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Glorious End To Redbacks’ History

Balcatta Etna 2-4 Northern Redbacks

By Ben Gilby (28/3/22)

Above: Northern Redbacks celebrate with the NPL WA Women’s Night Series Cup after coming from 2-0 down after 14 minutes to defeat Balcatta Etna. Photo: Fotoenzo.

In their final game as a standalone club, Northern Redbacks came from 2-0 down to holders Balcatta Etna to win their fifth Night Series Cup at A&D Litis Stadium in Leederville.

On her 270th appearance, Carla Bennett put in a superb personal performance for the Redbacks to deservedly win the Tracy Wheeler Medal for Player of the Match – but with a quarter of an hour gone it looked anything but a likely win for Carlos Vega Mena’s team.

Balcatta took an early lead with barely three minutes on the clock when Monique Prinsloo was found on the right. The ball came back for Kimberley McCartney who lifted a cross in from the far right-hand side which looped into the far corner of the net.

Redbacks responded well with Bennett finding Olivia Wood who sidefooted an effort goalwards which came off the left-hand post.

The cup holders looked threatening on the counter-attack and doubled their lead with 14 minutes played when Shivani Battaglia’s short goal kick went towards McCartney who headed forward. Andrea Teixeira played a low pass back which was too wide to find Battaglia and agonizingly rolled into her own goal.

Despite being 2-0 on the scoreboard, it was the Redbacks who were having the best of the possession and territory. Bennett was a constant thorn in the Balcatta side.

Redbacks got back into the encounter with 28 minutes played. Wood found the ever-dangerous Larissa Walsh on the left, the ball was eventually recycled to Shawn Bilham who hit a low effort from outside the box. Balcatta keeper Gabby Dal Busco appeared to have dived too early and the ball bounced over her into the net. It remained 2-1 at the break.

The second half was all Redbacks. Renee Leota, who represented New Zealand in the 2008 Olympic Games, was becoming increasingly influential. Her pass to Wood ten minutes into the second half was well saved by Balcatta custodian Dal Busco.

Redbacks began to rack up the corners. From one ball in from the right, Walsh narrowly missed making contact with Dal Busco beaten. There were further opportunities with Jacinta Coleman and Bennett consistently linking up well.

It took until the 68th minute for Balcatta to get a shot on goal through Cass Harvey, but it only served to inspire the Redbacks who won a free-kick out on the left. Bennett played a ball in low for Walsh but Dal Busco gathered.

With just under 15 minutes left, Redbacks finally got the equalizer they richly deserved. Bilham found Leota who let fly with a long-range effort which Dal Busco did well to push away for a corner. The resulting set-piece found Leota who hit a volley which again was pushed away for a corner. This time the flag-kick came into the mix and after a pinball scramble in the six-yard box, Quyen Done looked to have had the final touch to force the ball over the line.

Balcatta were holding on for dear life now. They had one major scare to survive four minutes into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes when Bennett’s free-kick 15 metres into their half was headed on by Wood for Leota to hit a shot which Dal Busco pushed out for a corner.

Redbacks started extra-time on the front foot, and within three minutes hit the front for the first time all evening. Leota’s through ball found Walsh beautifully who rolled the ball home comfortably to put her team 3-2 up.

The remaining play was largely an even arm-wrestle with both sides creating half-chances, but matters were finally decided with two minutes left. After a period of Balcatta pressure, Walsh gained possession to the left of centre and found Bennett who lifted a shot from outside the box and bounced into the net. Fittingly, it was the club’s all-time record appearance holder who scored the final goal in the club’s standalone history and secured their last trophy under the Redbacks banner.

**Above:** Northern Redbacks’ Carla Bennett being presented with the Tracy Wheeler Medal as Player of the Match. **Photo:** Fotoenzo.

It was just reward for a dominant performance over the 120 minutes by Northern Redbacks and a fitting end to Western Australia’s most successful ever all-female club’s history.

They will kick-off the new NPL WA Women’s season under the merged banner of Perth RedStar. With more talent coming into their side including Kim Carroll, they will be going all out to take out silverware from the very start of their new era.

Balcatta Etna have assembled a strong squad ahead of the NPL WA Women’s big kick-off next weekend and will be looking to make up for this disappointment over the coming months.

BALCATTA ETNA:

Scorers: McCartney 3′, Teixeira (OG) 14′.

NORTHERN REDBACKS:

Scorers: Bilham 28′, Done 74′, Walsh 93′, Bennett 118′.

Referee: Caleigh Ormerod.

Attendance: 500 (Maximum allowed under WA COVID rules).

Junior Matildas and Para Matildas News

Earlier today, both the Junior Matildas and ParaMatildas released important news ahead of training camps and World Cups (28/3/22).

Above: Action from a previous Junior Matildas training camp from March 2021. Photo: Football Australia.

Junior Matildas Head Coach Rae Dower has called up 22 promising young footballers as the Commonwealth Bank Junior Matildas return to action with their first training camp of 2022.

Held at the Australian Institute of Sport, the camp also marks the first activity of the junior national team in 12 months following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and signifies the continued return of Australia’s youth national teams.

While Dower and her team have remained connected with the next cycle of players through a comprehensive online program, she expressed her delight in finally coming together as a group.

“It’s been a very long two years and I am proud of how we have engaged with the players over that timeframe. However, there is nothing like connecting in person, and we are excited to return to the pitch with these players,” said Dower.

“We have some incredibly talented up-and-coming players and the staff and I are really looking forward to seeing what they can produce this week. This training camp and the ones to follow in 2022 are vital for our youth programs. The ongoing development of this next generation of players and our ability to scout, guide, and nurture them is crucial to building depth in our National Team program.”

“I am extremely grateful to the hardworking coaches, program staff, and Technical Directors across the country who have kept the players motivated and assisted in their continued development over these last two years.”

Consisting of players born in 2005 only, the 22-player squad will involve players from ACT, NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria.

**Above:** A previous Junior Matildas camp. **Photo:** Football Australia

Due to the strict COVID-19 protocols, this camp will not feature any players from Western Australia; however, they will be in contention for subsequent training camps.

“For a lot of players this week, it will be their first National Team assembly. So, my message to them will be to come and soak up as much as they can and take as much as possible away from the experience.”

“If it can ignite a spark within them to go back and consistently work hard in their own environments, then opportunities like this will continue to come their way.”

“We want them to bring the best version of themself to the camp and put their own ‘flavour’ into trainings and matches, that’s what has given them this opportunity in the first place. I really urge them to play with that authenticity and to play without fear.”

The players arrived in Canberra today with the training camp scheduled to run until this Friday, 1 April.

Young Matildas Training Squad

Name	Position	Member Federation/Club
Kate BONERTZ-BENN	Defender	Football Tas / FQ-Queensland Academy of Sport
Holly BONERTZ-BENN	Midfielder	Football Tas / FQ-Queensland Academy of Sport
Libby DAVY	Goalkeeper	Football SA /SA National Training Centre
Jynaya DOS SANTOS	Forward	Football NSW / FNSW Institute
Anabelle GHABACH	Midfielder	Football NSW / FNSW Institute
Charlie GIBSON	Defender	Football QLD / FQ-Queensland Academy of Sport
Lara GOOCH	Midfielder	Northern NSW / Newcastle Jets
Erin GORDON	Defender	Football NSW / FNSW Institute
Aimee HALL	Goalkeeper	Football NSW / FNSW Institute
Madeline HOWARD	Forward	Northern NSW / Adamstown Rosebuds
Caitlin KARIC	Forward	Football Victoria / Melbourne City FC
Zoe KARIPIDIS	Defender	Northern NSW / Newcastle Jets
Aimee LONGHURST	Forward	Football NSW / Sydney University
Megan MIFSUD	Defender	Football NSW / FNSW Institute
Mackenzie NIELSEN	Defender	Football QLD / FQ-Queensland Academy of Sport
Sarah O’DONOGHUE	Midfielder	Football QLD / FQ-Queensland Academy of Sport
Ella O’GRADY	Forward	Football QLD / FQ-Queensland Academy of Sport
Nikita PERRY	Forward	Capital Football / Canberra United Academy
Bessie RIETHMULLER	Forward	Capital Football / Sydney University
Harriet SHUTTLEWORTH	Goalkeeper	Northern NSW / UNSW
Chloe WALANDOUW	Defender	Northern NSW / Newcastle Jets
Hayley WELLINGTON	Defender	Football SA / SA National Training Centre

**Above:** Members of the ParaMatildas squad pictured earlier this month. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Football Australia

Meanwhile, the ParaMatildas have discovered their opponents in the first-ever IFCPF Women’s World Cup which takes place between 7th-18th May in Barcelona.

They have been placed in a pool that features Japan, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Recently appointed ParaMatildas head coach, Kelly Stirton is aware of the historic moment coming for the ParaMatildas in May.

“It is going to be a very competitive World Cup with five nations competing for the historic first world title,” Stirton said. “We will be coming up against some world-class athletes, but I know our players can match it with the rest of the world and that’s my job to ensure they are mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared.”

“Now the World Cup teams have been finalised and positions have been secured, we can shift our attention to how we will play our game and how we can break down the other four teams. It is important that our players are not just physically fit but mentally as well. The World Cup is the biggest event in the football calendar, and we are there to represent Australia to the best of our abilities.”

The ParaMatildas are Australia’s national team for footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, and symptoms of stroke and are ranked number four in the world.

They will commence their next phase of preparations for the world championships with camps at the Australian Institute of Sport later this week.

Harlow Hold High-Flying Dons

Harlow Town 0-0 AFC Wimbledon

By George Jones – AFC Wimbledon Ladies (28/3/22)

Above: Action from the game yesterday between Harlow Town and AFC Wimbledon. Photo: Glyn Roberts.

AFC Wimbledon were held to a 0-0 draw away to Harlow Town on Sunday in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.

The Dons went into the game full of confidence after a performance to be proud of saw them draw with league leaders Hashtag United last weekend despite illness severely depleting their ranks.

Wimbledon got off to a good start when Katie Stanley forced the home keeper into action inside the first two minutes. The Harlow custodian was again forced into action a few minutes later as Angel Fowler got on the end of Megan Stow’s cross.

The Dons continued to build on the early pressure as a fine move involving Kelly Highman and Katie Stanley before Jessica Lewry’s shot was deflected away by the Harlow keeper. However, after a good first 20 minutes, Wimbledon began to fade as the physical nature of the game began to take its toll as the first half ended goalless.

The second half was a disappointing one from the Dons as they never really got going again after the restart. The physical nature of the game was starting to make a bigger impact on both teams with Dons head of medical Steph Cantelo fresh from helping out with the men’s first team the day before, being called on several times with multiple players struggling.

There were some positives in the second half as Ashlee Hincks made her return from injury for the final 30 minutes after having a spell out injured for the last couple of weeks. As the game was coming to a close the Dons were forced to bring off Gloria Siber due to injury and the only unused sub was goalkeeper Lauren Allen which meant that Allen had to come on and play upfront for the final few minutes. The final chance of the game fell to her but she was not able to get on to the end of Megan Stow’s cross.

**Above:** Lauren Allen – AFC Wimbledon’s sub goalkeeper came on as a striker due to injuries. **Photo:** Glyn Roberts.

After the game Dons player Kelly Highman said “It was really frustrating to be honest. You know, we had quite a few chances today, and to be fair to Harlow, so did they but we could have easily taken three points and we obviously didn’t.”

AFC Wimbledon first team coach Andy May reflected: “It was a difficult day in the office, we probably just… well there’s no probably, we were not at our best today. We created some good chances, good clear-cut chances but it just felt like one of those days if I am being honest.”

Wimbledon are back in action at The Cherry Red Records Stadium, Plough Lane under the lights on Wednesday against Actonians with a 7.45pm kickoff. Tickets are available now via: https://tickets.afcwimbledon.ltd.uk/selection/event/seat?perfId=101630941850&ot=0&gtmStepTracking=true

Teams: HARLOW TOWN: Team sheet not published.

AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Billingham, Fowler, Highman, Sampson, Stow, Childerhouse, Stanley, Siber, Lewry. Substitutes: Allen (GK – but used as an outfield player), Mann, Sargent, Hincks, Taylor.

Attendance: 67.

Melbourne’s Victory Leaves Sydney Heartbroken Again

Sydney FC 1-2 Melbourne Victory

Report By Ben Gilby – EXCLUSIVE photos from pitchside at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium from Kris Goman (27/3/22)

Above: Melbourne Victory celebrate their Grand Final win over Sydney FC today. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus

Despite Sydney FC dominating the vast majority of the Grand Final, it was Melbourne Victory who crucially took their chances to retain their A-League Women’s Champions crown in front of a vocal crowd of over 5,000 at Kogarah.

Melbourne Victory have now become only the second team to win back-to-back Grand Finals in the competition’s history, following their cross-city rivals Melbourne City, who won three in a row from 2016 to 2018. Victory’s win also means that only Sydney’s Grand Final victory of 2019 breaks the Melbourne pair’s stranglehold on Grand Final wins which goes back to 2014.

Both teams went into the decider with the same squad as played in their previous Finals match, but Sydney made two changes to their starting line-up from last week’s Preliminary Final win over Melbourne City. Cortnee Vine came in to start for Paige Satchell with teenager Sarah Hunter also stepping up for Rachel Lowe who joined Satchell on the bench.

**Above:** Princess Ibini (left) – who had a hugely influential Grand Final. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus.*

Sydney were on top from the start. With just 40 seconds on the clock, Victory goalkeeper Casey Dumont’s attempted clearance only found Princess Ibini on the left. Her effort was deflected narrowly wide of the near post for a corner. Hawkesby’s flag-kick went to the back post towards Hunter who earned a second consecutive corner. This time, Dumont had to backpedal furiously, with a clearance only going as far as Nat Tobin who headed narrowly over.

Victory mounted their first cohesive attack with 11 minutes on the clock and earned a corner on the right. Alex Chidiac’s set-piece swung in viciously towards the back post and needed Ally Green to volley it away first time on the line with goalkeeper Jada Whyman left clutching at thin air under heavy traffic.

The thrilling start continued as Sydney responded instantly. Ibini found Remy Siemsen on the right outside her who cut in and fired in an effort which Dumont pushed away for a corner. Cortnee Vine was available slightly to Siemsen’s right, but whether Impetus‘ A-League Women Player of the Year would have had any better luck is now a moot point.

**Above:** Remy Siemsen fires in an effort for Sydney FC in the Grand Final. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus.*

Just after the half-hour mark, Ibini showed her the threat again as the forward broke through before playing a one-two with Hawkesby but it was saved by Dumont’s feet with the ball rebounding back towards the line before finally being cleared by Brooke Hendrix at the cost of a corner.

Ibini was involved once more afterwards when a disastrous clearance from Dumont went straight to her just outside the box. The 22-year-old found Siemsen who was offside when slotting the ball into the net.

There was one final chance for Sydney as the clock ticked towards 45 minutes. A long ball from the right found Hawkesby unmarked in the middle of the box and her goalbound header was superbly tipped over by Dumont. The midfielder took the resulting corner which curled over everyone and came off the base of the far post before being scrambled away.

**Above:** The smiling assassin – Sydney FC’s Mackenzie Hawkesby. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Whilst Sydney ended the opening half significantly ahead on the possession and territory count, they were unable to translate it to a scoreboard lead. With the star-studded attack that Melbourne Victory possessed, the home team knew in the back of their minds that their opponents would have a spell at some point. It would come down to the team that took the chances that came their way.

Within three minutes of the re-start, Victory made the hosts pay. Melina Ayres won a corner from Nat Tobin. Courtney Nevin played it outside the box to Kyra Cooney-Cross who floated in an effort that was deflected back to her. The second attempt was a lofted ball towards the back post that was headed in by Amy Jackson.

**Above:** Melbourne Victory celebrate going ahead. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus.*

Sydney responded strongly with Ibini and Hawkesby threatening and forcing crucial saves from Dumont.

The game which had always had a physical edge to it from the moment of Hunter’s death stare early on, became increasingly hard-fought as frustrations began to show in terms of reactions.

Try as Sydney might, it was Victory who had the ability to turn a rare offensive sortie into a goal once more as they doubled their advantage with 64 minutes played. Lia Privitelli fired in a low cross from the right which was sliced by Tobin and fell perfectly Ayres whose effort came off Charlize Rule’s arm and bounced into the path of Catherine Zimmerman to fire under Jada Whyman for 2-0.

Yet within moments, Sydney finally had the ball in the net. Hawkesby’s corner on the left was met by the head of Rule. Dumont parried into the path of Vine who fired home.

**Above:** Eyes on the prize. The Melbourne Victory defence look on. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus.*

Melina Ayres then caused a major heart palpitation for Sydney keeper Whyman when she lifted a cross in which bounced high and needed to be palmed away for a corner. The resulting flag-kick from Nevin curled in and came cannoning back off of the crossbar.

Victory had another opportunity when they closed in on Whyman from Nevin’s latest corner. Under pressure, the Sydney goalkeeper punched the ball into her own net, but a free-kick was awarded.

Into the last ten minutes, the rain began to pour down and Sydney continued to push for an equalizer that would be the least they deserved on the balance of play. They could not find one. The Harbour City side had seven shots on target to Victory’s two, but it was the Melbourne side’s greater ability to turn those into goals that decided this encounter.

**Above:** Scenes of joy at the final whistle for Melbourne Victory. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus.*

Victory captain Lia Privitelli spoke after the game, said: “I couldn’t be prouder. We’ve had a tough season, but we did it. Sydney were out here for revenge but we were out to retain it. I couldn’t be prouder of this team,

Her Sydney counterpart Nat Tobin was devastated: “One word – disappointing. We remained calm the whole time. We had the experience of coming from behind in the semi and when Cortnee (Vine) scored the goal to come back I thought ‘here we go’, but it didn’t work out. There’s not much more we can do better than win a Grand Final, and we need to do that now.”

Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric said: “It’s heart-breaking, the girls are devastated. They always pick themselves up. If you put everything into something and you lose, that’s still winning, and I truly believe that, because sometimes the score-line doesn’t reflect what actually happened. But that’s just life. They (our players) know they put everything into it and deserved to win, but we didn’t.”

**Above:** The sheer joy shows on Melbourne Victory faces. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus.*

Those with only a passing interest in the competition will look at the same two teams meeting in the Grand Final for the second season with the same outcome. Yet this season’s A-League Women has been far more than “same old”. It ignores the outstanding development at both Adelaide United and Perth Glory – two teams who are only going to get even better next season.

It’s important to remember that Melbourne Victory only qualified for the Finals due to having a superior goal difference from Perth Glory. They had to do it the hard way, winning three straight games away from home. It’s reward for a tough campaign that saw Jeff Hopkins’ side have to overcome injury issues and a spell of seven games in 23 days. They got their full-strength team back at the right time and gained the ultimate prize as a result.

Sydney FC had an outstanding season. For much of it, they were completely unplayable and easily the best team in the competition. They will need to channel the pain of another heartbreaking loss in the Grand Final. If they can keep the bulk of the squad together again and work closely on lessons learned from three consecutive defeats in the deciding game of the season, they will come back even more powerfully.

Kris Goman’s EXCLUSIVE Photo Gallery From Pitchside:

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Rule, Mclean, Tobin, Green, Hunter, Ray, Hawkesby, Vine, Siemsen, Ibini. Substitutes: Offer (GK), Nash, Lowe, Rojas, Satchell.

Scorers: Vine 66′.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Doran, Bunge, Hendrix, Nevin, Cooney-Cross, Jackson, Chidiac, Zimmerman, Ayres, Privitelli. Substitutes: Maizels (GK), Eliadis, Murphy, Withers, Markovski.

Scorers: Jackson 49′, Zimmerman 64′.

Referee: Lara Lee.

Attendance: 5,027.

Sydney FC: Incredible Form & Camaraderie Are The X-Factor

Impetus’ Kris Goman, who has been watching Sydney FC for us regularly during the A-League Women season reviews their superb season and outlines why, for her, they will win tomorrow’s A-League Women Grand Final (26/3/22).

Above: Sydney FC celebrate in their incredible Semi-Final match with Melbourne City – they will be hoping to be doing so again on Sunday. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Well, here we are, a day before the last match of the season and it’s ending the same way it did last year. Hopefully not exactly the same way but the same two teams at the same oval. I honestly thought it would be Sydney and Melbourne City so credit where it’s due to Victory for making it back here.

This season Sydney have been a force to be reckoned with. Absolutely dominating. One loss for the season, two draws, and eleven wins from 14 hard-fought matches. They also broke the shut-out record along the way. Only six goals conceded and 36 scored for a goal difference of 30. The next closest was Melbourne City with 18. The stats speak for themselves.

But what they don’t describe is the incredible camaraderie of the team. This team has gelled like no other. The bulk of the team have been playing together for a long time now. They are young, they are well-drilled, they know what they are capable of and where they are going to be. They can rely on each other and the coach and understand what’s expected.

Despite long-time stalwart, Teresa Polias taking the season off to have a baby and losing Ellie Brush to an ACL injury before the season even started, Sydney have incredible depth. When you’ve got forwards the calibre of Cote Rojas, Paige Satchell, and Cortnee Vine coming off the bench, you know there’s going to be goals.

There are goal-scoring machines in Vine, Siemsen, and Rojas. Princess Ibini and Mackenzie Hawkesby will have a crack given any opportunity and even defenders like Ally Green and Sarah Hunter will get in there and score when you’re least expecting it.

**Above:** Cortnee Vine (left) taking on Emma Checker of Melbourne City in the Semi-Final. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

The midfielders are providing both assists and goals. Impetus’ A-League Women Player of the Year Cortnee Vine has the most goals in the team with eight but the goal-scoring has been shared around and there have been ten different goal scorers during the season. Everyone is dangerous in the box and outside it.

While a lot of the attacking focus has been on Vine, who can seemingly split the opposition’s defence apart at will, Rojas has many tricks up her sleeve and can dazzle with her footwork and ball management skills. At the same time, Satchell is a bit overlooked and is as tenacious as they come and while she hasn’t been prolific in her goal-scoring, her runs to the box have been a thing of joy to watch.

As well as having arguably the best attack, Sydney also has the arguably best defence. Jada Whyman had eight consecutive shutouts this season. A record-breaking run for the A-League Women. In front of her are great defenders in Ally Green, Nat Tobin, Charlize Rule, and Charlotte Mclean, with backups of Jessika Nash and Sarah Hunter. These women don’t give up. They get in front of their players and they fight for the ball. They work seamlessly with the midfielders to drive forward and they are all pacey and can get back and recover ground quickly when required.

The midfield of Mackenzie Hawkesby, Taylor Ray, and Rachel Lowe is probably the most solid and versatile in the competition. They link the defence and attack, capable of doing both, capable of assists, capable of goals, capable of running their hearts out – just very capable.

The x-factor here though is that Sydney want this. Obviously, Victory want it too but Sydney have a point to prove after losing to Victory last year in the closest grand final ever. Kyra Cooney-Cross scoring an Olympico in the dying seconds of the injury time of the extra time was one for the ages. The match was literally seconds from a penalty shoot-out and that loss is a powerful driver.

Sydney and Victory have only played each other once this season and that was a 2-2 draw. Sydney certainly won’t be taking Victory for granted but revenge is a very powerful emotion. Sydney don’t want to watch Victory hoist the silverware in front of their home supporters. Sarah Hunter alone has invited 150 of her family and friends to watch this spectacular.

Sydney have the home ground advantage and the advantage of a week off to rest, recover, train, and strategize. Sydney won the double in 2009 and will be making sure they do it again this season. With four premierships to their name and three Championships, a win on Sunday would make it four and four which has never been done before. If I bet, which I don’t and don’t condone, I’d be putting my money on Sydney FC.

For Kieran Yap’s Melbourne Victory Grand Final preview article, click here: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/03/24/melbourne-victory-one-win-from-a-legendary-season/

This is the third article in our six days of Grand Final coverage on Impetus. Kieran Yap and Kris Goman have spotlighted both finalists, Ben Gilby will report on the Grand Final, with Kris Goman pitchside providing EXCLUSIVE photos from the game. Next week, don’t miss Kieran Yap’s Grand Final analysis. On Wednesday, we brought you the pre-Grand Final media events from both clubs – it can be read here: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/03/23/a-league-grand-final-the-view-from-sydney-fc-melbourne-victory/

Sermanni To Be WSW Inaugural Head of Women’s Football

25/3/22

Above: The hugely respected figure of Tom Sermanni unveiled as Western Sydney Wanderers’ first Head of Women’s Football. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.

Western Sydney Wanderers today made the significant announcement that the hugely respected Tom Sermanni has been appointed as the club’s inaugural Head of Women’s Football.

Sermanni will oversee the Wanderers’ Liberty A-League Women side, development programs such as the Future Wander Women program, and develop the club’s recruitment strategy.

Sermanni’s career has spanned the globe having coached women’s football at all levels including the national teams of Australia, United States, Canada, and New Zealand.

Sermanni has had two stints coaching the Matildas, from 1994-97 and again from 2005-2012, leading the side to a maiden continental title when he coached the Matildas to claim the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

At a club level, Sermanni was head coach at National Women’s Soccer league sides New York Power and Orlando Pride, as well as being the assistant at San Jose CyberRays and Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Sermanni has been awarded a number of accolades, leading his side to be crowned with the OFC Women’s Championship in 1994, AFF Women’s Championship in 2008, AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2010, The Algarve Cup in 2013, OFC Women’s Nations Cup in 2018.

**Above:** Tom Sermanni, pictured in 2011 when he was head coach of the Matildas. **Photo:** Robert Cianflone – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images.

Individually, he was named the AFC Coach of the Year in 2007 and the ACT Sport Hall of Fame in 2012.

Western Sydney Wanderers General Manager Scott Hudson praised the appointment of Sermanni.

“We are proud to have Tom at the helm, overseeing our women’s programs at the Western Sydney Wanderers,” said Hudson.

“Tom has an extensive resume working with some of the giants of women’s football both internationally and domestically, and we welcome his knowledge, experience, and passion as we lead into our next decade of football. We look forward to seeing Tom help build the foundations for our future.”

Sermanni himself said he was delighted to help contribute to the Wanderers women’s football program.

“I’m excited, I look forward to being back involved in the game again. This is a great opportunity to try and build up and contribute to the women’s element of the club. Western Sydney is a hotbed for football and hopefully, we can really build a strong women’s space here.

“I’ve been talking to people at the club for a while and the club is very ambitious. It is very ambitious to build its women’s program from the A-League Women all the way down and it really wants to make the women’s program a significant part of the club.”

**Above:** Tom Sermanni pictured today at Western Sydney Wanderers. **Photo:** Western Sydney Wanderers.

The role will mark the Wanderers’ very first appointment of a Head of Women’s Football with Sermanni hoping to lay the foundations for generations to come.

“That’s what appeals to me. A project where you can actually start things out, start to build things. This is something that I really enjoy doing and the club is very ambitious in this space and hopefully, I can help contribute to that,” explained Sermanni.

“I want to work on lots of things. If I put a list together, I’m very hands-on and a very practical person. I want to get in there and get things done, it goes all way from helping strengthen and develop A-League Women’s team to actually looking at the future of the club.

“Hopefully, we get our club set-up in the women’s space the same as the men’s space where there is an Academy and pathway for young girls in Western Sydney to come all the way through from a young age, to actually then play in the A-League Women’s team and hopefully then go on to play for the Matildas.”

Sermanni also said he was looking forward to creating a new culture and environment leading into the new decade of the club.

“Players ultimately want to play somewhere where they feel that they belong, a culture of a club is all about people,” said Sermanni.

“Culture is about the people that work within the club and what your expectations are for the people that run the club, filtering that down to the expectations of the players that are coming through.

“We need to create an environment where players and staff want to be here, and that’s ultimately it.

“If you create that environment, then you start to build on that and that’s really critical.”

Historic NPL WA Women’s Night Series Final Ahead

Sunday is not just the A-League Women Grand Final. In Western Australia, the pre-season Night Series Cup Final takes place between the Northern Redbacks and Balcatta Etna and there will be two pieces of history made (25/3/22).

Above: Balcatta Etna lift last year’s NPL WA Women’s Night Series Final after beating Murdoch University Melville. Photo: Football West.

Sunday’s NPL WA Women’s Night Series Final at the E&D Litis Stadium between the Northern Redbacks and Balcatta Etna will see Western Australia’s most famous female-only club play their last match in their current guise.

After the game, the Redbacks will play under the merged banner of Perth RedStar which consists of themselves and the men’s ECU Joondalup club.

The club, formed in 1991 as Morley Windmills were the inaugural WANPL WA Grand Final winners in 2020. Prior to the establishment of the Women’s NPL in the state, Northern Redbacks had won 15 Premier League Championships. Nine state league cups were also held aloft. The Redbacks also had the outstanding achievement of winning the Inter-State Challenge Cup in 2013 by defeating Adelaide City.

**Above:** Action from the group stage clash between Northern Redbacks and Balcatta Etna on the opening night of this year’s NPL WA Night Series competition. **Photo:** Fotoenzo.

The club have also produced three Matildas, countless Perth Glory players, and international players for Wales, Northern Ireland, and Zambia.

However, the Redbacks have always been about far more than its senior team. They fielded a total of seven teams down to U14s and have experienced huge success. Age group league championships were won and a U16 side represented the club at the World Youth Cup in Sweden – the first WA-based team to ever do so.

With facilities and finances becoming an issue for Northern Redbacks they accepted the offer of the merger under the new banner of Perth RedStar.

Redbacks will be aiming to conclude their stand-alone history with another piece of silverware, but they will face a tough battle against defending cup holders Balcatta Etna.

Balcatta, part of the WA Women’s State Premier since 2007 and were champions of the state Women’s Premier League in 2018. Inaugural members of the WA NPL Women’s, the club have a history of providing tough opposition to the Redbacks in what is likely to be a close and high-quality final.

**Above:** Chloe Smith (left), Caleigh Ormerod (centre), and Libby Caldwell (right) will form the first all-female officiating team for a First XI Football West final on Sunday. **Photo:** Football West.

The other piece of history will come in the form of the officials selected for the game. For the first time in a first XI Football West competition final, all three officials on duty will be female.

Caleigh Ormerod will be the referee, with Libby Caldwell and Chloe Smith as her assistants.

Football West Referee Coorinator Dave Avison said the appointments were on merit and the result of a concentrated effort to bring through more female referees.

“Congratulations to the three officials who have performed excellently and have earned being given a high-profile match like this,” Avison said.

“Football West has made a conscious effort to attract more females to the ranks of referees over the past five or so years and this is reflected in the larger pool of female officials that we are seeing.

“There has been greater investment and we are starting to see the results. Female-only referee courses also help.

“Another factor has been the launch of the NPLWA – Women’s competition. Not only does this mean more games but it has increased greatly the profile of the women’s game and made it more appealing. The same goes for refereeing these matches.”

Football West’s next female-only referee course is on Saturday 21 May at Gibbney Reserve, Maylands. The course will run from 8.45am to 4.30pm. To register CLICK HERE

Balcatta Etna v Northern Redbacks will be available to watch live and on-demand on NPL TV this Sunday – click here: https://npl.tv/

Melbourne Victory: One Win From A Legendary Season

Impetus’ Kieran Yap has closely followed Melbourne Victory’s fortunes this season. Ahead of their Grand Final against Sydney FC on Sunday, he reviews a challenging campaign that now looks to have all come good at the right time (24/3/22).

Above: Melbourne Victory celebrate after clinching their Grand Final place with a win over cross-city rivals Melbourne City in last weekend’s Preliminary Final. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

This is exactly where I expected this team to be, but not how I thought the season would go.

As people often remind me, before Round One of the A-League Women, I predicted that Melbourne Victory would navigate the season undefeated.

The great Casey Dumont was back, American superstar Lynn Williams was here for a short time and Courtney Nevin had signed for the season. Victory had strengthened from the previous championship-winning campaign. Melina Ayres was following from a breakout season and there were whispers that Alex Chidiac was possibly signing.

When you put all these facts together, can you blame me for thinking Jeff Hopkins had assembled a team that could manage 14 games without a loss?

**Above:** Lynn Williams – an important presence in the early stages of the season for the club. **Photo:** Melbourne Victory.

Of course, my Melbourne Victory (Women’s team) fandom blinded me to any frailties in the squad. But in my defence on paper, this line-up inspired confidence.

My bold prediction came undone in the first half of the first game. I was standing behind the goal when Kayla Morrison went down. The popular captain and PFA team of the season centre-back was chasing down her own clearance from a corner. The fans were still applauding her perfectly timed leap when she fell while running in a straight line and under no contact.

We all tried to talk ourselves into believing the best-case scenario. She didn’t twist, she walked off without a stretcher, and she was wandering around after the match. To paraphrase the Victory Viking’s mascot, “She’s still good, she’s still good.”

But she wasn’t. The championship-winning defender had torn her ACL, and suddenly Victory had a problem. There was no clear backup centre-back in the squad.

Hopkins had the option of moving Nevin to centre-back. She had excelled there for the Matildas against the USA in a 1-1 draw and it looked the easiest solution. Instead, he opted to keep Nevin wide, not switch formation and shift Amy Jackson to defence.

16-year-old Alana Murphy was trusted with midfield duties, and she became one of the finds of the season. Jackson showed with a matchwinning foul against City that she had the determination and sacrificial nature that could hold the fort even if she was played well out of position.

**Above:** Kyra Cooney-Cross – her natural desire to attack was modified during Victory’s injury-enforced reshuffle. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Kyra Cooney-Cross was shackled into a more disciplined role as an almost defensive midfielder. Her natural, showstopping game was put on hold for the sake of the team for now.

Lynn Williams justified her short contract with essential contributions against Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar. Without her, it is unlikely that Victory would have made the top four in the end.

New captain Lia Privitelli played wherever she was needed, left-back, midfield, or forward. She was in career-best form. Chidiac adjusted instantly and was pivotal in keeping Victory moving forward during games.

Victory had adjusted. Hopes of an undefeated season were dashed by Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar but they had lost against the same opponents in an almost identical sequence last season. They were still going well.

Then COVID hit. Victory had an enforced mid-season break. The whole league did at some point, but when the powers that be made the decision to cram as many matches into February as possible, Victory found themselves playing seven games in 23 days.

They were exhausted. You could tell what they wanted to do, the first 20 minutes of each game showed that they were well drilled and had the talent. But fatigue started to quickly set in as the games piled up. They looked visibly aching as they walked off the field. A 3-0 loss to an Adelaide United side that needed the win to guarantee Finals was the point where they looked physically spent.

**Above:** The hugely influential Lia Privitelli pictured celebrating at the start of the season against Adelaide United. **Photo:** Melbourne Victory.

Still, they got the points. A new defender has been signed in the form of American Brooke Hendrix, and she made an instant impression. It is to Jeff Hopkins’ and the clubs’ eternal credit that they did not panic without Morrison. They did not rush to replace her with any centre-back. They waited, scouted, and held on until the right option became available.

Personally, I would have loaned a COVID-stranded Claudia Mihocic from Perth Glory. But once she got on the field for them it was obvious that Perth would have been mad to give up the impressive defender to a finals rival, it was simply my dream.

Hendrix was the right choice. She immediately improved the shape of the team and was essential when Claudia Bunge was called away to the New Zealand squad.

Victory entered the Finals with a near full-strength side, with a proper week of recovery and planning for the first time in over a month, and they were about to welcome back Melina Ayres to the starting line-up.

We as fans have been waiting for Ayres return like it was some sort of Biblical fable, “Things will be OK when Melina gets here… just wait and see, when Melina returns everything will change!”

The faithful were not disappointed. Two goals in two finals have justified the reverence the striker is held in behind the AAMI Park goals.

**Above:** Melina Ayres’ return was a huge boost for the club. **Photo:** A-League Women.

Ayres is back and firing, Jackson is once again roaming her natural habitat and the defence is once again looking pretty solid.

Chidiac has just played the game of her life against City in the preliminary final. They have knocked off many pundits’ and my favourite for the title, Adelaide United and everybody is fit.

They have done things the hard way, but they are ready for this moment. Sydney are a frightening outfit with ridiculous depth. Arguably their fifth choice attacker is Paige Satchell, an Olympian and New Zealand international. In Sarah Hunter and Maria Rojas they have genuine game-changers on the bench.

They are in a better position than they were when they lost to Melbourne Victory in last season’s Grand Final. Courtney Vine did not play that day and Princess Ibini went off injured. They have also had a full weekend to rest and strategize.

Sydney FC has the best defensive record, a dominant midfield, and a killer strike force, but Victory is not here by fluke.

Despite one of the most challenging seasons in their history as a club or individuals, they are right where they planned to be at this moment.

One more win will turn this remarkable season into a legendary success.

This is the second article in our six days of Grand Final coverage on Impetus. Kieran Yap and Kris Goman will be spotlighting both finalists, Ben Gilby will be reporting on the Grand Final, with Kris Goman pitchside providing EXCLUSIVE photos from the game. Next week, don’t miss Kieran Yap’s Grand Final analysis. Yesterday, we brought you the pre- Grand Final media events from both clubs – it can be read here: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/03/23/a-league-grand-final-the-view-from-sydney-fc-melbourne-victory/

Reds Secure Two More Key Players

The week started with Adelaide United announcing the retention of A-League Women’s top scorer Fiona Worts. It’s ending with the South Australians securing another two key players for next season (24/3/22).

Adelaide United announced today that both Nanako Sasaki and Ella Tonkin have signed two-year contract extensions with the Club until the end of the Liberty A-League 2023/24 season.

Sasaki was a revelation for the Reds in 2021/22, making a seamless transition to the Liberty A-League after years dominating the local Women’s National Premier League (WNPL) with Adelaide City and Adelaide Comets.

The 23-year-old Japanese midfielder made 13 starts in a total of 14 appearances while scoring two goals and registering two assists. She also received three votes in the Impetus Weekly Player of the Week Awards this season.

After putting pen-to-paper on her two-year deal, Sasaki, said: “I’m very happy to know my future lies with Adelaide United.

**Above:** Nanako Sasaki in action for Adelaide United this season – she’s just extended her contract by another two years. **Photo:** Adelaide United.

“It was an amazing season from an individual and team perspective and it’s a great group of people to be around.

“Adrian (Stenta) is a fantastic coach and hopefully next season, we can build on the progress we made this year.”

Meanwhile, Tonkin, who played for Football SA NTC in the state Women’s NPL, also experienced a breakout season, starting five times in a total of nine appearances.

The 19-year-old defender completed her third campaign as a Red having made her debut during the 2019/20 season.

Speaking on committing her future to Adelaide for the next two years, Tonkin, said: “It’s a fantastic feeling to be re-signing with the club I’ve grown up supporting my whole life.

“After getting more minutes under my belt this season it has really instilled a lot of belief in myself.

**Above:** Local talent Ella Tonkin has signed on at Adelaide United for another two seasons. **Photo:** Adelaide Untied.

“Despite making finals for the first time, it was a frustrating end to the season and hopefully we can learn from the setback and come back stronger.”

Adelaide United’s Liberty A-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “Re-signing both Nano and Ella for the next two seasons is excellent as they’re both important players for us.

“Nano was instrumental in our midfield and showed she clearly belongs at this level. She was brilliant in her debut season and I’m confident she will only continue to improve.

“Ella also made impressive strides forward this year and demonstrated she is more than capable of playing in this competition. Her versatility in defence and sometimes as a holding midfielder provides the team with not only depth but flexibility.”

A-League Grand Final: The View From Sydney FC & Melbourne Victory

Sunday sees the A-League Women Grand Final between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory. Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from the Sydney FC pair of Sarah Hunter and Charlize Rule along with Melbourne Victory’s Courtney Nevin, Alex Chidiac, and head coach Jeff Hopkins (23/3/22).

Sydney FC’s 18-year-old star Sarah Hunter is just days away from playing in her first Grand Final and spoke about her emotions in the build-up.

“We’re all pumped. I’m very excited and want to get the win but I also want to enjoy the moment too. The atmosphere and build-up is amazing, but I just want to help the team. This experience helps my confidence as it makes me realize that I can contribute to the team and to the Premiership and making this team better. An individual’s confidence can help lift a whole team.”

**Above:** Sydney FC’s Sarah Hunter speaking to the media yesterday. **Photo:** Sydney FC.

Hunter revealed that her team has been zeroing in on Sunday’s game from the very start of pre-season.

“We’ve been preparing for the whole season. From the very first day, Ante (Juric, head coach) said that our final game will be the Grand Final this season. We’ve looked at every little thing and in reflection we’ve worked on putting things right for a Grand Final. These last few weeks we’ve been de-loading our bodies in order to prepare. There’s been lots of light gym work and tactical tweaking.”

Sydney’s teenager emphasized how focused her team are on getting revenge for last season’s heartbreaking Grand Final loss to Melbourne Victory.

“I think the Sydney team were hard done by in the Grand Final last year after the great season they had, losing and the way they did was tough. Coming into it this year, I am focussed on helping the team right the wrongs of last season.”

**Above:** Sydney FC’s Charlize Rule speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s Grand Final. **Photo:** Sydney FC.

Sydney FC midfielder Charlize Rule highlighted the importance of the game against Victory in February for providing her side with additional motivation on Sunday.

“We dominated pretty much 88 minutes of the match (leading 2-0) but they scored an equalizer right at the end. After that match, Ante said to us, ‘We’ll see them in the Grand Final and get revenge!'”

Rule outlined how she believes that her teammates can use the experience of last year’s Grand Final to help them go one better. “Our group has been together for a couple of years now and we are excited for this. Last year we stood off a bit in the Grand Final and we were nervous. This season we’ve been focussed on it from the very start to put things right.”

“The Semi-Final (against Melbourne City) was the most exciting match I’ve ever been involved in and the Grand Final will be even better. Everyone needs to come down and watch!”

**Above:** Melbourne Victory’s Courtney Nevin. **Photo:** Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne Victory defender Courtney Nevin outlined the importance of her team’s lighter load in recent weeks in putting them in the best possible place ahead of Sunday’s showdown.

“We’ve got good experience – as have Sydney – we’ve both played lots of Finals footy. We’ve had a chance to have a bit more of a rest going into this game after that spell of playing two or three games a week for a few weeks. It’s allowed us to get over the injuries and Jeff (Hopkins, head coach) has had a hard job selecting a starting eleven as we’re all doing our job.”

After a spell of defensive difficulties after the injury of captain Kayla Morrison, Nevin emphasized the importance of Brooke Hendrix’s arrival at the club.

“Having Brooke (Hendrix) come in alongside me and done a really good job. She allows us to have AJ (Amy Jackson) in front of us as well, which really helps.”

“We know that at times this season our football hasn’t been the best, but we’ve overcome that now. Lia (Privitelli) has really stepped up for us and scored some vital goals.”

Victory have had to do it the hard way to make the Grand Final – travelling to Adelaide United for an Elimination Final a fortnight ago before taking on cross-city rivals Melbourne City last weekend. Nevin feels that these tough tests could stand them in good stead.

“The last two games have been massive for us, especially coming up against City last week, but Sunday will be the biggest all season and the toughest. We know how Sydney are going to play. They are a strong team, but if we play at the same intensity that we played in the semi-final, we’ll be fine.”

**Above:** Alex Chidiac – focussed on another successful Grand Final. **Photo:** AyressPhotog

Melbourne Victory midfielder Alex Chidiac was in outstanding form in Sunday’s Preliminary Final win over Melbourne City, and admits the experience of last year’s Grand Final against Sydney FC is a major plus for her and her team.

“It’s massive. You can’t compare a Grand Final to any other game. It all comes down to who shows up on the day. Having played in one last year, I know what to expect, the nerves, and how to deal with it. We have a lot of girls who have the experience and they can help those who haven’t.”

Focussing on their opponents Sydney FC, Chidiac outlined what she believes Victory need to do to thwart the Harbour City side’s threat on Sunday.

“We know that their players thrive on confidence, so we know me just must not let them get too far forward. We have to shut them down early to prevent them from getting on the front foot and getting ahead early.”

The 17-cap Matilda reflected on the greater defensive organization that the team have now and how it can provide a foundation to a win in the Grand Final as well.

“Losing Kayla (Morrison) so early (through injury) was a massive loss. It took us quite a while to get some structure back. We spent a lot of time in training working on organization but we’ve got it together at the right time.”

“After last year, we came back focussed on wanting to do the same again. We’re so keen for that.”

**Above:** Jeff Hopkins – The Melbourne Victory head coach is proud of his side’s defensive structure and efforts in recent weeks. **Photo:** Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins praised the quality that his players have shown in recent weeks, particularly defensively. “I would not swap any of our players at the moment, they’re all in such good form. The back four are so solid and have Casey (Dumont) playing well behind them.”

“Casey says it as she sees it on the pitch. She will hold people accountable around her, and I really like that in a goalkeeper. She’s come off an injury with her Achilles tendon that kept her out for a while and then got COVID. She hasn’t had much time to prepare and play. As the weeks have gone by she’s got better and better – training session after training session, game after game. The save she made on Sunday from Stotty (Rebekah Stott of Melbourne City), how she got to it, I just don’t know.

“We lost our captain (Kayla Morrison) in the first game this season. She has been around the place all season, but you do need a leader out on the field. Lia (Privitelli) has been that person and she has really taken the role on with open arms. I’m not sure if she realizes how important she has been and the way she has encouraged the players. She is very much team first and puts everyone else before her. I really admire that trait in a leader and the girls all look up to her. She’ll be vital for us.”

In terms of preparations for the Grand Final, Hopkins said: “The players have had light sessions at the start of the week and get some tactical work done later in the week. We’ll travel in the same way and at the same time, just add one or two things in terms of making the week and the game a bit more special. We want to enjoy this week, remembering what we do and how we do it.”

The former Crystal Palace and Fulham defender recognized that, despite facing a hard task on Sunday, his team has every right to be confident.

“We’re really looking forward to the game. We understand it will be a tough ask for us. Sydney are a very, very good side. I have a lot of respect for their coach and their side. If you go back a few weeks to the game against them here, it gives us a lot of confidence from the way we came back from 2-0 down and the Grand Final last year, it is something to hold onto and get a boost from.”

He also had some positive news about player availability for the game. “We came out of a very difficult and heavy period on our bodies and over the past three weeks we’ve come out with no injuries and the same again ahead of the Grand Final. There’s some stiffness as the performance last weekend against City saw them have to go to another level.

“To beat Sydney we will now have to go to a place we’ve never been before. We have a great group of players though and we’re doing it for each other.”

This is the start of six days of Grand Final coverage on Impetus. Kieran Yap and Kris Goman will be spotlighting both finalists, Ben Gilby will be reporting on the Grand Final, with Kris Goman pitchside providing EXCLUSIVE photos from the game. Next week, don’t miss Kieran Yap’s Grand Final analysis.