McNamara dazzles on return in City win

Newcastle Jets 0-4 Melbourne City

By Jonathan Tay (4/3/23)

Above: Maria Rojas and Hannah Wilkinson (left) celebrate with Chelsea Blissett (right). Image: @MelbourneCity twitter

Returnees Holly McNamara and Maria Rojas starred as Melbourne City defeated the Newcastle Jets 4-0 on Saturday afternoon.

Rojas opened the scoring for City in the first half, before late goals for Rhianna Pollicina, Bryleeh Henry, and Hannah Wilkinson sealed the away victory for the Melbournians.

This was McNamara’s first official game action after over 12 months out, having suffered an ACL tear in February 2022. The 20-year-old was a breakout star of last season’s Liberty A-League, with four goals and three assists in just eight games before her devastating injury.

Melbourne City also welcomed back Rojas to the squad for the first time since Gameweek five. The Sky Blues had sorely missed her creativity and goal-scoring ability, having seen the expected goals on average more than halve in Rojas’ time away. The Chilean was part of her national team’s ultimately unsuccessful campaign to qualify for the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand later this year.

For Newcastle, Teigan Allen and teenager Chloe Walandouw were drafted into a Jets backline missing both centre-backs Emily Garnier and Taren King. Each was suspended after a red card and yellow card respectively last weekend in a dispiriting 6-0 loss to ladder leaders Western United.

The opening stages of the match were an even contest; whilst Melbourne City customarily dominated possession, they created few clear-cut chances. Newcastle were competitive and looked to carve out opportunities on the counter-attack. Lauren Allen couldn’t quite control her shot after getting on the end of a nicely-shaped Murphy Agnew cross, and Cass Davis had their best chance of the game; her fierce strike palmed onto the post by City keeper Sally James.

Things changed however midway through the first period. City boss Dario Vidosic had initially deployed striker Wilkinson out on the left wing to begin the game, a curious decision given her lack of pace and difficulty beating players with the ball on the ground.

A switch in positions with McNamara paid almost immediate dividends, with the opening goal coming in the 25th minute. A Pollicina through ball found McNamara in stride as she burst towards the byline. Her centering ball back to Pollicina saw the midfielder strike the post with her effort, but Rojas was on hand to put home the rebound from close range.

McNamara went on to provide a huge reminder of the talent the league saw from her before her extended absence last season. Her touch-tight control, speed, and one-on-one ability were all on display out on the wing as she took advantage of the undermanned Jets defence. Her dribbling allowed her to create consecutive chances from dangerous crosses for Henry, Pollicina again, and Wilkinson, whilst she had two first-half shots herself saved by Jets keeper Georgina Worth.

City midfielder McKenna had a rasping effort palmed away by Worth in injury time of the opening period; the Newcastle goalie produced a valiant performance in an ultimately lost cause on the day. Melbourne City racked up 12 shots in the first half alone and showed glimpses of some of their early season, free-flowing offensive form.

McNamara picked up in the second half where she left off, latching onto another Pollicina pass; her run beyond the defence forcing Worth into a breakaway stop. However, with the Jets resorting to physicality in an attempt to slow her down, and her minutes being managed in her first game returning from injury, McNamara’s impressive showing ended at the 60-minute mark, as she was substituted for Chelsea Blissett. City though, kept the pressure on, with Pollicina and Henry calling Worth into further saves, as the Melbournians sought the comfort of a two-goal lead.

Newcastle rarely threatened to find an equaliser, an Agnew drive straight at James the closest they came. A second did eventually come for City, followed just three minutes later by a third. Kaitlyn Torpey’s curled cross landed at the feet of Wilkinson, who laid off to Pollicina to finish well, before Henry connected with Blissett between the lines, and fired low into the bottom corner. Wilkinson wrapped up the scoring in the 94th minute, on hand to follow up another Pollicina long range strike which smacked the crossbar.

With the win, City continue to keep pace with the top of the league and move into second place (though Sydney FC, in third, play tomorrow). They will hope McNamara and Rojas continue to re-energise the squad heading into the four remaining matches before the Finals. Newcastle meanwhile, suffers their seventh loss in eight games and will have a challenge on their hands to stave off the wooden spoon whilst playing out the string of their season.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Worth; Clough, Allen, Puxty, Walandouw; Johnson, Davis, Agnew; Allan, Brodigan, Gooch. Substitutes: Coelho (GK), Roach, Andrews, Morley, Morley, Pountney.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-3-3): James; Torpey, Checker, Bowen, Grosso; McKenna, Pollicina; Henry, Rojas, McNamara, Wilkinson. Substitutes: Varley (GK), Accardo, Blissett, Malone.

Scorers: Rojas 25’, Pollicina 79’, Henry 81’, Wilkinson 90+4’.

Referee: Kelly Jones.

Attendance: 940.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Heyman hat-trick overcomes resurgent Reds

Canberra United 4-2 Adelaide United

By Ryan Miller-Woods (4/3/23)

Above: Michelle Heyman (left) and Laura Hughes for Canberra United. Photo: @CanberraUnited twitter

Canberra United are really mounting a serious late-season charge for the Finals with a 4-2 victory against Adelaide United at McKellar Park.

Michelle Heyman continued her superb run of scoring following last week’s brace with a hat-trick today. Canberra’s other goal came from Grace Maher. The visitors had Katie Bowler and Maruschka Waldus on the scoresheet.

Canberra went ahead in the third minute when Grace Maher converted into the bottom left-hand corner.

The home side doubled their advantage when Maher’s long-range pass found Nicki Flannery outside the box who crossed the ball to Vesna Milivojevic. Her shot in the box slightly deflected off Waldus and into the path of a charging Michelle Heyman who directed it into the back of the net.

Nanako Sasaki had a decent chance of scoring for Adelaide but was not able to capitalize on the opportunity after the offside flag was raised.

Adelaide responded through Katie Bowler who scored with her first-time shot going over Keeley Richards and into the bottom left corner in the 20th minute.

Grace Jale started the move that resulted in Canberra’s third. Flannery’s cross from the edge of the box found Heyman who directed a charging header into the bottom left corner in the 30th minute for Heyman’s second within a 20 minute spell.

The scoring spree was not finished yet as within two minutes, Nanako Sasaki’s free kick found Waldus in the box who headed the ball into the bottom right corner.

Sasaki’s creativity continued in the second half. She launched a great pass to Hayward who flicked the ball into the air and then soon after had a shot towards goal that went over the bar in the 56th minute.

There was a coming together between Hannah Holgerson and Richards in the box in the 70th minute which brought a delay to the proceedings. Unfortunately, new signing Holgerson was visibly in tears after being helped to her feet on the pitch before being substituted off in the 72nd minute for Zoe Tolland.

A Canberra goal kick launched the next major opportunity with possession finally working its way to Flannery who was gifted a very good opportunity towards goal in the 73rd minute as her shot just sailed over the bar.

Jale provided an amazing through ball which found Heyman who ran onto the ball and into the box with her shot going past Grove into the bottom left corner to double Canberra’s advantage in the 76th minute.

For Heyman, her third goal of the match and her first hat trick this season brought her total amount of goals for the season to 12 and the competition had a new Golden Boot leader.

Adelaide came agonisingly close to grabbing a late consolation in the 88th minute as a cross by Isabel Hodgson found Dylan Holmes in the box whose header trickled towards the left post.

This victory for Canberra against Adelaide marks their fourth win in a row and most importantly for them, they are now tied on points with Melbourne Victory.

Adelaide showed glimmers of hope, but tt doesn’t get any easier for them. They are home to Perth Glory next round. Whilst Adelaide won the encounter between the two sides at the start of the campaign, both teams are in a very different place now.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (3-4-3): Richards, Murray, Ilijoski, Hughes, Maher, Jale, Taylor-Young, Faulknor, Milivojevic, Flannery, Heyman. Substitutes: Segavic, Taranto, Wu, Middleton Gett.

Scorers: Maher 4’, Heyman 11’, 30’, 76’.

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Grove, E. Hodgson, McCormick, Waldus, Hayward, Holmes, Sasaki, Westland, Barbieri, Bowler, I. Hodgson. Substitutes: Farrow, Holgersen, Kontoutsikos, Tolland, Worts.

Scorers: Bowler 20’, Waldus 32’

Referee: Isabella Libri

Attendance: 1,003.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Site.

A-League Women Friday Media Conferences

by Ben Gilby (3/3/23)

ADELAIDE UNITED

It will be a much-changed Adelaide United squad that travels to Canberra this weekend in a bid to end their winless streak.

With the South Australian side currently on a run of eight games without a win, scoring just four goals in the process (with a tally of only nine for the whole season), it is not going to get any easier.

This week the club lost striker Chelsie Dawber who was recalled by her NWSL side Chicago Red Stars and immediately loaned out to Damallsvenskan outfit IFK Norrköping who are about to start their new season. She told the Swedish team’s media officer about the move:

Also missing will be Dawber’s fellow attacker Emilia Murray who is on Young Matildas duty with teammate Grace Wilson. Sasha Coorey is still out with a knee injury. In a bid to plug the gaps, Adelaide United have added Hannah Holgersen and Erin Kontoutsikos to its squad on short-term contracts. Both players have been added to the extended squad for the trip to the national capital.

Holgersen is a 25-year-old Danish striker who has made 10 appearances for Aarhus GF in the top tier of the sport in Denmark. Kontoutsikos is a product of the Football SA NTC side.

Above: Dylan Holmes in training this week ahead of Adelaide United’s trip to Canberra. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

Adelaide United’s Dylan Holmes has backed her side to build on their efforts at Melbourne Victory last weekend when they look to record their first win of 2023 at Canberra United tomorrow.

Speaking to the media today, Holmes reflected on that match last week: “Overall it was definitely a frustrating result, but there are a lot of positives that we can take out of the game, leading after going behind. We have had problems scoring this season, so that was a good thing.

“We showed some great resilience. Conceding a goal early is hard to take, but we bounced back. It feels like every goal against us is a freak one. Annie (Annalee Grove) is having a great season for us, and anyone who knows how much work she put in during pre-season won’t be surprised to see how she is doing. She has stood up at key moments for us.”

Asked about Adelaide United’s poor current run of results, Holmes said: “Through the course of the season, in games we have lost, we have been competitive and mixing it with the best. It’s been us not taking chances and the other team taking their chances.”

In tandem with losing two of their key attacking players for the trip to Canberra, Holmes and her team mates also face a home side who are in superb form.

“Canberra are a great side. In the last few weeks, they have hit good form and are scoring a lot of goals. Canberra is always a tough place to go and play. It should be a really good game. It is a must-win for both teams.”

Whilst the Reds are currently doing it tough, the midfielder believes the number of youngsters being blooded this season means better times are ahead in South Australia.

“Since January we have been struggling a bit. The great thing is we have some really young South Australian girls who will hopefully be around for the coming years, so the future looks bright. At the current time, results are not going our way, so some of the older ones can try and help develop the younger ones so we are even stronger next year.”

NEWCASTLE JETS

Above: Emily Roach speaking to the media this week. Image: Newcastle Jets.

On-loan Newcastle Jets midfielder Emily Roach has told the media this week that she is looking to combine playing minutes with a successful end to the season with Gary van Egmond’s side, despite a tough baptism on her debut.

Roach was part of the Jets side that went down 6-0 to league leaders Western United at home last weekend. She has mixed emotions about the afternoon, saying: “It was a tough one, but great to get out on the field in front of all the fans. That was awesome, (but) we need to be a lot better than last weekend.

“I prefer playing in the midfield, I played at nine (against Western United), but it was great to be out there. I think I did alright. Western United are a really, really good team, so it was tough to get the ball.”

The midfielder, a Queensland native moved to Canberra United for this season but found it a challenge to break into their starting line-up. “Canberra United’s squad is so unreal, there is so much talent,” Roach said. “I just want to get some game time, so I’m here for the last six games of the season.”

Despite a tough period for the Jets, their new signing sees a real desire within the squad to put things right and move away from the wooden spoon battle.

“Everyone is so positive still. The girls are not the kind to jump on each other after a loss. We’re still working hard in training every day to make sure we don’t get another result like that.”

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

A-League Women Thursday Media Conferences

2/3/23

MELBOURNE CITY:

by Jonathan Tay

Above: Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic directs training. Photo: Melbourne City.

“The Mac is back.” That was Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic’s triumphant announcement of young starlet Holly McNamara’s return to his squad ahead of their weekend clash with the Newcastle Jets.

Having torn her ACL in February last year, McNamara has gone through plenty of hard work to get to this point, having just tipped past the 12-month mark.

“She’ll be ready for Newcastle,” Vidosic said. “I know what it’s like, and I know what she’ll probably be feeling after such a long time away and it’s now building up. Not just us but the whole league, everyone’s really excited. It’s never nice to see anyone out; when you’re on the sidelines and you’re watching especially for an extended period of time. The work she’s put in to get to this point, we’re all really anticipating and looking forward to watching her play.

“I don’t want to give away too much – just in case anyone’s listening – but she’s capable, pretty much the green light; we’ll talk again today to the medical team and decide. We’ve still got today’s session and tomorrow’s session and we’ll just see how everyone feels, and tactically how we’ll go into that game.”

After an extended break, with the international period immediately followed by their bye week, the City boss provided an update on current absentees within the squad. Vidosic also touched on another returnee, Maria Rojas, who unfortunately comes back to Melbourne after an unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign with Chile.

“We’re hoping to have Naomi (Chinnama) back in a couple games,” Vidosic stated. “Bubs (Melissa Barbieri) is not long after that and Karly (Roestbakken) we’ll have to see; she’s a day-to-day prospect. We’ve got Dani (Galic) away with the under-20s [Matildas], and we wish her a successful trip. We’re excited to have Cote (Maria Rojas) back as well; she’s rejoined us and is ready for this weekend. It’s exciting when everyone’s back together.

“We were Chile’s number one supporter for that game; we were all glued to the screens, and I think she made a great impact when she came on and scored. They were a little bit unlucky with the ball off the crossbar three times, but it’s hard when it’s that one game – like a grand final – to qualify for the biggest prize, to go to a World Cup. So we gave her a couple days off, mentally just to refresh. She was excited to be back and she can’t wait to get back on the pitch and show her qualities as arguably the best player in the league when she left to go with the national team.

“It’s a good headache to have, I haven’t had the chance to choose from a 100% fit squad all season – it’s a part of football unfortunately. It’s good to have people coming back where we’ve got options; it just comes down to how individuals have trained and what our tactical approach is for the weekend.”

Above: Dario Vidosic makes a point to his squad in training. Photo: Melbourne City.

City are looking to bounce back after suffering consecutive defeats before the international window to Sydney FC and Western United. With just five games remaining, they have a task on their hands to close the eight-point gap to the top of the ladder (with one game in hand). They take on a Newcastle Jets side who are in the midst of another dismal season, having lost six of their last seven, including a 6-0 thrashing last weekend also against Western United.

“I just want to win, I want 15 points, we want to win every game from here until the end,” Vidosic affirmed. “If we don’t, we don’t, sometimes football can be against you. We’ve been in games this season where we’ve been the dominant team and haven’t picked up the three points. But in terms of the progress we’ve made, in terms of collective and individually it’s something we can be proud of.

“We’ll go out (with the) same mentality, we don’t just want to make the top four; from day one ours has been to win. We know now there’s less games, and it’s starting to get to the exciting part of the season where all the trophies are there to be played for. So for these last five games, we’ll continue to be us.

“They’ll (Newcastle) come out hungry. They were very unfortunate, they had a send-off very early in the game at one-nil; they needed a result so they couldn’t really sit back and defend. On Saturday it’s going to be a completely different game; we know their strengths, we know they’ve got dangerous players and they’ll want to bounce back after a six-nil – no one likes losing.

“Sometimes it’s not your day, where you try something and it doesn’t work. Every team has quality players and on any given day you can be beaten if you don’t turn up or give your best efforts.”

Newcastle Jets host Melbourne City at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday with a 3pm local time kick-off.

PERTH GLORY:

by Ben Gilby

Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis. Photo: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis told the media today that if his team wants to play Finals, they need to concentrate on their own progress rather than that of Melbourne Victory who they are looking to chase down to make fourth place.

With the defending champions dropping points in recent weeks, Perth know that if they can keep winning, they will go ahead of Victory once they play their game in hand.

“It’s hard to ignore (the fact that Victory are dropping points) because the players watch the games, we watch the games as staff as you want to know what’s happening. What we have to do is to continue to be us and focus on ourselves individually and as a collective. If we worry about what next door are doing, our own grass will get too long.”

With four successive wins and five games undefeated, there’s not a lot of worrying going on at present at the club’s Fremantle Oval base, with Epakis revealing: “The players are happy, the staff are happy, but we’re all committed, and focussed.

“Everything we are doing on the training field – the preparation and effort going on during the week is getting us points on the weekend, but we’re also fixated on the next game and the one after that.

“The key message now is we can’t change what we are doing and must keep going in our mindset whether it’s in our hands or not. Knowing that’s there in the background is nice, but we won’t shift anything in what we’ve done.

“We tweak things, but we’re not training in a different way, just keeping momentum. It’s just making sure the players are physically and mentally ready. We have six games this month and the big road trip. Where possible we need to freshen.”

Above: Hana Lowry is congratulated by proud captain Tash Rigby in Perth Glory’s most recent win against Brisbane Roar. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

Perth Glory’s most recent victory was last Saturday’s 2-0 success at home to Brisbane Roar, with home-town hero Hana Lowry scoring high-quality individual goals. Whilst those strikes put the locally produced star in the headlines, the purple’s boss highlighted her regular workload that often goes under the radar.

“Hana is a perfectionist. She tries unbelievably hard at every aspect of her game. She will be striving to be better this weekend. A lot of the things she does do not always result in goals. There are assists, there is killer passing, there are a lot of elements in her game she is doing well at right now. She is very level-headed and grounded.”

This Sunday sees the Glory at home once again and going all out to extend the fortress- like record that they currently have at their Macedonia Park home in Balcatta which has seen Epakis’ side keep three consecutive clean sheets, scoring eight goals in the process.

Their opponents Western Sydney Wanderers have banished fears of the wooden spoon since the arrival of Sarina Bolden gave Kat Smith’s side a focal point up front to provide a link with their strong approach work. The Perth boss sees Wanderers as a potential banana skin.

“Where they are right now, they probably want to finish the season as high as they can and build for next season. They have the players that, if we’re not focussed, they will hurt us. That has been a really key message. We can’t take anyone for granted. They have players in transition who can cause problems with their speed and impact.”

Perth Glory host Western Sydney Wanderers at Macedonia Park on Sunday with a 4pm local time kick-off.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Chelsie Dawber & Emilia Murray: the future is from Adelaide

In this week’s Midweek Dub feature, Kieran Yap spoke exclusively to Adelaide United attackers Emilia Murray and Chelsie Dawber (1/3/23).

Above: Emilia Murray celebrates her Round One goal. Image via Keep Up.

Adelaide United fans are no strangers to having quality strikers at the club. Michelle Heyman, Mary Fowler, and last season’s Julie Dolan medallist Fiona Worts are some of the names to have led the line for the Reds.

Two more names have now been added to that illustrious list. Chelsie Dawber and Emilia Murray are two of Australia’s most promising forwards. Both are South Australians playing for the club they grew up as fans of.

Dawber enjoyed a career-best season in 2021/22. Her 10 goals were the result of consistent, and often spectacular play. She has a powerful and precise right foot that is capable of defence-splitting passes or thunderous strikes. Her form earned her a contract in the NWSL with Sam Kerr’s former side, Chicago Red Stars.

Murray is one of the brightest prospects in Australian Football. The 18-year-old is lightning quick and as courageous as she is creative. She has become a fixture in Young Matildas squads and has broken through to be a regular in Adelaide United’s first team this year.

In Round one, the pair of local stars combined to score a dramatic winner over Sydney FC.

“I knew we needed to get a goal,” recalls Dawber of the moment.

“It’s something that I do quite often that goes a bit unnoticed, my long balls and switches of play. I looked up and saw that she was there. I always knew that Millsy’s (Murray) always making that run in behind. Even if she doesn’t get the ball, she’s always going to be there.

“I looked up and hit it, she was in the right position, it was a deserved first goal in the A-League Women.”

It is hard to do the goal justice in words. Dawber’s pass was from almost halfway. The ball sailed to the perfect position between Murray’s run to the edge of the box and the onrushing Jada Whyman. It was late in the game with no room for error, and a spectacular winner from the leaping Murray.

“I was on the bench, then I got subbed on and I think I was on for about 10 minutes or so,” says Murray of her breakout moment. 

“I knew that I just had to make as much impact as I could.  Chelsie and I have a great connection on the pitch. I saw her, she had space and I just put my hand up and she put a beautiful ball into me and I just went for it.

“I don’t always do headers, it was definitely a first, then I saw it go into the net and I was in shock. In my peripheral vision, I could see her coming but I went for it. I knew I had the players around me, but I leapt up and got whatever I could onto it.

“I was genuinely in so much shock as you could probably see in some of the photos.”

Murray has been in the Adelaide squad for a number of years, both as a train on and senior player. But this is the first campaign she is featuring regularly on game day. It has required a slight change in position, although its paid dividends in Round one.

“Back in NTC and NPL, I used to switch out between wing and number nine, so it was familiar with me. I do love the wing because I can run all day and I can go up and down the line. It’s a different mindset playing in nine but I do love it.

“In NPL I find myself in so many different spaces and get played every through ball, but obviously it’s a lot harder in the A-League Women. I love the challenge and it’s so good being up against amazing centre-backs.”

While Murray is enjoying the beginning of her career, Dawber is operating at the peak of her still-young career. She is now one of the more experienced attackers in the Adelaide squad. To the halfway point of the season, she had an involvement or assist in every single Reds goal except one.

At age 23, she is already a barometer for the team. A player fans can look to for impact in the big moments and opposition supporters are beginning to fear.

“I’ve always been the younger one in teams that I’ve played in,” says Dawber. “I don’t think it changes too much for me in the way that I play, but as a leader I try and help the likes of Milsy (Emilia Murray) and the younger players that come on, and try and pass on the knowledge that I’ve learned.

“I love Milsy, she’s a great girl. She’s always willing to work hard and learn from other people. She’s what I want in a teammate, someone who is going to make that run or is going to make that pass for you to score, or the next person to score.

“I think she’s going to be a great player, just with a bit more experience and knowledge, she’s been awesome to play with so far.”

Starring in the Green and Gold

Dawber and Murray both represented Australia in the past year. Their experiences were vastly different, but both impressed in the Green and Gold.

Dawber was selected to be part of Australia’s first Under 23’s Women’s side to compete in the AFF Championships in Manilla in 2022.

Travel chaos meant that her tournament did not go to plan early.

“My trip started off a bit later than everyone else,” she recalls. “It took about three days to get from America to the Philippines. My flight was delayed from Chicago to LA, then I missed my flight from LA to the Philippines.

Dawber missed the first few training sessions, where tactics were bedded down. However, with Australia trailing to the host nation, she was given a chance to find an equaliser. The match ended in a 1-0 defeat, and things would only get harder before they got better.

“I was struck with food poisoning. Mackenzie Hawkesby and I, we both ended up going to hospital in the Philippines. I spent about four or five days in the hospital, then came out and played the last game of the tournament. I scored two goals in the first 20 minutes and was playing quite well, then I had no energy left because I hadn’t eaten in five days.

“As terrible as that experience was I was grateful that I was able to play in some games and stick my foot in the door for the national team squads. It was very cool to play with lots of girls I’ve never played with before. It was also good to get to know those girls and the coaching staff of the Matildas as well.”

Although they did not progress beyond the group stages, Australia’s Under 23’s played some stunning football. One of Dawber’s strikes was a contender for goal of the tournament.

“I knew we had to score lots of goals that game just to get through the tournament, so I thought I’d back myself and see what happens,” she said of the moment.

The well-worked move ended with Sarah Hunter’s lofted pass finding Dawber behind the Malaysian defence. She controlled it with one touch but was tucked against the byline. With the defenders (and teammates) expecting a cross, Dawber snuck the ball in at the near post with a ridiculous finish. In a 6-0 win, it was just one sign of the bright future of Australia’s national teams.

Murray is also a part of that future. The prodigious attacker has wanted to be a professional footballer as long as she can recall.  

“Since I was born I’ve always been involved in soccer. I have three older siblings, they always played. I was born in the country, and they were always involved in soccer. I was always going to games and watching.

“I probably started when I was about three or four years old. I mostly played with boys and the older girls, because we didn’t have enough for a young team.

“I did that for a couple of years, then we moved to Adelaide, and I got into the state program. I’ve been in that for a very long time, and that’s helped me a lot with my development.

“I always knew I wanted to get as far as I could in soccer, its always been my number one passion.”

In November of 2022, Murray was called up to the Young Matildas squad to host the Pacific Women’s Four Nations Tournament in Canberra.

She joined current A-League Women’s stars Sasha Grove, Shay Hollman, and Claudia Cicco in the side that won the cup. Murray was named captain of the national team. It was a moment that took her completely by surprise.

“It was during the end of the year and I had my year 12 exams. I had to do one of my maths exams over at camp. I was just about to go into the room to do my camp supervised exam, and Leah (Blayney) came up and said ‘you’re going to be captain for this tournament’, and she gave me a hug and I was in shock.

“That whole time sitting in the exam I was like ‘oh my god, I’m captain.’

“So much happened that week. It was like a big dream. It was my birthday (during) and we ended up going to Parliament House and having two other countries sing happy birthday to me in their own language and in the way they do it back at home.”

Murray was once again selected to represent Australia for the Under-20 Asian Cup qualifiers. She will form part of a frightening Young Matildas attack alongside other A-League Women stars as Sasha Grove, and Daniela Galic.

Beating challenges and pushing forward

Following the end of her loan back home at Adelaide United, Dawber will likely return to Chicago for the NWSL season. It has been a challenging environment for her, but one that she says was beneficial.

“It was definitely hard being away from home,” she said. But I think that allowed me to grow as a person on and off the pitch, things like living on my own, developing as a person, and having to do things that I’m probably fortunate that my parents do for me at home.

“I was fortunate enough to play with some national team players like Mal Pugh and Alyssa Naeher, and training with them each day.

“The highest quality over there is probably better, but overall, both the A-League and NWSL are good leagues to play in and have strengths of their own.”

Dawber is ready to prove herself in the United States, and make a push for World Cup selection, and keep herself on the radar of national team selectors.

Murray is still establishing herself in the A-League Women, but already looks comfortable at the top level and Reds fans will hope the homegrown heroes can continue linking up for years to come.

Neither player are strangers to setbacks, but are determined and talented.

“I think having the faith of sticking to it and working hard (is important),” says Murray.

“You will get dropped or benched but keep going because there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Now I’m starting I have to take that with humility and keep going, never stop.”

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

A-League Women Wednesday Media Conferences & News

1/3/23

CANBERRA UNITED

by Ben Gilby

Above: Emma Ilijoski who highlighted the importance of belief in the potential of the team in Canberra United’s recent winning run. Image: Canberra United.

Canberra United’s Emma Ilijoski believes that hard work and belief in their ability has been key in the team following two successive 5-0 defeats with three wins on the bounce.

Speaking to the media, Ilijoski said: “It feels really good to be getting these results. Everyone is so buzzy in training after getting the job done and we want to keep it going. As a team, we knew we were better than our results, and we can see our training come off on the field and it’s going to be a really good end to the season now.”

The impact of that superb run of results has been translated into additional pep in their attacking play, as the capital city side player identified: “We feel really relaxed, and I think we saw that at the weekend (against Western Sydney Wanderers), we looked really confident on the ball.”

Above: Canberra United’s Kennedy Faulknor speaking to the media today. Image: Canberra United.

Canberra United’s Kennedy Faulknor is hugely proud of her team’s response to adversity as they look to extend their winning run against Adelaide United this weekend.

“I think it’s been an amazing couple of weeks. After those two (5-0 defeats), we came together as a team and we’re just hoping to keep it going moving forward,” said the Canadian-born player when she spoke to the media today.

“There is a lot of confidence, and you can really see that with the way we are on the ball and how we are moving it around. Every game we have is a crucial game, and I think we’re ready for the challenge. We’re here, and we’re ready to make it into the top four.”

Whilst Canberra’s opponents on Saturday, Adelaide United are on a long winless run, the centre-back believes that the South Australians will pose her side a stern test.

“I know they are a good team and they will come for us. We will be ready for them, we know how to play them and what to look for. We’re up for the challenge.”

WELLINGTON PHOENIX

by Ben Gilby

Above: Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Brianna Edwards reflects on an incredible season today. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Brianna Edwards reflected on what has been a season full of firsts when she spoke to the media today.

Lily Alfeld’s injury before the campaign started meant that the 20-year-old has started every game for the Phoenix this season and received successive call-ups to New Zealand’s last two international camps.

“It’s been huge. I never expected to be in this position so early in my career, and this year as well, especially heading into a World Cup. The environment is incredible and the people are incredible. The first camp was easier than the second. I went into the first having no idea what I was going into and just took it as it came.

“The second camp, I knew what was expected of me and I was nervous because I have high expectations of myself and I want to meet those expectations. The coaches were happy with how I performed. They said I was tracking well and I’m good at pushing the players around me.”

If international call-ups and regular game time were not enough, Edwards was also handed the captain’s armband for the Phoenix recently after Chloe Knott left the pitch.

“Chloe gave it to me and I said ‘I don’t want this!’ but Chloe said that I do, and Wis (Grace Wisnewski) put it on my arm and I was, like, ‘it is what it is’, but I think I’m a leader in the team without an armband, it comes naturally for me. It was pretty incredible.”

Whilst Edwards might be small in stature, she more than makes up for it with her command of the penalty area and her defenders.

“I always say I’m not physically the biggest or the tallest, but I have a huge amount of communication and leadership from the back, and that counts as much, or even more so than being physical. I’m probably the loudest on the field. We are open and honest with each other.”

With the regular season moving into its final month or so, the Phoenix shot-stopper believes that her team can build on recent promising performances to finish the campaign strongly.

“We’ve grown as a team and I’ve had to step into some huge shoes that I didn’t think I would this year. It has been a huge learning curve. We’ve narrowed down the losses to 1-0s, and there is so much more to come from this team.

“After that game against Sydney, one of the best sides in the league, we have so much to prove now and achieve. We have six games left and I’m hoping for six wins.”

Above: Michaela Robertson speaking to the media today. Image: Wellington Phoenix.

Michaela Robertson believes that coming into A-League Women football from playing and training with boys has stood her in good stead.

In her media conference today, the 26-year-old said: “I came in with not a lot of expectations or knowing about the level of football I was up against,

“I was training and playing with boys, and the physicality is similar here. The boys are pretty fast too, and I’ve had to keep up with some pretty fast players here as well! It’s been a good transition for me.”

Robertson has grown into the Phoenix team this season, and is positive that the best is yet to come from the side – as they look to end the campaign as strongly as they did last time round.

“We have had some close games. We’ve talked about wins coming, and we had one against Canberra, and there is still time yet to turn things around. We’ve been unlucky a few times with some 1-0 losses, but we will be working and trying to get some points in the bag.

“We’re pushing, still trying to climb off the bottom. The motivation is there and we’re working hard.

WESTERN UNITED

Above: New Western United signing Tiana Jaber, pictured during her time with Newcastle Jets. Photo: Newcastle Herald.

Western United has added strength in depth to its defence with the signing of Tiana Jaber on an injury replacement deal following Aimee Medwin’s anterior cruciate ligament injury last week.

The 22-year-old full-back, formerly of Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers, Jaber brings ready-made Liberty A-League experience with a desire to make an impact at the top level again.

Upon arriving in the West, Jaber said she is eager to get to work with the league leaders and hopes to showcase her ability in the professional league once more.

“I’m so excited and grateful to be a part of the A-League again. I can’t wait to start working hard and keep doing what I love. I’m very motivated and honoured to be a part of this impressive squad. It’s every player’s dream to win trophies, so this chance is incredible and I will give it everything I have.”

Western United Head Coach Mark Torcaso said Jaber’s availability was the perfect solution for United and that he is confident she will fit seamlessly into the team.

“Tiana being available and ready to sign is perfect for us and I’m excited to see her join the group going forward. We are extremely confident in Tiana’s ability, her ready-made experience at this level and the strengths that she has that can complement our team.

“She has great versatility, is physically imposing, and has quality on the ball as well. I’m looking forward to having her give us a boost for the remainder of the season.”

Jaber was a constant figure in Newcastle’s team last season, playing 12 times and even scoring the club’s goal of the season with a long-range stunner against the Wanderers, a club she debuted for as a teenager in the 2019/20 season.

She has since been in pre-season training with Bankstown City in NPLW New South Wales and has set herself up for another opportunity at Liberty A-League level.

Jaber joins the squad immediately and will hope to put herself in contention for United’s huge top-of-the-table clash with Sydney FC at the weekend.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Barry Town United v Abergavenny photo gallery

Perry Dobbins was at Jenner Park to capture this outstanding selection of photos from Barry Town United‘s Genero Adran Premier match against Abergavenny (1/3/23).

Above: Abergavenny players show their delight after their win at Barry Town United, secured four minutes from full-time Photo: Perry Dobbins.

Barry Town United 0-1 Abergavenny

Abergavenny (red) started their phase two Genero Adran Premier campaign with a 1-0 win at Barry Town United, thanks to a goal in the 86th minute from Alanna Murphy.

Teams: BARRY TOWN UNITED: Brennan, Harris, Jenkins, Ebbin, Mulenga, Jones, Bennett, Evans, Hamed-Jones, Trivett, Olden. Substitutes: Herbert, R. Thomas, L. Thomas, Parry, Davies.

ABERGAVENNY: Gingell, Atkins, Barnes, Boyd, Bull, C. Davies, Grosvenor, Murphy, Scrivens, Stanton, Williams. Substitutes: Chambers, Cybulska, Wilce.

Scorer: Murphy 86′.

Alana Jancevski: The pitch is her playground

Perth Glory attacker Alana Jancevski spoke exclusively to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about last season’s challenges, the tightness of the playing group, and how she hit THAT free kick at Western United last month (28/2/23).

Above: Alana Jancevski fires in a shot for Perth Glory against Newcastle Jets at Macedonia Park. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

There are 72 minutes on the clock and Perth Glory are locked at 1-1 away to A-League Women leaders Western United. The Western Australian side are awarded a free-kick around 25 yards from goal, up steps Alana Jancevski.

The 19-year-old delivers a set-piece combining a vicious spin with awesome power that whistles past Hillary Beal and into the net. It’s not just one of the goals of this season, it’s one of the goals of any season. Yet it’s something that those who have followed her career since its earliest days were not surprised by.

Above: Alana Jancevski celebrating her sensational strike for Perth Glory against Western United. Photo: Keep Up.

Last season, Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby said of her teammate: “The pitch is her playground.” It’s where Jancevski delivers the incredible on a regular basis. She is a player that you can never take your eyes off as you are never quite sure what the Victoria-born youngster will pull out of her large bag of tricks next.

Alana Jancevski began playing football at the age of five. Her first club was Bundoora United to the north of Melbourne, where she was a part of boys’ teams until the age of 12 when she became part of the NTC (National Training Centre) in Victoria where she remained for five years.

Given a place at Melbourne Victory as a train-on player for three of those years, she was called up by the Junior Matildas in 2018/2019 – a period that saw her score another memorable goal for her country against Thailand. The teenager was also given national exposure by being part of the Kick TV series on ABC ME which followed her journey in football.

Above: Alana Jancevski pictured after scoring for Thailand for the Young Matildas. Photo: AFC.

Jancevski made the move from Victoria across to Perth as an 18-year-old last season. That in itself would be a challenge for anyone so young, but with the additional difficulties of the pandemic, which closed the state border and force the club into a New South Wales hub for the entire season, before the player herself became ill, it was seriously tough.

“It was a difficult period for us as a group,” Jancevski admitted to me, “being away from your home is challenging. Not having home advantage and being stuck in a hub wasn’t good. It did though help our team culture. We got closer as a group and we really flourished in our performances and we kinda became a little family. It was also tough with COVID.”

Despite the difficulties, the attacker had an impressive season as part of a Perth side who against all odds only missed out on Finals football by goal difference from eventual champions Melbourne Victory.

With the A-League Women season over, Jancevski returned to Victoria and played the NPLW campaign with Bulleen Lions – an environment in which she thrived.

“It was my second season there and it was one I wanted to do well in, and after the sickness I had, I wanted to come in and get fit again. I had a lot of confidence in the season and that showed in my performances. As a club, they gave me that environment and the confidence to do that, and I enjoyed my time there.”

Above: In her trademark 23 shirt, Alana Jancevski at Bulleen Lions during the NPLW Victoria season in 2022. Photo: Gold Leaf Creative.

In the latter part of 2022, the 19-year-old joined up with her Perth Glory teammates once more, and for the first time since joining the club was able to fully experience life in Western Australia, and the advantages of home support. It’s fair to say it’s a city that Jancevski is loving.

“I really enjoy it here, it’s a great environment for football. I have the enjoyment of training, but also being able to go to the beach and experience the day life of Perth. I’ve really enjoyed the calmness and chilled vibe. Being able to play at Macedonia Park, the atmosphere is amazing.”

Perth Glory are experiencing a season of two halves in 2022/23. With a strong squad and high hopes of Finals football, it took a bit longer than hoped for the results to come, and a further difficulty added in was the season-ending injury for top scorer Rylee Baisden. It was a huge blow, but Jancevski believes that it has only underlined the fact that her team are one that thrives when their backs are against the wall.

“Losing Rylee was a big loss to the group. She was such a sunshine and we all loved her very much. It was tough to digest. We might not have started the season as we wanted, but we brought components of our game in snippets and we knew when we brought it together for larger parts of the game we would do well.

Above: Alana Jancevski in possession for Perth Glory against Melbourne Victory this season at Macedonia Park. Photo: Tom McCarthy.

“When our backs are against the wall, and we’ve been through so much together the last few years, we thrive. Sometimes things don’t go your way – are you going to rise above it, or just sit in it, and as a group, we love to thrive in difficult conditions. We love the heat and we love to travel. We are ready to do things that are uncomfortable. We are in that hunt mode and we know what we are capable of.”

The Victorian reflected on her own game this season, saying: “I’ve had some really good performances, and I’m happy with how I’m going. I’ve been able to show the player that I am and the confidence and flair that I like to play with in front of goal. It’s been nice to score and get some assists. I’m playing with confidence and being myself, and I’m enjoying having that impact on the team.

“We have a very strong team and everyone has different assets. I’ve been able to execute really well coming on as an impact player. It depends on how the team are going. I’m training well and executing well on the pitch. I think I’m doing really well in that respect.”

When it comes to executing well, there is no better example than the stunning goal that Jancevski scored against Western United.

Reflecting on that strike, the Perth star said: “I’ve always loved being on a set piece. There has been a lot of practice. My craft is being in front of goal and shooting. That one felt pretty nice and sweet off the boot. It was definitely one of my best.”

“I’m very much an instinct player. In the moment, I was very much in the zone. Everything around me just stopped. It was one of those special moments that footballers get. When you are in that flow state, everything kinda happens on its own. I’m an instinct player and that is how it felt.”

Alana Jancevski on her stunning free-kick against Western United.

With Perth Glory well in the mix for Finals football as one of four or five sides competing for potentially only one available spot, there is a lot to look forward to for Jancevski and her teammates as the season reaches its climax. However, in order to reach the Finals, the team will have to overcome a packed March schedule of five games – which is equal to a quarter of the entire season – including a run of three games in three different states in six days.

“March is going to be a crazy month of football,” the attacker admitted, “but in terms of how we want to perform when you play football you want to be in a competitive environment. When you see four or five teams so close to that bracket, is something you thrive in and you live for. You want competition, you don’t want an easy tournament. It’s good pressure.

“In terms of what we need to do, we have clicked well as a group. We just need to keep being confident, keep playing our brand of football, keep scoring heaps of goals, and the rest will settle itself. If we put pressure on some teams, they might crumble.”

“As a footballer or an athlete in general, your main goal should be to win. I’m so competitive and hate to lose, so getting into the Finals is one step, and if you make that top four, you never know what is going to happen. I just want to keep adding to the group by scoring goals and assisting.”

With Alana Jancevski on the pitch, a goal, assist or moment of magic is never far away, and that Finals dream is very real indeed.

Artwork: Charlotte Stacey, founder of On Her Side.

Pontypridd pounce to deny Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth Town 1-2 Pontypridd United

from Aberystwyth Town Women Media Team (28/2/23)

Above: Bethan Roberts (green and black) chases possession for Aberystwyth Town on Sunday. Photo: Steve Williams.

Aberystwyth Town began the second half of the Genero Adran Premier campaign in less than ideal fashion with a last-gasp defeat at the hands of Pontypridd United, falling 2-1 at Park Avenue.

After two cup losses in a row, Gav Allen’s side were keen to get back to league action. Tania Wylde opened the scoring with a thumping penalty after 12 minutes following a foul on Amy Jenkins. But Olivia Francis notched an equaliser just before the half-hour.

There were great chances for the hard-working Gwenllian Jones and Emily Thomas and one particularly fine save from Aber goalkeeper Elen Valentine, back from Wales U19 duty, using her feet brilliantly to deny Carys Bufton.

Above: Elen Valentine makes one of many great saves for Aberystwyth Town against Pontypridd United. Photo: Steve Williams.

But Bufton would ultimately prevail, scoring with two minutes left on the clock to seal all three points for the visitors.

The second half also marked a home debut for 15-year-old Modlen Gwynne, coming on in the 74th minute; she made her first senior start in the Genero Adran Trophy semi-final defeat to Cardiff Met two weeks ago.

Above: Modlen Gwynne (7) on her home debut for Aberystwyth Town. Photo: Steve Williams.

The Seasiders are back at home next Sunday as they face Barry Town United at Park Avenue (kick-off 2pm).

Teams: ABERYSTWYTH TOWN: Valentine, Gwilt, Mathias, Roberts, E.Thomas, Isaac, Chambers, Evans, Jones, Wylde, Jenkins. Substitutes: K.Thomas, Gwynne, Challinor, Mawle, Baker.

Scorer: Wylde (pen) 12′.

PONTYPRIDD UNITED: Jones, Greenway, Daley, Broad, Bayliss, Trinci, Pervin-Davies, Francis, Jones, Hughes, Bufton. Substitutes: Brooke (GK), Gunney, Turner, Jones.

Scorers: Francis 28, Bufton 88′.

Norfolk Weekly Wrap

Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (28/2/23).

Above: Megan Todd (centre) is embraced after scoring the opening goal in Norwich City’s 2-1 win over Cambridge United. Photo: Norwich City Women FC.

FA Women’s National League Division One South-East

Norwich City ended February in style with a 2-1 win over Cambridge United. Megan Todd opened the scoring before Gisela Otten equalised for Cambridge United. A late winner from Freya Symonds ensured the points went to the Norfolk side.

Eastern Region League Cup Round of 16

King’s Lynn Town secured a confidence-boosting 3-0 win over Billericay Development at The Walks. Alice Collins, Rachel Skinner, and Katie Ward were on target for Kevin Smith’s team.

Wroxham were beaten 4-2 at home by Royston Town after extra time. Rebecca Russell and Holly Walker scored for the Norfolk side but it was Royston who progressed thanks to two goals apiece from Gemma Croucher and Poppy Smith.

Fakenham Town put up stubborn resistance but ultimately went down heavily to Needham Market. Sophie Lubbock and Olivia Baker scored for the Norfolk side but a Lina Nagib hat-trick and goals from Lois Balfour, Eleanor Catchpole, Mia Etheridge, and Eloise Ward saw the Suffolk side progress to the next round.

Norfolk Women’s And Girls League Cup Semi-Finals

Above: Victoria Leyer (centre) was the hat-trick hero as Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers beat Caister 6-1 at The Nest. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.

A Victoria Leyer hat-trick was the highlight as Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers beat Caister 6-1 at The Nest to reach final. Further goals from Georgina Belton, Tallulah Bell, and Karolina Kowalczyk secured a comfortable win with Leah Brown getting the Caister reply.

Three goals in eight second-half minutes saw Thetford Town come back at the University of East Anglia to reach the final. Ella Burnley had given the hosts an early lead which they held until half an hour into the second half but three quick goals from Laura Martins and a Kamilie Omeleviciute saw the Breckland side seal their place in the final.

The Norfolk Women and Girls League Cup Final will be played at Aylsham Town FC in May.

Norfolk Women And Girls Plate Quarter-Finals

Above: Celebrations as Mulbarton Development beat Beccles Town 3-2. Photo: Sean Golding (SG Photography).

Mulbarton Belles were 7-1 winners at Stalham Town thanks to goals from Molly Ryan (three), Francesca Catchpole (two), and one each from Olivia Smith and Ellie Hunter.

Mulbarton’s Development side also ran out winners beating Beccles Town 3-2. Charlotte Groves scored all the Mulbarton goals whilst Mia Rose and Lucy Robbens were Beccles’ scorers.

Thorpe St. Andrew were handed a free pass to the Semi Final as Gorleston withdrew from their tie, and the match between Freethorpe and Aylsham was postponed.

Norfolk Women’s And Girls League Division One

Samantha Walker was a hat-trick hero as Long Stratton beat Sprowston 4-2 at Manor Road. Emma Allsopp added the other for Long Stratton with Rosie Milligan and Lois Wright replying for Sprowston.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

King’s Lynn Soccer Club were 5-1 winners at Blofield United thanks to a pair of goals each from Jordan Turner and Ellie Panks plus a fifth from Trinity Tokaji. Bailey Duffield replied for Blofield.

North Walsham‘s wonderful form continued with a 3-0 win over Shrublands. A Stella Fletcher-Helps brace and a goal from Fiona-May Swanson saw North Walsham take all three points.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Cup Semi-Final

Mulbarton Belles made it a remarkable hat-trick of wins for the club’s different teams on the day with goals from Alice Ladbrooke (two) and an Eloise Peek strike seeing them record a 3-0 win at Rockland United.

Taverham also reached the final with a 3-0 win over Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers thanks to a Katie Fray hat-trick. The final will be at Aylsham in May.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

Loddon United were 3-0 winners at Yarmouth thanks to Sarah Britcher, Samantha Wood, and Alex Kotroci finding the net.

Beccles Town won 4-1 at Aylsham thanks to two goals from Lilyella Craw-Seaman and one each from Lola Middlemass and Abbie Pogmore.