Vlok star shines bright as Phoenix continue their rise

Newcastle Jets 1-5 Wellington Phoenix

by Ben Gilby (1/2/26)

Above: Brooke Nunn (23) hugs Wellington Phoenix’s hat-trick hero Pia Vlok during their superb win at Newcastle Jets today. Photo: A-Leagues.

Wellington Phoenix’s young starlet Pia Vlok hit a hat-trick as the in-form New Zealanders moved to within two points of the A-League Women summit after this commanding win at Newcastle Jets.

The 17-year-old has had a fairytale start to her A-League Women career. She possesses an outrageous skill level, but more importantly has been encouraged to express herself on the field without fear of things going wrong. Regular Nix watchers have been aware of her potential. She simply surpassed that today.

Newcastle had been pushing for a competitive placing in the top six after a hugely impressive 3-1 win at Melbourne City in mid-January, but back-to-back defeats at No. 2 Sportsground, with seven goals conceded in the process against Adelaide and the Nix have put a major dent in those hopes.

The Jets were back in action for the first time since that defeat against the South Australians on 21st January, and boss Stephen Hoyle made five changes to his starting line-up with Georgia Ritchie in goal for her senior debut. Also coming in were Josie Wilson, Josie Allan, Claire Adams, and Melina Ayres coming in for Anna Leat, Zoe Karapidis, India Breier, Cassidy Davis and Charlotte Lancaster.

Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman brought back Manaia Elliott for Lara Wall in the only change for her side from last weekend’s 3-1 win over Adelaide United.

Newcastle created the first opportunity with five minutes on the clock as Libby Copus-Brown won the ball from Grace Jale allowing Sophie Hoban to motor through the middle of the park before finding Josie Allan outside her. Allan played a pass forward for Hoban to run onto, but saw her poked shot roll wide of the right-hand post.

It was all Phoenix after that as the visitors hit four goals in a rampant 14 minute spell. Vlok grabbed her first of the encounter putting the finish on a move that started with Elliott grabbing possession on the left after Wilson mis-controlled a pass, and found Jale in a central position, around 25 yards out from goal. The midfielder laid off a perfectly cushioned pass into space on the edge of the box for Vlok to turn and fire a low shot into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

The teen star made it 2-0 on the quarter hour mark as she took up possession to the right of centre in acres of space outside the box and hit a low shot into the same part of the net.

Wellington continued to push, and sure enough, a third arrived with just 20 minutes played. Elliott profited once more along the left to beat Wilson and cut in to feed Mikala Woods, who under pressure from Emma Dundas, still managed to play the ball across to Emma Pijnenberg who hit a shot from the right hand edge of the box that bounced in front of Ritchie and went in for her first A-League Women goal.

It took just four more minutes for the Nix to go 4-0 up. Newcastle initially looked to have cleared a corner that came in on the breeze from the right, but Lucia León turned the ball back in for Ellie Walker to volley in at the right-hand post for her first A-League Women goal.

Only the woodwork prevented a fifth Phoenix strike on the half hour as Woods’ turn and shot came back off the left-hand post with Ritchie beaten.

At this point, Newcastle finally stemmed the Wellington tidal wave of goals. With an hour gone, they created a half-chance for themselves as Hoban broke through the middle and fed substitute Alexis Collins with a sliding pass but Victoria Esson saved. Shortly afterwards, Ayres set Claudia Cicco away down the right. The former Nix star crossed in for Josie Allan to hit a first time shot over the bar from the edge of the box.

However, the Jets mini revival was snuffed out as Vlok completed her first senior hat-trick. Woods gained possession inside her own half in a central position and played a pass forward for the 17-year-old to run onto. With clear open field ahead of her, Vlok was pursued by two defenders. Both Lancaster and Tash Prior were deftly turned out of the game before Vlok rolled a low shot home from the edge of the box to become the league’s second youngest hat-trick hero in history.

Newcastle tried to respond as Josie Allan ran through on the left of centre and lifted a shot from the edge of the box that Esson had to tip over the top.

With just over 15 minutes to go, Josie Allan worked her way along the left again to deliver a ball in. Collins’ shot was blocked, but fell perfectly for Ayres to turned a shot home.

With 88 minutes played, the match was suspended due to lightning. After discussions involving both teams, it was decided not to wait for the storm to subside to see out the remaining time, and the result stood.

This was a devastating performance from Wellington Phoenix who showed their class in attack throughout. With the season approaching its final straight, they look set for a first berth in the Finals, and are more than capable from going deep into the season-ending event.

The Jets will have to get back on horse quickly if they are to achieve their own Finals dreams. This result was tough on a teenage debutant goalkeeper, but Ritchie will look back at the game, take the learnings, and come back a lot stronger for it.

Speaking after the game, Phoenix boss Priestman said: “I challenge the group to be pioneers and go and do firsts for this club. We knew what tonight meant and I’m really happy and over the moon with the overall performance.

“The second half was a bit messier trying to get some fresh legs on and players off with Perth in mind but overall, I’ve got to be delighted with that. We just keep building. You can start to see the consistency that’s starting to come to life in the team with the players that are now available.”

Reflecting on Vlok’s hat-trick, Priestman observed: “From the minute she walked through the door we’ve seen what you saw tonight every day in training, and I think that’s the difference.

“Whether she’s scored three goals or no goals she trains the same way and her standards are really high. She’s got a really bright future. We’ve got to protect her a little bit and make sure she’s fulfilling her potential, but she’s a top player and well-liked by the group.”

Phoenix have now scored 10 goals in their last three A-League Women matches. Friday’s visitors Perth Glory have been warned ahead of the Distance Derby.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-2-1): Ritchie, Wilson, Prior, Cicco, J.Allan, Dundas, Copus-Brown, Adams, Brown, Hoban, Ayres. Substitutes: L.Allan, Boertje, Breier, Collins, Davis, Lancaster.

Scorer: Ayres 73′.

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Esson, Elliott, van der Meer, Barry, Walker, Vlok, Pijnenburg, Jale, Nunn, Woods, León. Substitutes: Anthony, Benson, Brazendale, Feinberg-Daniele, Jaber, Wall.

Scorers: Vlok 10′, 15′, 64′. Pijnenburg 20′, Walker 24′.

Referee: Mikayla Ryan.

Attendance: 1,102.

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Adelaide United defeat City at home

Adelaide United 2-1 Melbourne City

By Kieran Yap 31/1/26

Above: Ella Tonkin. Photo: Adelaide United

Goals to Fiona Worts and Ella Tonkin gave Adelaide United a 2-1 win against Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium. The Reds scored in each half, while Leticia McKenna’s powerful strike provided hope of a comeback for the visitors.

Adelaide welcomed back Dylan Holmes into the matchday squad for the first time since the early weeks of the season. The talismanic midfielder adds strength to a side already boasting significant midfield depth. Sarah Morgan started for the second match in a row, while Chelsie Dawber was rotated to the bench in a slightly more defensive set up, at least on paper.

In reality, Adelaide were far more attacking in the opening half. Erin Healy caused problems early for City. Her mobility and pace created the first real chance for the home side.

A cross from the left was whipped in with pace and Worts attacked the six yard box aggressively to flick the ball across Milena Mieres and into the net.

The home side moved the ball quickly and purposefully which had been a hallmark of Adelaide United at their best.

The Reds looked for wide options to spread the play and Melissa Taranto was relishing the opportunity to face a midfield still missing Laura Hughes and Leah Davidson.

In their place, Leticia McKenna was playing a deeper role, trying to start attack and imprint herself on the game and as the match continued her influence became more obvious, but Adelaide were able to compress the space and City’s familiar possession game could not quite get going in the first half.

Despite the attacking nature of the hand, clear chances remained rare. Taranto’s effort from outside the box had Mieres momentarily scrambling, but did not trouble the scoreboard.

The second half saw a change in momentum. City worked their way in and began to look more dangerous. Holly McNamara was finding space, but rarely behind the defence and her battle with Zoe Tolland was engaging to watch.

Adelaide still looked threatening when they had the ball and were not happy to defend a 1-0 lead. They doubled their advantage in the 49th minute when Tonkin rose at the back post to nod in a corner kick.

City continued to create chances though, and McKenna looked most likely to score. After a scuffed effort in front goal, she made amends with a terrific, powerful strike after some good buildup from Aideen Keane on the wing.

That gave the visitors hope and City pushed for the equaliser but Adelaide remained resolute in defence.

The equaliser never arrived, and The Refs had their first win against Melbourne City since 2021.

City will look to respond against Western Sydney Wanderers on Wednesday , while Adelaide United can continue their climb up the ladder when they take on the Dane opponents in a week’s time.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (3–5-1-1): Melegh, Tolland, Tonkin, McNamara, I Hodgson, E Hodgson, Morgan, M Taranto, Condon, Healy, Worts. Substitutes: Holmes, Dawber, A Taranto, Rossi, Jenkins, Murray.

Goals: Worts 9’ Tonkin 49’

MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Mieres, Roestbakken, Otto, Stott, Turner, Keane, McKenna, Jackson, McMahon, Uchendu, McNamara. Substitutes: Apostolakis, Henry, Karic, Wilson, Jugovic, Barbieri

Goals: McKenna 65’

Referee: Izzy Cooper

Attendance: 654

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Sydney is Sky Blue no more as Wanderers win Derby

Sydney FC 2-3 Western Sydney Wanderers

By Alyce Collett 31/1/2026

Above: Amy Harrison (left) and Danika Matos (right) celebrate Western Sydney’s drought breaking Sydney Derby win. Photo: Ryan Miller-Woods for Impetus.

The Western Sydney Wanderers have won a Sydney Derby for the first time in over six years after defeating cross town rivals Sydney FC 3-2 this afternoon.

Riley Tanner opened the scoring before goals from Amy Chessari, Allyssa Ng-Saad and Yuan Cong flipped the script on its head. Amber Luchtmeijer pulled one back late for the Sky Blues but it was not enough.

Although it was even and free flowing initially, with both sides finding their way into their respective attacking thirds.

Sydney did not take long to take the lead though when Jodie Ulkekul fed the ball in perfectly from the middle of the park to the forward running Tanner, who slotted the ball past three defenders and goal keeper Sham Khamis into the back of the net.

Despite conceding the goal though, it was the Wanderers who took control of possession and attacking time as the half progressed. The only problem was that the Wanderers’ forwards were unable to work their way past a well positioned Sydney FC defence and put up a shot with any kind of danger factor.

The pain the Wanderers were feeling in front of goal was compounded late in the first half when Holly Caspers went down with what appeared to be a pretty serious knee injury.

However the Wanderers’ spirits were lifted in the dying seconds of first half stoppage time when Chessari – who was only in the starting 11 because Olivia Price got injured in the warm up – let a shot rip from outside the box and it sailed past an outstretched Tiahna Robertson, and suddenly the narrative of the match had completely changed.

Chessari’s goal was not only her first in the league, but her side’s first goal in a Sydney Derby in six years.

The half time stats painted an interesting picture.

The Wanderers had almost double the time in possession in the first half what their cross town rivals had recorded. This resulted in the Wanderers recording five more shots than the Sky Blues (eight to three) and had two more shots on target than their hosts (three to one). Western Sydney also had 11 more final third entries than Sydney, and over double the number of penalty area entries.

The energy and intensity remained high early in the second half, with plenty of players putting their body on the line.

This meant that Sydney did not escape copping an injury, with captain Sarah Hunter subbed early in the second half with what appeared to be a collarbone injury.

The Wanderers eventually found themselves a second goal at the hour mark after Ng-Saad took control of the ball in a chaotically packed penalty box and ultimately took a shot that split Robertson and Abby Lemon right down the middle.

It was a just reward for the Wanderers who were really on top of their big sisters when it came to territory and attacking play, with players like Tahlia Younis really causing plenty of headaches for the Sky Blues defence.

The result was solidified 10 minutes after Ng-Saad’s goal, when Yuan headed home a perfectly placed corner from Younis.

The Wanderers were on top, but there was still plenty of time for the Sky Blues to get back into the match.

The Sky Blues did get one goal back with about six minutes of regular time to go thanks to a well placed strike from Luchtmeijer that had some serious pace to it. However unfortunately for them they were unable to find a third goal to rescue a point from the clash.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-1-4-1): Robertson, Tumeth, Ayson, Pearson, Fenton, Lowry, Hunter, Cassar, Lemon, Ulkekul, Tanner. Substitutes: Fante,Hawkesby, Corbett, Luchtmeijer, Halmarick, Sullivan.

Scorers: Tanner 7’, Luchtmeijer 84’

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-3-3): Khamis, Wang, Harrison, Hooks, Matos, Chessari, Harada, Buchanan, Younis, Yuan, Caspers. Substitutes:  Bennett, Rue, Ng-Saad, Cerne, Edwards, Fazzari.

Scorers: Chessari 45+3’, Ng-Saad 60’, Yuan 70’

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 4,805.

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Perth ceremony marks one month until Women’s Asian Cup kicks-off

Report by Ella McShane, exclusive photography from Cat Bryant (31/1/26)

Above: Left to right: Roxanne Kerr, Rita Saffioti (Deputy Premier of Western Australia), Sarah Walsh, and Roger Kerr with the Women’s Asian Cup trophy. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.

The 2026 Women’s Asian Cup kicks off in Perth in just under a month, the momentous occasion honoured by a ‘One Month To Go’ Event hosted at the Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre yesterday.

Hosted by renowned presenter Amberley Lobo, the summer afternoon saw players, staff and locals alike welcomed to Whadjuk Boodjar country (Greater Perth Metropolitan area), hear from pillars of the Perth women’s football community and enjoy cultural celebrations from participating nations such as Japan, Chinese Taipei and The Philippines. 

The ceremony commenced with a welcome to Whadjuk Boodjar country from Aboriginal elder Robyn Collard, who delivered the speech in both Noongar (the Aboriginal language of the Southwest of Western Australia) and English. 

Outlining the spiritual importance of Whadjuk Boodjar country, Collard said: “For many thousands of years our ancestors have been connected with this land, walked through the dust and the waters, sat around the campfires, sharing food and water and the many many stories of this land. We are grateful because this has kept our culture or knowledge and our stories alive. Wandjoo, Wandjoo (Welcome), you are welcome to this land”. 

Following the welcome to Whadjuk Boodjar country, former Matilda Sarah Walsh took the stand. The 70 cap Matilda honourably playing an integral role in the organisation of this event. Walsh also represented the green and gold when they clinched victory at the Asian Cup in 2010.

“I think this trophy has a significant history and association with the Matildas. It is the only trophy the Matildas have won.There is 10 fantastic matches beyond the opening ceremony (to be played in Perth)…we have some exciting communities we expect to engage with.”

Above: Perth prepares to mark one month until the big kick-off of the Women’s Asian Cup. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.

Head of coach of The Philippines women’s national team, Mark Torcaso was in attendance, and outlined what his side is eagerly anticipating to bring into the tournament.

“Very much like the culture of The Philippines, exciting, passionate, emotional, and more importantly dedicated. We’ve got a group of women who are totally focused on representing the country and making football important for females.” 

Torcaso not doubting the challenge ahead of his team, he also expressed how he expects the fans and Filipino community to support his side during the tournament. 

“I was also excited because [The Philippines] has quite a large community around the world and I know we will have quite a large community there supporting us. We’re going to do it [for the fans], we’re going to do it for all the girls families and all the people in the Philippines.”

Roxanne Kerr was at the event, mother of Matilda’s captain Sam Kerr, who has been involved with both elite womens sport and the Perth community alike for many years. We asked what she is hoping the tournament will bring to the Perth community, she stated: “A lot of excitement, I hope.

“It’s just great for the public and the young girls. Just saw one gorgeous girl there. They’re just so excited! We don’t get as many tournaments as the eastern states so its just fantastic. And we’ve got the opening ceremony, I just think it is going to bring a wealth of everything to Perth.” 

The opening match will take place between hosts Australia and The Philippines on Sunday the 1st of March at Perth Stadium at 5pm, local time. Global Sensation Audrey Nuna, from K-Pop Demon Hunters will be performing an exclusive one night only concert at the opening ceremony. 

For a large exclusive photo gallery of images from the event by Cat Bryant, including the cultural performances, go to our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball.

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Sydney’s Rubi Sullivan looks to bring home a crucial Derby win: “We’re really going to be putting 100% in.”

Above: Rubi Sullivan talks to the press ahead of the Derby. Image: Sydney FC.

By Alice de Koster-Kitto (30/01/2025)

With the Sydney Derby just days away, the pressure is on for Sydney FC as they fight for their first win since November 2025. Sydney FC defender Rubi Sullivan spoke to the media ahead of the derby, regarding just how important this win will be for Sydney and what it means to play a derby in front of a home crowd. 

“It’s super exciting. I think all the girls have had a very busy schedule, but I think we’re all locking in, and I think everyone is super excited to be playing in front of that many fans.”

The Derby will take place at Allianz Stadium this Saturday at 5 pm as part of a massive double header, with the men’s Derby kicking off at 7:35 pm. With the Sydney FC supporters’ section, “The Cove,” already sold out, as of Friday morning, the match is set to be one of the biggest crowds this season so far. The importance of such a passionate crowd of fans in the stands, especially during a high-stakes Derby, is not lost on Sullivan. 

“I think it’s great because we get so many more fans coming to support us, supporting the men after, and I think it’s just a great time. We girls, we hang back and watch the men, we support each other.”

As a Sydney local, the chance to play her part in a Derby in front of her hometown crowd is an honour, and she’s using that to fuel her performance. 

“I think just representing Sydney is a very special thing for me, and playing in the Derby obviously is a big honour for anybody.”

The last time Sydney FC took on Wanderers was in December 2025, where the match ended in a draw, for the first time since 2021. Previously, the Derby had been Sydney’s for the taking. However, a recent drop in attacking form has meant Sydney has struggled to find the back of the net. 

“I think the disappointment that was there after we drew the last Derby, it was evident within the team a long time after that, and I think that is just fuelling us for this game and how much we want to win this game.”

“Obviously, we aren’t performing how we would like to be performing. I think we’ve been having lots of draws, and I think attacking, we’ve just been lacking goals, but I think they definitely are coming, and we just have to stick to it.” 

Although there has been a lack of goals for the Sky Blues, there has been significant improvement defensively, as they have kept a clean sheet during their past two matches. 

“We’ve been creating so many chances for ourselves. I think it’s just that final, you know, putting it in the back of the net.”

The excellent current form of goalkeeper Heather Hinz has instilled a new confidence in the Sydney FC squad, and allowed them to take more risks when creating opportunities, with Sullivan saying it’s now about converting those chances into goals. 

“If you know Heather on and off the pitch, she’s always holding herself to a high standard, and I think that really resonates within this team. I think the way she performs on the field, she has saved us, you know, many times in these past couple weeks, and I think her being in top form is just like energy for the team.”

Although the result of the Derby will not have a direct impact on the ladder, with Sydney FC currently sitting in 10th, just one place and 3 points ahead of Wanderers, a win could be exactly what Sydney needs to find their way back into form and work their way up to a more desirable place on the ladder, as the season approaches the halfway mark. 

“We’ve been dropping a couple of points with these draws, but I think if we get this win, we’re back in form, we’re on top. I think once we break that ice, we will, you know, really succeed in the season.”

“We’re really going to be putting 100% in, and the goals will come.”

The pressure of a Derby, especially at home, is naturally intensified; the stakes of this particular meeting are at an all-time high, as a win is crucial for Sydney FC at this point in the season. It is, however, that exact pressure that Rubi Sullivan believes will bring the points home for Sydney FC and send them to victory in this Sydney Derby.   

“I think everyone has a lot to say about us, but I think we all know that trophies are still there to be won. We’re halfway through the season now, and I think the opportunity is there and that we will take it.”

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Rasmussen rescues draw from jaws of defeat

Brisbane Roar 2-2 Central Coast Mariners

By Alyce Collett 30/1/26

Above: Annalise Rasmussen (left), Peta Trimis (centre) and Tamar Levin (right) celebrate after Rasmussen scored one of her two goals tonight against Brisbane.  Photo: via A Leagues

The Brisbane Roar and the Central Coast Mariners have played out an intriguing two all draw to record only the second draw in the head to head history of the two sides.

In the first half a well placed goal from Ashlyn Miller was quickly cancelled out by Annalise Rasmussen, before a well struck goal in the second half from Daisy Brown was also cancelled out by Rasmussen.

As much as Peta Trimis and her lively footwork was energetic early, it was the home side who looked the most dangerous early, with Bente Jansen in particular asking questions of Annalee Grove in the Mariners’ goals.

It was not long before Brisbane got some reward for its early dominance not even nine minutes into the clash. A well fed pass from Jansen found Miller directly in front of goal, who slotted it perfectly past Grove for the opening goal of the clash.

However the Mariners did not have to wait too long for the perfect opportunity to respond, earning a penalty not even five minutes later. Rasmussen – the one who had earned her side the penalty after copping a rough tackle in the box from Leia Varley – then stood up to take the penalty and slotted it home perfectly to get the game back on even terms.

Getting the equaliser seemed to rejuvenate the Mariners, who started to take control of both the time in attack and percentage of possession.

As the half progressed, both sides had a different issue trying to find a second goal for themselves.

For the Roar, they would get the ball out wide then cross it in but have no one in the right position in front of goal to capitalise on the cross. Meanwhile for the Mariners, their through balls to their running attackers like Rasmussen and Trimis had too much power on them so Chloe Lincoln was able to pounce on them before the Mariners’ attackers could get a foot to them.

In the end, the score remained at one goal each at the break.

It was a fairly even affair in the second half, with plenty of end to end action for fans to enjoy. Brisbane did look the more likely of the two sides to score, but the Mariners certainly were not without chances of their own.

For much of the half it did not look like either side would score, but that changed with about 15 minutes to go when Daisy Brown stole the ball in midfield, and with a long range shot caught Grove off her line and a second goal in the books for the home side.

The home side could not celebrate retaking the lead for long, with Rasmussen slotting home a second goal for the evening mere minutes later, and proceedings were even once again.

Despite conceding the equaliser again Brisbane kept fighting hard to retake the lead again, but the Mariners defence held firm to keep the score level and come away from their trip north with a point.

If conceding the lead for the second time in one night was not bad enough for Brisbane, Sharn Freier was forced from the field in serious pain in the shadows of stoppage time, with the worry that she had in fact done a serious knee injury.

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

Scorers: Miller 9’, Brown 74’

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-4-2): Grove, Martin, Barwick-Grey, King, Baumann, Levin, Kraszula, Gomez, Prakash, Rasmussen, Trimis. Substitutes: Buchanan, Farrow, Fuller, Quilligan, Thew, Varley.

Scorers: Rasmussen 15’, 77’

Referee: Sophie Allum

Attendance: 1,899.

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Hopkins and Furphy ahead of Canberra trip: “We’re going there to win”

Above: Holly Furphy speaks to the media. Image: Melbourne Victory.

By Alice de Koster-Kitto and Isabelle Campbell (30/1/26)

Melbourne Victory will head to McKellar Park this weekend to take on Canberra United. The meeting follows a disappointing draw with Sydney FC last round, although Victory forward Holly Furphy is headed into this match with a drive to win and is confident the squad is ready to put on their best performance in an effort to turn the season around. 

”There’s been a huge focus this week, just in the attacking, and putting that game behind us, and I think as a group pretty proud of the way we played, and we held a clean sheet, which was good,” said Furphy.

Victory was defeated 3-1 in their last meeting with Canberra United. It wasn’t through lack of opportunity that Victory were not able to break through, but rather an inability to capitalise on chances created, which has naturally been a main focus in the weeks leading up to the match. 

“That was an interesting game. They had three chances and three goals, so we had a lot of chances and one goal, I think, as I said before, just converting our chances is a huge part of what we’re trying to create,” said Furphy. 

“I think it’s just really converting those chances, probably one of the highest chances created in the league, but it’s just that final action, and we’ve just been really trying to focus on that and just that intent to put it away.” 

With Canberra’s combative and physical style of football, which they have been using to their advantage throughout the season, Victory have been taking opportunities since their initial loss to practice maintaining composure during moments of intensity, and learning to capitalise on that pressure, with Furphy stating that mindset has played an important role in this element of preparation.    

“I think for me, I would say it’s mindset, but as a group, it’s just repetition and, you know, practising those intense moments where the ball drops down and trying to get those chances away.” 

Currently leading the team in assists, Furphy has been an integral part of the chances created in recent games. Her connection with the rest of the forward line, particularly with Kennedy White and Sofia Sakalis, is likely to be the key to finishing those chances and coming away with a win.  

“It’s been good. I think Kennedy and I are pretty close off the field, so that helps, obviously, and understanding just her movement and Sofia’s movement as well as the 10s, but it’s been enjoyable.”

While the upcoming match against Canberra may be one that comes with great pressure, as Victory fight to secure their place in the top six as finals approach, Furphy says the squad as a collective have a “super positive attitude for everyone. I think we’re just trying to all come together after a few draws and a loss,” as they are “just trying to get through the Canberra game and not really focus on the ladder at all, and just trying to get an outcome each game and each training move forward as well.”

Although Furphy and the Victory squad are taking things game by game, and turning their focus internally, rather than becoming distracted by a bigger picture, there is an extra drive to bring home a win against Canberra, following one of the biggest upsets of the season, at their last meeting, and Furphy is hoping that that drive, will be what the squad needs to turn this fixture around return to Melbourne with 3 points to their name.

Above: Hopkins addresses the media. Image: Melbourne Victory.

Despite the frustration of not turning chances into three points, Jeff Hopkins said the response from his players in the days following the 0-0 draw to Sydney FC has reinforced his belief that the group is edging closer to the next step.

“I think the performance we put in was what we asked for, what we agreed on. I was really proud of the effort the girls put in.”

Rather than dwelling on the result itself, Hopkins pointed to the emotional reaction inside the group as the most telling indicator of progress.

“We had to kind of manage the narrative after the game, because for me, I was very, very positive and the thing that really made me happy was how unhappy the players were. We got into the huddle after the game and I looked around and I could see that on the faces of everybody, they’d given everything they had, and they were so upset that we hadn’t won the game, and that showed me that we’re ready to take the next step now.”

“We just need to learn from the game, there’s two or three areas I thought we could have been better in different areas of the field. We’ve worked on fixing them and getting them right for the weekend.”

With the league standings as tight as ever, Hopkins and his squad know there is little margin for error.

“Every game’s a really tough game in this league. There’s not much between the top and the bottom sides and it’s going to be a tough game for us this week.”

From a squad perspective, Victory have largely come through the week in good shape.

“I’m not sure if we’re gonna get Mini [Pollicina] back. She was the specialist yesterday, she’s just trained today, but not fully. You never know, she might surprise us and be available for the weekend but I don’t think so.”

“Everyone else has pulled up well, we got Grace [Maher] back last week, so she’s got another week’s training under her belt which will do her a world of good and a fit and healthy Grace is great for our team.”

Turning attention to Canberra, Hopkins expects a contest that will demand physicality and intent from both sides.

“I think what you see is what you get with them. They’re a very physical side, they go out and they try to win games.”

“We know that going there is going to be tough, they’re going to come at us. Which sometimes might leave them a little bit open, but I think it’s gonna be a physical game against them as well.”

Recent performances have set the standard for what will be required.

“If we look at last week’s game, I thought that was the thing for me, we were prepared to roll our sleeves up and get down and get dirty and get physical and I think it’s going to be a similar type of game this week.”

Hopkins believes the result will come down to which side manages key moments best.

“I think there’ll be two teams going pretty hard at each other, and the team that deals with the opposition’s front line and the transition lines will come out on top.”

One of the positives to emerge in last week’s draw was the performance of Rosie Curtis, who stepped into the starting lineup for the first time this season and impressed in a challenging role.

“I’ve got a huge amount of time for Rosie. She’s been unlucky not to be in the starting 11. She’s been training really well. Look at the way the games have gone, she hasn’t got off the bench too often, because we’ve been chasing games recently.”

As Victory continue to create chances, Hopkins also addressed the challenge of pushing for improvement without damaging confidence.

“It’s a real balance, that’s one of the tough things about coaching, you can jump in there with two feet and say it as it is and ruin the confidence of your players, but you can’t look away from it either.”

“That’s been a real good thing over the last few weeks is that we have kind of looked at everything very clinically, and there’s no point of fingers, but this is what’s happening. This is what needs to be together.”

“And it’s not just that we haven’t been putting chances away, there are areas of our game that we haven’t been good enough that we’ve had to look at.”

For Hopkins, those conversations, even when difficult, are essential to continued improvement.

“Sometimes it’s pretty hard and that’s why they’re professional athletes. We can’t hide things from them. We have to be honest, they have to know that we’re saying these things and highlighting these things for one reason, to make us better, to get us winning the following week.”

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Hinz holds Glory at bay

Perth Glory 0-0 Sydney FC

By Kieran Yap with photography by Rob Lizzi 29/1/26

Above: Nat Tathem returned to play. Photo: Rob Lizzi

Another outstanding display from Heather Hinz denied Perth Glory’s near endless attacking wave at Sam Kerr Football Centre.

Sydney FC arrived in Western Australia on their second successive away trip, following a goalless draw against Melbourne Victory there was a feeling that they might be able to get a result against a Perth Glory side that has been strong at home.

Glory were coming off defeat against Melbourne City that was costly in more than just points. Tijan McKenna was missing through injury, but the home fans welcomed back Nat Tathem from a serious knee injury.

The momentum swung back and forth in the early stages. Sydney FC began stronger and created several good chances on goal. Riley Tanner’s battle with Grace Johnston appeared to be a key matchup for the evening with Tanner threatening on the ball, but Johnston able to force her into shots from the angle when she looked to cut in.

Perth took some time to get into the game, but when they did, they looked as good as they had all season. Isabel Dalton brought the best out of Hinz with a long range effort and a dipping cross that almost caught out the in-form goalkeeper.

Rola Badawiya was a dynamic, mobile attacking presence coming in off the left. She cut in and shot on goal, but her effort skimmed wide and Susan Phonsongkham was dangerously roaming behind the attack looking to create chances and keep the duo of Maddison Ayson and Willa Pearson guessing.

Theresa Morrissey was not called into action as much as Hinz, but when she was she was up to the task, strong hands and good positioning denied Ulkekul and Hana Lowry from close range.

When Hinz was eventually beaten, the ball would still not fall fortunately for Perth. Multiple Glory players directed the ball toward goal from a set piece, but Amelia Cassar was somehow able to clear it over the bar in a near impossible situation.

Sydney began the second half in the ascendancy, but could not capitalise on that momentum. It was not long before Perth began to probe and attack again, creating chance after chance but to no avail.

Glory fans thought the breakthrough was imminent when Badawiya looked to have been fouled in the box, but no penalty was given.

Perth Glory would not be deterred, but they would be denied. Hinz remained unbeatable throughout the evening. Ella Lincoln, Phonsongkham and Emma Tovar all had shots that were saved in spectacular style.

Sydney FC face Western Sydney Wanderers next up, while Perth Glory will try and overcome both the form of Wellington Phoenix and the tyranny of distance when they take the field in Round 15.


Teams: Perth Glory (4-3-3): Morrissey, Sardo, Anderson, Zogg, Johnston, Phonsongkham, Dalton, Tovar, Trew, Badawiya, O’Donoghue. Substitutes: Skinner, Hollar, Tathem, Lincoln, Lala, Wainwright.

Sydney FC (4-3-3): Hinz, Tumeth, Ayson, Pearson, Fenton, Lowry, Hunter, Cassar, Lemon, Ulkekul, Tanner. Substitutes: Robertson, Hawkesby, Corbett, Luchtmeijer, Halmarick, Sullivan.


Referee: Page Malau-Aduli

Attendance: TBC

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Vrouwen Eredivisie Week 12: Jill Roord scores hattrick as Twente reassert their dominance

By Jan-Kees Joosse (28/1/26)

Above: Jill Roord celebrates her hattrick. Photo: FC Twente Vrouwen.

This week the Eredivisie delivered a Jill Roord hattrick as Twente reasserted their dominance. A new ‘best of the rest’ also emerged as confident Heerenveen continued to score many more goals than they have in the last few seasons.

AZ 0-4 FC Twente

FC Twente Women secured a convincing 0-4 away victory over AZ on Sunday evening in the Eurojackpot Women’s Eredivisie, with Jill Roord finally adding to her somewhat light tally in the Eredivisie. Her hattrick proved she’s the star of the team.

Inside ten minutes, Roord received the ball just outside the penalty area and calmly placed a left-footed shot into the far corner to make it 0–1. Her shot was calm but precize, showcasing why she’s one of the best Dutch midfielders.

FC Twente continued to press high and disrupt AZ’s build-up play, a tactic that soon paid off again. A poorly weighted back pass from the home side was intercepted by Roord, who rounded goalkeeper Febe Copier and finished with ease for her second goal of the evening.

The visitors went into the break with a comfortable two-goal lead. After half-time, Twente had less control over the game but rarely came under serious threat, as AZ struggled to create clear-cut chances. Confidence is clearly lacking after losing to Heerenveen last week, and the absence of a suspended Desiree van Lunteren is cleary felt.

Ajax might be the ‘talent team’, but FC Twente proved in the last 30 minutes to have talent in their collective. Liv Pennock came on as a substitute and proved she’s an absolute star in the making. On the right wing she poses such a thread with her technical feet and pace.

Again she was able to take on defenders by surprise. Liv Pennock was fouled in the penalty area, and Roord stepped up to complete her hat-trick from the spot. Shortly afterwards, youngster Eva Oude Elberink added a fourth goal assisted by Pennock.

ADO Den Haag 0-3 Ajax

Ajax Women recorded a comfortable 0-3 victory away at bottom side ADO Den Haag, despite missing a lot of big chances. Even though coach Anouk Bruijl was annoyed her team didn’t score more, Ajax remains the leader of the Eredivisie.

Ajax is known to score early this season and they did so in the 12th round of the Eredivisie. The opening goal arrived after fifteen minutes. Following a blocked attempt by Xanne Kip, left winger Bo van Egmond reacted quickest and scored the 1-0.

A lot of chances were created, yet a lot of youngsters went for their own luck, instead of giving the ball to a better positioned player. Striker Danique Tolhoek was visibly frustrated by her teammates when she should’ve been given the ball to extend the lead. A strong run from leftback Amber Visscher gave her goal number 9 this season.

ADO Den Haag came close to pulling one back, thanks to a couple of take on’s by new signing Yuna Sonoda. But just before the break Ajax were the ones who came close to another goal. Danique Noordman thunderstorm of attack deserved a goal, but her venom strike hit the crossbar. A bitter sight was seeing veteran Sherida Spitse down on the ground. She was forced off, while she’s just been back from injury.

The decisive third goal eventually came late on through substitute Daniëlle Noordermeer. She scored an absolute beauty of a goal! The defender took a shot from around 25 metres into the top corner against her former club! She’s becoming an absolute gem in the Eredivisie with her technical goals.

This shows Ajax has an incredible range of goalscorers, in every position! This is their strongest weapon to remain on top and win the title, but FC Twente still has a game in hand.

PSV 3-0 Utrecht

PSV made a flying start against Utrecht, slicing through the visitors’ defence within the opening minute to take an early lead. A swift passing move saw the ball fall to Liz Rijsbergen, who calmly finished underneath goalkeeper Femke Bastiaen to make it 1–0.

The pressure from the Eindhoven side continued, and the second goal followed after a defensive error from Utrecht. Aline Weerelts attempted to play the ball back to Bastiaen while seated on the ground, but the pass was far too weak. PSV capitalised immediately, and Lore Jacobs was left with a simple tap-in into an empty net to double the advantage.

Not long after, PSV struck again. Marthe Munsterman was caught out defensively as Chimera Ripa made a well-timed run behind her. The PSV forward remained composed and finished clinically to make it 3-0 before half-time. Again FC Utrecht failed dramatically in the first half to, at least, keep a clean sheet.

In the second half, PSV did not add to their tally, easing off slightly while maintaining control of the match. Utrecht enjoyed spells of possession and attempted several efforts from distance, but they failed to seriously test PSV goalkeeper Nicky Evrard.

Overall, PSV looks like the one to push Ajax and FC Twente to another level for the title! They have the most mature team right now and seem ready for another try at Champions League football next season.

Excelsior 2-4 Heerenveen

In the relegation fight Heerenveen got an important win over Excelsior. Heerenveen won with an impressive 4-2 and showed a confidence they must have gotten in their win against AZ, whom they now have surpassed in the Eredivisie Standings.

Heerenveen threatened early, with a deflected cross from Altena narrowly missing the target. In the seventh minute, the visitors opened the scoring when Venema headed home from a corner. Heerenveen extended their lead following a fast build-up and a scramble in the box, with Maass eventually poking the ball home.

Excelsior reduced the deficit in the 27th minute when Verheijen headed in from a corner, restoring hope for the hosts. That hope was short-lived, however, as Maatman made it 1–3, once again from a corner.

After the break, Excelsior made three substitutions, which injected fresh energy into the team. Westerink pulled one back in the 60th minute, finishing from close range after another corner. Just three minutes later, Heerenveen struck again, with Kroezen scoring the decisive fourth goal via a deflection. Excelsior pushed forward late on, but clear chances failed to materialise.

Heerenveen have gotten wind under their wings and are now pretty much out of the relegation fight with 13 points on the board. Excelsior, selling Caitlin Hendriks to FC Twente, are in a bad position to get out of the relegation zone.

HERA 0-1 Feyenoord

Feyenoord Women claimed a narrow 0–1 away win over HERA United on Sunday afternoon, with a single goal from Esmee de Graaf proving enough to secure all three points in round twelve of the Eurojackpot Women’s Eredivisie.

The Rotterdam side dominated possession in the first half and spent long spells camped in the opposition half. However, their play lacked precision, and HERA’s defense looked solid. After seventeen minutes, Feyenoord eventually broke the deadlock, with Itamura stealing the ball away to give an assist to Esmee de Graaf who just had to knick it home.

After the break, Feyenoord continued to control the game but again struggled with inaccurate passing in the final third. As a result, they were unable to kill the match off early. HERA had growing hopes of getting points and started to shoot from distance, but failed to score!

The victory keeps Feyenoord firmly in contention near the top of the league table. They breathe down the neck of PSV, but it won’t surprise me if they’ve used up their luck. With small wins against teams lower down the table they don’t look convincing enough to get in third place over a solid PSV.

NAC Breda 1-2 PEC Zwolle

PEC Zwolle claimed a hard-fought 1–2 away win over NAC Breda on Sunday evening, with Lyanne Iedema scoring a late winner at the ground of VV Internos. The result keeps the Zwolle side firmly in the race for the top four.

From the opening stages, PEC Zwolle were the stronger team. Early on, the visitors saw an effort cleared off the line, while at the other end Indi van Dalen fired wide for NAC. After nearly half an hour, PEC Zwolle took a deserved lead. Britt Udink picked out Hanna Huizenga, and the striker finished confidently to make it 0–1.

NAC responded well and were unfortunate not to equalise shortly afterwards, with Kiki Heshof striking the crossbar. The match remained tense into the second half, with both sides battling for control.

The decisive moments came late on. Four minutes from time, Brigitte Franken scored the equaliser, raising expectations of a draw. PEC Zwolle, however, refused to settle for a point. Almost immediately, Lyanne Iedema produced a fine curving strike to restore the lead and seal a dramatic victory!

Follow Jan for news about Dutch women’s football at  www.fcleeuwinnen.nl. 

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“The ladder is too tight to be looking into the theories.” Perth Glory’s Stephen Peters Previews Sydney FC Matchup

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

By Ella McShane  (27/1/26)

Perth Glory take on league icons Sydney FC, a mere four days following their match up with front runners Melbourne City. Wednesday night’s matchup presents a rare opportunity for the girls in purple currently sitting eighth, to make the significant jump to second if they secure the three points. 

“It’s all about the opportunity for us now, we can’t think about the negatives or the pressure,” said Peters.

Perth have not secured three points from a match up with the Sky Blues in almost nine years. 

“If you do break [the losing streak] you obviously celebrate it.”

“The ladder is too tight to be looking into the theories”

“It’s all about the opportunity for us now, we can’t think about the negatives or the pressure”. 

Looking to the opponent, Peters highlighted the very plausible threat the uncharacteristically out of form, Sydney FC side pose. 

“I think they’re defensively very good to be honest. They’re still a very difficult side to play against.”

“I don’t think they’re going to be an easy team to play against.”

The last time the two sides met, weather delays plagued the round’s fixtures.

“We were very good with the ball in that particular game, the fade out obviously cost us.”

“We are a different team since that occurred, but you have to be weary of some of their strike players.”

Stephens’ highlighted forwards Amelia Cassar and Riley Tanner as the strike players to be aware of. 

With the tight turn around between games, squad rotation is to be expected. 

“There will be three or four different faces, it’s more from a planning perspective because it’s obviously important that we don’t fatigue the same players.”

Natalie Tathem is “close” to a return following her ACL injury and forward Tanika Lala has been “doing well” in her recovery.

The catchup round 10 of ALW will take place at 7pm AWST Wednesday 28th of January at Sam Kerr. Streaming for free on 10Play and for subscribers of Paramount+. 

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