Why the NWSL–WSL Debate Isn’t as Simple as You Think

By Hope Robinson (17/1/26)

Above: USA midfielder Sam Coffey, who’s just made the move to England Photo: Manchester City FC

More than ever before, the last few months have created ultimate debate surrounding the question of which league is the best in the world- the NWSL, or the WSL? This conversation has been propelled mostly by the past year’s list of NWSL players heading over the pond to England, particularly those ‘star’ players and USA internationals. However, I’m here to tell you that the truth is far messier, more interesting, and a lot less final than narratives suggest. The NWSL-WSL debate isn’t as simple as you think.

Trinity Rodman is the face of the NWSL, and a huge asset to the league- the clearest symbol of the modern women’s football superstar. Rodman is young, globally recognised, commercially valuable, and on top of that, a better baller than most. If you are a fan of women’s football, it would have been impossible to not have come across the overwhelming amount of talk, and surprising distress, surrounding her possible move from Washington Spirit to the WSL upon the expiring of her contract.

 Although, my conversation here is not about whether she leaves the NWSL or not, it’s about what her scenario has exposed. Players such as Rodman now have huge leverage, manifesting into great power, when whole leagues will battle to enforce new legislation just to keep you. The landscape of her case and her individual power expands enormously when it’s not just your club trying to keep you, but an entire league. We have never seen this in Europe, let alone England. Not long ago, NWSL players had little to no control over transfers or contract movement, and the fact that stars now openly weigh leagues, negotiate leverage, and choose their own paths shows just how far player freedom in the league has come.

In an attempt to keep Rodman in the States, the new (and controversial) NWSL High Impact Player rule was introduced. The High Impact Player rule lets NWSL clubs pay a designated star far above the usual salary cap, with only a fixed portion counting against it, making seven figure total compensation possible. To qualify, a player has to meet specific sporting criteria, such as being named to an NWSL Best XI in the past two seasons or receiving a major individual honour like a Ballon d’Or nomination, with final approval coming from the league. On paper, that sounds straightforward. In reality, it gets messy. The definition of a ‘star’ is so narrow that some of the game’s most obvious superstars would not qualify. A player like Sam Kerr, whose impact, profile, and legacy are unquestionable, would technically be ineligible, which highlights how the rule often feels more bureaucratic than reflective of real world star power.

The primary issue with the rule is that it creates a clear divide between the chosen few and everyone else, reinforcing a two tier system inside squads. Only a handful of players benefit, and the model does not scale as more players reach elite status. In contrast, WSL clubs can pay stars without exemptions or special mechanisms. The star player rule feels like a temporary patch, not a long term solution to a changing market. As of today, which club Rodman will be attached to at the end of the transfer window remains unclear.

What sparked this discussion was how unsettled fans had become over their top players heading over to England. Names like Naomi Girma, Sam Coffey, Kerolin, Jenna Nighswonger, and Alyssa Thompson have all recently swapped the NWSL for the WSL. All of these players are elite prospects and proven winners, the kind of talent you buy a ticket just to watch on their own.

Furthermore, optics do matter. The fear is not that the NWSL will run out of talent. It is that it could lose part of its identity. For years, the league carried the label of the best in the world (mostly to do with the dominance of the USWNT). Seeing stars openly consider other destinations makes that status feel fragile. The narrative impact far outweighs the numerical reality.

However, at the same time, the story is not one way. Players are also choosing the NWSL again. The USWNT captain, Lindsey Heaps, returning from OL Lyonnes to Denver is a powerful reminder that Europe is not always the final destination. Competitive pay, star treatment, and being central rather than rotational still matter. This proves that the NWSL retains real pull. Cultural familiarity, league visibility at home, and relevance to national team pathways continue to count. The league is being challenged, not abandoned. Albeit, it would have been interesting to see if Heaps’ transfer would’ve still happened without her now being able to be paid a top wage.

As much as we may want to not believe it, as players simply ‘play for the badge’, money is a large part of the equation, but it certainly isn’t everything. At the end of the day, top players get top wages whether it’s from their clubs, or whether it’s from sponsorships. Today, players weigh lifestyle, role, development, medical support, marketing, and personal comfort. A slightly smaller contract can be offset by stability or prominence. The idea that every move is purely financial oversimplifies professional reality. 

Now, we cannot talk about the NWSL-WSL debate without discussing what Europe does offer structurally. The Champions League, the competition that brings a level of prestige, legacy, and global exposure that no domestic American league can replicate. No matter what an NWSL team may offer to a player, the experience of playing in and potentially winning, a Champions League trophy is an ultimate dream. The quality of talent in the Champions League simply is not comparable to the NWSL. The competition is a built in advantage, not a moral one, and it really shapes decisions in ways the NWSL cannot easily counter.

Additionally, European football increasingly revolves around super-teams. Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Lyon can stack world class players in ways no NWSL club is designed to do. Their spending power and squad depth remain unmatched, and the rewards for dominance are clear. The NWSL has chosen a different path. Parity is prioritised, competition is relentless, and no team is allowed to hoard excellence. Europe rewards concentration. The NWSL rewards balance. Neither model is inherently better. They simply produce different experiences.

The NWSL remains world class because of its physicality, depth, and weekly unpredictability. There are no easy matches. Players develop adaptability, resilience, and versatility simply to survive the season. The league also holds a global scouting advantage. NWSL clubs have consistently looked beyond traditional pipelines, bringing in players from Haiti, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, and across the African diaspora. For many, the NWSL is a gateway league that expands the global game rather than narrowing it. The WSL is world class in different ways. Tactical sophistication, concentrated star power, Champions League integration, and global branding give it enormous visibility. Matches feel like events, and success echoes far beyond domestic borders.

Overall, this is not a zero sum battle. Movement between leagues reflects growth, not decline. More options for players mean a healthier ecosystem overall. The NWSL’s challenge is adaptation, not survival. The WSL’s strength is opportunity, not inherent superiority. Women’s football is better when multiple elite destinations exist, and the real win is that players now get to choose.

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Teen subs seal Phoenix success in Canberra

Canberra United 0-2 Wellington Phoenix

by Ben Gilby (17/1/26)

Above: Wellington Phoenix celebrate Pia Vlok’s (24) stunning goal at Canberra United. Photo: A-Leagues.

Late goals from substitutes Zoe Benson and Pia Vlok ensured that Wellington Phoenix continued their impressive recent run that has seen them collect 10 points from their last five games with this success at McKellar Park.

Nineteen-year-old Benson, and 17-year-old Vlok’s strikes were the difference in the end as the New Zealanders finally saw off a Canberra United side reduced to 10 after Tegan Bertolissio was sent off.

Canberra returned from the bye making two changes with Jazmin Wardlow and Darcey Malone coming in for Nanako Sasaki and Sienna Dale. The visitors made two changes to their starting line-up from last weekend’s game with Melbourne City, as Makala Woods and Emma Pijnenburg replaced Vlok and Daisy Brazendale.

Wellington made the first half-chance when Lara Wall’s cross into the mix didn’t quite fall right for Makala Woods to make the necessary connection.

With 20 minutes played, Emma Robers’ corner on the right was met by the head of Michelle Heyman but was cleared by the Phoenix defence as far as Bertolissio who cracked a long range shot over the top.

Canberra came close again with 36 minutes on the clock. Bethany Gordon picked up possession in a central position around 25-yards out and found Malone outside her who continued the move by feeding Wardlow out on the left flank. Her first-time high ball into the box was met by the head of Heyman, who headed wide of the right-hand post.

Wardlow was back in the middle of the action two minutes later when her back pass to James from the left resulted in the Canberra keeper’s clearance coming off the chasing Woods, but the ball squirmed the way of Bertolissio who was able to clear at the back post.

However, Bertolissio would have worse luck three minutes into stoppage time when she was shown a second yellow for a foul on Woods.

Whilst the Nix initially found it challenging to make their player advantage count, they gradually began to increase the amount of time they spent in the final third with Manaia Elliott seeing a half chance header go wide, before Woods found Brooke Nunn who hit a shot into the side netting, and León had an effort was comfortably saved by Sally James.

Then, four minutes from the end of normal time, Grace Jale broke forward through the middle to find Nunn on the right. Her cross deflected up off Anton for Benson sneak in on the edge of the six-yard box to turn the ball home with a first time effort.

Wellington wrapped up the points deep into stoppage time with a moment of magic from Vlok. Receiving the pass out on the left wing, the outrageously talented 17-year-old looked up, saw James ever so slightly off her line and lifted the ball up and in from an acute angle, around 25-yards from goal.

This is the latest in a line of impressive wins for Wellington Phoenix. However, Canberra United’s form has dipped over the last few weeks, as they have taken five points from their last four games, allowing the chasing pack to swallow them up somewhat.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-4-2): James, Grove, Taylor-Young, Bertolissio, Robers, Gordon, Anton, Wardlow, Aulicino, Malone, Heyman.. Substitutes: Christopherson, Dale, Hawkins, Majstorovic, McKenzie, Stanic-Floody.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (3-4-1-2): Esson, van der Meer, Barry, Walker, Wall, Jale, Pijnenberg, Nunn, León, Main, Woods. Substitutes: Bartlett, Benson, Brazendale, Elliott, Feinberg-Danieli, Vlok.

Scorers: Benson 86′, Vlok 90+6.

Referee: Molly Godsell / Georgia Ghiradello.

Attendance: 1,415.

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Adelaide unbeaten run stretches to four as Victory defeated by Zois’ Olimpico

Adelaide United 2-1 Melbourne Victory

by Ben Gilby (17/1/26)

Above: Adelaide United celebrate during their win over Melbourne Victory today. Photo: A-Leagues.

Adelaide United’s superb run of form has continued with Paige Zois scoring an Olimpico that ultimately ensured the win over her previous club Melbourne Victory in today’s Pride Cup encounter at Coopers Stadium.

The South Australian side have now won three of their last four matches, and have gone from being stuck around the bottom of the ladder to Finals contenders in the blink of an eye.

Confidence was all the Reds needed – and prior to their post Christmas game with Western Sydney Wanderers, Ella Tonkin told the media that her side were just “one game away from breaking things open.” Wanderers were defeated 5-2, and as Tonkin predicted, her team have not looked back since.

Both sides made one change to their starting line-up today from last weekend’s games. Adelaide brought back key striker Fiona Worts for Erin Healy. For Victory, Alana Jančevski replaced Rachel Lowe.

Victory conjured up the first real chance of the game in the ninth minute as Kennedy White on the right, cushioned a pass forward to Holly Furphy to drill a low ball into the box which Adelaide failed to clear further than Pollicina with play eventually recycling out to Jančevski, 25-yards out in a central position to fire a powerful shot that Ilona Melegh held.

The visitors profited along the right once more on the half hour when Sienna Saveska’s high ball in was met by the head of White, but the 25-year-old couldn’t get enough power on the ball to trouble Melegh.

Just seven minutes later, Adelaide would make Jeff Hopkins’ side pay the price for those misses as Adriana Taranto turned Jančevski and fed Worts just inside the box. The hot-shot English striker took a touch, turned away from White, and fired straight into the top left-hand corner of the net. A great move and a superb goal.

As the half approached the end of regulation time two errors at the back from the hosts combined to allow Furphy to get an effort away, but it didn’t have the power or direction to trouble Melegh.

But, Victory would have better luck deep into injury time when Jančevski’s long ball from inside her own half fell perfectly for White who beat Tonkin and hit a shot that Melegh repelled, but the ball bounced perfectly for the American striker to stroke home at the second attempt.

The visitors produced the first effort of the second half five minutes in when Melegh got a hand to Kayla Morrison’s header after Jančevski floated a long free-kick into the mix.

Six minutes later though, the Reds struck for a second time as starlet Zois bent in a corner from the left with a vicious curl on it that flew straight in at the back post.

Victory looked to respond with 20 minutes left when Ella O’Grady escaped down the left and delivered a low cross that was met first time by White, but Melegh produced an excellent save by getting down to her near post.

The visitors’ kept pushing, and White had two excellent opportunities in additional time. First, with 96 minutes played, Furphy fed Jess Young outside her on the right. The substitute pulled the ball over for White who saw her header come back off of the crossbar.

Shortly afterwards, Sienna Techera’s dangerous cross was cleared, for White to hit a shot from outside the box that Melegh got down well to.

Melbourne Victory created more than enough chances to have won this game, but they were denied by Ilona Melegh pulling off some big saves at vital times.

That’s now just one point in their last four games for Melbourne Victory – and the way the league is compacting up, next weekend’s home game with fellow under-performing side Sydney FC, is now looking huge.

This was an exceptionally pleasing result for Adelaide United – they took their chances when they came, and remained well organised in the face of a Melbourne Victory barrage in the closing stages.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-2-3-1): Melegh, Tolland, Tonkin, McNamara, E. Hodgson, M. Taranto, Zois, A. Taranto, Condon, Dawber, Worts. Substitutes: Healy, I. Hodgson, Jenkins, Makris, Morgan, Murray.

Scorers: Worts 38′, Zois 56′.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (3-4-1-2): Newbon, Morrison, Bunge, Pickett. Jančevski, Saveska, Ray, Sakalis, Pollicina, White, Furphy. Substitutes: Blissett, Curtis, McKenzie, O’Grady, Techera, Young.

Scorer: White 45+4′.

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 6,477.

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From the Golden Boot to all round greatness: How Alessia Russo is changing the game

By Emme Fortnam (16/1/26)

Above: Russo after scoring against Chelsea in 2023 Photo: Lucy Copsey

Winning both the Euros and Champions League in 2025, Alessia Russo cemented her legacy in the women’s game and in England. Starting as a striker for both and delivering goals in crucial moments, Russo has proved teams can rely on her. Emme Fortnam looks at the career of Arsenal’s number 23 and her new focus this season.

Alessia Russo, 26, originally from Maidstone, Kent, started her football career at Charlton Athletic, aged just 10. Eventually Russo found herself at the University of North Carolina, a key point in her development, where she met future Arsenal teammates Lotte Wubbon Moy and Emily Fox.

During her time at Manchester United, the striker had a breakthrough. Laying the foundations for a successful stint, Russo scored on her debut start against Brighton in October 2020. As a lifelong United fan, Russo enjoyed an emotional ocassion when fans returned to the stands for the first time, scoring twice in a win over Everton. After scoring 11 goals in the 2021/22 season, Russo won the Man United Players’ Player of the year and further cemented her place in the England squad.

And then, for one of the most memorable moments in her football career, during the 2022 Euros semi-final against Sweden we saw the global star score with that memorable backheel. A goal which is still talked about to this day within her fanbase. The Lionesses of course went on to win the Euros, giving super-sub Russo her first taste of European glory.

Russo joined Arsenal in July 2023, following about a month of rumours due to her contract expiring that summer. Russo had been very open about the move, explaining how she felt comfortable at Leigh Sports Village, but that players are only going progress if they take new challenges and opportunities that are presented to them. Over her time with Arsenal she has proven herself to be a vital addition to the team in terms of goals, awards and overall play.

Whilst she is a number nine, Russo’s play goes far beyond that of a traditional striker. Her tactical intelligence means she can be such a weapon getting on the ball as early as possible – and this usually means outside of the box. She also has the ability to use to her body and footwork to protect the ball and win fouls in dangerous areas. Obviously being a striker comes with huge responsibility in terms of goalscoring and she does pull through on this, but has openly spoken about the pressure she faces and personal challenges.

In an interview with Versus, Russo exclaimed “I thrive being in a team” showing her passion to be able to be the team member who peers can fall back on in those pivotal moments, both through her personality off the pitch, and her willingness to shoulder that responsibility and take the ball when the pressure’s on. In this way, Russo’s dominance comes more from a consistency and reliability, rather than one-off moments.

Having won the WSL Golden Boot in 2024/25 season and helped her team by constantly racking up the goals, as we entered the 25/26 season Russo has shown a different side. While delivering less overall goals, Russo continues to be counted on when the team needs it most. During one of the most pivotal matches for Arsenal against Chelsea, she scored a last minute, 86th minute goal, then put another one in the net which was ultimately ruled out. That was a massive game not to lose, and Russo stayed hungry and scored when the late chance arose.

Off the pitch, Russo has always been passionate, like most other professionals of growing the game as much as possible and helping out the younger generation where they can. She then has recently gone on to create The Alessia Russo Foundation which is an initiative to build confidence and break down barriers for young girls chasing their dreams. The Alessia Cup, a football competition for young girls is an example of this, where she can provide mentorship to inspire and aid the growth of women’s sport and prevent girls from dropping out of playing in sports like they do at the moment. 

Alessia Russo is redefining what being a striker and teammate is. Yes, you can score goals and win games for your team, but you can also do it through other means. She’s got big goals in her, she’s an all-round team player and she wants the game to be in a better place when she leaves.

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Williamson out again as Villa visit Arsenal in FA Cup

By Roos Schelen (16/1/26)

Above: Renee Slegers applauding the Arsenal fans Photo: Arsenal FC

Roos Schelen was at Renée Slegers’ press conference as the Arsenal boss confirmed that Leah Williamson will miss Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Aston Villa with a calf injury.

The Dutch head coach also said that Daphne van Domselaar might be back from a lengthy injury. The coaching staff will make a decision on the goalkeeper’s availability after Saturday’s training session. Slegers would not be drawn on a timeline for the return of winger Chloe Kelly. She says: “She was on the pitch today, so we’re taking it day by day. So we don’t have an exact end date and there’s an optimistic plan and a more conservative plan, so we’ll see how it goes.”

This weekend’s opposition is one that Arsenal aren’t guaranteed results against. Aston Villa held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in September, and the Gunners lost heavily at Villa Park in May. Arsenal had difficulties playing through Villa’s press back in September. Slegers has taken some learnings from that game: “I think there was a lot of learnings after that game and how to beat that type of pressure and what tools we need and how we can set things up to be able to do that. So that’s definitely an important part of the game on Sunday, because Villa is very disciplined, aggressive in their pressure, and it’s a big part of their DNA to do things that way. And so it will be a big part of our game plan on Sunday”, the manager reflected.

Arsenal have struggled in front of goal recently. They produced 25 shots against Manchester United last weekend, only six of them went on target for Phallon Tullis-Joyce to save. They left the Emirates pitch without having scored any goals. It has been a theme throughout their season. Earlier in the season, Slegers gave an interview with the Barclays WSL YouTube channel, comparing managing a team with conducting an orchestra. Impetus Football asked Slegers to elaborate on that, and to expand on Arsenal’s struggles in front of goal, using that same analogy.
“I’ve been in touch with a conductor at a very high level. It’s been really interesting exchanging ideas. There’s actually a lot of similarities in the way a conductor needs to lead the orchestra, how you train. How you get everyone to work together, executing their roles with confidence and so forth. And then in the moment as well, making good decisions and feeling what musician needs what and at what moment in the play. And at the end of the day, it needs to all work together”, Slegers said.

She continued: “So what musician and what part of the play is happening in the box and is scoring goals and yeah, that’s for us the one thing that we’ve been talking a lot about, how we’re going to create more clear cut chances, get more opportunities and less shots blocked and be more composed to find that opening to shoot in and around the area.”

Arsenal will take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup at 2pm BST on Sunday at Borehamwood. The match will be shown live on TNT Sports.

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Late Jansen heroics save a point for the Roar against the Wanderers

Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Brisbane Roar

By Callum Logie 16/1/26

Above : Bente Jansen. Photo: Brisbane Roar

Friday Night at Wanderers Football Park saw two teams having quite different seasons battle to a hard-fought draw. A late substitute strike from Ella Buchanan was mitigated by an added time equaliser from Bente Jansen, keeping Brisbane in the top six.

Western Sydney came into the fixture after falling 3-1 away to Perth Glory, whereas Brisbane were looking to get back-to-back wins after a key away victory over Melbourne Victory. 

The Wanderers adjusted their formation to be a bit more positive at home, with Yuan Cong returning to the starting line-up with Holly Caspers dropping to the bench. 

Olivia Price returned to the starting line-up as Ena Harada dropped to the bench and Emilia Bennett got the start at full-back in place of Ella Buchanan. 

On Brisbane’s side of the ball, there were no changes to personnel in the starting line-up, but Aimee Medwin and Ashlyn Miller swapped starting positions from what the team presented at Melbourne. 

In what’s been a tough season for the Wanderers, the hosts were able to start positively, immediately electing for a wing play approach to try and feed lofted deliveries to Yuan. Brisbane deployed a rather deep back-line, with the three midfield players helping out defensively when off the ball. 

After just two minutes, Brisbane Roar were able to create a great chance right away. Jansen strayed wide from her advanced position and held the ball up for Alicia Woods who quickly found the run of Aimee Medwin. With space outside the box, Medwin took a shot from the edge of the area and tested Khamis who directed the powerful shot wide for a corner. 

The first 15 minutes of the game were tensely fought, particularly in midfield with many hard challenges from the respective sides’ holding midfielders. 

Amy Chessari needed to exit the game in the 16thminute due to injury concerns, which brought Harada on earlier than planned for the Wanderers. 

Patience was the name of the game, with any shot taken being blocked or deflected. In the 28thminute, Khamis produced an excellent save after a deep back post corner from Woods found Leia Varley with a free header. Khamis was able to leap to her left and deflect it wide. Khamis was also able to collect the effort from the subsequent Marianna Seidl corner that Sharn Freir deflected goalward. 

In the 41st minute, a speculative ball forward found the feet of Jansen who cut inside from the right and drove a low shot toward the Western Sydney goal. It was just wide of the far post, but the Roar looked like the more likely to score of the two teams.

Jansen looked the most dangerous going forward for both teams, the defence of WSW focusing on the threat of Freir while the Roar defence looked to keep Yuan contained, both to great effect in the first half.

Scoreless at halftime, the teams would be looking to make some adjustments in order to break the deadlock in the second half. 

Everything was still to play for in the second half, with WSW looking to break their 61-day winless streak and Brisbane Roar looking to move up the table as they look to cement a place in the finals. 

The Wanderers had the first meaningful chance of the second half as a corner found the chest of Poppie Hooks who was able to get enough force behind it to force a solid save from Chloe Lincoln. 

At 54 minutes, Khamis gave the ball away when she was trying to clear to Medwin. Medwin took a quick touch and drove the ball toward the near post. Khamis was able to recover very well and made the save to keep the game scoreless. 

The second half was more evenly contested than the first in terms of possession, Western Sydney putting together some more passing sequences and providing some pressure on Brisbane. It was a game of strong defences and a great goalkeeping performance from Khamis.

Khamis showed her prowess again in the 64thminute as a strong driven effort from Woods was patted wide of the post by the experienced keeper. 

In a remarkable sequence, Western Sydney managed to open the scoring in the 83rd minute. Kim So-Eun made a sharp dribble move down the right side and drove a low cross through everybody to find Ella Buchanan who was able to scramble the ball over the line at the far post.

Chloe Berryhill was injured in added time and had to be helped off the field. Hopefully not a serious injury for the Western Sydney forward.

In added time, around the 95th minute, Brisbane found Jansen on a run behind which sent her one on one with Khamis. Jansen managed to round the keeper and keep her composure to slide the ball into the bottom corner to tie it up just before the final whistle.

Considering the balance of play through the game, the draw was a fair result as Brisbane’s play was strong throughout the game. The Wanderers goal was very well worked and provided some hope for the team moving forward into the season. 

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-3-3): Khamis, Bennett, Hooks, Wang, Matos, Chessari, Price, Harrison, Younis, Yuan, Berryhill. Substitutes: Buchanan, Caspers, Cerne, Edwards, Harada, Kim.

Scorer: Buchanan 83′.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-2-3-1): Lincoln, Seidl, Varley, Hayashi, Medwin, Woods, Piazza, Freir, Brown, Miller, Jansen. Substitutes: Cuthbert, Franco, Kinsella, Meyers, Stephenson, Studer.

Scorer: Jansen 90+5′.

Referee: Lara Christie Lee

Attendance: 715.

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Jets take the points against City

Melbourne City 1-3 Newcastle Jets

By Emma Burke 16/1/25

Above: Melina Ayres and Kelli Brown celebrating a goal for Newcastle. Photo: Newcastle Jets

The Newcastle Jets have defeated Melbourne City for the first time in their history, beating the league leaders 3-1 at AAMI Park.

Newcastle came to Melbourne with the perfect game plan in place to tackle Melbourne City, employing a consistent high press to break City down.

Their aim was to force an error out of City when restarting from the back, and they were successful in their endeavour.

City captain Rebekah Stott played an uncharacteristically poor pass to her centre back partner Taylor Otto, allowing enough space and time for Jets striker Alexis Collins to intercept the ball.

Collins played forward to Melina Ayres, who played it right back to her. The shot Collins took was denied by Malena Mieres in goal, but only into the path of Kelli Brown, who made no mistake with the second chance and put the ball away.

City were able to level the scores just before half time, when Holly McNamara expertly converted a penalty kick, awarded after a handball by Tash Prior in the box.

McNamara’s goal brings her level in the golden boot race, alongside Central Coast Mariners’ striker Annalise Rasmussen, both with eight goals to their name.

Unlike usual City performances when the scores are level, Melbourne were unable to grind down their opponents, so the Jets continued to soar in the second half.

A poor pass out from the box by Mieres, intended for Karly Roestbakken, saw her pocket picked at the top of the box by Libby Copus-Brown. Copus-Brown has no trouble beating Mieres by sending the ball into the bottom left corner.

The Jets’ final goal came through a gorgeous team play. Substitute Sophie Hoban played a long ball down the right for Melina Ayres to run on to. Ayres then pulled the ball back with a perfectly weighted backheel that found Charlotte Lancaster.

Lancaster fired on goal from the top of the box, beating a diving Mieres and securing all three points for her side.

This result marks City’s second loss for the season, but they manage to retain their position at the top of the table. 

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-3-3): Mieres, Roestbakken, Otto, Stott, Turner, Keane, Apostolakis, McKenna, Butrus, Uchendu, McNamara Substitutes: Barbieri, Henry, Wilson, Jackson, Jugovic, Rako

Scorers: McNamara (pen) 41’.

NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Leat, Bates, Prior, Karipides, Page, Lancaster, Dundas, Copus-Brown, Ayres, Collins, Brown Substitutes: Ritchie, Wilson, J. Allen, Johnson, Hoban, L. Allen

Scorers: Brown 32’, Copus-Brown 66’, Lancaster 71’

Referee: Page Malau-Aduli

Attendance: 1,901.

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Perth Glory’s Stephen Peters and Mischa Anderson: “Our League Seems to Get Forgotten”

Above: Stephen Peters talks to the press. Image: Perth Glory.

By Ella McShane (15/1/26)

Perth Glory’s Stephen Peters and Mischa Anderson preview what is set to be a dynamic top of the table clash with Central Coast Mariners. 

Round 13 coincides with the launch of the Professional Footballer’s Australia’s (PFA) ‘Ready for Takeoff’ vision. A “comprehensive public analysis of the womens game in Australia” that “sets out 21 recommendations to deliver a world class fully professional A-League Women competition” (PFA, 2026). 

This has generated discourse across the league in regard to player conditions, the leagues inability to capitalise on the success of the 2023 Women’s World Cup and what will constitute a bright future for womens football in Australia. 

“Our league seems to get forgotten in the whole process.” Stated Peters when asked about the issues outlined. 

“Everyone obviously celebrates the success of the Matildas, which is incredible, but is that money  being reinvested into the league in the way it should be?”

“From a fan perspective, I think they could be doing more. But its obviously a money issue.” 

“Where does the money come from? I don’t know.”

“But we’ve got to catch up…I went to the netball and I was amazed at the size of the crowd and the interaction of the supporters” 

“I think the conditions for the players needs to improve, and the salary needs to improve so they don’t have to work two jobs. It’s a very difficult set up for the girls.”

Defender Mischa Anderson echoed Peters’ sentiments regarding the need to improve player conditions, while also highlighting the benefits of the intimate atmosphere at Sam Kerr Football Centre and how it can enhance performances.

Above: Mischa Anderson talks to the press. Image: Perth Glory.

“At Sam Kerr, the fans help us a lot during games. If we can get more of them, it will lift our performances even further,” Anderson said.

Looking to the opponent, this weekends match up has shaped up to be a top 5 clash despite Glory’s less than ideal start to the season.

The main messaging to players heading into this weekend has been: “Find some consistency.”

There is also an understanding that, while the team is “quite pleased with where [they] are sitting at the moment,” external distractions must be avoided.“If you start ladder watching, it’s not going to get you anywhere.” Stated Peters 

Attention has instead turned to addressing shortcomings away from home, with Peters acknowledging: “We’re not very good away from home, so there is a good challenge there for us.”

When asked for potential reasoning as to the squad’s short comings away from home Peters detailed that “It is hard to quantify…there is something there I’m  just not sure exactly what, we are a more robust and enthusiastic side at home…whether its we’ve got the twelfth man at Sam Kerr or we just can’t travel well” 

“Hand on heart I feel like every game that we have travelled to we have travelled well.” 

Rola Badawiya completed a full training session and a return to the team sheet is looking hopeful for the weekend. 

Round 13 of the ALW will take place at 5pm AWST Sunday the 18th of January at Polytec Stadium. Streaming for free of 10Play and Paramount+. 

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“We’re really proud to embrace it”: Victory ready for Pride Cup showdown

Above: Melbourne Victory celebrates in last year’s semi-final against Adelaide. Image: A-Leagues.

By Isabelle Campbell (15/01/26)

With the Pride Cup returning this weekend, the stage is set for another chapter in one of the A-League Women’s most compelling rivalries, as Melbourne Victory travel to face Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.

The fixture carries weight on multiple fronts: a long-standing rivalry, a crucial opportunity to reset momentum, and the significance of a match that celebrates inclusion across the league.

Defender Claudia Bunge says the group is embracing the moment.

“Really motivated. We’ve had a big week of training. The games against Adelaide, there always is a bit of extra rivalry there, and it’s usually pretty close. Usually one goal, two goals in it. So the girls are really excited and really motivated.”

Victory head into the Pride Cup following a home loss to Brisbane Roar, with the focus now shifting firmly to the next challenge. Bunge says the group has spent the week on the training track working through areas identified from that performance as they prepare for Adelaide.

“I think we made moves against Brisbane. I think collectively, we played better than what we had previous weeks, to concede off a corner is always really hard, but it’s just those finer margins. I think that’s something we’ve struggled with this year, is just tightening up around transition moments and the finer details. So that’s something we’ve been working on, and something we’re going to look at going into against Adelaide.”

Despite an inconsistent run of results, both players and staff believe the group is close to unlocking its full potential. Bunge pointed to the squad’s internal accountability and belief.

“Everyone’s really transparent and is looking inwards, individual things that we can do as players to carry the team forward. I think we did see some positive signs against Brisbane. It was unfortunate to concede, pretty sure it was almost straight off the corner. So those ones do sting a little, but it doesn’t change anything that we do. I think we’ve got a great squad. We’ve got great depth. The club’s really supportive of us, our staff are amazing. So we’re just gonna keep to our guns, keep to our processes. And I’m hoping that it can land on the pitch.”

For Victory, the Pride Cup adds another layer of meaning. The fixture has become a significant moment on the calendar, particularly for the women’s program.

“It’s massive for our team and for women’s football in general. I think women’s football is really encouraging and really open and inclusive, which is great, and we’re really proud as a team to get a chance to embrace that. We’re really looking forward to the pride cup. It’s always a big occasion each year. And matched with playing Adelaide, we’re really excited. Looking forward to playing it against the Reds.”

Head coach Jeff Hopkins echoed that sentiment, reinforcing that the Pride Cup is not just a one-off occasion, but something embedded in the club’s identity.

“It’s a game that we look forward to. We’re 100% behind the pride Cup and the concept. In terms of this week, it’s great to highlight a few things. We’re having educational sessions this week, our staff, our players, and we kind of embrace those. But also, I think in the bigger picture, it’s important that we show that we are an inclusive team, an inclusive club. And we get out there every week, and we kind of live that rather than just think about being about this week. I think the thing I love about this club is the fact that it is welcoming and inclusive to everyone, and I hope that our team just shows that as well.”

Reflecting on the Brisbane loss, Hopkins felt the performance showed how close Victory are to turning results around.

“It was a pretty scrappy game that came down to a mistake in an area where we’re normally very, very strong. The game could have gone either way. I thought we actually controlled periods of the game without really creating enough to actually win the game.”

“We’re not far away. It’s just that little, magic ingredient that we’re missing, that we’re searching for as well, and when we find it, and we’re getting close, well good luck to the team that’s playing us that weekend.”

That belief is matched by confidence heading into a venue where Victory have historically performed well.

“It’s always a great game against them. They’re a quality side, and we love playing at Coopers. It’s a great surface, a great stadium, great atmosphere. Always a decent crowd there, and with the double header this weekend, should be even better.”

With rivalry, Pride Cup significance, and season-shaping stakes all colliding, Victory face an opportunity in Adelaide to reset their campaign on a night that carries weight well beyond the result.

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Lancaster rocket returns Jets to the winners list

Sydney FC 1-2 Newcastle Jets

By Kieran Yap 13/1/26

Above: Charlotte Lancaster. Photo: A–League

The Newcastle Jets have beaten Sydney FC 2-1 thanks to a late Charlotte Lancaster strike in injury time. The visitors had to come from behind after Amelia Cassar opened the scoring at Leichhardt Oval, but goals from Melina Ayres and Lancasters winner secured the points for Newcastle.

Ante Juric’s side was trying to avoid an unwanted record. Another game without scoring would make it six in a row, the first time any side in the league achieved such an unenviable feat.

Sydney looked eager to break that streak early, Bianca Galic’s effort from a cutback was blocked and Skye Halmarick was close to her first A-League goal with a headed attempt.

Sarah Hunter was deployed in a slightly more advanced role than where she has spent much of her career. The midfielder sat behind the front three, moving the ball quickly to the wingers on either side.

While Newcastle did not look under pressure, they still struggled to get a foothold in the early stages. Sydney looked more likely to score and when it arrived, it was special.

Cassar received the ball wide on the right almost 25 yards from goal and spotted Anns Leat off her line. With composure, class and skill, she lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to open to scoring, and add her name to the list of likely goal of the season contenders.

Newcastle had created few chances when they drew level, but Melina Ayres only needs one. Lauren Allan sent in a high looping cross that fell to Ayres. The Jets striker had all the time she needed to position herself and finish into the far bottom corner to level the scores.

Despite the equaliser, Sydney FC continued to control the majority of the game. With Newcastle’s defence organized and sitting deep, they found it hard to create clear cut chances or get behind the back four. A long range volley from Sarah Hunter had Leat scrambling to save, but there was nobody to follow up the parried effort.

Somewhat against the run of play, the Jets almost took the lead. Tash Prior and Cass Davis were patient in the buildup and Joei Allan was classy on the wing to find Haley Johnson in space, but the striker hesitated slightly and that was enough for Sydney to clear the danger.

Newcastle’s confidence was growing and the game was opening up. Davis’s run through the middle released Ayres and her powerful shot brought the best out of Heather Hinz. The Sydney FC goalkeeper was called into action again moments later to deny Josie Allan.

Sydney FC regrained momentum and went int search of a winner. Substitute, Claire Cornett tested Leat from an angle, and Hana Lowry’s free kick came close, but did not trouble Leat.

With the game headed for a draw, Lancaster delivered something special. Her long range rocket in the dying stages was spectacular in style and devastating in impact. It delivered the killer blow and three points to the Jets, returning them to the winners list after a month of consecutive defeats.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Hinz, Tumeth, Fenton, Pearson, Lemon, Lowry, Hunter, Galic, Cassar, Halmarick, Tanner. Substitutes: Robertson, Ayson, Moise, Corbett, Luchtmeijer, Sullivan.

Goals: Cassar 18’

NEWCASTLE JETS (4-3-3): Leat, Cicco, Prior, Wilson, Breier, Davis, Hoban, J Allan, L Allan, Johnson, Ayres. Substitutes: Dundas, Copus-Brown, Lancaster, Ritchie, Collins, Brown.

Goals: Ayres 29’ Lancaster 90’

Referee: TBC

Attendance:  TBC

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