Impetus hears from Dylan Holmes and Annalee Grove and Reds head coach Adrian Stenta on the news that the pair signed new deals with the South Australian side today.(11/8/22).
Above: Dylan Holmes in action for Adelaide United last season – she’s back in red for 2022/23. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
Adelaide United announced the key retention of Dylan Holmes today for the Liberty A-League 2022/23 season.
Holmes has been an instrumental presence in the Reds midfield since 2018 and her strong performances saw her transferred to Swedish side BK Häcken and capped by the Matildas in 2021.
The 25-year-old initially made her Adelaide debut in 2014 before returning to the team four years later.
Across her two separate stints, Holmes has accumulated a total of 53 appearances, while scoring four goals and registering seven assists.
Speaking about entering her sixth season with the Club, Holmes said: “I’m really excited to be back again and working with Adrian (Stenta) and the girls. We really took a huge stride forward last year, not just in terms of results but our performances and the way we controlled matches, and the aim will be to build on our first finals appearance.
“For myself, I’ve experienced the best football of my career at Adelaide United and I’m hoping to contribute as much as I can.”
Adelaide United Liberty A-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have signed Dylan again for the upcoming campaign. She is a player fundamental to our success and someone we value very highly because of her leadership qualities she possesses both on and off the field.
“She is technically very good on the ball and will be a key cog in our midfield, so to have her back is a real coup for the team.”
Reds Secure Annalee Grove For The Next Two Seasons
Above: Annalee Grove (centre) penned a new two-year deal with Adelaide United today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.
On a busy day of announcements for the club, The Reds also announced that Annalee Grove, has re-signed with the Club on a two-year contract until the end of the Liberty A-League 2023/24 season.
The 21-year-old experienced a breakout campaign in her second season with the Reds, playing all 15 matches and recording four clean sheets.
Grove joined the Club ahead of the 2020/21 season and made two starts as she served as Sian Fryer-McLaren’s understudy before assuming the number one role permanently. The shot-stopper is currently spending the offseason in the local WNPL with West Adelaide where she secured the minor premiership.
“Adelaide has been like a second home for me and I’ve really enjoyed my time here in this great city and fantastic Club. It was pleasing to finally secure a first-ever finals appearance last season and I believe as a team we’re building something special.”
Adelaide United’s Liberty A-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “We’re delighted to be re-signing a quality, young goalkeeper in Annie. She really made the step up into the number one role and was one of the key factors behind our significant improvement last season.
“Annie will only continue improving with the more games she plays at this level and I’m confident she’ll only build on her positive performances.”
In the second part of Gabby Dal Busco‘s chat with Impetus’ Ben Gilby, Balcatta Etna’s former Young Matildas and Perth Glory W-League Grand Finalist reflects on lifeat Grindleford Reserve and NPL WA competition this season(10/8/22).
Above: An inspiration for the next generation – Gabby Dal Busco with youngsters at Balcatta Etna this season. Photo supplied by: Gabby Dal Busco.
Gabby Dal Busco is one of the most prominent players in Western Australia. She has played for the Young Matildas, represented the state, and played in a W-League Grand Final for Perth Glory.
As a player, she describes herself as “Pretty vocal. In fact, you can probably hear me a few suburbs away when we’re playing! I like to lead by example on the pitch, and value communication and work rate above all else. I like to play with the ball at my feet, and act as a sweeper for the back four. I’m quite confident in a one-on-one situation and use my positioning to my advantage.”
Whilst Balcatta have had success in making Cup Finals over the past couple of seasons, they have not quite been able to translate that form into a top-four place in the NPL, as Gabby reflected.
“The Night Series campaign felt like a nice reward for the hard work the girls put in over the pre-season period last year. Having a new coach on board meant players were fired up to secure a spot within the squad, and this created good competition.
Unfortunately, I was unable to play the majority of the Night Series campaign last season, as I had to undergo surgery after the first game. I was able to make it back for the final. I think the tenacity and fight from the girls was incredible and a real driver for our success in the Night Series campaign as well as the State Cup Final.
“Last season as a whole, definitely had its ups and downs. We started strong in the Night Series competition, however, found it difficult at times to find form during the season. Transitioning to a new coaching style took its time, but it created opportunities to change our playing style and give players opportunities to develop their game further.
Above: Gabby Dal Busco lifts the Night Series trophy for Balcatta in 2021. Photosupplied by: Gabby Dal Busco.
“A number of injuries to key players contributed to inconsistencies in our starting 11, but allowed other players to step in and develop their skills at a first-team level, which was pleasing to see.”
This year’s campaign began with a trip to another Night Series Cup Final, but this time, after building an early 2-0 lead, Balcatta Etna succumbed to Northern Redbacks.
“It was a really tough game, and it always is against just an established and strong team like Redbacks, now Perth RedStar, Gabby said. “It was great to get an early lead in the game, and that momentum helped us to hold onto the game for the 90 minutes of regulation time. Redbacks showed their experience in the periods of extra time and came away with the win.
“However, it was really pleasing to see how we fought right until the end of the game. Despite conceding two goals, we did not stop working until that final whistle, so I was still super proud of the team and our efforts.”
It’s was a bit of a stop-start opening to the NPL season for Balcatta with COVID-related postponements and a number of the fixtures that they were able to play being against the higher-placed sides. Gabby reflected on those issues.
“The first few games were definitely a challenge in terms of generating momentum, and we had some inconsistent performances as a result. There was a quick turnaround from finishing the Night Series campaign, and there were undoubtedly some tired bodies on the pitch. The stop-start nature of the start of our season made it difficult to get into the swing of things, considering, by round six we had only played about three games.
Above: Gabby Dal Busco in action driving her team forward. Photo: David Dal Busco Photography.
“When we were able to play week in, week out, we were able to get some good results, both at home and on the road, and find our rhythm. As a team, it is very important for us to push for a top-four spot.
“The culture within our team is something I don’t think I’ve ever experienced elsewhere. The bond that we all share is quite unique and special. Most of the girls playing at Balcatta Etna I have known for over 10 years.
“Players like Monique Godding, Kim McCartney, and Cass Harvey who I played with in state teams and at NTC for a number of years prior to being at Balcatta, as well as Tahlia and Monique D’Opera, Epril Nossent, and Alanah Veroni who I have played with at the club for a number of seasons at junior and senior level.
“We have all been through good times and bad together and have established lifelong friendships that will last beyond our footballing days.
Gabby has been in excellent form for Balcatta Etna this season, with some sensational shot-stopping. “It has been great to get some good performances on the board this season and start to push myself further and further each week at training.”
Above: A tight team who have known each other for a long time – Gabby loves life at Balcatta Etna. Photosupplied by: Gabby Dal Busco.
With the Balcatta Etna goalkeeper playing so well, this season, there is the inevitable question about the potential for a return to Perth Glory and A-League Women football.
“To be honest, whenever I am asked about returning to Perth Glory, it is actually a very difficult question for me to answer. I enjoyed the opportunity to play for Perth Glory and the Young Matildas very much – as challenging as it was from a training point of view, I was able to experience training with some of the best in the world.
“For majority of my career at Perth Glory, I felt very supported to pursue academics as well as high-level sport, and I was able to balance these commitments whilst still enjoying the game.
“The last year I was involved with Perth Glory, I sustained an injury that meant I wasn’t able to play during the season. Being on the sidelines opened my eyes to another side of professional sport. The next year, my contract at Perth Glory was not renewed, after a discussion that forced me to decide to either continue to be involved with Perth Glory or pursue my Physiotherapy degree.
“These experiences have helped to shape me as a good leader both within my team at Balcatta Etna, but also as my role as a Physiotherapist and Clinical Lead within my work team. I currently work as a Physiotherapist in neurological rehabilitation, so you are constantly having to juggle and adapt to ever-changing situations.”
After putting in a consistent number of hugely impressive performances for Balcatta Etna this season, Dal Busco has not given up hopes of returning to Perth Glory, as she revealed.
“After some time away from the A-League Women, I have been able to find my love for the game again and am enjoying pushing myself at training and during games. Perth Glory/the A-League is definitely something I have considered returning to – hopefully with continued good performances in the NPLW, we will see what the future holds!”
Above: Michelle Heyman (right) in action for Canberra United last season against Brisbane Roar. Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra United announced this morning that Michelle Heyman has agreed a two-year marquee deal with the club with will keep her in green up until the conclusion of the 2023/2024 season.
Heyman, the Liberty A-League all-time leading scorer having netted 82 times in 141 matches, is a Canberra United legend having won two Grand Finals with the club, scoring a brace in the win over Brisbane Roar in the showdown at McKellar Park in 2012.
In addition to agreeing terms with United, Heyman will also be installed in the role of Capital Football, Football Ambassador, where she will have leadership in promoting the game to the Canberra football community, as well as helping to boost participation.
“I am absolutely thrilled to sign a new two-year contract with Canberra United,” Heyman said of the announcement.
“It’s no secret that I love being part of the club here in Canberra and that I have enjoyed many happy memories playing in the famous green shirt.
Above: Canberra United legend Michelle Heyman speaking to the media earlier today. Image: Canberra United.
“With Njegosh (Popovich) being named Head Coach, and the addition of his coaching staff and some excellent young signings, it was an easy decision for me to commit to the club for the next two seasons. I am excited by the direction that the club is taking and can’t wait to get started.”
The symbolism of having a two-year deal is powerful for Heyman. “It’s the first time I’ve had a two-year deal anywhere, so it’s great to have that security and also that the club don’t necessarily view me as old!”
As well as being delighted about her new contract, Heyman is over the moon about the team moving back to McKellar Park for the season. “I’m super happy to be back at the cauldron, it has so many memories of the past. The fans make this feel different from anywhere else. The other clubs hate coming here as everyone is always cheering.
“I’ve put so much blood, sweat, and tears into this club. I wear this club on my sleeve. I am Canberra United. It sums up what I have done for this club and what I can do for this club. It made me feel wanted and feel that the club value me.”
The Australian football icon highlighted the wider consequences of being given a two-year deal, admitting: “I might not have to have a job now. I want to make sure that every minute now I have a chance – there’s a World Cup coming up and I have a point to prove and goals to score.
Above: Canberra United head coach Njegosh Popovich speaking at today’s media conference in Canberra. Image: Canberra United.
The addition of Heyman to the United roster means that Head Coach Njegosh Popovich has a top-class finisher in his ranks, the striker having scored 20 goals in 61 internationals for the Matildas, and another experienced head to guide the younger players around her.
Heyman struck nine times in fourteen outings during the 2021/2022 Liberty A-League season, including a last-day hat-trick in a 3-3 draw against Brisbane Roar.
“I am thrilled that Michelle has committed herself to Canberra United for the next two Liberty A-League campaigns,” Popovich enthused.
“There is no doubt that she is one of the greatest strikers to have played the women’s game, and her goal-scoring record in the A-League is incredible. But it’s not just her goals that makes her such a special talent.
“Michelle is a very clever footballer in the way she can drop deep and dictate the tempo of attacks and how she links up between midfield and the forward line. Whilst her finishing is exemplary, it’s her all-round game that makes her a standout.”
Heyman is Canberra United’s eleventh signing for the forthcoming Liberty A-League season.
Ben Gilby provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Western Australia NPLWomen’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos(8/8/22).
Above: Hyundai NTC’s star from the Goldfields, Tanika Lala drives a shot in on goal yesterday. Photo: Ben Gilby
MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:
Hyundai NTC 3-1 Balcatta Etna
by Ben Gilby at E&D Litis Stadium
The NTC produced a performance of maturity that belied their tender years to come back from an early setback to earn a controlled victory over Balcatta Etna in a vital game in the Top Four Cup race.
It was the visitors who had the momentum from the start in sunny conditions at E&D Litis Stadium. Monique Prinsloo found Aaliyah Jorquera outside her on the right. The move ended with Monique D’Opera crossing the ball in towards Mia Yeo at the back post and referee Stephen Knight pointed to the spot adjudging there was an NTC hand on the ball as the move progressed.
With less than two minutes on the clock, Monique Godding stepped up, but Lilly Bailey saved well with her feet, however Knight ruled a retake for encroachment. It was second time lucky for Godding as she dispatched the spot kick into the left-hand side of the goal.
Above: Balcatta Etna’s Aaliyah Jorquera who had an impressive first half. Photo: Ben Gilby
Jorquera and Elizabeth Doust caught the eye in the opening half with their busy nature; determined to run off the ball into channels and when in possession look to advance into the box.
However, when it comes to the NTC, there is always the threat of intricate passing moves with the magic wand of Grace Johnston and Louise Tana in addition to the outstanding young gun Tanika Lala. It was Lala who offered the first threat just before the 10-minute mark when she forced Gabby Dal Busco into a save in the Balcatta goal.
Within moments, Dal Busco was called into action again as Johnston released Lala and the visitors’ custodian got down well to push the ball out.
Above: Mia Yeo pictured on a typical marauding run. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Balcatta threatened again as Yeo showed her quality with a fine through ball to release Monique Prinsloo who fired wide.
However, just before the half-hour mark, the NTC began to get on the front foot. Lala forced two saves from Dal Busco in quick succession, the second a superb tip over the ball.
Johnston curled the resulting corner in towards the back post where Violet Longmore headed home unmarked to level the scores.
Above: Tanika Lala – the Hyundai NTC striker had another impressive afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby.
The NTC continued to press, forcing back-to-back free-kicks on the right-hand side, but whilst there was no reward from these set-pieces, their increased territorial hold was marked just before the break with a second goal.
A game of head tennis centrally about 30 yards from goal ended with Sophie Meaden heading through to Lala who let fly from outside the box and the ball bounced in front of the diving Dal Busco and in.
The NTC continued their momentum in the second half. Their trademark passing movements began to find their mark more. Balcatta tried to play a disciplined defensive line. Lala found her way through but Jorquera covered well to crash the ball out of play.
Above: Balcatta Etna goalkeeper Gabby Dal Busco dives, but cannot stop Tanika Lala’s penalty. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Eight minutes in, and Lala was felled in the box. As referee Stephen Knight pointed to the spot, Balcatta claimed that the ball had been won, but there was no moving the official. Lala picked herself up and efficiently dispatched the ball into the right-hand corner.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between after that. Balcatta rolled the dice on the subs bench, but despite the injection of energy from Angelique Alberts, the visitors were not able to get a foothold back in the game and that is to the credit of NTC who remained exceptionally well organised at the back.
There was one further opportunity for Lala to complete her hat-trick but Dal Busco got down well at her near post to deny the star from the Goldfields.
Above: Balcatta Etna battled away at Hyundai NTC, but couldn’t quite create the chances to boost their Top Four Cup hopes. Photo: Ben Gilby.
This outcome gives the NTC a great chance of making the Top Four Cup – qualification is looking pretty congested, but if they can pick up a win at Subiaco next weekend, the youngsters will be hard to shift.
Conversely, for Balcatta, it is looking a real tough task to make it now. They have a strong squad who you feel are capable of great things – those good times may now have to wait for another year.
Above: Jaime Duncanson (Sky Blue shirt on left of image) lifts the ball over Fremantle City goalkeeper Dayle Schroeder on Friday night. Photo: NPL.
Round 18 action started on Friday night with two matches. First, there was the vital second against third blockbuster at Wauhop Park saw Fremantle City host Perth SC.
Freo knew that a win would make them favourites to keep hold of second spot with only three weeks of the regular season remaining, and they made a fast start. With just a shade over 60 seconds on the clock, Perth SC keeper Rebecca Bennett repelled a shot with her feet, the attempted defensive clearance rebounded off a Fremantle player and rolled across the box for Jessica Darmago to fire home.
The Azzurri kept faith and with 23 minutes played were level. Jaymee Gibbons picked up possession in the middle, beat her marker, and played in Jaime Duncanson outside her. Perth’s deadly attacker took a touch, advanced into the box, and lifted the ball over advancing Freo goalkeeper Dayle Schroeder.
Fremantle hit back and forced three corners and as many shots on target before the interval, but could not make those chances count. How they would pay for that in the second half.
Above: There was plenty to celebrate for Perth SC on Friday night at Fremantle City. Photo: NPL.
Perth SC were dominant from the start of the second period, scoring three times in the opening 13 minutes to seal the deal. First, Abbey Meakins ended a sweeping movement by hitting a shot from just over 20 yards which took a wicked deflection off a Freo player and pitched high before bouncing in front of a wrong-footed Schroeder and going in.
Within three minutes it was 3-1 to The Azzurri when Duncanson gained advantage from loose Fremantle play to set in motion a sweeping move which eventually saw Ella Lincoln found on the edge of the box on the right-hand side. The youngster took a touch, turned her marker and unleashed a confident shot across Schroeder and into the far corner of the net. It was great skill.
Above: Jessica Flannery provides the cross for Stella Zampogna’s fifth Perth SC goal. Photo: NPL.
Just after the hour mark, Meakins grabbed her second from a free-kick around 20 yards out to the right of centre. Her shot bounced in front of the diving Schroeder and found the net. In the final minute, Stella Zampogna completed the scoring as she dispatched Jessica Flannery’s cross from the left into the net with some aplomb.
Perth SC are hitting top form at the right time of the season. Their last three games has seen them hit 15 goals, conceding just two. This period has also seen The Azzurri become the first team to avoid defeat to Perth RedStar.
Above: Sadie Lawrence lets fly from outside of the box to give Murdoch University Melville the lead on Friday night at Curtin University. Photo: NPL.
Also on Friday night, Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) continued their fine recent run with a 3-0 win at winless Curtin University.
The visitors were rampant from the start at Edinburgh Oval, forcing six corners in a 12-minute spell, but despite this, it took them until eight minutes before the break to hit the front. From a throw-in on the right-hand side, the ball was laid back to Perth Glory W-League player Sadie Lawrence who took a touch to roll away from a would-be marker just outside the box and then lash home a sensational finish into the top left-hand corner.
Above: Andrea Preiato lashes home Murdoch University Melville’s second goal from outside the box. Photo: NPL.
It became 2-0 20 minutes into the second period as Elysse Shore gathered possession on the left flank and fed Andrea Preiato who took a touch and lifted another brilliant finish high into the far corner of the net.
The scoring was completed a quarter of an hour before the end as Rachel Gilles stood over a free-kick, around 25 yards from goal, way out on the left touchline. Her shot was high towards goal, and Curtin keeper Gabriele Maluga could only help the ball into the net.
Above: Rachel Gillies (far left of picture) lines up her free-kick that flew in to complete Murdoch University Melville’s win on Friday night. Photo: NPL.
Murdoch University Melville’s latest success puts them just a single point behind third-placed Fremantle City – it makes the clash between the two sides next Saturday at 5pm all the more mouthwatering.
Above: Andreia Teixeira’s corner causes chaos in the Subiaco penalty area as Perth RedStar go 2-0 up on Saturday evening. Photo: NPL.
Perth RedStar may have wrapped up the NPLW WA title last weekend, but they are not going to step off the accelerator any time soon, seeing off previously in-form Subiaco 6-2 at RedStar Arena on Saturday evening.
The hosts were on the front foot from the start, racking up three corners in the opening period, so it was no shock when they went ahead with 11 minutes played as Jay Coleman played through an inch-perfect slide rule pass for Larissa Walsh to round Marissa Pidgeon and slot home from wide out to the right of the box.
RedStar doubled their lead after the 20-minute mark as Andreia Teixeira’s corner from the right was adjudged to have crossed the line with Coleman and Walsh in the mix close to the line. Credit to Subi though, as within two minutes they were back in the game when their first shot on target ended with a goal. Matildas legend Lisa De Vanna took the ball on the left flank and found Megan Shepherd before being fed once more and she curled in a shot from the far side which flew over Maya Diederichson in the RedStar goal. Some may claim this was a cross that got lucky – but this is De Vanna we’re talking about.
Above: Olivia Wood (red shirt left of centre of photo) lets fly with a stunning shot to put Perth RedStar 3-1 ahead. Photo: NPL.
Back came RedStar and they re-established their two-goal cushion within four minutes. Kim Carroll in midfield fed Olivia Wood who let fly with a sensational curling shot from over 20 yards that rocketed into the top right-hand corner. The hosts hit their fourth just before the interval as Kim Carroll converted a penalty into the right-hand side of the net.
The first half yielded 10 shots on target and five corners for RedStar as well as a 4-1 lead. Subiaco had chances at the start of the second period and got a goal back 10 minutes in when Shepherd dispatched a penalty.
Perth RedStar had the final say with two further strikes. First, a sweeping move was ended by former Football Fern Renee Leota netting after she took the ball around Pidgeon and slid home. The scoring was completed two minutes from time when Walsh gained possession on the left flank and played in a perfectly weighted low ball for Quyen Doan to nod into an empty net.
Above: Kim Carroll (7) about to dispatch a penalty for Perth RedStar against Subiaco on Saturday evening. Photo: NPL.
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
GD
Perth RedStar
17
16
1
0
65
8
49
+57
Perth SC
17
9
3
5
35
11
30
+24
Fremantle City
18
8
4
6
40
32
28
+8
Murdoch University Melville
18
8
3
7
25
19
27
+6
Hyundai NTC
18
7
5
6
29
33
26
-4
Balcatta Etna
18
7
1
10
22
26
22
-4
Subiaco
17
4
3
10
22
53
15
-31
Curtin University
17
0
2
15
17
73
2
-56
Round 19 Fixtures: Perth SC v Perth RedStar, Murdoch University Melville v Fremantle City, Balcatta Etna v Curtin University, Subiaco v Hyundai NTC.
Above: Grace Taranto gets a shot away against Bayside United. Photo: Gold Leaf Creative.
The Nike FC Cup final between South Melbourne and Calder United promises to be one of the best games of Victoria’s women’s season. The statewide knockout competition has come down to traditional powerhouses South Melbourne and 2022’s most consistent side, Calder United.
Based on league standings, the seventh-placed South Melbourne come into the final as underdogs. However, their strong cup form and incredible semi-final win, and quality on the pitch, gives them a good chance of lifting the trophy.
After trailing 2-0 to an in-form Heidelberg United, South Melbourne staged a remarkable comeback to score three times and reach the final. Goals from Janna Lawson, Georgia Kandilas, and Grace Taranto helped to shape one the most remarkable comebacks in the history of the competition.
Above – Highlights of South Melbourne’s incredible Semi-Final win over Heidelburg United.
“It was a very exciting, intense game,” Taranto told Impetus.
“Being 2-0 down is always a bit of a sickening feeling. But throughout the season, South as a team have proven our resilience multiple times, and we all love each other and know how capable we all are of absolutely anything and won’t give up until the 90-minute whistle sounds.”
Taranto is still just 19 years old but has built a reputation as one of Victoria’s best defenders. In the Semi Final win, she moved into midfield, her composed finish levelled the scores just a minute into the second half, setting up an epic win.
With nothing to lose, South Melbourne surged to victory, according to Taranto it was built on belief, determination, and support.
“It was a high risk, high reward game for us,” she said. “That’s how we played and at the end of the day that’s what got us the result.”
Although South Melbourne’s league form has been inconsistent, they have been compelling viewing. Dramatic moments and tight contests have been hallmarks of their season.
Salvaging a draw from the jaws of defeat in the last second against Alamein was another example of their belief and grit. Despite being a goal down and a player down, they found a way.
“The best thing for Cup finals and any game in fact is just having an array of experience in different games,” says Taranto.
“From this you learn how to play based on the situation. The Alamein game is just another example of not dropping your heads and keep pushing to the last minute. The Semi-final was an enthralling contest. After South Melbourne took the lead through Kandilas’s 73rd-minute strike, they had to survive Heidelberg’s star studded attack at their most intense.
Some stunning team and individual defending saved the day for South Melbourne. Holly Murray and Claudia Mihocic held firm at the back. Mihocic in particular was impressive with some spectacular, perfectly timed sliding tackles that have become her trademark.
In front of a fired-up crowd and against one of the best attacks in Victoria, South’s defence stayed composed. According to Taranto, knockout football has a different energy to league games.
“There’s something about Cup games that builds a different atmosphere on the field. Especially night games. South more than anything wants to win this final, so training has been awesome and the team spirit just incredible.”
Taranto’s form with South Melbourne this season has continued her upward trajectory in the game. She earned a contract in Adelaide United’s history-making A-League women’s squad in 2021/22. After a season in the elite environment, she has returned to South Melbourne as one of the NPLW’s star performers.
“Adelaide United has been a major part of my development this year. Training in that environment with such dedicated coaches and talented players, I learnt so much and re-gained confidence that I feel I had lost after two years of lockdown and injuries in Melbourne.
“I came back from Adelaide feeling so motivated and determined to just keep working hard and doing everything I can that would make me a better footballer. I’m so grateful for that incredible experience.
Taranto’s versatility and form this season has earned her another chance at A-League level. Canberra United announced her as one of Njegosh Popovich’s first signings as the club aims to bounce back after missing the finals in 2021/22.
She joins Mihocic, and Murray as South Melbourne players in the top tier. Her return to the club has helped prepare her for this step.
“South has been a great team for me this year, with the coaching staff and players constantly supporting and teaching me. This season South has exposed me to different positions and made me a diverse player, having played in centre back, full back, and now midfield.
“Knowing how to play different positions has strengthened my awareness of the game and this is something that I feel will be very helpful for the upcoming A-league season.
When asked what she is looking forward to most at the three-time premiers, her excitement is obvious.
“Everything! I am so excited to work with Gosh, he’s an amazing coach, and having worked with him before, I know how much he has to offer and I can really see him being a crucial part in my footballing career.”
In the immediate future, there is the Nike F.C Cup Final and a meeting with Calder United. South Melbourne’s opponents this weekend have only lost twice in 2022, but South Melbourne has the weapons to win.
Francesco Iermano, Lawson, and Kat Goff provide pace and creativity, while young striker Bella Stringfellow has hit form at the right time.
According to Taranto, there is no fear of the occasion or opposition.
“Calder is a talented team but so are we. The fact that they are top of the league table doesn’t scare us but more so excited us. We know we are so capable of winning this Final and won’t stop at anything. It would seriously be incredible. South has given me a lot growing up being my second ever football team.
“Being the only girl in an all-boys team, the club always supported me. Now being back years later I would love and do everything I can to give back to the club.”
South Melbourne and Calder United face off for the Nike F.C Cup trophy on Sunday afternoon at Valley Park Events Centre at 4pm.
Above: Scenes at Wembley Stadium after England’s European Championship Final on Sunday. Photo: Lionesses.
With the culmination of an enthralling UEFA Women’s Euros, it is difficult not to look ahead with anticipation to the next big tournament – the Women’s World Cup in 2023. The Matildas kick off on home soil in just under a year’s time.
And as the Lionesses revel in the glory of a first major trophy, the women’s game as a whole is celebrating an ongoing, inexorable rise: burgeoning attention, broken audience records, and continued evidence of the growing levels of footballing quality.
So after having witnessed such a captivating competition in England, here we look forward to what we can expect from the European contingent of nations who will compete at AU/NZ ‘23.
The Best Players in the World
There is no doubting the elite football talent in Europe.
There was a reason to watch each and every Euros match; stars at the peak of their powers in Alex Popp, Kadidiatou Diani, and Beth Mead, as well as rising youngsters in the likes of Lauren Hemp, Selma Bacha, and Lena Oberdorf, carrying their countries’ ambitions on their backs.
Alessia Russo. Back-heel goal. All angles 😍
With the #WEURO2022 final TONIGHT, we NEED to re-watch this unbelievable goal again, and again… and again!
Amongst them, they displayed dazzling skill, conjuring moments of magic throughout the tournament; Alessia Russo’s outrageous backheel goal, Athenea Del Castillo waltzing Rachel Daly to the ground, Nicky Evrard’s goalkeeping heroics.
Australians may already be familiar with a number of these nations and players; the Matildas having first-hand experience of the might of Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Spain during the Tony Gustavsson era.
Europe boasts 12 of the top 20 nations on the FIFA World Rankings, so you can guarantee more than a few will have a say in the final destination of the World Cup trophy.
A Dominant England
With the European Championship “coming home” right from their backyard, can England now return from the farthest reaches of the Commonwealth with the World Cup as well?
Their free-flowing offence, led by Mead, Hemp, Fran Kirby, Ella Toone, and Russo, racked up the highlights on the way to the trophy, scoring 22 goals (1st at Euros) from 59 chances created (2nd).
Source: FBREF.
But even more impressive was the Lionesses’ ability to overcome adversities and grind out tough wins.
Smashing any preconceived notions of English fragility, they came from behind against Spain, weathered early trouble versus Sweden, and bested Germany over 120 minutes in the final.
Manager Sarina Wiegman has completely rejuvenated the squad, and their resilience and quality in depth will make them formidable opponents for anyone at next year’s World Cup, up there with the likes of powerhouses USA, as well as Sweden and Germany.
Tactical, Talented Managers
Yes, it was the first time since 2009 that two female managers had contested the Euros final.
But in truth, Wiegman and Martina Voss-Tecklenburg have proven to be amongst the very best gaffers in the game, regardless of gender.
Above: Germany head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg looks with regret at the European Championship trophy at Wembley after her side’s loss on Sunday. Photo: DFB Frauen.
The biggest differentiator throughout the tournament was tactical malleability, with both managers able to cajole commitment and wring every ounce of effort out of their respective squads.
Voss-Tecklenburg’s Germany were unmatched energetically, allowing only 8.6 passes per defensive action (second), forcing 95 high turnovers (first) from 158 pressed sequences (first), and giving numerous goalkeepers nightmares of captain Popp furiously bearing down on them.
Source: The Analyst.
On the other side of the draw was now back-to-back Euros champion, Wiegman. Every decision she made seemed to turn to gold – central to this being her use of timely substitutions, with bench players scoring a third of her team’s goals. Formations were tweaked for different situations, whilst she also varied the Lionesses’ aggressiveness without the ball, depending on the opponent.
As teams across the world continue to scout and learn from European success, the strategic battle will be one of the most intriguing areas to keep an eye on in 2023.
International Fanatics and Fervour
As covered by us earlier in the tournament, Europe boasts some of the most passionate, football-loving countries in the world.
Next year, Australia will come face-to-face with some of the most unique and endearing (and to some, perhaps unbearable) traditions which result from proudly supporting one’s nation.
IT'S HOME 🏴
Sweet Caroline blaring. England players in tears.
Absolute SCENES at Wembley as the Lionesses are crowned European champions ❤️
From the Swedes’ ABBA renditions to the blaring trumpets of England and the marches of the Dutch Oranje wave, the World Cup will bring an international vibrancy and pizzazz to the already colourful fabrics of our cities and stadiums.
The Growth of the Game
The incredible numbers coming out of the Euros underscore the furious speed at which the women’s game has gained attention: 87,120 were at the final, a record crowd for any men’s or women’s game in the competition’s history, with a peak TV audience of 17.4 million tuning into BBC One’s broadcast.
Record breaking from start to finish 🤩
The #WEURO2022 final has become the ALL-TIME most-attended match at either a men's or women's EURO final tournament 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/4wZqIP7rlm
Similarly, the quality and excitement of the games has also increased dramatically. 96 goals were scored in this year’s version of the Euros, compared to 68 in 2017, whilst pass completion and shot conversion across most participants has also improved.
This is the type of football attractive back here in Australia as well – head coach Gustavsson has been preaching the need for his team to want the ball, to be proactive and “on the front foot”.
An A-League Women’s player survey noted likewise. Whilst the general consensus was that the domestic style of football was predominantly transitional, the majority of players also felt that “possession-based gameplay” would produce greater attacking outcomes and goal-scoring opportunities.
The nation will be hoping the Matildas can keep up with the level of competition at what will be an unprecedented World Cup in 2023. Regardless though, the ability to draw on the interest, resources and hard work that has gone before will be important in further developing the grassroots of the game throughout Australia and New Zealand over the long term.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase women’s football, and will be thrilling for both countries to be a part of this massive movement, with plenty of reasons to watch and attend next July.
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Jonathan’s picks for Best Squad of the Euros (4-3-3):
Above: Swedish star Johanna Rytting Kaneryd signing with the West London club today. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Chelsea FC Women.
Chelsea have just announced the signing of Sweden international Johanna Rytting Kaneyrd on a three-year deal, with an option to extend for a fourth year.
The winger joins the Blues from BK Häcken in her native Sweden and has put pen to paper with the Blues until summer 2025.
The Swedish international player becomes Emma Hayes’ fifth summer signing following the announcements of Kadeisha Buchanan, Eve Perisset, Katerina Svitkova, and Lucy Watson.
The versatile winger began her professional career at the age of 17 for Tyreso FF before her real breakthrough in 2016 when she signed for Djurgårdens IF. Across two seasons she made 45 appearances, scoring six goals.
The Swedish international then made the move to FC Rosengård where she helped the team lift their 11th Damallsvenskan league title in 2019. Following a successful time with Rosengard, the 25-year-old made the move to BK Häcken where she really hit form, scoring 15 times in 55 appearances.
JRK also has 20 international caps under her belt and was selected to take part in this summer’s European Championship, where she featured in all five of Sweden’s games.
The winger will wear the number 19 shirt for the Blues and is excited to get her Chelsea career underway, saying: “I’m delighted to join this amazing club! I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and staff and start working on our goals for the season!”
Commenting on Kaneyrd’s move to the Blues, manager Emma Hayes said: ‘We’ve been watching Johanna develop over the last 12-18 months and she has had an unbelievable season last year in Sweden.
‘She’s extremely quick, direct, a great age and she’s the profile player we’ve been looking for. Johanna will bring another dynamic to the team and we are really looking forward to her career with us at Chelsea.’
Kaneyrd will join up with her new Chelsea teammates at Cobham, with pre-season already underway.
Like just everyone else who adores women’s football, Impetus’ Emmanuel Faith has been enthralled by Euro 2022. Here, he reflects on the best players in each position before selecting his team of the tournament (4/8/22).
Above: England star Beth Mead with the player of the tournament, European Championship, and golden boot trophies on Sunday. Photo: Euro 2022.
Enthralling is mild to describe the recently concluded Euros. With 87,192 fans in the stadium at Wembley for the final, over 17,000,000 watching on TV in the UK alone and all sorts of other records falling by the wayside, it was a tournament that cannot be forgotten.
Full of memories, I have ruminated about the exhilarating matches and selected my team of the tournament. Since most teams played with the 4-3-3 formation, I would be sticking with that.
Goalkeeper:
Above: England goalkeeper Mary Earps making a fine save against Sweden in the semi-finals. Photo: Lionesses.
This was quite a difficult choice to make. The Netherlands goal-keeper, Daphne Van Domselaar is a really worthy candidate for the heroic stops she made against France, especially the double-saves that ensured the match was forced into extra-time. Additionally, and you can’t write off Merle Froms for being Germany’s wall. However, my slot will however go to England’s Mary Earps.
From the crucial save she made against Spain; blocking off Del Castillo’s looping shots to the crucial saves she made against Sweden in the opening 10 minutes before her team gained balance, Mary Earps has come a long way.
Defenders:
Above: Millie Bright – sensational for England. Photo: Lionesses.
Centre-back: My centre-back pairings would be Millie Bright and Wendie Renard. There were a lot of outstanding candidates in the tournament, like the German pairing; Kathrin Hendich and Marina Hegering, and the Spanish pair of Mapi León and Irene Paredes but having a coordinator like Renard and a ball-clearer like Millie Bright is a solid foundation to win this kind of tournament.
Full-Backs:
This is also another really competitive position as there were really outstanding performers like Eve Perisset and Sakina Karachoui for France, Giulia Gwin and FelicitasRauch for Germany, I would however stick with Selma Bacha and Lucy Bronze. Bacha’s performance against Netherlands is one of the best you would see from any 21-year-old footballer right now, and Bronze brought a perfect balance of attack and defense on the flank for the Lionesses. She knew when to stay back, be disciplined and when to wander into the other half. Her only goal of the tournament was also crucial as it came at the time that England were struggling to extend their lead.
Midfielders:
Above: Young Player of the Tournament Lena Oberdorf. Photo: Euro 2022.
This tournament spotlighted a lot of midfield maestros. From Aitana Bonmatí who like a metronome dictated the pulse and rhythm of the Spanish team, to Grace Geyoro whose hat-trick brought Les Blues to life. Keira Walsh’s vision birthed wondrous goals and exciting pre-assists, we surely are blessed to witness these talents.
My three midfielders would be Lena Oberdorf, Fran Kirby, and Kosovare Asslani. Winning the young player of the tournament meant you delivered an outstanding performance and Oberdorf was Germany’s shield and pivot when things got really tough. Kirby, despite coming back from illness played an important role in the hosts’ opening goal and kept on reminding everyone about how important she is throughout the tournament. Her goal against Sweden was stunning. Asslani is also another hero with exciting brilliance and trickery off and on the ball. Her ability to coordinate the Swedish midfield is also an interesting trait to have.
Forwards:
Above: Alexandra Popp – Germany’s superstar. Photo: Euro 2022.
A tournament that produced 95 goals and averaged 3.1 goals per game depicts the presence of brilliant attackers. From Alexia Russo’s brilliant back-heels to Diana Silva and Jessica Silva’s brilliant strikes, is it an European finals if there are no wonder goals from talented forwards?
My slots go to Kadidiatou Diani, Beth Mead, and Alexandra Popp. Diani’s versatility in the box is excellent – her ability to complete take-ons, dribble seamlessly and find a wonder-strike makes her an exciting talent any coach would love to start with.
Alexandra Popp needs to introduction, six goals in six games and you could say she carried Germany on her back. Despite missing the final due to last minute injury, the star cemented her name as far as strikers in modern football is concerned.
When Beth Mead didn’t make the PFA’s WSL team of the season, there were a lot of justifiable concerns, especially about how she deserved a slot ahead of Vivianne Miedema. Well, I am giving her the slot. Scoring six goals is brilliant, but creating five assists alongside the goals makes Mead the kind of player any coach wants in her starting line-up. Who else would have won the player of the tournament if not Beth Mead.
Line Up: 4-3-3: Mary Earps, Selma Bacha, Millie Bright, Wendie Renard, Lucy Bronze, Lena Oberdorf, Fran Kirby, Kosovare Asslani, Kadidiatou Diani, Beth Mead, Alexandra Popp.
Impetus’ Blaise Ogutu brings us his detailed weekly round-up of all the action from the NWSL (4/8/22).
Above:Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman (left) battles Ryan Williams of the NC Courage.Photo:@TheAthleticSCCR/Twitter.
Braces, Nail biters. Comebacks. The NWSL returned after a weekend off and without any more scheduled breaks from here on out, teams look to push on full throttle till the end of the season. Here is how the games turned out.
On Friday, North Carolina Courage came from behind three times to earn a point against visitors Washington Spirit in an entertaining 3-3 draw. In a game that had a rain and lightning delay midway through the first half, the return an hour later produced the goods. It was in the 42nd minute that Trinity Rodman opened the scoring. Ashley Sanchez found her out wide with a no-look pass and Rodman had to keep her cool head to get one past an on-rushing Casey Murphy.
Two minutes later, Courage levelled matters through Brittany Ratcliffe who managed to muscle her way past Kelley Ohara and Sam Staab before clinically beating Kingsbury at the far post. Washington found themselves ahead again through Tara McKeown a minute later. Ohara this time with a lovely cross to find McKeown whose deft header flew over Murphy. The second half kicked off with the same energy as North Carolina equalised again via Diana Ordonez who tapped in a square ball from Meredith Speck in the 53rd minute.
The action didn’t stop there as Rodman finished off her brace linking up again with Sanchez and getting the better of Kaleigh Kurtz before beating Murphy at the near post. Washington would have the game wrapped up but Sean Nahas’ charges had different ideas. In the 62nd minute, a penalty came their way after Ratcliffe was tripped in the area and Ordonez stepped up to coolly dispatch her attempt to make it 3-3. Courage could have had a winner in added time but the crossbar was at hand to deny substitute Jorian Baucom’s header. In the end, it was a draw that suited neither side as they look for ways to climb out of the basement.
While the thunder and rain was rolling in Carolina, Portland Thorns squeezed past Racing Louisville with a 2-1 victory at the Lynn Family Stadium in Kentucky. Sophia Smith marked her return to the side with a brilliant goal following a neat touch to get away from Gemma Bonner at the halfway line. Her driving run drifted to the left before she released a shot far post beating Katie Lund.
Portland dominated proceedings for most of the half but couldn’t double their advantage over a tired-looking Louisville. They were made to pay by young Aussie Alex Chidiac with a ridiculous finish from a tight angle. Coming off the left side, Chidiac dribbled past her first defender on the by-line before squeezing her shot past a crowded goalmouth to record her first goal of the campaign.
The second half began in an even fashion though Portland’s Bella Bixby had to pull off a fingertip save to deny Jessica McDonald’s header from close-range. It was substitute Raquel Rodriguez who made the difference for Portland in the second half as her shot in the 74th minute was initially parried by Lund but it fell right on Hina Sugita’s toes to simply finish the rebound condemning Racing to yet another late goal this season.
Above: San Diego Wave players celebrate teenage debutant Jaedin Shaw, who scored the winner, after the game. Photo: @sandiegowavefc/Twitter.
Saturday evening saw the Chicago Red Stars take on the San Diego Wave at Soldier Field and it was the visitors who came out victorious with a slender 1-0 victory. The only goal of the game came from 17-year-old Jaedin Shaw, who was making her debut for the Wave. It was a well-worked move with Katie Johnson who was through on goal unselfishly laying it off to Shaw who took a touch to get past her marker before slotting the ball across the line in the 28th minute.
In the second half, the Red Stars began crafting chances but were being denied by a resolute Wave defence remarkably marshalled by rookie Naomi Girma. The defence was however broken up on the hour mark when Abby Dahlkemper received her marching orders for a second bookable offence. Chicago had thirty minutes to find an equaliser and had a chance to do so when Girma brought down substitute Ella Stevens with ten minutes to go. Kailen Sheridan proved to be the hero saving Mallory Pugh’s weak attempt to maintain the lead and get the win that took San Diego back to the top of the standings.
The final game on Saturday featured a battle for the last play-off spot as OL Reign came from behind to beat Angel City FC 3-2 at the Banc Of California Stadium. Angel City’s early goalscoring streak continued when Cari Roccaro found the back of the net in the 9th minute of the game. They doubled their lead at the half-hour mark when Savannah McCaskill put away a penalty after Alana Cook was adjudged to have fouled Sydney Leroux. A penalty was handed on the other end in stoppage time of the first period when Jess Fishlock was fouled by Jun Endo but Kim Little’s attempt from the spot was expertly saved by DiDi Haracic.
In the second half, Reign turned the tide when Fishlock’s persistence paid off with a lovely goal bending her attempt past Haracic. Ten minutes later, Sofia Huerta found the equaliser with a flying long-range effort from the edge of the area. The comeback was completed when substitute Tobin Heath slotted in a lofted ball from Huerta to make it 3-2 with one minute of normal time remaining.
Above: Ecstatic Sofia Huerta and Quinn after Huerta’s screamer Photo: @OLReign/Twitter.
Over at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, visitors, Houston Dash came back from a goal behind to win 4-2 in another multiple-goal thriller. Gotham took the lead courtesy of Paige Monahan in the 4th minute who tucked in Taylor Smith’s squared ball into the box. Houston pushed on for an equaliser which came through an own goal by Gotham defender Mandy Freeman. From a corner by Maria Sanchez, Katie Naughton flicked it on at the near post before a mix-up in Gotham’s goal line.
Gotham looked more expressive in the second period and could have gotten their way back on a counterattack led by Midge Purce but after beating Nichelle Prince on the wing, her final pass couldn’t find Monahan.
Sophie Schmidt went on to produce a world-class finish for the Dash in the 70th minute with a clean left-footed strike into the top corner to make it 3-1. A minute later, they again found themselves in Gotham’s defensive area and McCall Zerboni’s clumsy tackle on Sanchez was punished with the award of a penalty. Up stepped Ebony Salmon to put it away down the middle for her fourth goal of the season.
Scott Parkinson’s side pulled one back with ten minutes to go when Purce was off to the races from her own half, driving and drifting to her left before letting one fly past Jane Campbell. That was however all they could do as Houston climbed up to third on the log ahead of Chicago Red Stars while Gotham’s season continues to look grim and the chances for a play-off spot quickly fading away.
The final game of the weekend saw Kansas City Current play out a 2-2 draw with the Orlando Pride at the Lynn Family stadium in Kansas. Orlando found themselves a goal up midway through the first half when Celia Jimenez beat Current’s Hailie Mace to a header past a static AD Franch. A goal totally against the run of play caught Kansas by surprise. They again caught Kansas napping at the beginning of the second half when Julie Doyle capitalised on a collision between Elizabeth Ball and Franch in the Current penalty area.
Above: Orlando’s Erika Tymrak squares off against Current’s Victoria Pickett Photo: @ORLPride/Twitter.
Ten minutes later, substitute Elyse Bennett pulled a goal back when she found herself one against one on the right wing and from a narrow angle, snuck her shot past McLeod. Pressure piled on for Orlando from that point with Bennett working their backline time and time before finally, Cece Kizer found the equaliser with 8 minutes on the board remaining. Lo’eau Labonta with a lofted ball into Kizer’s running route whose first touch took the ball over McLeod and easily finishing the move. The draw saw Kansas remain occupants of the final play-off spot and the Pride in eighth, five points adrift.
In the latest in our WA On Wednesday series of interviews, Balcatta Etna goalkeeper Gabby Dal Busco spoke to Impetus’ Ben Gilby. In this first part of a two-part interview about her hugely successful playing career which saw her represent her country, WA, as well as Perth Glory at W-League level, Gabby also gives an insight into what it is like to have Sam Kerr as your captain(3/8/22).
Photo: Gabby Dal Busco making another great save this season for Balcatta Etna. Photo: JASP Photography.
Gabby Dal Busco is one of the best-known players in the Western Australian game. Having played for the NTC and represented the state at the National Youth Championships, she spent four years at Perth Glory in what was then the W-League. She admits though that it was a round ball from a different sport that got her into the game.
“I started playing football when I was about eight or nine years old. I had played around the backyard with my cousins every now and then growing up, but I actually got into playing football through netball. A girl I was playing netball with invited me down to a training session to try it out, and I was hooked straight away.
“I played at Floreat Athena in a mixed team for a few years, before moving to Balcatta at the age of 11 to play in the under 13’s girls’ team.
I played for Balcatta for a couple years until I was selected into the NTC program in 2010. I continued with the NTC program until 2018, and over this time, was selected to represent WA at U13, 14, and 15 levels at the Youth National Championships (in Canberra and Coffs Harbour), as well as representing WA a number of times at the NTC Challenge in Canberra at U17 and U19’s level.
“Whilst competing at these tournaments, I was lucky enough to have been identified for National camps and all-star teams in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Whilst I was involved in the NTC program, I played close to 200 games, and also continued to be involved in the program as a mentor, coach, and physio in the years after.
Above: Gabby Dal Busco pictured representing the Young Matildas. Photo supplied by: Gabby Dal Busco.
“Over my years at NTC, I had the opportunity to be involved in the Perth Glory and Young Matildas setups. My journey at Perth Glory commenced in 2011, when I was selected as a train-on player, and I received my first contract with the club in 2012, when I was signed as an injury replacement player.
“I made my debut for the club in 2014 and played with the club until 2018. Over this time, I had the opportunity to train, play and learn from some of the best players in Australia, and the world – the likes of Sam Kerr, Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord, Mackenzie Arnold, Collette McCallum, Kate Gill, Lisa De Vanna, to name a few.
“My journey with the Young Matildas coincided with my time at Perth Glory, from 2013 to 2015, and included representing Australia at AFF Tournaments in Vietnam in 2014 and 2015.
“After my time at NTC came to an end, I came back to Balcatta, which felt like a natural transition for me, having played with a number of these players at NTC or within the State Team setup, as well as playing with girls I had played with at a junior level. This year will mark over five years of being back at Balcatta, and I recently made my 150th appearance for the women’s first team.”
Gabby’s spell at Perth Glory coincided with some of the greatest successes in the club’s W-League history. It was an incredible period for the shot-stopper, and one she looks back fondly on.
Above: Gabby Dal Busco in the Perth Glory starting line-up ahead of the 2016 W-League Grand Final. Photo supplied by: Gabby Dal Busco.
“It was amazing to have been able to have the opportunity to train and play with some of the best players in WA, Australia, and even the world. Being around such an elite group of players really helped me to develop not only as a player on the pitch, but as a person off the pitch.
Players like Carly Telford, Chantelle Jones, and Mackenzie Arnold stood out as key role models for me as a young goalkeeper, and brought the best out of me in training. It created such a great environment for me to challenge myself, and I think this reflected across the team over this period.
“I distinctly remember the moment Mackenzie Arnold got injured in a game against Canberra (in Canberra) in 2014 – it was the last round of fixtures before the finals series. We had had a very successful season up to this point, only having lost one game all season. Suddenly, the coach at the time, Jamie Harnwell turned to me and asked me to warm up, I was going to make my debut for the club. I was so nervous I even started running onto the field before the referee had called me on!
“I remember the support that flooded in from my teammates, distinctly Sam Kerr, Shannon May, Kate Gill, and Collette McCallum. I can still remember the pep-talk Welsh International Carys Hawkins, gave me. It was so reassuring to have that support from my teammates, and that support continued throughout the following seasons as I made my starting debut and was able to secure a consistent starting spot within the team.
“I was lucky enough to play in both the semi-final against Sydney FC and Grand Final against Melbourne City in 2016, both of which were played at home at what is now HBF Park (previously NIB Stadium) in front of the record W-League crowd at that time.
Above: Safe hands Gabby Dal Busco in action for Balcatta Etna this season. Photo supplied by: Gabby Dal Busco.
“This period also coincided with some of the best experiences of my career – playing in a W-League Grand Final with world-class players and representing my country on the international stage, as well being the recipient of the goalkeeper of the year award for the NPL and Women’s Premier League in 2014, 2015 and 2020.
“Sam Kerr was an immense role model over this time in my development as a leader on and off the pitch, and has probably influenced how I lead the team at Balcatta as their captain. In fact, one of my greatest memories was before the 2016 Grand Final – Sam (Kerr), who was the captain that season, had written personalised, inspirational notes for each player in the squad and placed them on our shirts to read before the game. I actually think I still have this note! These gestures helped to shape me as a leader within my team and do everything I can to support my teammates on and off the pitch.”
To be part of this incredible period of footballing achievements, Gabby had to face and try to overcome that perennial challenge that female players have to face – fitting football into their work-life balance.
“That was one of my biggest challenges, but I think I was able to adapt quickly and manage this relatively well. A time where my training load was high, and I was travelling regularly to the eastern states for national training camps or away games (with Perth Glory), coincided with studying six ATAR subjects as well as participating in other extracurricular activities through school. I think you learn to adapt in these situations, and get pretty good at juggling it all!
Don’t miss the second part of our exclusive interview with Gabby Dal Busco which will be published next Wednesday where the Balcatta Etna goalkeeper talks about life at Grindleford Reserve and how she sees the NPL WA Women’s competition this season.
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