Above: Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes. Photo: Sky Sports.
Ahead of tomorrow’s Conti Cup Final, Impetus’ Kieran Yap heard from Chelsea boss EmmaHayes and captain Millie Bright(4/3/22).
As Chelsea prepare to face Manchester City in Saturday’s Conti Cup Final, Emma Hayes and her players are remaining focused on football despite the changes involving the club.
High-profile Russian owner Roman Abramovic is selling the club and has stepped away from day-to-day operations. Hayes was reluctant to comment on any issue beyond her control and was at pains to point out that whatever turmoil might be engulfing Chelsea, it is nothing compared to what Ukrainians face.
Chelsea entered the Conti Cup at the quarter-final stage as a Champions League side and have beaten West Ham United and Manchester United en route to the final. They face constant rivals Manchester City in tomorrow’s decider at AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane Stadium. It is an encounter that Hayes always looks forward to.
“Honestly it don’t take me a lot to get excited anyway,” she said with a laugh.
“As long as I’ve had a good night’s sleep I’m always pretty cheery. I think, when it comes to playing City, I just love these games. I know every manager enjoys certain types of games. I particularly like the Man City games.
“I really believe that Man City particularly love the games against us. This is a game that both teams love to play. Because in the last six, seven years in particular its been so closely contested, there’s been zero to separate us.”
Above: Chelsea celebrate after lifting the Conti Cup last season having beaten Bristol City 6-0 in the Final at Watford FC’s Vicarage Road. Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images.
The Chelsea manager reaffirmed her respect for the City, and referred to the close relationship the clubs have formed in promoting the women’s game as relative newcomers.
Manchester City were runners-up in the FAWSL to Chelsea last season, and they started the current league campaign poorly. However, their form has improved greatly since January as injured players returned and Gareth Taylor’s squad reached something close to full strength.
Hayes said that although it is a cup final, she will not be treating the game in isolation.
“Always, I treat every opponent differently. I don’t repeat the same strategy. Even if we were playing a few weeks ago, I look at that game and what we can learn from that and take that forward.
“A lot of thinking time, a lot of work behind the scene analyzing but that’s the best part of the job.”
Above: Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes speaking at today’s media conference. Photo: Chelsea FC.
The Chelsea manager is on the verge of three consecutive Conti Cup wins. Midweek she was recognized at the London Football awards along with striker Sam Kerr.
As usual, Hayes was full of praise for her team’s best attacking weapon.
“What I know with Sam is she’s just built for these games. She’s built for these moments she enjoys them. She thrives on responsibility for the team and I think that any player that gets off a plane, coming from India, and having played for her country (then) makes herself available in a day and a half, her body might be hanging off… I always say Sam Kerr is the ultimate team player. She give will give anything so the team is successful.”
Along with their high-profile attack, Chelsea has another not-so-secret weapon.
Defender, Millie Bright won the Golden Boot for England at the Arnold Cup and joked that Hayes wondered where that scoring ability was while at Chelsea.
“I did actually come back and she was like ‘if only you could do that for us.’
Above: Chelsea captain Millie Bright – looking to replicate international goalscoring form for her club. Photo: Ben Gilby
“It’s a running joke. It’s something that I’ve wanted to add to my game for a while, to be ruthless in the opposition box. For me, I want to bring that form back to club, and I’m not fussed who scores.”
For Bright and her teammates, the Conti Cup is no less important than any other opportunity to lift a trophy. The game is set to be a sold-out event with almost 10,000 tickets sold.
“For us, we value every trophy. No matter what the preparation it’s the same. It’s about nailing the game plan, making sure we’re all switched on and ready for tomorrow which we are. We’re in a good position and everyone’s prepared.
“It’s massive, for us it’s another chance to win silverware and continue our development and the journey we’ve been on. It’s a big one, but it’s one that we’re ready for.”
Hayes expects to win against City but acknowledges it will be a tightly contested match. She reiterated that she is a football manager and that remains her focus.
Although there are fast-approaching changes at the top level at the club, Chelsea’s head coach is confident some things will stay the same.
“This is a successful organization and will remain a successful organization. You won’t do that by breaking it up or going backwards. This football club is invested in this women’s team and I expect that to remain long and strong into the future.”
The Conti Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester City at Plough Lane kicks off at 5:15pm and is live on BBC-2.
Tomorrow night sees three A-League Women matches as the season reaches its last regular round. Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from four head coaches – Melbourne Victory’s Jeff Hopkins, Newcastle Jets’ Ash Wilson, Perth Glory’s Alex Epakis, and Wellington Phoenix’s Gemma Lewis. Additionally, there are the views of Perth captain Tash Rigby, Victory defender Brooke Hendrix, and Jets record-breaking midfielder Cass Davis(3/3/22).
Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby emphasized that despite the team needing to rely on Canberra United beating Melbourne Victory to make Finals, their sole focus tomorrow night is on their own performance against Wellington Phoenix.
“We really just want to focus on our own game. There are a lot of other things going on around the game, but we just want to focus on getting the three points and getting our best performance on the pitch.”
With the two sides’ previous encounter this season taking place as recently as 31st January in a hugely entertaining encounter that went one way then the other, Rigby is well aware of the threat posed by the Phoenix.
“We are definitely expecting a similar game against them this time. They have a high and intense press. We need to do a bit better than last time and keep the ball more efficiently. It has been good to prepare knowing these things and trying to counter them.
Perth’s captain revealed that despite the fact that the Glory have been on the road for three months now, there is a degree of sadness that such a powerful bonding period is almost at an end.
Above: Perth Glory captain Tash Rigby in this week’s media conference. Photo: Perth Glory.
“The energy in the group is really good. Everyone is sad that the season could be coming to an end, despite how challenging it has been on the road for so long. We have got really close and want to make the most of our time together.”
In terms of Rigby’s personal experiences this season, she has seen it as being overwhelmingly positive and one of real growth. “My body has held up really well this season, apart from the facial injuries! I have felt the best I have felt for a long time in terms of my physicality. I’m good and it has been an incredible season. I’ve done a lot of growing and it’s been a good experience in terms of leadership too.
“At the moment, we are looking at the game at the weekend. The group are so close and want to stay together and build on the foundation of the performances of this season. Experiences have been great.”
Perth’s captain outlined that after Friday’s match, the squad will be returning to Western Australia regardless of whether or not they have made Finals. “If we do (make Finals), it would just be a one-off away trip as it would be in a normal season.”
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis in this week’s media conference. Photo: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis opened his media conference by emphasizing the quality that Friday’s opponents Wellington Phoenix will bring to the pitch in Wollongong.
“I went out and watched them the other night (when they beat Western Sydney Wanderers 3-2) and full credit to them. It underlines the fact that we have to be really good this Friday.”
With Glory needing a win to have any chance of taking the last Finals berth, Epakis just wants his team to focus on what they can control.
“The message of the last few weeks is that we just have to focus on ourselves. I know it is exciting because it’s been a few years since the club played Finals. But the reality is this could be our last game of the season and we want to end the campaign on a positive performance and result. Wellington are a really good team and we can’t take the result for granted.
“The potential of making Finals is not about what it means to me personally, it’s all about the group. I’m here to help them develop and help them achieve what they are capable of. Last year was so difficult, so for the players who were part of that to have the opportunity to play Finals is amazing. We want to test ourselves against the best.”
Perth go into the game with a strong squad to select from as the head coach highlighted: “We should have the same squad available as played Sydney on Sunday, apart from the fact that Leena Khamis is back after missing the game for a personal commitment and Liz Anton is back from international duty.
“That gives me a positive selection headache. Liz has done really well this year and the fact that she went away with her international team highlights the season she has had. It’s great to have her back in the group.”
With the season approaching its denouement, Epakis revealed that he is already planning for the 2022/23 campaign.
“Given the fact that there are new teams coming into the competition, existing teams are going to be moving fast to secure players and staff. We have to do that as well. Next year will be exciting. We got ahead of the pack last season with our recruitment, so hopefully, we can do the same this time.”
Perth’s coach concluded by highlighting the pride he has in his players and gave an insight into what he was likely to say to his team before they go out onto the pitch at WIN Stadium tomorrow.
“There has to be a level of sentiment in terms of what I say, but also an element of coaching focus as well. The relationship I have formed with the playing group has been quite strong. We’ve really come together as a strong unit since we came on the road. Whatever I say to them comes from the bottom of my heart. I would never say anything to the group that I didn’t think they were capable of.
“What I’ve said the last few weeks is that to have the belief in yourself that we can compete with the best and compete.
Above: Melbourne Victory’s Broke Hendrix talking ahead of tomorrow’s game with Canberra United. Artwork: Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory defender Brooke Hendrix spoke to the media ahead of her team’s crucial clash with Canberra United tomorrow and reflected on the difficult schedule that has seen her side play five games in 14 days.
“It was a crazy schedule and we’re all pretty worn down. Plus having such a small squad due to injuries, it’s made it even worse. We’ve really come together through it though. Now we have a bit of a break (before Friday), we’re strong together and we have taken the schedule on the chin and we’re ready to move on.
“Having so many games close together takes a toll on your body, but also on you mentally as well. We needed this time to re-set our minds.”
Hendrix hasn’t been at the club for long, but is already hugely impressed by the talent in the Victory team.
“It has been awesome working with the youngsters here. They are so talented and have such big futures ahead of them. They have a great mindset and are among the leaders on the team. It’s impressive how they carry that weight on their shoulders and what they do with it.
The American is also full of praise for the standard of the A-League Women having come into the competition for the first time mid-season.
“It’s been really good. I really like it here. There is a lot of fight from every team. You can’t expect to win any game. The level of play is high and there are so many young players. There are growth areas needed and I hope that other international players can come in here and help. I’ve been impressed.”
Going into tomorrow’s match, Hendrix is confident that Victory are ready to step up the intensity to beat off the challenge of Perth Glory and make the top four.
“We know that we have to get a win (over Canberra on Friday) to confirm our place in the Finals. We know that we have the talent in our team. We’re confident that if we work together we can get the win.”
In order to gain the three points that Victory need, Hendrix knows that they have to tighten up defensively as Canberra are in good goalscoring form.
“We need to work on being defensively sound; we’ve given up way more goals than we would have liked.”
With an improved showing at the back, the Victory defender is confident that should her side finish in the Top Four they are capable of going all the way.
“I feel that we can do some damage in the Finals if we make it. Although I wasn’t here last year, I’ve heard all about what we did. I truly believe in all of the girls here. We have something special here and there is always a chance for us to do something here.”
Above: Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins speaking to the media today. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins opened his media conference today with news of player availability.
“Casey (Dumont) has a good chance. She trained today in a light session. I’m confident that she has done enough today to say she can play. ‘Bungey’ (Claudia Bunge) has come back (from international duty) in good spirits and she’ll be straight back into the team.
“Amy Jackson won’t be back. We could have pushed her back, but looking at the injury, we want to be more conservative with her and hope to have her back next week (if Victory make Finals). Melina Ayres has trained this week and it is great to have her back. She will be involved in the game in some way. It’s probably too early to put her into the starting team though, but she’ll be on the bench.”
With Victory having played five games in 14 days, Hopkins spoke of the huge advantage of having six days to prepare for their final game of the regular season.
“Mentally this six-day break has been good to get everyone ready and also physically too. Preparation-wise, we are also able to properly focus tactically on a team. With all the games in quick succession, it had been just a whiteboard session rather than training ground sessions.”
Asked what he felt could have been done differently to ease his team’s load during the quick turnaround in matches over the last fortnight, Victory’s head coach reflected: “We could have done with a few more players so we could have rotated the squad a bit more. The fact that we couldn’t left us lacking some energy and an inability to impact games when we needed to. At the end of the day, we won’t complain. Playing games is what we want, it’s what we do.
“If you look at our style of play, we play a very aggressive, high press style of play. We haven’t been able to do that so much with so many games. We’ll be a very different team tomorrow, a very different team. We don’t like people writing us off. We were lacking energy. People will see the real Melbourne Victory tomorrow night. I’m very confident about that.”
Melbourne Victory realistically need only a draw to claim the last spot in the Finals, but Hopkins has only got his team focusing on a win.
“We are all talking about winning the game. There are a few things that we need to do well against a decent Canberra side. We know we didn’t do ourselves justice on the ball when we played them down in Canberra.
“We’ve prepared well featuring on different scenarios in the final 20 minutes regardless of what we might need to do, but we won’t be letting the players know what is going on in the Perth game. We just need to go out focusing on beating Canberra.
“Canberra are a good team going forward, and we have done some work defensively on trying to lessen their impact. They are a team that we can cause problems to, and we’ve seen a number of teams do that to them earlier in the season. We don’t underestimate them, but know that if we play to our best, we can beat them.”
Above: Cassidy Davis pictured on her 108th consecutive appearance for Newcastle Jets on Tuesday night. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets midfielder Cassidy Davis spoke to the media ahead of tomorrow night’s game with Brisbane Roar, reflecting on her 108th consecutive appearance for the team against Melbourne City on Tuesday.
“It was a good moment, but I can’t wait to get back here to play in front of family and friends tomorrow. Three points would have been better from the game earlier in the week. Hopefully, we can get them on Friday.”
Davis looked back over what has been another frustrating campaign for Newcastle. One which has seen them face a number of challenges.
“It’s been a tough season for us. We started well and had a rough patch in the middle. We now need to finish strong. We have Brisbane twice (in four days) so we have every chance of getting three points.
“We had a lot of interruptions. We didn’t have the same starting line-up for two weeks in a row and we’ve got a lot of injuries, so we are low in numbers which makes it hard too.”
Davis also has an eye to next season and she revealed that she is looking for another campaign at the Jets. “I think you always need to look at what you are doing next season. We’re all playing for a contract. You always want to look to next season and earn a spot. You are always trying to impress your coach to get a spot next year. I’m sure that’s in the back of everyone’s mind so we’re all going for it.”
Above: Newcastle Jets head coach Ash Wilson spoke of the huge positives in her team’s showing against Melbourne City despite only having a squad of 15 players available. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets head coach Ash Wilson is confident that her team is more than capable of ending their season on a high despite being ravaged by injuries.
Speaking about Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Melbourne City, Wilson saw many positives. “I thought that both with the ball and without it we were solid. It was a pretty even contest when you look at it. We had more entries into their box, but it all came down to a few moments. We didn’t deal with those moments well enough and we didn’t take our chances, (but) I was proud of the girls and how they performed.”
Jets are struggling for bodies ahead of tomorrow’s game with Brisbane Roar, and Wilson revealed that there is a strong possibility that only two outfield substitutes will be available. “No-ones coming back. We only had three on the bench on Tuesday and it is likely we will have one less tomorrow. We couldn’t predict having four games in 10 days, but it is the hand that we have been dealt.
“We’ve looked into potential avenues but it is not a recruitment window and we have been told no. We’ll just have to carry on.
“When you look at the starting team we had on Tuesday, we put in a solid performance and we are very capable of playing good football. The players need to finish the season strong and take motivation from the performance against Melbourne City. We had a fair chunk of play. Our players have that drive to take it into Brisbane. We are a team with a lot of character and won’t leave anything on the table. The goal is to finish as strongly as we can.”
Above: Gemma Lewis, Wellington Phoenix’s head coach spoke to the media today ahead of her club’s final game of their maiden season. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Wellington Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis emphasized how motivated her team are to end the season with a win over Perth Glory to keep alive their chances of avoiding the wooden spoon.
The Nix start the final round level on points with Western Sydney Wanderers but sit last on goal difference.
The players are driven to avoid bottom spot and Lewis says it was a goal the team set before their historic 3-0 win over Canberra United three weeks ago.
“Other results that we can’t control haven’t necessarily been in our favour otherwise we could have potentially gotten off the bottom of the table already,” Lewis said. “But it’s back in our favour for this game.”
“If we get this result and we get off the bottom of the table we’d all walk away, players and staff, extremely happy.”
That’s because the Phoenix were expected to lose all 14 of their matches, having been thrown together at the last minute and having a limited pre-season.
“Nobody expected us to pick up any points so we’ve already gone above and beyond,” Lewis said.
“Not just the points as well. I get that that’s how most people and most people are judged, and I completely understand that, but I think our performances have exceeded expectations in terms of how we’ve been able to compete for the most part.
“Some games obviously we were quite far off it but a lot of games we’ve been really, really in it and played some good football.”
Lewis believes the Phoenix match-up well against Perth Glory and has declared her side will “throw everything we’ve got at them”.
“I think we’ve got a good chance. Pushing for a draw or a win would be good to give us that hope of getting off (the bottom of the table),”
“You don’t really want to really leave it down to goal difference or be more defensive minded. I think that’s setting yourself up to fail.”
Glory came from 2-1 down at halftime to beat the Phoenix 3-2 in round nine and they are fighting for a place in the top four.
“Obviously they’ve got a lot to play for but our girls are really hungry to get off the bottom of the table.
Above: Action from Wellington Phoenix’s clash with Perth Glory earlier this season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
“The girls are really, really positive in the fact that our last performance against them probably should have been our game, but we gave it to them at the end. So I think they want to rectify that as well.
“It’ll be a tough game but last game, girls know they’re going home…there’s that emotion behind it as well.
“We saw how we played in the first game when there was that big emotion of that history and now this is the last game, end of the season, end of the first season ever so hopefully that’ll spur them on and help them find that second wind.”
It’s a short turnaround for the Nix, who played and beat Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday night and the squad “pretty much self-selects itself”.
The fullbacks who started against Western Sydney, Zoe McMeeken and Talitha Kramer, are both unavailable for selection.
McMeeken sustained a knee injury against Wanderers, while Kramer is suspended after picking up her fourth yellow card of the season.
With midfielder Grace Wisnewski having returned to New Zealand for mental health reasons and defender Annabel Martin still side-lined with a knee injury Lewis has only 16 players to call on.
“It’s a tight turnaround so we are not going to be as fresh as we would like but it’s the last game so everyone knows they can kind of empty the tank.”
Saskia Vosper is likely to start in one of the two fullback spots, with Charlotte Lancaster and Kelli Brown options for the other starting berth. Lewis is also considering moving Mackenzie Barry to the left side of defence and bringing Te Reremoana Walker into a back three.
Above: Action from Olympique Lyonnais’ game at Reims last weekend. Photo: OL Feminin.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the 15th round of D1 Arkema(3/3/22).
Montpellier at home won 2-0 against Dijon. It was an easy game for Montpellier who dominated (64% possession, 19 shots with eight on target). However, they had to wait until the very end of the first half to score their first goal. With this win, Montpellier close the gap on Fleury to three points from the fourth spot. Goals for Montpellier from Faustine Robert (45+2), Lena Petermann (61 penalty).
Issy won 5-1 at home against Soyaux. In a game where Soyaux had more possession than Issy (62%-38%), Issy were more efficient and won comfortably. This was an important game for both teams as Issy were bottom of the table were Soyaux 10th at the beginning of the game. With this win, Issy move up to 11th and are only three points behind Soyaux, and they can still hope to save their season. Goals for Issy from Allie Thornton (7), Batcheba Louis (17, 40), Roselord Borgella (45+1), Océane Daniel (56). Goal for Soyaux from Eden Avital (81).
Bordeaux at home won 3-0 against Saint-Etienne. Despite the scoreline, it was an even game. Bordeaux were a lot more efficient and won easily to consolidate their sixth place in the standings. Goals for Bordeaux from Claire Lavogez (33), Daphne Mélissa Herrera Monge (52), Maëlle Garbino (90+1).
Paris FC won 5-2 away from home against Guingamp. In an even game from a statistical point of view, Paris FC were more efficient and won this game. With this win, Paris FC secures its third place in terms of qualifying for UEFA Women’s Champions League and are now six points ahead of Fleury. To be noted, that the Paris FC goals were scored by five different players. Goals for Paris FC from Daphne Marie Corboz (12), Louna Ribadeira (15), Clara Matéo (29), Célina Ould Hocine (37), Mathilde Bourdieu (69). Goals for Guingamp from Sally Julini (42 penalty), Louise Fleury (79).
Above: Fleury and Paris SG teams’ presentation. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset forImpetus.
Olympique Lyonnais away from home, won 2-0 against Reims. This was largely dominated by Lyon: 70% possession, 27 shots with 14 on target, 525 passes with 85% successful, and 14 corners. However, the score was still 0-0 at half time and the second goal was scored at the very end of the game (90+3). So large domination by Lyon but without being able to be more efficient. To be noted, it was the 100th game for Selma Bacha as a professional player for Lyon at only 21. Goals for Lyon from Melvine Malard (61), Wendie Renard (90+3).
Paris Saint-Germain won 4-0 away from home against Fleury. This game was largely dominated by Paris SG: 74% possession, 653 passes with 84% successful, but only 11 shots with five on target. Fleury coach, Fabrice Abriel, had decided to play in a 5-4-1 formation to try to limit Paris SG strikers but this has consequently left the ball to Paris SG in midfield depriving Fleury’s strikers of the ball (only five shots from Fleury). I am not used to speaking about referees, but in this game, Fleury could have had a penalty and we must note that with about the same number of fouls (13 for Fleury against 11 for Paris SG) Fleury had two yellow cards. However, Paris SG won, and the gap in quality was high for Fleury. Goals for Paris SG from Grace Geyoro (8), Paulina Dudek (22 penalty), Kadidiatou Diani (62), Ramona Bachmann (89).
Above: Susan Phonsongkham gets in a tackle for Perth Glory at Sydney FC in January. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
For this week’s #MidweekDub feature, Perth Glory’s Susan Phonsongkham had a quick question and answer exchange with Impetus’ Ben Gilby(2/3/22).
BG: Can you give us a taster of your footballing journey from junior football onwards.
SP: I was born in Thailand so I started playing football with neighbours and friends on the streets and representing my school. But I also enjoy other sports as well. Football didn’t get serious until I moved to Australia. I started playing for my local team Burwood FC and that’s when my footballing journey kicks off.
BG: It’s been great to see you again at this level after injury. Why did you choose Perth Glory to continue your career?
SP: I knew that I had to be out of my comfort zone to improve and go to that next level and Perth was the right option for me.
Above: Susan Phonsongkham in typical control on the wing. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
BG: You have a great ability to control the ball in tight spaces. What helped you to develop this skill so well?
SP: I’m not perfect at it but I will always try to work on it as much as I can. Being on the ball, dribbling through cones and juggling helped me a lot to develop the skill.
BG: Perth has recruited many ex-Young Matildas like yourself. Was there anybody in particular you were looking forward to joining forces with?
SP: You’re right, there’s a lot of familiar faces from my Future Matildas and Young Matildas days. It is good to be with them all and I’m excited to be playing and training them.
BG: How much did it mean to you to score on debut for a new club?
SP: It meant a lot for me and the team to get the win that night. To get a goal on my Perth Glory debut was really exciting.
Above: Susan Phonsongkam has been a creative spark for Perth Glory this season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
BG: Tell us about Alex Epakis as a coach. What’s he like as a person and what is he like to work with?
SP: Alex is a great coach and also a great person. He is very motivated to achieve many things with the team and I want to be a part of itas it drives me to go to the next level and I’m grateful for the opportunity he has given me.
BG: What’s it been like having Lisa De Vanna in the squad this season?
SP: Having Lisa’s experience and achievement is a great asset for the team. She knows what it takes to win big games and also she helps younger players like myself.
BG: After coming back after such a long-term injury, what were your own personal aims coming into this campaign?Do you think you’ve achieved them?
SP: Personally I wanted to help my team do well this season and improve together to achieve the squad end goals of competing strongly in each game. We’ve certainly done that.
Above: Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City battle it out on Tuesday. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
By Kieran Yap (2/3/22)
Melbourne City has delayed Sydney FC’s premiership celebrations with a 2-0 win over Newcastle Jets.
Anything less than three points would have handed to title to Sydney. Rado Vidosic brought Hannah Wilkinson and Rebekah Stott straight into the starting lineup after the 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar.
Newcastle’s Cass Davis wore the captain’s armband to commemorate her record-setting game. The loyal Jet has played 108 consecutive games in the A-League Women. It is a remarkable feat, barely possible in the short season, and amounts to almost nine years of unmissed football.
The game started off in an open fashion, although both teams seemed in a hurry to get forward. The first chance fell to City. Hannah Wilkinson, Rhianna Pollicina, and Kaitlyn Torpey combined in a delightful move but the shot from Pollicina went wide.
Newcastle’s best chances came from the pace of Sophie Harding. In the absence of Marie Dølvik and Tara Andrews, the attacking fell to the explosive striker. She sped behind the City defence but got a little too close to Melissa Barbieri who saved.
Lauren Allen was available for the tap in but it would have been a difficult pass.
Above: Newcastle Jets’ Cass Davis in action on her 108th consecutive match. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
Hannah Wilkinson showed her value instantly to her side. Her mobility, holdup play, and intelligence create opportunities. She only needed the slightest touch to tee up Pollicina for another shot but it was overhit and sailed over the crossbar.
Although the game featured two of the league’s best goalkeepers, it was not long before the deadlock was broken. Wilkinson played the ball back to Torpey who’s well-directed low shot skidded into the bottom corner.
The Jets almost replied through a corner kick. City had trouble clearing the ball and it was almost scrambled in but Emma Checker eventually took the simplest approach to snuff out the danger.
Harding came close once more before halftime when she latched onto a defensive error. She hit it well but was straight at Barbieri who had no trouble collecting it safely.
Ash Brodigan created another chance for Newcastle with an impressive burst of pace to get past Tori Tunmeth. She cut inside and got as close to goal as possible but the angle was too difficult to beat Barbieri.
City looked to have doubled their lead before halftime when Rebekah Stott fired at Claire Coelho. The keeper saved well but it fell to Pollicina who tucked it away. The offside flag was immediately up though to rule out the strike.
Above: Emma Checker strides away for Melbourne City. Photo: Melbourne City.
City did eventually get their second goal and it was no surprise who was involved. Pollicina dribbled between the Newcastle defenders to make space for the shot on her left foot. Coelho was well-positioned to stop it and the ball looked to be headed out of bounds.
The City playmaker was alert to the play and directed it back across goal with the outside of her foot and Wilkinson had the easiest finish with her head to bring up her 11th goal of the season.
Despite the scoreline Newcastle did not give up. Harding created space in the area but could not beat Barbieri who must be in the running for Player of the Year by this point.
Kirsty Fenton’s excellent long pass found Lauren Allen in space on the wing. It was an area that Newcastle had no trouble getting into but they had lacked players in the middle to finish.
The winger cut the ball back but Harding was outnumbered and City remained untroubled.
City continued to add pressure, looking for a third but in the end, the 2-0 win was enough to mean the title is still within reach.
Above: Leah Davidson pressing forward for City. Photo: Melbourne City.
They will need a favour though. Even if they win their final match, Sydney FC will have to lose to Adelaide United to send the trophy back to Melbourne.
It is not an impossible scenario, The Reds have been in form and Sydney FC has lost their aura of invincibility.
City looked more like their old self with Wilkinson back up top. The New Zealand international linked up play and provided a focal point along with the goal.
The Jets had the opposite problem, Dølvik was introduced late and Brodigan has been impressive, but they lacked the firepower that they showed early in the season when everybody was fully fit.
Newcastle still has two more chances to finish their season on a high. They face Brisbane Roar twice more in the space of four days.
City will meet Western Sydney Wanderers in a game that they must win. They fill face a team that is determined not to finish bottom. The Wanderers have had a tough year but still have the quality up front to end City’s hopes no matter what happens between Adelaide United and Sydney FC.
Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-3-3): Barbieri, Torpey, Tunmeth, Checker, Vlajnic, Davidson, Stott, Heatley, Pollicina, Wilkinson, McKenna. Substitutes: Blissett, James (GK), Karic, Westland, van der Meer.
Above: Joy unconfined for Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
By Ben Gilby (2/3/22)
Wellington Phoenix claimed their second A-League Women victory of the season at Western Sydney Wanderers. Gemma Lewis’ side are now only bottom on goal difference.
Once more, the New Zealanders had to do it the hard way by coming from behind as Wanderers took the lead after just two minutes. Erica Halloway’s run down the right ended with her crossing the ball in which was met by the head of Ashlee Crofts for her third goal of the season.
Western Sydney threatened again as Zoe McMeeken was dispossessed by Teigan Collister who found Crofts on the edge of the box. Her effort was charged down and fell into the path of Libby Copus-Brown who followed up with a shot which was held at the second attempt by Nix keeper Lily Alfeld.
It wasn’t all one way traffic though, Wellington’s teenage star Alyssa Whinham turned a vicious effort goal wards which just bounced wide of Willacy’s right hand post.
Above: Western Sydney Wanderers’ Caitlin Cooper looks to get away. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
The visitors had better luck eight minutes before the break. A free-kick on the left was initially cleared by the Wanderers, but Wellington recycled and Isabel Gomez lifted a ball into the box which fell perfectly into the path of Kate Taylor. Free of the attentions of Teigen Allen, the Phoenix vice captain controlled the ball around Western Sydney keeper Sarah Langman and tapped home the equalizer – her first ever A-League Women’s goal in her club’s penultimate match of the season.
Wanderers looked to hit back when Galic gained possession with a sliding tackle which found Copus-Brown who fired a cross shot towards Crofts from the right, but there was too much zip on the effort which went wide of Alfeld’s far post. It remained 1-1 at the break.
Phoenix hit the front with 15 minutes remaining with a goal of quality. Saskia Vosper ran along the right and lifted a pass into Ava Pritchard. Langman rushed out towards her and there was no-one at home in the Wanderers defence which gave the teenager all the confidence in the world to hit a shot over the home custodian and into the far corner of an empty net.
Above: Wellington Phoenix delight in finding the back of the net. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
The New Zealanders continued to press. With Wanderers missing in action at the back, Grace Jale played a low angled pass into the stride of Kelli Brown. The forward dawdled which allowed Western Sydney to get numbers back, but Brown managed to twist and turn before lifting a shot which bounced up off of the top of the cross bar and behind.
The game was ultimately decided three minutes into stoppage time. Wanderers were trying to force an equalizer as Alexia Apostolakis took up possession in the centre of the field and played in Halloway outside her, but her cross went straight to the Phoenix defence who cleared with ease. Charlotte Lancaster was found down the left hand touchline and played a ball forward. Apostolakis looked to have all the time in the world to play the ball back to Langman, but Jale was able to get in ahead and lay the ball home for Wellington’s third.
Wanderers needed a quick response and almost instantly, Galic lifted a high shot in from outside of the box. Alfeld tried to hold but the wet conditions caused the Football Fern to drop the ball over the by-line for a corner.
The resulting flag kick came in high from the right and bounced awkwardly off of Talitha Kramer in the six yard box with the ball agonizingly ending up in the net.
Any hope Wanderers had of levelling the scores died a death with the final whistle sounding immediately after the re-start.
Wellington’s greatly improved performances and consistent levels has been rewarded with a second win of the campaign. They are now only bottom on goal difference and many will feel that they deserve to avoid the wooden spoon.
Above: Wellington Phoenix acclaim their supporters after the final whistle. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Speaking to the media, Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis said: “It was good to finally get the game underway to be honest. There were a lot of postponements and a lot of things changing.
“It took us a bit to warm into the game and we probably conceded the last goal because we were pushing for another one for goal difference,” Lewis said.
“That just shows how hungry the girls are to want to try to get off the bottom of the table that even when they’re 3-1 up straight away they were saying ‘let’s get another one, let’s get the three goal difference to try and take us off the bottom’.
“The positive mentality from them is quite cool to see.”
Above: Thetford Town’s Shannon Richardson and Chloe Webb (maroon shirts) in defensive action at North Walsham on Sunday. Photo: Darrell Allen.
North Walsham Angels 4-5 Thetford Town
By Darrell Allen (1/3/22)
After two weeks without a game, Thetford Town returned to Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One action with a tricky trip to North Walsham Angels who may be bottom of the table but they were certainly up for the fight.
Thetford came into the game with a squad of 12, with Melissa Boulton the only absentee as Thetford manager David Skipp had a strong team for the challenge ahead.
It was a proud day for North Walsham Angels with three U16 players making their debuts for the Senior women’s team in the form of Maddy Welton, Amber Roper, and Tanisha Grayling.
The sunshine was beating down on Greens Road. It was a little windy but a beautiful setting for the afternoon ahead.
Prior to kick-off, both teams stood united in support of Ukraine and respective captains Sophie Hall and Sausha Levy-Twomey held up a Ukraine scarf.
The game began and it was Thetford Town who started brightest. Shannon Richardson darting inside and her cross hit the bar and bounced down but Chelsea Page couldn’t finish.
Amy Skipp then fired over the bar before Thetford took the lead courtesy of an unfortunate own goal in the seventh minute from an Angels perspective.
Thetford tried to capitalize on an early lead as Shannon Richardson put in another excellent cross but Becky White was unable to do anything with it.
Becky White then played a wonderful ball over to Shannon Richardson but she couldn’t finish.
North Walsham had withstood the early pressure and turned the game around with two goals in three minutes, the first from Stella Fletcher Helps and the second from Maddy Welton as their confidence and belief grew.
Thetford Town were quick to reply with a Becky White strike from distance as a remarkable start to the game saw four goals shared in the first 16 minutes.
Thetford upped the pressure with a series of corners, Dayna Howard fired over, Becky White unable to finish a stunning Shannon Richardson Cross and North Walsham again saw a tough period through with togetherness and team spirit which was at the forefront of everything they did all afternoon.
Above: Thetford Town captain Sausha Levy-Twomey (with the ball) at North Walsham on Sunday. Photo: Darrell Allen.
North Walsham were in the ascendancy, a good spell of pressure saw them go closest with a free-kick.
Thetford then had more chances, Becky White and Abbie Corbyn both going close. The latter’s chance went just wide on an afternoon of restricted opportunities for the talented Town winger as North Walsham kept Corbyn very quiet.
Becky White put in an incredible cross but a lacklustre header from Chelsea Page drifted wide.
The half ended with a piece of traditional route one football as the ball was played forward by North Walsham to Keira Brown who rounded Thetford goalkeeper Ellie Prentice and put the ball in to give North Walsham Angels the lead 3-2 at the break.
After the re-start, Becky White pressurized Maddy Welton but the chance was punched away by keeper Nicky Reynolds.
Amber Roper had a shot but it was scuffed and easily dealt with by Ellie Prentice in the Town goal.
Thetford upped the anti, but were unable to get level, Chelsea Page missing a sitter before Becky White put another golden chance wide.
Half-time Thetford substitute Courtney Musgrove, who came on for Rachel Lynch looked lively and put a cross into the path of goalkeeper Nicky Reynolds who spilled it into the path of Abbie Corbyn who couldn’t reach to get her foot on it.
A Shannon Richardson Cross evaded everyone before Mia Bambury put a great ball through but nobody was on the end of it.
Dayna Howard the star of the show on the afternoon for Thetford ran in behind well but couldn’t finish.
A further Thetford chance was then spilled by Nicky Reynolds but no one in a Thetford shirt was anywhere to be seen for an easy finish and North Walsham saw the danger away.
Finally, Thetford were to equalize, Chelsea Page getting her head on a corner to make it 3-3 but collided with the post at the same time and received a badly cut nose for her troubles.
The play was stopped while Page received treatment and credit to North Walsham who allowed Thetford use of some of their own medical facilities.
Page had been patched up by manager David Skipp and returned to the pitch shortly before Thetford took the lead with a stunning Shannon Richardson free-kick from around 25 yards out. Thetford had turned the game around and led once again.
Now it was all about game management, but that went out of the window within minutes as North Walsham went straight up the other end of the pitch and scored a 25-yard stunner themselves as Stella Fletcher-Helps made it a personal brace for the afternoon and levelled the scores at 4-4.
Even periods of play followed with not many clear-cut chances in the final stages.
Just as it looked like the points were going to be shared, Chelsea Page fired a shot into the goal from distance to win the game in the 96th minute for Thetford Town.
If ever you needed proof that league tables mean nothing this was it. A truly wonderful game of Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One Football that twisted and turned. The hosts pushed Thetford all the way and can be mighty proud of their efforts.
From Thetford’s perspective to come from a losing position twice to win shows remarkable team spirit and determination. This was demonstrated in abundance from Chelsea Page who scored twice, collided with the post, and left the pitch at full time with blood pouring from her injured nose, to Danya Howard who was here, there, and everywhere. A massive win for Thetford Town but that was very hard work and fair play to Josh Roper and his North Walsham Angels team.
Above:The announcement of Canberra as the venue of the Matildas’ second April international with New Zealand was supported by the local football community. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Football Australia CEO James Johnsonand Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson as Australia’s plans for the April international window were revealed(1/3/22).
Australia today announced a two-game series with New Zealand during the April international window.
The second match in the two-match series will see the Commonwealth Bank Matildas in action on Tuesday, 12 April 2022 at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
It marks a long-awaited return of the women’s national team to Canberra after a nine-year absence. The last time the Matildas were in the nation’s capital saw a penalty shoot-out victory over New Zealand in the 2013 Centenary Cup.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, said: “As Canberra and the ACT Government have been long-standing supporters of women’s sport and the Matildas, it’s exciting to return to the capital for an international fixture.”
Above: Football Australia CEO James Johnston announcing Canberra as the venue for the Matildas’ second international with New Zealand today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“The ACT has a strong history of producing women’s national team players including names like Lydia Williams, Caitlin Munoz, Amy Wilson, and Julie Murray, and watching in the stands could be the next generation of Matildas to follow in their footsteps.
“We want to provide the football community and as many Australians as possible the opportunity to watch the Matildas on home soil while we continue our preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We appreciate the support of the ACT Government in partnering with us to bring the Matildas back to Canberra – a city that has long embraced women’s football and Australian football as a whole.”
The last time the two sides met was at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with Australia coming out on top with a 2-1 victory in the opening group match.
Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson said these matches will present a different type of opponent for the team as they continue to build towards 2023.
Above: Canberra’s GIO Stadium, venue for the Matildas’ second match with New Zealand in April. Photo: Canberra Times.
“With only the FIFA Women’s World Cup on the horizon, the complete focus for the next 12 months will be building a squad to compete on home soil,” Gustavsson said. “That preparation starts with these matches against our fellow co-hosts New Zealand, and we know they will provide a challenge that will help us learn more about the playing group.
“The April window is an opportunity for us to return to the pitch together in front of home supporters. We, as staff and players, are looking forward to playing before a new set of Australian fans in Canberra who I am sure will welcome us warmly.”
Tickets to the encounter will go on pre-sale for Football Account holders on Friday, 4 March 2022, with the General Public tickets window opening on Wednesday, 9 March 2022.
$1 (plus GST) from every ticket will be donated to the women’s CP national football program for female footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, or symptoms from stroke. Ticketing information is available from the official Commonwealth Bank Matildas website at www.matildas.com.au.
The venue for the opening match of the two-match international series will be announced shortly.
Above: Adelaide United and their Coopers Stadium home set up ready for the competition’s first Pride Game at the weekend. Photo: Adelaide United.
As the A-League Women season heads towards its final round of the regular season, our writing team covering the competition Ben Gilby, Kieran Yap, and Kris Goman reveal their player, coach, and event of the week(28/2/22).
PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Ben: Unquestionably Fiona Worts. She is in the goalscoring form of her life. A positive NPL season in a struggling Fulham United side set up the English striker, who formerly played with Coventry United, into red hot form. As Adelaide head into the Finals, they have the competition’s deadliest striking duo.
Kieran: Has to be Fiona Worts. In a must-win game on a huge occasion, she delivered a hat trick to make history. What a season from the striker.
Kris: Fiona Worts. Hat trick. Do I need to say anything else? But she’s been getting better and better as the season’s gone on and this match was critical moving Adelaide into the A-League Women Finals for the first time ever.
Above: Fiona Worts of Adelaide United – the undisputed choice as player of the week. Photo: Adelaide United.
COACH OF THE WEEK:
Ben: For his history-making achievement with Adelaide United this season and having his team peak at the right time, it’s Adrian Stenta. Outstanding work.
Kieran: Adrian Stenta. Adelaide have had their best W-/A-League Women season, making the competition’s finals for the first time and swept away all opponents since losing to Perth. It’s a massive achievement and the result of a few seasons of work.
Kris: For the same reasons, had to be Adrian Stenta. To take Adelaide to the W-/A-League Women Finals for the first time ever, to keep the belief, to raise them up. Definitely gets the gong this week.
Above: Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta – outstanding achievements. Photo: Adelaide United.
EVENT OF THE WEEK:
Ben: Can’t go beyond the competition’s first-ever Pride Game. Adelaide United have been a club that just “get it” for some time now and this showed exactly their united cause. Incredible scenes at Coopers Stadium. Where Adelaide led others now need to follow.
Kieran: Sydney have wrapped up the Premiership, you can’t get much better than that. Two seasons in a row but with a very different team and in some style against Perth Glory.
Kris: Has to be the Adelaide v Melbourne Victory Pride round game. Victory came to the game in their pride socks too. So proud of these teams to make this history. Truly groundbreaking.
We’ve been keeping the tally of our votes for Player and Coach of the Week Awards and will reveal who has gathered the most votes across the season to be crowned Impetus’ inaugural A-League Women Player and Coach of the Yearahead of the first week of Finals.
We are all on the same team, but women’s football fans need to know what the game plan is.
The priority this season as it was last, is to keep the league running against unprecedented challenges. For this the APL and Football Australia deserve commendation.
However, with good reason, the fans are getting restless. Australia’s A-League Women’s community wants a plan for the future, and so far, they have only seen the implementation of things they explicitly do not want.
In the simplest terms, A-League Women’s fans want:
As few double headers as possible
A full home and away season
Full time pay for the players and coaches.
The same eagerness to invest in the league as they show when a 30 something men’s striker from Europe suggests that maybe he might consider thinking about playing in Australia.
The doubleheaders are contentious. From the perspective of a fan on matchday, five hours at a stadium is too long to expect men’s fans to show up for the women, and ALW supporters resent paying for tickets to men’s games they have no interest in, or in some cases actively avoid.
From a broadcast perspective, it makes sense for the same journalists and commentators to be in one location. The possibilities for better camera positioning and the ability to promote sponsors on the sidelines are far better.
From a footballing perspective, players always want and deserve access to the best facilities and pitches. The doubleheader provides this. Currently, there is no easy solution to this question.
In any case, this conundrum will not entice crowds. The men’s fans generally do show up, although not until well into the second half. In the worst cases, doubleheaders have been played with completely unaffiliated men’s teams playing afterward.
Speaking to The Ladies League Big Dub Podcast, Sydney FC CEO Danny Townsend was not convinced that doubleheaders or early kick-off times were a crowd factor. He referred to what was basically a title decider between Melbourne City and Sydney FC.
“You could point to doubleheaders,” he responded,
“But you could point to AAMI Park on a Sunday afternoon between the two top teams in the competition. That argument’s not quite accurate when you point to that game Sunday afternoon.”
This game took place as the curtain-raiser between Western United and Western Sydney Wanderers.
The problems with doubleheaders aside, why would Western Sydney fans want to arrive early to watch Sydney FC play in the ALW? Western United have struggled to attract their own fans let alone any to support Melbourne City’s women.
These are two passionately opposing supporter sets. This game was never going to draw a crowd unless it was a separate women’s fixture, as a title decider should be.
The incoming league chief likely forgot this or never knew it. Either explanation is forgivable, mistakes happen.
But neither reason instils faith in the supporters that the league is being paid proper attention.
In any case, with crowds at men’s games struggling, is relying on them to save women’s football really the best idea?
Townsend also expressed frustration that the Matildas routinely break records with crowds but that does not transfer to the league.
“Where are all these Matildas fans?” he ponders.
“Why are they happy to put on a Matildas shirt one day yet won’t turn up and watch their local A-League women’s team play?
“There seems to be this real fair-weather commitment to Matildas as being this great brand and it is, but why aren’t those fans turning up to watch Sydney FC vs Melbourne City or others?”
Aside from the reasons already covered, one reason is blaringly obvious.
Ticketing links.
The A-League Women Twitter account is 99% great. They provide highlights, lineup, interviews and updates. They announce fixture changes and game times. However, to this date, they do not include links to buy tickets on their posts.
Above: A typical tweet from the A-League Women account advertising games. Source: @aleaguewomen
Fans are forced to tweet into the abyss or wander the deserts of Google aimlessly to find out which outlet supplies the tickets.
Sometimes the tickets are listed online and on club websites under the men’s fixtures only. There are also at least two ticketing outlets, (Ticketmaster and Ticketbooth) who might be handling the game.
The individual clubs social media do provide links, but if the aim is to gather new supporters, ones that may not have chosen a team yet, the central communication hubs need to post them too.
It is a constant mystery that even experienced football fans have struggled to decipher. That often referred to game between Sydney FC and Melbourne City had ticketing links that could not be found through any search engine. They were on the Western United website but could not be found searching “Melbourne City, Sydney FC or A-League Women tickets.”
Contrast this with The Matildas social media and marketing team. Every post from the account that refers to an upcoming game has a link to buy tickets, many mention the costs, or any potential offers and discounts.
They do this almost daily leading up to game day. If you are a football fan and they are playing in your town it is almost harder NOT to go to the game.
The effort is put in, it has been over years, they hustle, and they once even offered free entry for children named “Matilda.” They build crowds, not just expect them, and they make it easy for fans to attend.
For A-League games, there is only broadcast information. Which is fantastic and satisfies commercial partners but does nothing to get people to the ground.
Include a link for tickets.
Above: An example Tweet from the Matildas account with links to buy tickets. Source: @TheMatildas
Expand outside the bubble
Another reason that crowd figures are vastly different between national team games and league games is that they appeal to different demographics.
There exists a large and growing population in Australia that want to attend, promote and enjoy women’s sport. Some of these people do it to the exclusion of men’s sport for their own valid reasons (I have mine).
So far, the A-League marketing is focussed on combining men’s and women’s supporter bases. To grow the women’s game by appealing to fans of men’s football instead of fans of women’s sport.
This is more likely to work for broadcasting. The game is the game, and football is football. But the atmosphere at the ground is different, in some cases deliberately so.
As relative newcomers to the Australian sporting scene, women’s football supporter culture has been able to take what they like from existing football support and leave behind what they do not.
When the men’s active support does show up, they can change the vibe, often unintentionally. Because they are not familiar with how things usually are.
If you have ever been enjoying a night out and then a buck’s night or footy post-season group shows up, you will know the atmosphere changes. The attitude seems to be “lets show them how we do things” rather than any effort to integrate with the existing vibe.
Learning some of the women’s active support chants instead of using slightly altered men’s chants would go a long way to harmonizing support.
This is not the fault of the League, but even when they do show up, it is not quite enough.
Regarding women’s sports fans, those that might go to the netball, WBBL or ALFW to grow A-League crowds, the league seems unaware a market exists.
“It’s not something we’ve talked about,” said Townsend to Rose of the Ladies League.
“It’s an interesting one to consider.
“We’ve typically operated in a football environment when we think about how to recruit fans.”
As the crowds at other events (and Matildas games) has shown, this is something that really needs to be looked at. It is surprising that it has not been considered or at least researched already.
That’s football environment referred to consists of eight million fans of the game in Australia. This takes in a whole lot of different people. Some play, some watch European leagues, some just check out the World Cup.
It is a huge, but diverse demographic to target when compared to something that has established social media communities like ‘Women’s Sport.’
Surely you both the existing football community and the women’s sport community can be reached out to.
A family may have three children and one parent who play. They are registered participants and football fans. But after paying registration and game day costs for four people and spending hours at the ground on a Sunday morning, do they really have enough time to attend a match or two?
Women’s sport fans will make the time, they have already told you they will by devoting so much of it to setting up watch parties, podcasts, websites, and travelling groups of supporters for various sports.
Active support of A-League women’s teams was granted an audience with the league in the pre-season, but surveys of women’s football fans or women’s sports fans have not been attempted since the APL took control of the league.
Their marketing strategy is not guesswork, but without talking to those who do show up, how can they work out how to attract more?
For a crude analogy, if you want to decide to go to a restaurant, do you listen to people who love it or those who long ago decided never to try it?
Above: Links for tickets and inspirational quotes. The Matildas show how to build a crowd. Source: @TheMatildas
Nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd
This is not to say that there is no potential within the football bubble.
Trading cards, Food trucks, and more women’s specific merchandise are all things that the AFLW has explored to build numbers in the stands. As a personal experience, I had watched AFLW on the TV but was also convinced to attend by the presence of a Pancake Parlour van at the ground.
Nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd, however, due to decades of often unfair bad press, few things deter casual fans like a soccer crowd. It is time to expand the bubble outside of football.
The main thing that supporters want is a full home and away season and for players and coaches to be paid a living wage for at least the duration of that season.
The league has yet to set a timeframe on this. It remains an ambition but not a target.
Meanwhile, the AFL player association has stated that 2025 is their goal for full-time pay for women’s players.
The APL has overseen the league for only months, nobody is expecting this to happen instantly, but fans do expect a timeframe to show some ambition and dedication to the players and the sport.
One concern from the league about an extended season is that it will overlap with the American NWSL. From what the fans are saying, they simply do not care about that, and nor should they.
In the absence of U.S imports last season, the league’s younger players stepped up. Experienced players like Dylan Holmes and Clare Wheeler became Matildas and Kyra Cooney-Cross became a star.
For the players that have ambitions to play in the US, clubs have shown themselves to be flexible, and the fans excited for them.
Lynn Williams was accommodated to potentially season-defining effect and Emily van Egmond was able to switch between the Newcastle Jets and the NWSL with mostly appreciation for what she did in her time here.
Player movement happens, the fans are OK with it. It is a compliment to the league and Australian football. In the end, a strong, flourishing competition exceeds the benefits of matching up with the US league.
Coordinating with the NPLs is a different matter, but not an insurmountable challenge.
Fans remain patient, but increasingly frustrated. Those entrusted with the game are not expected to change it overnight, especially when the priority is completing the season in a pandemic.
Fans largely understand that challenges exist, but they need to be able to trust these problems are being addressed
Women’s football fans and players deserve tangible, measurable aims for the game, they deserve a timeframe, and they deserve to be told what it is.
