Impetus A-League Women Awards 2023/2024

Impetus writers voted on the best three players and coaches for the 2023/24 season of the A-League Women. It was a big season with some stellar performances and intriguing narratives. Here, we reveal who was voted in our top three spots for both categories, and members of our team covering the league this season explain their reasons for the choice.

2023/24 Impetus A-League Women Player of the Season

Winner: Michelle Heyman
Above: Michelle Heymna (right) in control for Canberra United. Photo: Canberra United.

KIERAN YAP: Michelle Heyman has had another stunning season. 17 goals in 22 games for an inexperienced team that struggled for results is a testament to her individual quality. In the process, she brought up her 100th A-League Women goal, reinforced her status as one of the greats of the game and at the age of 34 earned a Matildas call up which resulted in five goals across two games.

Heyman continues to impress and impact games. Only three sides scored more goals than Canberra United this season, and none of them were in the bottom half of the table. Her seven assists bring her direct goal contributions up to 24 in 22 matches. Her record in the final third has not slowed, and neither had her pace.

Heyman’s form is deserving of a third Julie Dolan Medal, but she will face stiff competition. As an out and out striker, she remains statistically unparalleled in this league, and as an all round player she continues to be a star.

GENEVIEVE HENRY: Michelle Heyman has simply had an astonishingly good season. The fact that she managed to break Sam Kerr’s goals in a season record, get recalled to the Matildas for the first time in years, and help keep a struggling team off of the bottom of the table is only made more incredible at the age she’s done it at. She’s proof that age is just a number in football. 

BEN GILBY: It’s been a fairytale season for Michelle Heyman. If ever you want a definition of a footballer, who gets better and better with age, just like a good bottle of Australian red wine, it’s the striker who simply is Canberra United. Prior to the season’s commencement, Heyman made it very clear that she was focusing in on a return to international football. To be able to achieve it and then thrive once more at the highest table whilst playing in a team finding it hard to string wins together just highlighted when ability, experience, determination, and sheer desire can do. All adjectives you would also associate more widely with the club that the attacker plays for.

The 35-year-old outlined the reasons she believes account for her outstanding form for club and country this year when, prior to the recent Matildas international with Mexico she said: “I’m just so much smarter these days, it’s fantastic! Experience and age is a gift, and I look at my 25-year-old self, and I wish I knew everything then that I know now. I think it’s better than ever being older because I understand the game more.”

Heyman has been peerless this season, and with her part of the Canberra United family, you just know the capital city side will come back next season fighting harder than ever on and off the field with their talismanic striker leading the way.

KRIS GOMAN: Heyman has stepped up a notch this season. It was very obvious that she wanted to get back into the Matildas and go to the Olympics. Amazing what a clear goal can do. She’s been completely dominant, breaking league records left, right, and centre and it’s been so uplifting to watch. Fully deserves this top spot.

Second Place: Cortnee Vine
Above: Cortnee Vine celebrates a goal this season. Photo: Sydney FC.

KIERAN YAP: Cortnee Vine entered this season with huge expectations. After achieving near global fame at the 2023 Women’s World Cup with her penalty kick against France, Vine became the face of the A-League Women and Marquee Player.

Her presence alone attracted fans in the early days of the season, and a Round One record-setting crowd could be attributed to the continued Matildas mania, for which she held the torch.

Vine’s season has not been as brutally consistent as Michelle Heyman, but she worked her way into form this season to re-establish herself as one of the outstanding wingers in this league.

Her acceleration and defensive work makes her a nightmare for many teams to defend, but her finishing has improved and in a season where Sydney FC’s attacking stocks has been heavily depleted by injuries, Vine has been the reason they contend for trophies.

10 goals and six assists across 19 games in a new-look Sydney FC team is an excellent return from a player who must have been feeling immense pressure to deliver on the hype of the World Cup.

GENEVIEVE HENRY: For a player who missed a fair chunk of the season, Cortnee Vine had a massive impact on Sydney’s season. With less than advantageous conditions for the Sky Blues, she still managed to thrive, creating and scoring many for her team.

BEN GILBY: No longer just a player with searing pace on the flank who can cut inside and lash home vital goals. This is Cortnee Vine Mark II – the new, smarter model.

The technique, advice, and confidence that the Sydney star has taken from her international experience, that culiminated in that moment in the World Cup Quarter-Final in France that none of us privileged enough to be in Australia last August will ever forget.

This season, Vine is still the red hot runner with the sensational finishing ability, but it’s now part of a player who is that bit smarter. She knows the additional channels to slot into, she knows the importance of reading both team-mates and opposition play in depth to ensure she can join or counter the moves where appropriate.

Cortnee Vine is now developing an all-round game that mark her out as someone who can be a key part of The Matildas’ drive towards gold in Paris this August.

KRIS GOMAN: Vine has matured a lot this season. She’s started playing like an experienced Matilda. The Sydney FC star always been attack minded but she’s a lot more strategic now, timing her runs, timing her crosses, reading the spaces. The Golden Boot leader board is crowded at the top but Vine is up there for both goals and assists. She’s also proven herself to be a leader both on and off the field.

Third Place: Morgan Aquino
Above: A safe pair of hands in Western Australia – Morgan Aquino. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Perth Glory.

KIERAN YAP: Morgan Aquino’s 2023/24 season established her as one of the best young goalkeepers in Australia. Perth Glory’s saviour on multiple occasions, she was outstanding when they were winning, and their best chance of making the finals when the team’s form tapered off.

The individual narrative around Aquino went from people noticing that she was playing well, to quickly accepting that she was an excellent player in great form. Glory conceded far more goals than anybody at the club would find acceptable, but any that she could humanly prevent, she did.

Aquino is still currently eligible for Australia’s Under 23 side. Another season of consistent and often eye-catching goalkeeping could see her with a senior call-up in the near future.

GENEVIEVE HENRY: Morgan Aquino is simply a brick wall. Her contributions were vital during Perth’s successful run, as well as keeping them in games during their struggle in the second half of the season. Her shot-stopping skills along with her experience and leadership make her invaluable.

BEN GILBY: Aquino has been at career-best form throughout this season. A goalkeeper that Western Australians have known for a number of years has this potential ability in her locker is now delivering it week-in-week-out.

Speaking to me back in February, the 22-year-old put her outstanding run of performances down to two factors – having a total break from the game at the end of the 2022/23 A-League Women season, and getting the confidence from being a regular starter for Perth Glory.

Aquino spent much of the off-season travelling around Europe rather than playing NPLW football which brought her back to Perth well rested and fully focussed on honing her craft to keep the starting spot between the sticks for the Western Australian side.

The two previous seasons saw Aquino competing with first Courtney Newbon and then Sarah Langman for a spot in the starting line-up, with none of those players getting a consistent run of starts. This campaign, the position in goal was handed to Aquino from the start, and she kept her performance levels sky high to ensure that head coach Alex Epakis never even considered Lilly Bailey or Sally James.

It was a situation that Aquino felt played a significant part in driving her performance levels this year to another height; the hunger and desire to get the number one slot and retain it. Repeat it in 2024/25 and international recognition could well come her way.

KRIS GOMAN: Aquino has some very impressive stats this season. One of only two players to start every match and a save percentage of 81.1% including saving two out of three penalties. Given where Glory ended up in the table, it’s doubly impressive. She was arguable her team’s most important player this season. 

2023/24 Impetus A-League Women Coach of the Season

Winner: Emily Husband
Above: Central Coast Mariners head coach Emily Husband – Impetus‘ Coach of the Season for 2023/24. Photo: Central Coast Mariners.

KIERAN YAP: The Central Coast Mariners coach had a big task this season. Emily Husband had to assemble a team from scratch that could compete immediately and help grow and retain a fanbase. The Mariners launched in a season packed with potential but also pressure.

Following the World Cup, there was an opportunity to attract and retain fans in the second life of the A-League Women’s team.

Husband delivered a combative and attacking side. She got her international signings like Faye Bryson and Wurigumula perfect, her young players like Peta Trimis evolved into potential stars and the NPLW or experienced A-League Women recruits like Isabel Gomez or Bianca Galic delivered stellar seasons.

When teams play The Mariners, they have rarely been in for an easy afternoon. They are well organized, confident and dangerous. Husband has taken them to within one game of a Grand Final in her first season in charge. It is a terrific achievement.

GENEVIEVE HENRY: In the Central Coast Mariners first season back in the league, they absolutely thrived and it’s mostly thanks to Emily Husband. Her recruitment of local and international players was top-notch, and she managed to get the best out of each of her players. She took relatively unknown names and made them stars.

BEN GILBY: Taking over as head coach of a club returning to the A-League Women after so many years away is a tough gig. Doing it as your first coaching job in the comp just ratchets up that level of toughness and pressure even further.

The responsibility of putting together a totally new squad of players, many of whom have never played A-League Women football before either is one that can weigh heavy on the shoulders, but not only did Husband wear that pressure lightly, but she cleverly, and, initially, quietly went about her building business.

Putting together a group she was familiar with from her time at the helm of Sydney University, along with some extremely astute signings from overseas and adding the priceless experience of both Kyah Simon and Casey Dumont showed that Husband was constructing an identity for the new Mariners side which was attractive to players. It would also become one that was attractive to fans and dangerous to opponents.

Husband and her Central Coast Mariners will face a different sort of pressure next season – people know what they are capable of – and they may face fierce competition to keep hold of key players. But Husband is so astute, I have a feeling she’ll just take it in her stride.

KRIS GOMAN: Got to admit Husband really wasn’t on my radar for most of the season but the way the Mariners finished the season and made the finals she ended up on every radar in the land. From very smart recruitment to bringing the team together, it all worked very successfully, especially this being her first season as a head coach in a professional league. 

Second Place: Dario Vidosic
Above: It’s been an impressive season for Melbourne City boss Dario Vidosic. Photo: Melbourne City.

KIERAN YAP: In his second season in charge, Melbourne City’s Dario Vidosic has delivered a top-of-the-table finish while developing as a coach and improving on 2022/23.

Vidosic’s style is most easily described as possession based. City keep the ball and are extremely patient to a degree that borders on caution. Combined with the quality of players at his disposal, this had brought more wins than losses in his two-season tenure, but changes had to be made to improve this season, and circumstances forced him to adapt. He has done both to great success.

City’s early season form was typified by the pace and invention of Holly McNamara in attack. When the star striker succumbed to another horrible knee injury, he shifted tactics and personnel. Kaitlyn Torpey moved from right back to left wing to outstanding effect.

Torpey’s form earned her a transfer to San Diego Wave, and Vidosic reshuffled again. City’s mid season form dip almost cost them the league, but despite losing Torpey and goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx to transfers, and the likes of Daniala Galic, Tijan Mckenna, and Naomi Chinnama to international duty, City continued to adapt, and get the wins that they needed to clinch the premiership.

City seemed to become more confident in attack. Young players like Shelby McMahon were trusted to win important games, and Australia Under 23 striker Bryleeh Henry was switched to full-back. They were blessed with depth in the squad, but other sides have shown that having the biggest names does not necessarily equal success. Vidosic had to try things out and see what worked while in a title race.

It is hard to find any fault in the way Vidosic has coached over the home and away season. They were deserved premiers in 2023/24.

GENEVIEVE HENRY: Dario Vidosic balanced the experience and youth of his team excellently. Perhaps his most important achievement was his coaching of young star Daniela Galic, who played a huge role in Melbourne City’s premiership. His resilience to keep going through rough patches paid off greatly as they overtook a stumbling Sydney on the final day of the regular season.

BEN GILBY: Dario Vidosic deserves real credit for the performances of his Melbourne City side this season. A raft of new players came into the squad for this campaign to gel with a number of familiar faces. They have overcome injury, a run of matches where wins proved hard to come by and international call-ups to go about their business with no little talent.

Vidosic is an exceptionally smart tactician. Whilst he may not set up his side to be the most outwardly attacking – possession is the touchstone – the Melbourne City head coach has constructed a group of highly intelligent and cultured footballers who understand their role in the system to the nth degree and what they need to do both tactically and technically to gain the results necessary. That is down to Vidosic and his influence on this squad.

They have that ability that all the best teams have of taking chances when it most matters. Slow and steady wins the race could be a phrase invented to describe Vidosic’s Melbourne City side – and when it comes to winning Finals that is a key mantra.

KRIS GOMAN: Another coach relatively early in their top-level career, Dario Vidosic is someone who has made the transition from successful playing career to a hugely promising coaching one seamlessly. A premiership win and poll position for a Grand Final success in a dramatic end to the season. Can’t really do better than that. 

Third Place: Kat Smith
Above: Kat Smith, who made a big impact after coming in at Western United. Photo: Western United.

KIERAN YAP: After being mysteriously removed from her post at Western Sydney Wanderers, Kat Smith made a return to coaching with Western United. The former Alamein FC coach returned to Victoria to take charge of the squad while previous manager Mark Torcaso focussed on his role with the Philippines national team.

Smith managed the balancing act of continuing what Torcaso has built while revitalising a team that looked to be struggling in the early rounds and imprinting her own style.

Western United soon looked back to their best, and if not for some poorly timed injuries to Adriano Taranto, Hannah Keane, and Chloe Logarzo they could have challenged for trophies.

Smith made subtle changes. Jaclyn Sawicki played in a slightly more attacking role, as did Aimee Medwin and Stacey Papadopoulos. Western were not as defensively tight as last season, but Grace Maher and Alana Cerne became the first avenues for attack and both defended well with the team playing higher.

Ultimately injuries derailed Western United, but Smith delivered a title charge and some entertaining football. Very few things need to be changed for next season, but Smith will once again alter what needs to be, and it will be no surprise to see Western back in the hunt for silverware in 2024/25.

GENEVIEVE HENRY: Kat Smith left Western Sydney Wanderers at the beginning of the season in a controversial and dramatic fashion. No one could have expected the success she achieved when taking over as head coach part way through the season for Western United. She turned their season around. 

BEN GILBY: If ever a coach has personally worked to turn a team’s fortunes around in the A-League Women this season, it is Kat Smith at Western United.

After their sensational debut season in the competition last year that saw a Grand Final appearance, the Victoria side were out to go one better – but a combination of the league knowing all about them now, and head coach Mark Torcaso’s initial job share with the Philippines national side along with injuries to a number of hugely influential players made this a very different looking campaign.

With Torcaso taking the reins with the Philippines on a full-time basis, Kat Smith was offered a role of A-League redemption. After her shock departure from Western Sydney Wanderers virtually on the eve of the season, Smith walked into a Western United side who were in a tough situation themselves.

Smith stamped her vision, knowledge and game plan on her players. This and the return from injuries from some of those key squad members, buoyed by large crowds packing into their first real home stadium towards the end of the campaign saw them finish in the top four – something that looked nigh on impossible for much of 2023/24. Smith deserves huge credit for that achievement regardless of their elimination from Finals at the first hurdle.

KRIS GOMAN: Smith arrived at Western United after being let go from the Wanderers with no explanation but has thrived at her new club taking them to third place in the premiership and making the finals once again. Unfortunately, they were knocked out at the first hurdle, but it was a strong run through the season. 

Impetus A-LEAGUE WOMEN PLAYER OF THE YEAR

ROLL OF HONOUR:

2023/24: Michelle Heyman (Canberra United)

2022/23: Alex Chidiac (Melbourne Victory) and Cyera Hintzen (Perth Glory)

2021/22: Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC)

Impetus A-LEAGUE WOMEN COACH OF THE YEAR

ROLL OF HONOUR:

2023/24: Emily Husband (Central Coast Mariners)

2022/23: Mark Torcaso (Western United)

2021/22: Alex Epakis (Perth Glory)

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Shannon Cooke grabs last gasp equaliser against Villa

Aston Villa 1-1 West Ham United

by Tom Coopey at Villa Park for Impetus (28/04/24).

Above: Viviane Asseyi congratulates Shannon Cooke after her vital equaliser Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus.

The three points looked to be wrapped up for Aston Villa, after Alisha Lehmann’s goal off the bench in the 72nd minute. A last gasp header from another substitute, in Shannon Cooke, secured an invaluable point for West Ham right at the death. West Ham have all but secured safety, whilst for Aston Villa it sees them remain in 7th, with a push for a place in the top half of the table now looking off the cards. 

Aston Villa were the hosts of the Women’s Super League affair, with West Ham United making the trip to Villa Park. Rehanne Skinner’s side were looking to secure safety and retain their spot in the top flight, while Aston Villa, now only playing for pride, looked to end the season on a positive note. 

Sophia Poor made her second successive start for Aston Villa, with the 17-year-old coming in for Leat, who was ruled out through suspension. Elsewhere in the line-up, Carla Ward opted for three other changes. 

As for the visitors, they made just the one change with Emma Snerle coming in to replace Anouk Denton. West Ham were looking for their first league win since February. 

West Ham were causing the home side a few early problems on the counter-attack. Poor was called into action, with Riko Ueki’s effort from a bouncing ball played through by Jess Ziu was drilled towards goal, but the youngster between the sticks was equal to her effort. It was the best chance of the first half. 

Riko Ueki posed a constant threat to Villa. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus

A few moments later, Viviane Asseyi saw an attempt to find the far corner deflect behind. Asseyi was posing a threat on the left-hand side, this time beating the player before looking for a teammate at the back post. Riko Ueki had another opportunity to put her side ahead, this time with her header looping just over the bar. 

Aston Villa had more of the ball after half-an-hour was played in the Midlands, but had nothing to show for it. It was Skinner’s side who were looking the more threatening, but were only able to test Poor just once in the first half. Ueki got on the end of a cross at the back post, struggling to find the desired connection, resulting in a routine catch for the Aston Villa keeper. 

Rachel Daly had Villa’s first opening of the game, but her shot on the half volley was weak and comfortable for MacKenzie Arnold. Arguably Villa’s best chance of the half started with Kirsty Hanson driving with a direct run into the box, she looked for the cut-back, but no one was there to tap it into the empty net. Ward would have been happy with how her side were growing into the game towards the end of the half. 

Once more, Ueki was at the heart of things for the visitors. She looked to find the top corner, floating just over. Down the other end, Hawa Cissoko worked her way in the box, before a drilled effort was handled by the keeper. 

Riko Ueki and Miri Taylor tangle for the ball. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus

There was nothing to separate the teams after 45 minutes played at Villa Park. West Ham started the brighter side, with Ueki having the best chance of the half, early on. Ward’s side created chances of their own, whilst having the best of the ball, but weren’t clinical enough when going forward. 

There were no changes made at the break, as the players came out for the second period in the Midlands. Villa came out of the blocks in the second period, with Daly having a glorious chance to give her side the lead. Hanson’s cross found the prolific striker in the middle, with her header firing just over the bar. 

Emma Snearle’s corner found the head of Asseyi, but she knocked the chance just wide. Both sides were creating chances for themselves, it was just waiting for someone to step up to grab that opening goal. 

Ebony Salmon replaces Miri Taylor. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus

The home side made their first change of the afternoon as the clock struck 60 minutes, Ebony Salmon came on in place of Miri Taylor. It was a tight game, with either side looking like they could nick the three points.

Alisha Lehmann came on for Villa, with Ward looking to find that all-important goal, Adriana Leon was brought off for the Swiss. Kenza Dali tried her luck from 25 yards out from a free kick, with Arnold reaching out to her right to tip it over. 

Kenza Dali testing West Ham’s defence. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus

With the clock ticking at Villa Park, time was running out for both sides. Aston Villa were dominating the ball, with Skinner’s side not having a peep of the goal in the second period.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 72nd minute, with the super sub – Alisha Lehmann – finding the back of the net. Ward would have been smirking as this one found its way in. Lehmann met the ball at the front post from the cross, with her vital touch across goal, finding the far bottom corner. It only took her three minutes to make an impact, being the perfect time for her to grab her first league goal of the season.

Villa weren’t letting their foot off the gas, searching for a second to secure the victory. Lehmann’s drilled effort whistled just wide of the post, as she was in search of a brace. 

Skinner made changes, with Cooke and Denton introduced, as they hoped to find an equaliser in the last 10 minutes. The visitors didn’t look as near threatening as they did in the first 45 minutes. 

In the 95th minute there was a last gasp equaliser, with Shannon Cooke heading in to grab a huge point for the visitors. It was a major blow for Ward’s side after a much improved second half. Ueki, who had been a threat all afternoon, found the defender in the box, who powered it down under Poor to level the scoring. 

Shannon Cooke salvaged a point for West Ham in added time. Photo: Suvadeep Biswas for Impetus

It was a disappointing result in the end for Aston Villa, who will feel like it was two points dropped after the equaliser at the death. There were plenty of positives to take from West Ham’s performance and the character shown to snatch a point, with their place for the 24/25 WSL season looking to be secured.

Teams: ASTON VILLA: Poor, Mayling, Patten, Nobbs, Daly, Dali, Turner, Hanson, Leon, Taylor, Maritz. Substitutes used : Salmon (for Taylor 61’), Lehmann (for Leon 69’) Magill (on for Hanson 89’)

Scorers: Lehmann 72’.

WEST HAM UNITED: Arnold, Smith, Shimizu, Tysiak, Snerle, Ueki, Zadorsky, Ziu, Hayashi, Asseyi, Cissoko. Substitutes used : Denton (for Ziu 72’), Cooke (for Zadorsky 81’), Ademiluyi (on for Hayashi 90+2’)

Scorers: Cooke 90+5’.

Referee: Emily Heaslip

Attendance: 4,282

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Match Report: Everton 1-1 Arsenal

By Joe Rosedon 30/4/24

Above: Issy Hobson by Everton Football Club

Everton snatch late equaliser against Arsenal after 16-year-old Issy Hobson cancels out Alessia Russo’s opening goal, securing the home side’s first point against the visitors since 2012. 

Hobson, now the youngest-ever goal scorer in Women’s Super League history, rescued a point for the home side in the dying minutes of the game. 

In a somewhat lacklustre first half, Arsenal created the first chance of the game when Catlin Foord played a deft through ball from the left-hand side to Stina Blackstenius, who forced a good save from Courtney Brosnan at close range. 

Foord could have scored herself, miscuing her effort after finding space in the Everton penalty area while Victoria Pelova dragged her shot wide of the post in first-half stoppage time. 

Everton did threaten. A looped corner from Sara Holmgaard found Karen Holmgaard but her towering header struck the crossbar. Martina Piemonte had a speculative attempt from the halfway line but did not do enough to trouble Manuela Zinsberger in the Arsenal goal.

Pelova could have scored in the opening stages of the second half. Katie McCabe’s cutback found the Dutch international but again failed to convert the chance into a goal for the visiting team. 

A Beth Mead cross almost found Cloe Lacasse to head home while Emily Fox fired a shot straight into the hands of Brosnan. Another Mead cross this time found Russo, but she scooped her effort over the bar. 

It took until the 79th minute for Arsenal to break the deadlock. Lacasse cut in from the left side and found Mead at the far post. Her effort forced an excellent save from Brosnan, but the ball fell fortuitously to Russo in the box to fire home. Arsenal thought all three points were theirs

Yet it was not enough for the away side to seal victory. Everton had looked most threatening from corners throughout the game and second-half substitute Isabella Hobson rose highest to head home from the corner to snatch a point for the home side. 

Arsenal’s already remote chances of winning the Women’s Super League are all but over after this result. For Everton, this should be considered a high point in an injury riddle season for the Toffees. 

After the match, Everton manager Brian Sorensen said “In the first half they suffocated us but we saw it through and we got it in the end

I’m really happy for Issy. She trained well with us and will make a really good centre-back one day”. 

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall said “We needed to be better with the effectiveness of our chances today. We did better in the second half than we did the first half in regard to that, so it was a couple of good details that changed.

“It is really important for us to finish the season strongly”

Starting XI’s: 

Everton: Brosnan (GK) Wheeler, Vanhaevermaet, Bissell(Settle 90+8) Hope,Piemonte (Hobson 80),Finnigan,© S Holmgaard, Snoeijs, Stenevik, K Holmgaard(Dale 63)

Subs Not Used: Hart(GK), Wilding, Jones

Arsenal: Zinsberger(GK) Fox, Williamson (Codina 45) Catley, Mead, Little © McCabe, Foord (Lacasse 63) Pelova (Cooney-Cross 73) Russo, Blackstenius (Maanum 63)

Sub Not Used: Williams (GK), Miedema,  Wienroither, Golide, Reid

Referee: Phoebe Cross

Cuthbert & Dower speak about sharing the love of the game through the language of football

by Ben Gilby (29/4/24)

Above: Joy on the faces of all taking part in the Cairns coaching session hosted by the Junior Matildas today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

The Junior Matildas welcomed 18 girls from Cape York House for Girls and Centacare Far North Queensland resettlement program to Endeavour Park in Cairns for a specially designed football clinic.

Australia’s Under-17 national side took time out from their preparations for the forthcoming U17 Asian Cup to teach new skills to young First Nation girls, and newly arrived youngsters from DR Congo and Bhutan.

Above: Junior Matildas’ head coach Rae Dower speaking today. Image: Football Australia.

Junior Matildas’ head coach Rae Dower outlined that the coaching clinic was designed and led by the players as part of the wider squad development of the ‘whole person’ around the footballer.

“It was a wonderful opportunity, the (Junior Matildas) players designed a little clinic, little training sessions…and all the young players – the smiles were incredibly large and they had a great time.

“It’s something that we always do wherever around the world we travel. They design and run some sort of a clinic for local children in that children, and it’s developed a lot of really great skills away from the game for the girls – understanding being young role models and young leaders.”

Above: Ruby Cuthbert speaking about her “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” in Cairns today. Image: Football Australia.

Young Western Australian Ruby Cuthbert, who made her A-League Women bow for Brisbane Roar this season emphasised how much the session working with the girls meant to her.

“It was a really amazing experience. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We were speaking to some of the girls afterwards, and they said it was the best day of their life. It makes us proud and makes us feel that we belong somewhere because some of aren’t used to that. Some of them didn’t speak English. If we can speak to them in a language through football, it’s an amazing thing.”

“For me, looking up to someone older than myself would have been amazing, so giving that opportunity to those girls, I think it just warms my heart and makes myself proud to be a role model to these girls.”

Above: Building bonds and becoming role models – the Junior Matildas in Cairns today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

Cuthbert values the emphasis that the Junior Matildas set up has on developing young women’s life skills as well as developing their footballing skills on the international scene. The Fremantle-born defender said: “We are just so privileged and it opens us up and our minds up to what is out there in the world.

“Being so privileged in what we have, it makes us learn new skills, learn how to coach. No words can describe how amazing this opportunity was for us.”

Above: Members of the Junior Matildas and youngsters at Endeavour Park in Cairns today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.

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Discovering The Dub: what new fans thought of the record breaking A-League women season.

By Kieran Yap 29/4/24

Above: a packed crowd for The Newcastle Jets. Photo Newcastle Jets

Following record crowds and growing momentum, Impetus Football spoke to new fans of the A-League women to learn their experiences of their first season.

The 2023/24 A-League Women season has been a huge success in terms of attendance. Hopes were high before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but those who had been around football for years were cautious with their optimism.

False dawns and broken promises litter the history of the game. the 2015 Men’s Asian Cup was not built upon, and the momentum created by the Socceroo’s in 2022 was wasted in a way nobody could predict.

However, the Women’s World Cup provided an opportunity to reboot the women’s domestic league in Australia. The A-League Women has seen record crowds across the competition with the standalone crowd record set twice this season. At the end of Round 22, The A-League Women was the most attended season of any women’s sport in Australian history.

The World Cup was not the only factor. Decisions were made that helped achieve this. The season was extended to be a full home and away length, double headers were largely jettisoned in favor of stand-alone games, and clubs developed their own strategies to market the women’s game (to mixed results.)

Casual, returning and die-hard fans were joined by thousands of newcomers to the sport. The World Cup may have piqued interest, but getting people through the gate is one thing, making them want to return is another entirely, and this season the league achieved that.

Impetus Football spoke to numerous fans of the A-League Women from across the country. What made them try the league? Why were there experiences, and what kept them coming back if they did?

“There was no excuse not to get behind Perth Glory Women this season.”

The World Cup definitely had an impact. For Adrian Geremia of Melbourne, the tournament re-lit a spark for live football.

“I think it actually got me wanting to go to more games from both sides in general,” he said

“I had only been to probably been to only like two games in my lifetime before the WWC.

“The first ALW game I went to (this season) was Melbourne Victory vs Wellington Phoenix in early March.

“I had been wanting to go for so long, but I used to play futsal each Sunday afternoon and that would always be when the Victory games were on. I’ve been watching the womens game for about 4-5 years now, but I didn’t pay a lot of attention to the ALW till around 21/22 which was when I got back into the A-League in general.”

Jordan Klingsporn from Perth was similarly buoyed by the World Cup. Western Australia did not receive a Matildas game, but the enthusiasm of 2023 has carried into this season.

“I attended four of the five games in Perth at the Women’s World Cup and the quality and atmosphere far exceeded my expectations. After witnessing the Matildas run to the semi-finals, there was no excuse not to get behind Perth Glory Women this season.

“The First match I attended was the first Perth Glory home game against Western United at Macedonia Park. It was at a time of the year with no sport really on, and was at one of my favourite venues

“Glory getting the win 2-0 obviously helped, but the quality in football had improved greatly since when i last took interest in the W-League around five or siz years ago. And as a long time supporter of Perth Glory, it felt like my duty to get behind them”

Bella M had one of the best introductions to women’s football imaginable, the historic and heart-stopping epic Quarter Final between Australia and France.

For many this was the game that took hold of the nation. Where fans left their seats at the AFL to watch on tiny screens, and others watched in-flight while in transit.

“I watched the France game as my first women’s football game ever. I was immediately invested and by the time the England game happened, obsessed and swept up in the fervour of community elation.

“Post world-cup, I started watching the WSL to keep watching the players I knew, and then after a few weeks, looked into the a-league as well, but was confused as to how to watch it at first especially as I didn’t have an emotional tie to any team in particular.”

For Bella, that emotional tie would grow, but she would also join the thousands that signed up to play the game as well as watch it. As a new fan, she points out some things that the league could do better that many of us take for granted.

“The first game I went to for the A-League’s was the Sydney FC v Western United Pride round. at Leichhardt Oval.

“I joined a soccer club beginning of the year, to find some friends who would share the same new interest as mine as well as play.

“I joined the Flying Bats, an LGBTQ+ team, and there were some tickets that were available for free, I took my friend along with me for my first game.

“I had an amazing time, and the vibe was beautiful, and seeing Courtnee Vine in person slam in a magnificent goal was the clincher to get me emotionally invested in Sydney FC.

“Watching the young Matilda’s also helped me to get into the A-leagues, as I then could recognize more players like Lara Gooch and Peta Trimis, which also didn’t help me choose between if I was going to go for Central Coast where I grew up or Sydney where I am now!”

As a new fan, she points out some things that the league could do better to communicate to fans. She is not alone. In a season where the APL changed the finals format and elevated “Matches Won” over Goal difference for determining the table, this is a common issue in Australian football.

The unique make up of our league with a premiership and championship among the same clubs can also leave some newcomers Googling for clarity.

“I would like to have a bit more understanding about the way the league season worked,” she said.

“I was quite confused as to what the premiership plate and quarter finals were about as a newbie to the league.

“I couldn’t work out what it meant, I listen to Far Post pod to also learn more about A-Leagues but that felt like too simple a question to ask.

“Even after attending the Semi finals in Gosford for Mariners versus Sydney, I don’t understand why there’s two legs… if Sydney won this week but CCM wins at the second leg, who goes through?

“A break down available somewhere on the like a league site would help, and I wasn’t clear because looking at last league results, I think this was one of the first dub leagues with the extra games? Still unsure there.

In the stands, many described a different feel at women’s games to men’s. For longer term fans the early season appearances of thousands of Matildas jerseys at a league game could feel jarring or at least surprising. Although that appeared to taper off, the large amounts of newcomers to the sport and fans extending their support from the men’s league has meant that not everybody is on the same wavelength in the crowd.

It is a pitfall of rapid growth, and the teething problems may continue for a little while as casual fans get used to active support, drums and the long existing culture. But while there have been instances where fans have been asked to simmer down or move drums, having a huge influx of new people is a good problem to have even as clubs take time to adjust.

While the family friendly reputation of women’s football has obvious benefits, the league walks a fine line between this and making it a day for kids who have boundless enthusiasm at the expense of the adults with time and money to commit.

Matildas mania has not died down, but the downside to that is that some fans are eager to get a memento. Requests for shirt, socks or even offers of food across the fence have been more common than they should be.

However, homemade signs of support have also been plentiful as they were through the tournament and the good vibes have largely continued.

As Adrian points out, the players have been gracious with their time even as demand exceeds what is easily possible.

“… I love how much time the women’s players have for the fans, players like Alex Chidiac, Emma Checker, Beattie Goad, Kayla Morrison & Courtney Newbon would stay till the very end until we were asked to leave…a lot of the players would hang around till the end.

“I’ve always seen the women’s game as a bit more enjoyable…and I think I still see it that way.

“I went to the semi-final against the Mariners and despite the loss they hung around for the fans until the end and still seemed cheery.”

For Sydney’s Olivia P, the season could not start soon enough.

“I was on board as soon as the season started because I really wanted to get involved in the football atmosphere in Australia post world cup,”

“My first A-league men’s game was the Sydney derby in early march,”

“The atmosphere was so incredibly different, it definitely felt like more fans cared about the mens game more than the women’s because almost 90% of the crowd only showed up in time for the men’s derby to start.

“The rivalry in the men’s game is a lot more intense too, with all the banners and the amount of beer drinks being thrown on people. It was definitely a surreal experience but I enjoyed it

“The atmosphere surrounding the women’s game was definitely noticeable, the players would positively feed off the crowd and made the game enjoyable. Off the field, it felt like fans continued to carry that same atmosphere and it’s really nice to be around

“I personally really like double headers, most of my friends only want to watch the women play but I want to support the men’s and women’s team at my club.

Tickets are definitely more on the pricier side if you’re wanting good seats, which I can understand to an extent. Being able to go to the double headers gives an opportunity to experience both teams playing, and it also makes it easier to drag my dad along who mainly watches the men play.”

While Matilda’s playing in the league may have drawn in new people, they returned for the football and quickly became fans of the other brilliant talents across the competition.

“My team’s form was pretty consistent throughout the season, but I can definitely understand why some people may be disheartened if their team isn’t in great form at the moment.

“[It’s] been pretty rocky since the last few matches of the regular season and it can be disappointing but ultimately I love this team and will continue to support them no matter what happens or how they play

“I’m definitely intending to come next season, I’m looking at buying an A-League Women’s membership for Sydney FC and wanting to go to as many games as possible. I’m really excited for next season because I’ve found friends who are keen to go to games, which is something that I struggled with when the season began”

Jordan found Peth to be an equally enjoyable experience despite the side not delivering on early season promise.

“The on-field football from Perth Glory in the first seven or eight rounds of the season was some of the best I’d seen, and the experience of watching a game at Macedonia Park at night after a sunny Perth day is something i can’t recommend enough.

“Perth Glory dropped off in form in the second half of the season, but the off-field experience stayed pretty much the same. What did you enjoy about the season as a fan,

“I’d like to see more family emphasis at games particularly in Perth. There’s not many sports left where a family can afford a day out there, plus more food trucks and vans, as they were always great at games there.

“On-field, if we can keep the same form all throughout the season we could be damaging

New Home, New Team

After moving to Australia from England, long term FAWSL follower Emma M was excited to discover the football culture in Australia.

England’s top league had grown in stature and popularity in the last decade and the 2023 World Cup showed her that she could find something similar at her new home.

“The World Cup put Australia on the map for me as a football nation. I had no idea there was such an audience or passion for football here until I saw it at the games I went to in Brisbane & Sydney. So of course when I moved here, the World Cup was an important part of helping me find my A- League crowd.

Like any proper football person ™ Emma found enjoyment in a 0-0 draw between Melbourne City and Sydney FC, but says that she found Victory more suited to her.

“It was an exciting  draw, but I went on to watch Melbourne Victory games and found them a more loveable team.

“The overall feel of the fans and the atmosphere felt more connected

“I’ve been to several men’s games. I think the main difference is that the ‘ultras’ both make and break an atmosphere. In some sense it’s great to hear all the constant chants and songs, seeing lots of fans deliberately stood together but it also gives a sort of us and them feel to being a new, casual fan.”

Emma noted that the atmosphere at the Victory women’s games has been noticeably quieter. Mainstream media exposure and A-League channels have focussed current or former Matildas primarily, and it will take time for new fans to get to know the league players just as well, but from attendances this season that seems an issue of when and not if.

That familiarity will result in passion and atmosphere. Fans in the stands or on the hill should soon be as excited when Lia Privitelli is on the ball as when a senior Matilda is warming up, and by the end of the season there were signs of that happening.

Although she has enjoyed the on-field product, the distance to travel to some games has  been difficult to overcome. It is a situation that many Australian football fans find familiar. The most suitable venues are rarely in convenient locations, while the most accessible are often too big for both women’s and men’s games.

“The quality of some games has been great and should be a huge selling point for the W a league, off-field has been questionable. Mainly the distance or difficulty of getting to games. I would love to make games a regular thing but venturing out to Bundoora or Cranbourne to support a ‘Melbourne’ club shouldn’t be that difficult.”

She says that the travel has gotten easier, but thinks that clubs need to be clearer about memberships and what they provide.

Despite the current drawbacks, Emma seems hooked. She is an A-League Women fan now.

“The Victory playoff game was the first time I’ve cancelled specific plans to be at the game compared to normal when I just happen to be free when a game is played. So you could say their form made me more keen to attend

“I’m looking forward to seeing the season from start to finish (I only moved to Australia in February after visiting for the World Cup). Now that I’ve chosen my team and know the players I’m keen to see what next season brings.”

Bella from Sydney also expressed a need for more flexible or varied membership options. Western Sydney Wanderers infamously charged their highest amount for an A-League Women membership at the start of the season. according to the club, the intent was to put a higher value on the women’s program, but it frustrated fans who’s side had only made the final once in their history.

“I’d like to buy a season membership for Sydney FC,” said Bella.

“I think I’d be able to attend more games at Leichhardt Oval, and now from joining a football club, have some friends to go see the team with.”

“I think I came in too late to this season to buy a season membership, especially as I can’t attend next week – which is also holding me back from buying a jersey, I’ll get one next season with my member credits. maybe if there was like….half season? late season passes”

This is just the start

“I’ll be there at the start of the year no matter what,” said Jordan

“Only four matches for me this year, but I’m looking to attend more.”

The new fans were largely not as put off by the prospect of double-headers as existing fans of both the men’s and women’s have been known to be. But clubs should not take that as a sign to return to their previous frequency.

According to both Emma and Jordan, they need to be used selectively and marketed properly. Encouraged by the growth that she witnessed in England, she sees no reason why standalone games could not be made into big events.

“I loved seeing the crowds grow and seeing a new perspective of women’s football having attended the WSL for nearly 10 years,” said Emma

“It’s easy to see a similar trajectory if the right sort of effort is put into the league.

“It would great if there were landmark games throughout the season played at a more accessible stadium eg AAMI. If advertised right the derby could definitely attract a decent crowd.”

“I think double headers are useful for a certain audience, but it has to be marketed correctly and not have a huge changeover time otherwise fans feel like they are wasting their day.

“Prices for food and drink should also be brought down for fans staying for both games because it becomes infeasible to afford stadium refreshments for 5+ hours in the ground.”

Perth Glory only had one double header for the season, and Jordan thinks that they should be kept to a minimum, with  women’s match kept as the main attraction.

“I wouldn’t have more than one or two a season,” he said.

“I feel the atmosphere does diminish for the women’s match as it isn’t the star attraction. Games at Macedonia Park were all a better experience than the one double header Perth Glory had this season.”

As a supporter of the Melbourne Victory men’s team, Adrian wishes that both sides deserve large support whether it is as a double header or stand alone, but despite being “broken” by Casey Dumont’s heroics in the final against Central Coast, he remains excited for the next season.

“I will absolutely be there. I’ve not came back from a game regretting that I showed up so I’ll definitely keep going.”

The numbers don’t lie. A-League Women crowds are up 108% on last season. Fans have attended their first games than then come back for more, and while interest may have started with The Matildas, it has extended to the rest of the league.

Jordan K’s favourite memory involved Hana Lowry’s brilliance against Melbourne Victory, Bella follows players from across the league while still in awe of Cortney Vine’s exploits.

These new fans have found and created new communities in women’s football. They have added to what existed before the World Cup and helped provide a foundation that the league can grow from.

However, as has been pointed out, there is still the need for some fine tuning from the clubs, league and broadcaster to make sure that the games remain easily accessible.

They have arrived and have every intention of staying.

Hayes rues refereeing controversy as Barça complete comeback

Chelsea 0-2 FC Barcelona

Barcelona win 2-1 on aggregate

by Ava-Marianne Elliott at Stamford Bridge for Impetus (28/4/24)

Above: Aitana Bonmati celebrates her goal that levelled the scores on aggregate last night. Photo: Sky Sports.

Reigning UWCL Champions Barcelona overturned 1-0 first leg deficit to deliver a devastating defeat to Chelsea in front of a sold-out crowd at Stamford Bridge.

Heading into the fixture, Emma Hayes’ side saw just one change to the lineup that dealt Barcelona their first defeat on home soil in five years during the first leg. Catarina Macario was brought into the squad to take the place of Mayra Ramirez, who was unavailable for selection after sustaining an injury. Similarly, Jonatan Giráldez made a singular switch to his Barcelona side. Lucy Bronze was recalled to the starting XI, with Mariona Caldentey dropping to the bench.

With the first finalist spot at Bilbao at stake, it was evident that the fixture was going to be intense. The early minutes on the clock saw both sides granted early opportunities to make a difference to the scoreline, however there was an equal distribution of wasteful mistakes whilst fighting for early control, the role of nerves eminently present.

Chelsea’s first glimpse at doubling their lead and opening the night’s scoring came in the 16th minute when Erin Cuthbert was found by Ashley Lawrence’s cross. Much to the crowd’s dismay, the shot soared far over the bar. In quick succession, another chance arose for the home side, but there was nobody in sight as an option for Lawrence to send the ball to.

Hannah Hampton had work to do for the first time of the evening when Lucy Bronze sent a cross into the box from the right channel. Although the ball was headed away, it fell directly to an awaiting Caroline Graham Hansen, who sent a relatively tame volley low from the edge of the box.

Barcelona’s breakthrough appeared at the 26-minute mark when Aitana Bonmati had her say, sending the aggregate scoreline equal. Her formidable presence quickly ripped the Blues’ lead from their grasp, her shot taking a deflection off Kadeisha Buchanan and escaping the reach of Hannah Hampton’s glove.

With their aggregate goal advantage now gone, there was work to be done for Chelsea. There was a golden opportunity to regain their lead in the 31st minute when Lauren James crossed the ball over to an unmarked Melanie Leupolz who pulled back her foot, sending an effort from six yards out smashing agonisingly against the crossbar.

Macario’s shot in the 35th minute was barely pushed away by Cata Coll, and a mistimed back-pass from Irene Paredes just two minutes later was pounced on by Sjoeke Nüsken. Lauren James was just unable to convert the cross, and Kaneryd just wasn’t able to make the right shot after her teammates miss, handing Barcelona another enormous let-off for their mistakes.

It looked as if Barcelona would source the winner when the second half opened, the team holding a completely dominant spell of possession in and around the Chelsea box. After a run of shots superbly blocked by the immense defensive efforts from the Blues’ backline, there was relief for the home side when Ona Batlle sent the ball over the goal.

Above: Dismay for Chelsea as Kadeisha Buchanan is shown the red card last night. Photo: Chelsea FC.

Things reverted back to Chelsea’s control when Bonmati sent Macario to ground, conceding a free kick in a promising position. Despite Macario’s shot being unsuccessful, another excellent chance to level the score arose just before the 60-minute mark, when James sent the ball across to Lawrence down the right-hand side of the pitch. She cut it back for an arriving Nüsken, but the shot excruciatingly missed the net by a fine line, spinning against the outside of the post.

Although the chances were appearing, things progressed from bad to worse for Chelsea when they were forced down to ten. Buchanan was shown two yellows in quick succession, the first in the 54th minute when the defender forced Paralluelo to the floor, the second in the 59th minute after catching Patri Guijarro on the ankle with her foot trying to collect a loose pass. The call was controversial, and it left the home side in an even more unfavourable position against the world’s best.

A run of chances followed for both sides. Chelsea were visibly putting up a significant fight despite having such a huge disadvantage, but it wasn’t long before misfortune struck again. Carter pushed an advancing Bonmati into Lawrence, who caught the midfielder’s leg just inside the box, sending her to ground. The referee signalled to the spot, with VAR confirming another controversial call.

Rolfö kept a level head as she stepped up to take the crucial penalty that would give Barcelona the lead in front of the home crowd shouting discouragement from behind the goal. She cooly converted from the spot, sending Hampton flying in the opposite direction and giving her side a huge advantage.

With just 15 minutes left on the clock to source an equaliser, it was going to be a difficult affair for Chelsea.

In the 78th minute, Chelsea found themselves in a positive position, but frustration rose when nobody in a blue shirt was able to find the end of Cuthbert’s cross. The amount of options remaining was running dry, and Barcelona’s clever game management was beginning to come into play.

The 83rd minute saw captain Millie Bright make her first appearance since November, who was thrown on at centre-forward. Tension was evidently sky high as the final grains of sand ran through the hourglass.

A minimum of six minutes of extra time was announced, and it seemed to inject even more life into a depleted Chelsea. In the dying moments of the game, their efforts to find an equaliser increased. Yet, despite a free kick just outside the box and shouts for a penalty in the 94th minute, they failed to find the net.  

Above: Erin Cuthbert (22) cannot believe a chance went begging. Photo: Zac Goodwin.

The sound of the final whistle brought a contrasting mix of emotions on the pitch and in the stands. For Giráldez’s Barcelona, there was elation as their place at Bilbao in May and a chance to defend their title was secured, facing either Paris St. Germain or Olympique Lyonnais in the final. For Hayes’ Chelsea however, disappointment and heartbreak marked the end of the Blues’ manager’s final game at the Bridge, with Barcelona knocking them out of the competition for the third time in four years.

In her post-match interview, Hayes’ stressed the importance of correct officiating decisions being made, particularly at such high levels of the game. “I was surprised when I saw her [Demetrescu] selected. She’s famous for easy cards and I think that that is the probably the worst decision in UEFA Women’s Champions League history.

“When you work so hard for days, weeks, months, years, you come here and you expect the best from the officials at the very least, and it feels really, really hard to take.” Further, she stressed how gutted she was for her players, outlining that she personally believed they “didn’t feel like we [Chelsea] had the opportunity to lose it.

“The toughest thing to take is that we didn’t lose it. There’s nothing you can do when there’s such a terrible decision and it’s already hard enough. They are a top team.”

Teams: CHELSEA: Hampton, Lawrence, Carter, Buchanan, Charles, Cuthbert, Leupolz, Nüsken, James, Kaneryd, Macario. Substitutes: Mušović (GK), Bright, Ingle, Reiten, Kirby, Périsset, Mjelde, Ćanković, Beever-Jones, Björn

FC BARCELONA: Coll, Paredes, Paralluelo, Graham, Patri, Aitana, Bronze, Rolfö, Walsh, O.Batlle, Engen Substitutes: Paños (GK), Gemma, Jana, Pina, Marta, Mariona, Alexia, Bruna, Brugts, Vicky, Martina.

Scorers: Bonmati 25′, Rolfö (pen) 75′.

Referee: Iuliana Demetrescu (ROM).

Attendance: 39,398.

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City outshoot Jets to make the Grand Final

Melbourne City 3-0 Newcastle Jets

Melbourne City win 6-0 on aggregate.

By Kieran Yap 28/4/24

Above: Melissa Barbieri celebrates Melbourne City’s win after the final whistle. Photo: Melbourne City

Melbourne City have advanced to the A-League Women Grand Final with a 3-0 win in the second leg of their semi final against the Newcastle Jets. Goals to Rhianna Pollicina, Hannah Wilkinson, and Leticia McKenna secured the win, with Newcastle left to rue some early missed chances.

The Jets arrived in Melbourne with a monumental task, to score at least three goals while conceding none against the league premiers. Coach Ryan Campbell’s intentions were clear from the kick-off with Melina Ayres, Sarina Bolden, and Lara Gooch all starting. They were supported by MelindaJ Barbieri and Lauren Allan. All the chips were on the table and Newcastle left no room for caution.

City made some adjustments. Wilkinson returned to the starting XI and Julia Grosso replaced  Karly Røstbakken at left back. Naomi Chinnama was back in the squad to give City some defensive depth.

The day could have been so different so easily. Newcastle came out of the gates at full throttle. Allan, Ayres, and Bolden all had close-range chances in the one early passage of play, while Bolden was once again denied by Barbara in goal when she had almost too much time to pick her spot.

The Jets continued to probe and press for the first 20 minutes with both Gooch and Ayres coming close again but suffered a blow when Melbourne City scored to make the challenge ahead of them almost insurmountable.

Daniela Galic created some space for herself on the edge of the area and poked a pass into the path of Rhianna Pollicina to fire home. Following the goal, City started to control the game, and while Newcastle continued to press aggressively, Dario Vidosic’s side passed through the midfield with relative ease to create chance after chance at the other end.

Emina Ekic and Grosso were menacing if slightly wasteful on the left flank, while Bryleeh Henry continued to impress in her new role as an attacking right back. Galic, and Pollicina rotated positions in the final third to create openings. Although Newcastle had been unlucky not to score first, they went into the break fortunate to be only one goal down.

When Wilkinson found the net in the second half it was 5-0 on aggregate and 2-0 on the day. She beat Nino to the ball after Ekic’s cross and effectively ended the tie as a contest. Substitute Leticia McKenna completed the scoring in the 70th minute underlining the firepower that Vidosic has at his disposal.

City were able to show off their impressive squad in the later stages of the game. Henry shifted into attack. Ekic swapped flanks and Chinnama came on to preserve the win. Even without star playmaker Galic or goal scorer Wilkinson, City continued to create chances and could have had one or two more.

Melbourne City will host Sydney FC next Saturday at AAMI Park, and it will be an intriguing contest. City have returned to peak form and has a plethora of goal-scoring options to choose from. Unlike last season, they have been able to beat other finals teams in the home and away campaign, and are an improved, faster, and more confident side than in 2022/23.

Six goals across the last two games from six different goal scorers is in stark contrast to Sydney FC who have struggled to find a reliable source of goals this season.

Mackenzie Hawkesby was their only scorer in the two legs of the semi-final. Although The Mariners are a much more defensively strong side than Newcastle, and Ante Juric’s side can rely on the threat of Cortnee Vine, City will have no reason to fear the defending champions and can have every confidence in their game plan no matter who they put on the pitch. The only downside to this game was an injury to goalkeeper Barbara who ended the game in the hands of medics. It could mean another moment of glory for Matildas legend Melissa Barbieri.

It was a strong display in the semi-final second leg, which will make for an interesting Grand Final. The top two sides are facing off at the end to the biggest A-League Women season yet.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-2-2-2): Barbara, Grosso, Stott, Otto, Henry, Pollicina, Hughes, Davidson, Ekic, Galic, Wilkinson. Substitutes: Barbieri, Chinnama, L Mckenna, McMahon, Karic.

Scorers: Pollicina 26’, Wilkinson 67’, L. McKenna 70’.

NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-1-2): Nino, Wilson, Prior, Baumann, Allan, Copus-Brown, Davis, Gooch, Barbieri, Ayres Bolden. Substitutes: Huynh, Dundas, Robertson, Hammond, Hoban.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: TBD.

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Vidosic: “We want to retain calm in the chaos”

by Ben Gilby (27/4/24)

Above: Dario Vidosic speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s semi-final second leg with Newcastle Jets. Image: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City head coach Dario Vidosic emphasised repeatedly to the media ahead of tomorrow’s A-League Women semi-final second leg that the tie isn’t over despite his team holding a 3-0 lead over Newcastle Jets.

“We give Newcastle respect. They gave (scored against) Adelaide eight goals…they are desperate, they are chasing goals, and they have goals in the team.”

Vidosic is right to be wary. The Jets side that City face in tomorrow’s second leg are a team playing their first Finals campaign since the league’s very first season in 2008 and they don’t want their sensational journey to end yet. Indeed, only Melbourne Victory scored more goals than Newcastle across the regular season. The Sky Blues boss knows that the Jets don’t just have a strong offensive ability, despite the scoreline last weekend, they managed to cause City a number of issues in their defensive set-up as well.

“We didn’t play our best with the ball, and that’s credit to Newcastle. They were very, very aggressive, very aggressive with regards to the press, so we anticipate the same…we try to get better every week, try to play a better game than the last time we were out (there).

“We want to retain calm in that chaos, and finals football is always chaotic…mistakes are magnified because they could be costly, but we’ve played our way all season, and it’s been successful…they (Newcastle) were aggressive in the first game, they were high in the press, and we anticipate much of the same in that aspect.”

Above: Action from last weekend’s first leg hosted by Newcastle Jets in Maitland in front of almost 7,000 fans. Photo: Newcastle Jets.

In terms of what the differences came down to last weekend, Vidosic recognises that, as it is so often in Finals football, it came down to taking chances when they come. His team did that in the first leg, and there is no reason that the Jets can’t do it this time round.

“We were clinical, we got our chances and we put them away…it was very very pleasing. It was a great game, the atmosphere was awesome, credit to the Newcastle fans, they came out to support their team…we kept a very attacking team quiet in front of almost 7,000 fans.

“We’ve analysed them…they are going to be desperate, they are trying to chase down three goals…but we’ll play our normal football, that’s what we’ve done all season…we don’t talk about a 3-0 lead, we start again nil-all. We’re looking forward to coming home and hopefully making a grand final.”

In terms of availability, the City boss is without Karly Røstbakken, and it appears to be very questionable as to whether or not she would be available for the Grand Final should they make it as, Vidosic admitted: “It’s hard to say. We have to just wait and see until next week. We first need to finish off the job this weekend and we’ll see about next weekend after that. Everyone (else) is good.”

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Exciting draw sees Sydney through to seventh straight Grand Final

Sydney FC 1-1 Central Coast Mariners

Sydney FC win 2-1 on aggregate

by Ben Carey (27/4/24)

Above: Central Coast Mariners’ Australian international Kyah Simon (yellow shirt) shields the ball from Sydney FC’s Mackenzie Hawkesby in today’s semi-final second leg. Photo: Sydney FC.

Mackenzie Hawkesby’s goal on the half-hour mark eventually proved to be enough to seal Sydney FC’s place in a seventh successive A-League Women Grand Final – but Central Coast Mariners, in their first season back in the league, can take so much pride in their performance across the afternoon and the season as a whole.

A sun-kissed Leichhardt Oval packed with over 7,000 fans, was the stage. Sydney claimed a narrow 1-0 win in Gosford last week thanks to sensational performances from Indiana Dos Santos, Mackenzie Hawkesby, and their entire backline.

The match started in a high tempo but scrappy fashion. Both sides were very evenly matched in attack and defence, but neither could maintain possession long enough to build anything truly dangerous.

Just before the quarter-hour mark, Sydney captain, Princess Ibini, fired two warning shots when she hit the crossbar twice in a minute. Ibini, who dislocated her shoulder during the match last week (and popped it back in herself!) would come back to haunt the Mariners’ defence 15 minutes later.

Ibini chased down a ball that everyone else on the pitch had assumed was going out. She managed to keep it in, just on the sideline, and play it out to Dos Santos, who hit a cross into an awkward position in the Mariners’ box. Matildas star, Cortnee Vine, got a slight touch on it, which confused the defenders and set up Hawkesby for her second Finals goal in as many weeks.

Hawkesby once again proved what a top-quality player she is, setting up and scoring crucial goals for her team, time and time again. There should be a criminal investigation into why her former WSL team, Brighton and Hove Albion, only used her once last season.

After conceding, the Mariners tightened up their defence and pushed forward a little more to try and create goalscoring opportunities. Just before halftime, the visitors finally had a sustained period of possession, which they were able to convert into an equaliser. Some quick passes between Faye Bryson and Wurigumula, and a few poor clearances by Sydney, saw the ball fall Rola Badawiya, who smashed it past Jada Whyman.

The second half picked up where the first left off, with Central Coast in the ascendency. Just before the hour mark, they had a massive chance to force the match into extra time. Some great build-up play from the Mariners and sloppy defending from Sydney saw the ball fall to Paige Hayward a few yards out from the goal, but she must have had a rush of blood to the head because she launched it halfway to the moon.

The game started to open up a lot more after the hour mark. It became a lot more transitional and end-to-end gameplay. Shea Connors once again came on and started causing all sorts of new headaches for the Central Coast defenders. Her best chance came in the 80th minute when she found herself in acres of space with one defender and Casey Dumont to beat. But they combined well and snuffed out her potential match-winning goal.

In the last 20 minutes, Central Coast pressed even higher, throwing everything they had at Sydney who sat back and absorbed wave after wave of attack, solid in their defensive structure and bailed out a few times by Whyman.

The Sydney keeper’s most spectacular and crucial save came just minutes before the end of regular time when a dangerous cross came into the box and Annabel Martin played an excellent high, looping header to the top corner of the box. Whyman lept up and plucked the ball out of the air in what was one of her best saves of the year. When she landed, her whole body was inside the goal, but she had managed to keep her hands and the ball across the line.

Sydney was able to hold on and see out a 1-1 draw, which means that they now go through to the grand final for a record seventh consecutive season. Their record in those seven grand finals is mixed. They have lost twice to both Melbourne City (2018, 2020) and Melbourne Victory (2021, 2022), and won two titles against Perth Glory (2019) and Western United (2023).

Ante Juric’s side will be hoping that Newcastle Jets can pull off a miraculous comeback from a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Melbourne City tomorrow because Sydney have an extremely poor record against City.

They have lost all three grand finals they have played against them. But for now, the Sky Blues will be very happy about making it through to the final, and head coach Juric will have plenty of time to make adjustments for the deciding game of the season. No matter who Sydney face in the final, they will be confident they can win. They are, after all, the most successful club in A-League Women’s history and will be a formidable opponent.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Lemon, Thompson, Mclean, Tumeth, Hawkesby, Hollman, Chauvet, Ibini, I. Dos Santos, Vine. Substitutes: Franco, Connors, Johnson, Ray, Tallon-Henniker.

Scorers: Hawkesby 30’.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (3-4-3): Dumont, Martin, Irwin, Wardlow, Bryson, Gomez, Hayward, Galic, Badawiya, Wurigumula, Simon. Substitutes: Langman, Karambasis, Karrys-Stahl, Rasmussen, Trimis.

Scorers: Badawiya 43’.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 7,063.

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