rest on teams above them failing to win this weekend after Epakis’ side went down to a 4-2 loss at Sydney FC on Wednesday after the league leaders scored two goals in the final 15 minutes.

“I was really proud of a spirited performance from the group. I could see the players digging extremely deep to compete. You come up against a class team like we did, you really have to go above and beyond and that was there for everyone to see. From player one to 16, they did their job and gave us a chance. I was a proud coach who admired what the team did and we just fell a bit short, unfortunately.

Western United:

Above: Western United boss Mark Torcaso speaking today. Image: Western United.

Western United head coach Mark Torcaso identified today the influence that Matildas star Chloe Logarzo’s return has had on his squad ahead of their maiden Finals campaign.

“The last couple of days, she has literally walked straight back into the changing room and you can feel the difference already in having a person of her quality and presence. She will be vital to us in the Finals series. Hopefully, we can get her back on the pitch. We believe she has the x-factor that can help us win games.”

Whilst Western United’s spot in the Finals is already assured, Torcaso wants to see his team go into the post-regular season action on a high, after a disappointing run of results over the last month or so.

“It’s about getting momentum. Making sure that we have the right mentality and the right attitude going into a Finals series. We’re focusing on getting three points and then adjusting the focus for Finals on Monday.

“The mentality has changed over the past few weeks. We have players that are now fighting for a spot in the Finals team. It’s been really competitive at training. Sometimes it gets a bit firey which is good! Training has gone really good. It has been for the last few weeks, it’s just been on the pitch that it hasn’t quite gone our way.”

Reflecting on his team’s sensational first season in the competition, the Western United boss believes the success has come down to the careful and long-term planning that was put in place ahead of this season.

“I believe in our playing group and our club in making sure we were competitive. It all came together. We’re also still playing for the Premier’s Plate as well, so you never know what will happen in Sydney against Newcastle – we focus on Western Sydney.”

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Ella Kew: Making an impression at the start of her senior career

Impetus sponsored Ella Kew, aged 16, has just started her senior football career with tier seven Derbyshire Ladies League Division One side Pride Park. Ella spoke to Ben Gilby about her embryonic footballing career and her aims for the future (30/3/23).

Above: Ella Kew (blue shirt) in possession for Pride Park this season. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

Ella Kew joined tier seven Derbyshire County League side Pride Park at the start of this season on a dual registration with Duffield Dynamos U18. The attacking midfielder is the youngest member of the Pride Park squad but is already making an impression in her first season in open-age football. 

Ella’s journey into senior football at such a young age started back in primary school and the formation of a girls’ team in a nearby village. The Pride Park youngster takes up the story.

“When I was younger, I used to play football with my brother quite a lot because he has always played. I wanted to find a sport to play in primary school and I heard about a new girls’ football team starting at under-nine age group in the local village and I decided to give it a go.

“That was Duffield Dynamos and I have played there ever since now playing at under-18 level, and I’m into my fourth or fifth season as captain too. I’ve played for lots of different teams as well as I have played for two clubs for the majority of my footballing journey.

“Most recently before Pride Park, I played for Mansfield Town and Heanor Town. This season I decided I wanted to play open-age football and I heard about Pride Park being a good division one team to join so I thought I’d give it a go and now I am into my first season at open age.”

Ella, who describes herself as a “creative player” who likes “to play as an attacking midfielder…hold(ing) the ball up and look to make forward passes for the strikers,”  believes those early experiences playing the sport with her brother, and his continual support of her development have been key.

Above: Ella Kew in action during an away match for Pride Park this season. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

“My brother Jack has definitely helped me develop as a player as when I was younger he always played football with me in the garden and taught me new skills. Also, he now coaches Duffield Dynamos which is helping me to develop too. Dave, Jamie, and Ross at Pride Park are also helping me to develop as a player due to the great coaching before during, and after games at the club.”

Ella feels that Pride Park was a great choice for her to start her senior career due to the nature of the setup and their facilities. “Pride Park have a great selection of girls’ and ladies’ teams and it is very encouraging to see young girls get involved in football.

“The facilities playing for Pride Park are excellent, with Moorways being the best grassroots pitch I’ve played at. There are always opportunities to get involved too, it’s an inclusive and friendly club to be a part of.

“There has recently been significant investment in the team by recording matches to help with coaching. It means that as a grassroots club, we are using similar technology and match analysis tools to professional clubs.

“It’s great for the coaches and players to be able to watch things back and have a chance to analyse games – what went well, what didn’t go so well, to try to learn from that and take it into the next game – it helps us all develop as players. It also means we can produce highlights clips which adds an extra level of interest and helps raise the club’s profile when interest in women’s football has never been higher.” 

Playing senior football at such a young age comes with several challenges, but Ella is aware of the differences and what she needs to do in order to continue her rapid progress in the sport.

“Being 16 playing first-team football, one thing I have found difficult is adapting to the style of play compared to girls’ football as it is much more composed and technical. This is something that I have just gotten used to the more I play. Also, there have been occasions when I think that I’ve not been strong enough to play women’s football, and to overcome that I just need to work on my physicality when playing.

Above: Ella Kew composed in possession this season. Photo: Shaun Hardwick.

“At times it can be difficult going to school whilst playing football as it’s hard to maintain a balance, however, football is something that is fun for me not something that I have to push myself to do so it isn’t as difficult as it sounds because of my love for the game.”

Ella highlighted the realities of playing tier-seven football from a financial perspective and the benefits that her sponsorship by Impetus has given.

“As players, we pay monthly subscriptions but the club tries to keep these as low as possible to avoid barriers to participation – as a full-time student still at school that’s something I particularly appreciate.

“However, subscriptions only really cover the team’s day-to-day costs, so sponsorship like this from Impetus enables us to continue to make this investment and to help us develop as players. It wouldn’t be possible otherwise, and I really appreciate your support.”

With the current season entering the home straight, Ella still has a few targets that she wants to meet. “I would like to keep playing competitively and hopefully battle for the top of the league with Pride Park as I believe it is more than in reach. I’d also like to continue being coached and continue gaining confidence playing open-age football and hopefully, next season start off how I’m hoping to finish this one.” 

Looking further ahead, Ella has made herself a promise: “I just want to continue playing and loving football. You know, so many people quit playing when they go off to uni and get a job when they just don’t have time anymore and I want to make it my promise to myself that I’ll keep going and progressing as far as I can moving into women’s football. Also thank you for Impetus for the sponsorship this season, it’s really encouraging to receive and drives me to keep playing the best that I can.”

Artwork: Graphics by PW.

Grainger announces Cymru squad and new assistant coach

by Martin Townley (30/3/23)

Above: Cymru head coach Gemma Grainger, who announced her latest squad yesterday. Photo: FAW.

Cymru manager Gemma Grainger yesterday announced her squad for upcoming friendlies against Northern Ireland and Portugal.

Grainger has named 26 players for the two games as Cymru look to build on an unbeaten Pinatar Cup campaign.

Returning to the squad for this camp are Bristol City’s Ffion Morgan and Manchester United’s Chloe Williams, who is currently on loan at Blackburn Rovers. Coventry United’s Ellen Jones (on loan from Leicester City) is named in the squad and will be hoping to win her first cap for Cymru.

Star names like Jess Fishlock and Chelsea’s Sophie Ingle along with Gemma Evans and Angharad James all make the squad. The biggest name missing is forward Kayleigh Green who misses though injury.

Cymru will face Northern Ireland on Thursday 6th April at Cardiff City Stadium before travelling to face Portugal on Tuesday 11th April.

Cymru squad for the April international window matches against Northern Ireland and Portugal:

Laura O’SULLIVAN (Cardiff City Ladies), Olivia CLARK (Bristol City), Safia MIDDLETON-PATEL (Manchester United), Rhiannon ROBERTS (Liverpool), Charlie ESTCOURT (Birmingham City), Hayley LADD (Manchester United), Josie GREEN (Leicester City), Gemma EVANS (Reading), Lily WOODHAM (Reading), Esther MORGAN (Sunderland – on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Sophie INGLE (Chelsea), Anna FILBEY (Crystal Palace), Angharad JAMES (Tottenham Hotspur), Jess FISHLOCK (OL Reign), Ceri HOLLAND (Liverpool), Megan WYNNE (Southampton), Hannah CAIN (Leicester City), Ffion MORGAN (Bristol City), Elise HUGHES (Crystal Palace), Georgia WALTERS (Sheffield United), Carrie JONES (Leicester City), Ella POWELL (Bristol City), Rachel ROWE (Reading), Chloe WILLIAMS (Blackburn Rovers – on loan from Manchester United), Alice GRIFFITHS (Southampton), Ellen JONES (Coventry United – on loan from Leicester City).

Above: Jon Grey, Cymru’s new assistant coach. Photo supplied to Impetus by: FAW.

Gemma Grainger has appointed Jon Grey to her coaching staff ahead of matches against Northern Ireland and Portugal.

Grey joins the FAW after working at Swansea City, most recently as the U21 Head Coach and Academy Manager. Grey also represented Cymru as a player in the age group systems and has also been involved with the FAW in a part-time coaching capacity in recent years.

The role as Assistant Coach for the senior women’s team has been confirmed on a full-time basis after Grey was part of Gemma Grainger’s coaching staff for last month’s Pinatar Cup.

Speaking about the appointment, Grey said: “I’m delighted and excited to be joining the FAW at such a positive time for Welsh football. I spoke with Gemma about how we can work together, and within five minutes I knew I wanted to get involved. The matches next week will be great preparations for the Nations League, we know we have some big games coming up once the draw is made, and we have to be ready for them.”

Gemma Grainger also expressed her delight at the appointment “I wanted a Welsh coach with a ProLicence, and Jon was great in the environment when he was with us last month. It’s the first time we have a full-time assistant coach just for the senior team, Jon’s a great fit for the role and I can’t wait to work with him in the upcoming matches.”

A-League Women Media Conferences

Ben Gilby, Denise Duffy, and Ryan Miller-Woods combine three of this week’s media conferences ahead of the final round of the home and away season (30/3/23).

Canberra United:

by Ryan Miller-Woods

Above: Laura Hughes speaking to the media ahead of her team’s vital game against Melbourne City. Image: Canberra United.

Ahead of their crucial final match of the regular season against Melbourne City on Sunday which the capital city side need to win to qualify for the Finals, Laura Hughes reflected on how the squad have been revelling in the pressure rather than feeling challenged by it.

“I guess whoever turns up on the day best prepared can win so I think you never know what can happen. These are the games for why we love football, these high-pressure moments and one game can create something. We’re very focused on Sunday (against Melbourne City).”

Canberra United and Melbourne City will go into their match with the advantage of knowing the result from Melbourne Victory’s game at Wellington Phoenix before their match on Sunday. For Hughes though, this is just another case of focusing on themselves rather than anyone else.

“I think especially the last few weeks, it’s about controlling what we can control, other results we can’t really focus on that. All we have to do is prepare (the) best for Melbourne City on Sunday.

“Three points there will either get us into Finals or we’ll finish the season on a high, so I think either way not depending on any results we want to beat Melbourne City especially because they beat us earlier in the season, we want redemption like we did against Western United. So I think we want to stay focused on that because we can’t control the results.”

Above: A positive Michelle Heyman ahead of Canberra United’s game with Melbourne City on Sunday. Image: Canberra United.

Canberra United’s 3-0 win at Western United last Saturday served to highlight just how far the side have come over the last month or so. The last time the teams met, the capital city side went down to a 5-0 defeat. Since that period, it’s been onwards and upwards as Michelle Heyman reflected with the media this week.

“It’s incredible! The girls have definitely shown what we (as a side) can do, we’ve dug deep in tough times when we needed to do that but we just have that belief we knew walking into that game (against Western United) we were going to win because we knew we had to win.

“I feel like we do really well under pressure, so coming into this weekend’s game, it’s going to be the exact same feeling, especially losing to them 4-0, I think deep down we all know that it hurt us and I think that gives us more fire in the belly to come out throwing punches, we’re ready to come out there and give it our all and to the last whistle just keep putting everything out there.”

The A-League Women’s record appearance holder and record scorer also belives that her side have thrived in the pressure of having their season on the line almost every week since those two consecutive 5-0 defeats.

“I definitely think so. I feel like pressure makes everyone step up and I think if collective as a whole team that we can do that on the weekend then it’s our game. I know we all respect each other and we all have each other’s back, we always work hard for each other and that’s something we’ve brought into after we lost those two games (against Wellington Phoenix and Western United in Round 11 and Round 12).

“We had to sit down and do some soul-searching and we really wanted to figure out what it was that made us go so low. The one thing that we came to together as a collective and we were like well if we work harder for each other then nothing can really stop us because we know we have the talent, we know we can score goals, we’ve got everything that we need.”

Melbourne Victory:

by Ben Gilby

Above: Melbourne Victory boss Jeff Hopkins is encouraging his side to get the result they need in Wellington to clinch a Finals spot once more. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins has increased player availability for his team’s crunch trip to New Zealand to face Wellington Phoenix in a game that his side dare not lose.

The return of Gema Simon and Lia Privitelli comes at a hugely important time as Hopkins admits that the Victory have found it difficult to put the right selection together in recent weeks.

“We’ve been pushing hard to find the right balance and right line-up since ‘Chids’ (Alex Chidiac) has left, and we’re getting there.

“It’s been hard to put out the team we’ve wanted to each week as we’ve had one or two niggly injuries that we’ve had to manage. In the front third, the quality of our runs and final pass hasn’t quite been right. I’m still looking to find that right balance and combination of players to really click.”

Hopkins reflected on how pleased he was to be welcoming Simon back into the fold after over three months on the sidelines. It’s been a real hard one. A real slog for Gema. For a professional player, she just wants to play. She’s had a lot of niggly knock-backs which have stopped her. Lia (Privitelli) is back as well after not quite being ready last week.

The trip to Wellington is the last of Melbourne Victory’s ‘must not lose’ matches, and Hopkins admitted: “Nothing’s really changed over the last few games really. There’s a lot of pressure on us and other teams. This is the last chance. We know what we’ve got to do – go over there and win the game.

“The players knew the last four weeks were going to be like Finals. I’ve tried to keep a focus on us doing what we have to do. It’s more around the process. If we get the process right, the outcome looks after itself.

Ahead of their first-ever trip to New Zealand to face a Nix side who need to win to have any chance of avoiding the wooden spoon, the Victory head coach revealed the squad have been mixing up their preparations.

“This week we have had a very relaxed week. We’ve done things a bit differently. Hopefully, that change in how we’ve approached the game might get a little change in mentality that might spark us in the game.”

Whilst Wellington Phoenix go into the game bottom of the table, their recent performance levels are far from matching that status. Hopkins has made sure his team are fully aware of the potential perils that could await them at Sky Stadium, with Canberra United, and possibly Perth Glory able to pounce if there is a slip up.

“We have a lot of respect for the (Phoenix) team. They press very high, they play with a real intensity and they press with high intensity. The danger when you are playing out is that you lose the ball and they can attack. We get it wrong, and they are more than capable of playing through our press. They have some very good individual players who can hurt you on the day.

“It’s a big motivating factor for them that they don’t want to finish bottom. The results they’ve had and the performance against Adelaide the other night (a 3-1 win) will give them encouragement. Yet we’re a very good side. and we are confident in our ability to bring a performance that can bring a win. We’re playing in a great stadium, on a great surface that will suit us.”

Wellington Phoenix:

Above: Betsy Hassett speaking to the media earlier today. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington Phoenix’s Betsy Hassett and Milly Clegg are both feeling loose and confident about their chances ahead their final game of the season at home to defending champions Melbourne Victory.

Coming off their midweek win at Adelaide United, The Phoenix are looking to end the season strong against a Victory team who will need a result to make Finals.

Betsy Hassett told the media today that her side are more than ready for the task ahead as they aim to clinch the win that could take them off the bottom of the final ladder. “We’re excited to take on Melbourne Victory this weekend. They’re a tough team, but we’re ready for the challenge. We’ve been working hard in training and we feel like we’re in good form right now.”

Hassett also talked about the importance of concentration throughout the match: “It’s crucial that we stay focused for the entire 90 minutes. Melbourne Victory is a team that can punish you if you switch off for even a moment. So, we’ll need to be alert and focused from start to finish.”

Above: Milly Clegg reflecting on a big week in her embroynic footballing career. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

Milly Clegg, the young starlet who has just received a call-up for the New Zealand national side echoed Hassett’s sentiments: “Melbourne Victory is a strong team, but we’re feeling confident. We know what we need to do on the pitch, and we’ll be giving it our all out there.”

Clegg also emphasized the importance of team unity: “We’ve got a great team dynamic right now, and that’s going to be key in this match. We need to work together as a unit, communicate well on the pitch, and support each other throughout the game.”

Their matchup against Melbourne Victory has Finals implications for Melbourne City, Canberra United, and Perth Glory. This, including Wellington’s own need for a win sees the Sky Stadium clash as a monumental one to end the campaign.

However, once the final whistle goes on the A-League Women season, Hassett and Clegg will not be able to put their feet up. The next morning after the match sees the pair flying to Turkey as two of five Wellington Phoenix players who will be joining the Football Ferns squad for their upcoming fixtures against Iceland and Nigeria.

Clegg is thrilled about the prospect of her first tour with the senior team. “I want to go out there and try my hardest to do my best and put my best foot forward. I’m really excited to be involved in it. So hopefully, I can learn off the other more experienced players and just kind of get a grasp on what the environment is like.”

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Sydney FC v Perth Glory Photo Gallery

Kris Goman was pitchside at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Wednesday night to capture the action as Sydney FC hosted Perth Glory (30/3/23).

Above: Perth Glory’s Alana Jancevski celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot against Sydney FC on Wednesday night. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Sydney FC 4-2 Perth Glory

To read Kieran Yap’s report of the match, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/03/29/sydney-fc-and-wellington-both-have-big-wins-with-different-implications/

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.