Dalton: Perth need to treat “every game as a Grand Final”

by Ben Gilby (20/3/25)

Above: Perth Glory’s Izzy Dalton speaking to the media today. Image: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory co-captain Izzy Dalton was full of positives as her side approach the last four games of the season, three of which are at home, with what is finally looking to be a fully fit squad.

The Western Australian side have been hampered by a seemingly never-ending and ever-growing injury list all season, but finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel at the right time, as the Glory need to win every one of their remaining games to have a chance of playing Finals football.

“A lot of the people involved in the club have spoken about the injuries that we’ve had all year…to be going into the last games with a fully fit squad is huge. To have that much competitiveness in the squad for us is massive. The fact that we’re (now) all healthy and in a good mind frame should only bring good things.

“We know we pretty much have to win every game to keep our finals hopes alive, and I think for us it’s treating every game here on in as a Grand Final because we know we need to win to stay in the pack.”

Despite having to reshuffle their starting line-up regularly this season, Perth have produced incrementally improving performances full of character that, despite still looking for their first away win of the season, see them with something to play for.

Above: Izzy Dalton curls in an effort for Perth Glory against Central Coast Mariners earlier this season. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

In terms of the secret behind those determined showings, the Yorkshire-born star puts it down to: “Our mentality. I think that when we’re gritty and we get in their faces, I think that’s when we tend to perform well…that’s something that we can control, so that’s something that we can take into those (remaining) games.”

With Perth having recorded five victories from eight home games this season, and the knowledge that three of their remaining four matches are at their fortress Sam Kerr Football Centre venue, Dalton knows the team has some dice stacked in their favour as long as results elsewhere are favourable.

“Anyone who knows us knows how well we perform when we’re there (the Sam Kerr Football Centre) and we bring the atmosphere. It’s obviously hard to travel to Perth for any other team. I think it’s definitely a fortress that we’ve created there and the next couple of games we play there are massive.”

However, Western Sydney Wanderers, Canberra United, and Melbourne City, Perth’s three remaining opponents at home, each in turn have a lot to play for themselves.

Saturday night’s opponents the Wanderers are looking for a win to get off the bottom of the ladder, next week’s visitors Canberra United will need the three points for their own top-six push, and Melbourne City could clinch an unbeaten season with the right result in their final round meeting.

Reflecting on the challenge posed by Western Sydney, the midfielder said: “They’re good on the transition, so it will be about combatting what they do and working to our strengths to put on a performance.”

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Sienna Saveska: delivering for club and country

By Kieran Yap 20/3/25

Above: Sienna Saveska (left) after completing a hatrick. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers

There are few players that can hit a ball like Sienna Saveska. The Western Sydney Wanderers and Young Matildas forward has spent this season assembling an impressive highlight reel and is regularly impacting games for club and country.

2024/25 has been Saveska’s breakout season as a professional. The talent has always been known to those who have seen her in the NPLW, but she has replicated those eye cetching efforts as a regular starter in Australia’s top tier.

The 18 year old has scored seven times so far this season, including a first half hatrick against Western United and two Olimpicos. In between starring for The Wanderers, she also spearheaded an Australian U20 attack and scored six goals on their way to lifting the Four Nations Tournament trophy.

She can play on either wing or as a 10 behind  traditional stiker, and has a deft touch that can cushion a dropping ball  just as effectively as she can launch a net bursting strike. Her highlights reel makes a mockery of any XG metrics. Anywhere within 30 yards of goal should have defenders worried.

“I think my form and consistency this season has been put down to the belief I have from my coaching staff and teammates,” Saveska said to Impetus.  

“They trust me out there on the field every week to do my job and with being given the game time I have this season I have proven that I can step up in this league and strive to deliver to the best of my ability each week with all the hard work I have put in to be in this position.”

Saveska’s deadly left foot can trouble goalkeepers from almost any range or angle. Her consistency for The Wanderers is impressive, but her ability to score from free kicks or directly from corners has put her in contention for goal of the season on more than one occasion.


“I don’t think there is really a secret to scoring an Olimpico,” she says of what has become one of her trademarks.

“It kind of just depends on the circumstances of the game, where the goal keeper is positioned and where the opposing players are also set up and if you feel confident enough to try to take the chance of having a direct shot.

“I have always enjoyed taking set pieces.

“Being a left footed player many of my previous coaches have designated me as the team’s set piece taker, but from a very young age I would always practice these sorts of things.

“I enjoy having the responsibility of having to deliver for my team when given these types of opportunities close to goal.

“I believe being able to hit a dead ball when the opposition in set up and being able to manipulate the ball to go exactly where you want it to go is an amazing skill and form of art, so to me I think it’s a great challenge to continue to learn different ways of taking set pieces and try to master the best technique I can.”

Saveska has been on the national team radar for some time, and although she is still 18, is one of the senior players in the current Young Matildas setup. This current Asian and World Cup cycle is her second in the Under-20 age group, and her experience in the green and gold shone through against Vanuatu, The Solomon Islands and Thailand. She was clinical infront of goal in the deciding fixture and crucial to Australia lifting that trophy.

“I don’t really have a favourite goal that I had scored in the tournament but I think the first and last goal I had scored in the final of the tournament were pretty cool.

The first one coming from an amazing ball over the top from one of my teammates with a first time finish was nice.

“The last goal I had scored was a great goal from range but I think what had made these goals special to me was the circumstances of the game.

“The first one I had scored had put us infront in the final and the last one I had scored completed my hat trick and had us in a comfortable lead before the conclusion of the match.”

Winning the Four Nations Tournament was the perfect start for this generation of Young Matildas, and if Saveska’s rapid rise continues, the striking stocks for the senior team could suddenly look even stronger. The win, the goals and The Golden Boot are all things to be proud of, but Saveska simply cherishes the opportunity to represent Australia in an international match.

“Some of my personal highlights from the young Matildas camp would be firstly meeting a new bunch of amazing girls and footballers to work with, but also just being out there on the field playing for my national team was amazing. The girls and myself had an awesome couple of weeks together on and off the field and I think winning the tournament put the icing on the cake.

“I think the biggest difference between A-League Women and international football for most players is just playing for your country.

“Any game I play in whether it be ALW or international football I want to always go out there and give it my best and perform, however international football is special as you are representing your country and it’s something that most players dream of.”

With thanks to Kick Talent Managment for their assistance in producing this interview.

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NPLW Vic Wrap Round 1: Bulleen and Bergers both start with wins

By Kieran Yap 19/3/25

Above: Danella Butrus (left) after her opening goal for Bulleen

Bulleen Lions hosted Box Hill United for Round One of the Victorian NPLW, and the defending premiers look like they are set for another promising and exciting season after a 2-1 win.

Bulleen under coach Caitlin Friend are hunting for a third successive premiership, and will be eager to go further into finals this season, but as with the previous two campaigns, and is common in this league, there have been many changes to the lineup for 2025.

Former Everton and Lamar University midfielder Hollie Massey  is one of the new arrivals, and took control of the midfield early on in this game. Her passing and pressing helped set the tone, and surges forward off the ball kept Box Hill’s defence on their toes.

Mila Bulic was aggressive at left back, while returning right back Caitlin O’Bryan was dominant on her flank. It was her defence splitting pass that set up Denella Butrus to score her first of the home and away season with a composed finish in the 23rd minute.

Bulleen were up 2-0 before time thanks to another new arrival. Anais Josefski sized up her opponent on the flank before darting in one direction then the other. She looked to have dribbled her way into trouble but cut outside the defence and scored from an impossible angle at the edge of the box, sending gasps through the home crowd.

That goal would prove to be the decisive one, but Box Hill fought there way back into the contest after half time. Emma Perrone took advantage of a mishit clearance from goalkeeper Emily Shields and buried her chance from long range.

Bulleen continued to push for a third, with Butrus menacing and lighting quick on the wing, but the third goal would not arrive. The Lions looked in control for the majority of the match though, and the new signings settled in quickly. This win, along with the Community Shield hit out against Heidelberg United last week suggest another promising season at The Vento Club.

In other games this round, South Melbourne and Bentley Greens played out a 1-1 draw. Both sides recruited impressively in the off-season, with Rebecca Saber joining Bentley to boost their attack and Tiffany Eliadis headlining a host of new faces at Lakeside Stadium.

Delaney Kenney opened the scoring for The Greens after running onto a long bomb of a free kick to finish unmarked in the area. Olivia Bomford scored on debut for South Melbourne with a fantastic, powerful finish in the shadows of half time.

A goal to NPL legend Aleks Sinclair put newly promoted Spring Hill ahead against one of last season’s Grand Finalists Preston Lions, but that was answered by a 72nd minute header by Valentine Pursey to send both teams home with a point a piece.

The Essendon Royals defeated Brunswick Juventus by a single goal scored from a free kick by Airi Fujiwara, while Alamein FC began their season with a 2-0 defeat of FV Emerging thanks to goals from Zoe Houghton and Neve Duston.

The reigning Champions, Heidelberg United were given a scare by the always unpredictable Boroondara Eagles but fought to a 3-2 win after being down 2-1 at half time. Kathryn Vlahopoulos scored with a spectacular effort and a brace from Sawa Matsuda gave The Bergers a dramatic late win after neat finishes from Drew Dempsey and Priya Savarirayan had them staring at opening round defeat.

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Holly Furphy: taking shots and grabbing her chances

By Kieran Yap 18/3/25

Above: Holly Furphy. Photo Gold Leaf Creative.

Melbourne Victory forward Holly Furphy talks to Impetus about her career and season so far.

The defender did not do much wrong. She stayed goal side of her opponent, pushed her wide and closed the shooting angle to only one possibility, but that was still not enough to prevent Holly Furphy scoring her third goal in just six appearances.

Canberra United was the latest team to find out that you need to be better than perfect to stop her.

The Melbourne Victory attacker has been decisive. Her pace , control and confidence inject an immediate threat into the game, and her finishing has been lethal.

Half a chance is all she needs, and the Victory fans can be heard loudly demanding she be subbed on at The Home of The Matildas.

“Confidence is a big part of it,” she says of her success in front of goal.  

“But it’s more,  the one thing I have been working on in the past year or so is the mental side of my game and not to hesitate.

“To take every shot like it’s the last shot I’m ever going to take. Not thinking, just shoot”

Furphy is a five year-over night success. She was a train on at Melbourne Victory as a teenager, before embarking on a journey to the United States to play for Santa Clara in the famed but challenging college system.

The former Yarra Jet’s and FV Emerging striker returned to Australia and Victory as an injury replacement before the game against Sydney FC, where she scored minutes after coming on as a second half sub.

“I signed my contract the day before that,” says Furphy of her Round 13 debut.  

“I knew I was going to be playing if it all got approved,  but it was all a bit of a whirl wind then warming up and hearing them call my name to go on.

“Obviously there’s going to be a bit of nerves and I was like ‘oh this is actually happened then.’

“I think in that moment even though I was nervous I told myself, ‘why am I scared about playing the sport that I love, this is what I want to do!’ that’s what my mentality was going onto the field.

“Theres no room to be nervous because I want to enjoy this as much as possible.

“Scoring that goal was a bit of a fever dream, when I hit it and saw it go in it was unreal to be honest, I was looking at my teammates with ‘what the hell just happened?’”

Furphy’s first steps in the A-League Women seems like to stuff of dreams, but it has been hard earned and not without overcoming significant challenges. She moved across the world at just 19 to further her football career and begin an environmental science degree at Santa Clara University (Some potentially good news for Victory fans is that she plans to finish her education in Melbourne.)

“I was obviously nervous going over to a new country and seeing a new style of football,” she reflects.

“That was a big thing I had to adjust to. They are very physical and very transitional based over there.

“My team was more possession focussed but the teams we would play it was very physical and high pressing environment.

“Physically and fitness wise I got a lot stronger over there, the one thing I can say is the mental side of my game.”

After a promising start in the USA, Furphy was faced with a huge and dreaded challenge for all athletes, but in some ways it has turned out to be the making the attacking weapon we see now.

“Doing my ACL my first year at college, that was a bit of a set back for me and made me really reflect on what I want to do really because of not playing for 10 months and trying to work my way back to what I was, in that moment I decided to become a different player.

“I wasn’t unhappy with the way I was playing, but I knew I could become more. I worked a lot with Dean Georgio (of Kick Talent Management) on how I can approach my game differently and unlock that mental side of it.

“That’s the biggest thing I learned that resilience, patience and determination.”

Despite being thousands of miles from home and still in her first year, Furphy says that the support she received at Santa Barbara during her recovering was excellent.

“My coaching staff and support staff were really nice about it. they even offered to fly me back home so I could be with my family, and they flew out my parents so they could help with my rehab.

“Living on campus, getting to rehab every single day obviously progressed it a lot to get back quicker.

“I got back in 10 months but still had a lot of issues coming out of that season because I did a pretty gnarly injury.

“I thought it was really great, they have so much fancy tech over there, so it was really good.”

The Furphy family has been a source of great support for the forward. The sporting household also boasts two brothers who played professional basketball and AFL respectively. Holly’s mother was an elite competitive diver and her father was an accomplished Aussie Rules footballer.

Despite sometimes being spread around the world, the family always watch each other games and support from near or afar.

“Those four people are my biggest influences and biggest supporters,’ says the aspiring Matilda.

“Just seeing  what they do in their own sports helped me become the player that I am now.

“We’re a very tight knit family. It was very competitive growing up, but not in a harmful way, it was way more fun than anything.

“I love competing and get so much joy out of that. Growing up with my brothers really fostered that.”

Furphy is part of an exciting group of rising stars at Melbourne Victory. She joins the likes of Rosie Curtis, Laura Pickett and Ava Briedis as players to make big impacts this season, while her former FV Emerging teammate Alana Murphy earned a Matildas call up. At it’s most successful, Victory has supported and promoted young footballers and Furphy is the latest and possibly most spectacular example.

“One of the appeals in coming to Victory was I knew so many of that girls from playing with them or playing against them.

“It was awesome having close and familiar faces in the side. They’re such an amazing bunch of girls, I’m just so grateful to be part of this team.”

With thanks to Kick Talent Managment for their assistance in producing this interview.

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Fran Kirby and the Seagulls end winless streak against struggling Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Brighton and Hove Albion

by Aimee-Lou Caldecourt (16/3/25)

Above: Brighton celebrate their win. Photo: @BHAFCWomen on X

Fran Kirby scored as Brighton and Hove Albion were victorious against Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon, their first win in the league since November.

Both teams were gunning for fifth place going into this game. This was a crucial battle under the top 4 with a lot at stake: A fifth-place finish for either team would be their highest in the WSL in each team’s history.

The teams battled from the outset, with Drew Spence putting in a dangerous ball which was then collected by Melina Loeck In the Albion goal. She was then clattered by her centre-back Maria Thorisdottir.

Brighton seemed to lose many of their battles on the right-hand side, they were edged out by Amanda Nildén and Olivia Holdt who paired brilliantly for Spurs in the opening stages.

The Seagulls looked their most threatening when Tottenham tried to play out from the back, immediately putting them under pressure. However, nothing came from these early threats.

Nadine Noordam, who signed in the winter from Ajax, looked to be the most creative Brighton player in the first half. Whenever she found possession, she would drive it up field – there was just a lack of quality finishing. That was really the story of the first half for both sides.

Three back-to-back corners in the last 10 minutes of the first 45 and Marisa Olislagers nearly found herself converting her corner into a goal, however her Netherlands’ compatriot Lize Kop was outstretched and punched it out.

Fran Kirby scored her fourth WSL goal of the season. Olislagers’ original shot was deflected off the face of Ella Morris and found its way out to McLauchlan on the other side of the box who passed it back into Kirby in a crucial moment just before the half-time whistle. In what was a scrappy first half of football Brighton found themselves ahead going in at the break.

Above: Fran Kirby celebrates her goal. Photo: @BHAFCWomen on X

It was all Brighton in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, they looked refreshed after the break and were able to pick up where they left off. Noordam through the middle and Olislagers down the left both looked threatening as we passed the hour mark. The latter’s cross found the head of Nikita Parris as Brighton looked to find their second, straight into the hands of Kop.

Brighton really found their stride in the second half. They were defensively switched on, and incredibly quick in attack which Spurs struggled to keep up with. The closing stages of this encounter were end to end; Spurs fought for the equaliser, Brighton looked to close the game down. The new front three of Michelle Agyemang, Haley, and Parris looked highly dangerous, while substitute Hayley Raso livened the game back up for Spurs.

It became a cagey display towards the dying stages of the game with a couple of Brighton players making some unnecessary challenges but both teams were stuck in committed to finding a goal, but it was not to be for Spurs.

An easy day in between the sticks for Loeck, as Spurs did not register a shot on target throughout the 90 minutes. Brighton took the three points and fifth place for this game week back to the south coast, where they sit 10 points behind the top 4.

Teams: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-2-3-1): Kop, Morris, Bartrip ©, Nildén (for Naz 57’), Holdt (for Gunning-Williams 57’), Vinberg (for Raso 71’), Thomas (for Oroz 71’), Bühler, Spence, Summanen, Neville.

Substitutes: Heeps, Naz, Raso, Oroz, Rybrink, Csiki, Hunt, Ayane, Gunning-Williams.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION (5-3-2): Loeck, Thorisdottir, Pattinson, Bergsvand ©, Parris, Kirby (for Agyemang 75’), Noordam, Symonds, Olislagers, Haley, McLauchlan (for Bremer 75’).

Substitutes: Baggaley, Masaka, Bremer, Seike, Hayes, Stefanović, Auée, Rule, Agyemang.

Scorer: Kirby (42’)

Referee: Ryan Atkin.

Attendance: 1,425.

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Jets end Roar’s premiership hopes with late win

Brisbane Roar 2-3 Newcastle Jets

By Isabelle Campbell 16/3/25

Above: The Newcastle Jets score a late winner. Photo: A-League Women

Newcastle Jets secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Brisbane Roar at Perry Park, with Lauren Allan scoring the decisive goal in the final minute of extra time. Despite creating multiple chances, Brisbane were unable to hold onto their lead, leaving the Jets with a hard-fought win.

Newcastle entered the match having been struggling on the road, with an uninspiring away record of one draw, six losses, and a solitary win from their travels this season. For Brisbane, the fixture was significant for several reasons, it marked the return of Ruby Cuthbert to the team sheet, who was in contention to make her first appearance of the season following an injury. Additionally, Keeley Richards was given her first start in goal for the season.

The match got off to a blazing start, with Brisbane Roar taking an early lead just seven minutes into the game. Laini Freier delivered a perfectly timed pass to Tameka Yallop, who made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net. Newcastle Jets responded with urgency, determined to get back into the match. Emily Pringle came close to doubling Brisbane’s lead, but her effort was ruled offside.

In the 17th minute, the Jets found their equalizer when Emma Dundas unleashed a powerful shot from distance, beating the keeper and bringing the visitors level. However, the Jets’ joy was short-lived. Just a minute later, Yallop struck again, collecting the ball outside the box and firing a fierce shot past Danielle Krzyzaniak to restore Brisbane’s advantage.

The game continued at a frantic pace, with both teams looking to get ahead. Brisbane was forced into a substitution when Grace Kuilamu went down with an apparent arm injury. Evdokiya Popadinova came on in her place and almost made an immediate impact, firing a shot on target, but Krzyzaniak was there to make the routine save.

Newcastle came close to another equalizer when Sophie Hoban floated a dangerous ball into the box, but Cassidy Davis’ attempt sailed just over the crossbar. Despite the Jets’ persistent efforts, Brisbane controlled most of the possession. Laini Freier made a darting run forward, showing her speed and skill on the ball, but was outpaced in a footrace by Jets defender Josie Wilson.

The Jets weren’t short of chances, with Davis rattling the crossbar twice in quick succession. Lauren Allan also had her go at goal, but her shot drifted wide, leaving Roar untouched.

As the first half drew to a close, Brisbane maintained their slim lead, with the game remaining to lean in the home side’s favour despite the Jets’ continued pressure.

The second half resumed with Brisbane Roar immediately on the attack, as Yallop looked to complete her hat-trick just minutes after the restart. A powerful shot from the Roar captain narrowly missed, curling just an inch to the right of the post. Despite her near miss, the Roar continued to press forward, but it was Newcastle Jets who found themselves back on level terms. In the 49th minute, Deven Jackson fired a clinical strike past Keeley Richards, restoring levelness at 2-2.

The match quickly became a battle of chances, with both sides creating opportunities but failing to convert. Freier, who had been a constant threat throughout, was presented with multiple good chances to put Brisbane ahead, but each effort was either blocked or saved by Krzyzaniak. The Jets, for their part, also took their chances but struggled to break through the Roar defense.

As the clock ticked down, the game grew more frantic, with both teams pushing for the decisive goal. In the 70th minute, Brisbane’s Alicia Woods looked set to make the difference, breaking into the box and unleashing a powerful shot, only for Krzyzaniak to produce a brilliant save to deny her.

The drama intensified as Newcastle thought they had found the lead when Claire Adams charged the ball into the net. However, the referee’s offside flag was quickly raised, and the Jets’ hopes were dashed for the moment.

With the match entering the dying moments and both teams desperately searching for a winner, the game reached its peak in the final minute of extra time. It was none other than Lauren Allan, Newcastle Jets’ all-time leading goalscorer, who sealed the victory for her side. The forward found the back of the net in dramatic fashion, ensuring a 3-2 win for the Jets.

Despite a hard-fought performance, Brisbane Roar were unable to secure any points at home, leaving them to reflect on a match that slipped through their grasp in the final moments.

The next round of the campaign will see Brisbane Roar travel to take on third place Adelaide United while Newcastle Jets head to The Home Of The Matildas to battle it out against Melbourne Victory. 

Check out our Instagram feed – @impetusfootball – to view Impetus’ Ant Sartori’s photo gallery from the game.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (3-2-4-1): Richards, De La Harpe, Kruger, McQueen, Hoyos, Pringle, Hayashi, Woods, Yallop, L. Freier, Kuilamu. Substitutes: Kinsella, Hecher, Popadinova, Cuthbert, Gibbon.

Goals: Yallop 7’, 19’

NEWCASTLE JETS (3-4-3): Krzyzaniak, Wilson, Cicco, Prior, Davis, Dundas, Copus-Brown, Jackson, Allan, Hoban, Baumann. Substitutes: Breier, Rolley, Hammond, Robertson, Adams.

Goals: Dundas 17’, Jackson 49’, Allan 90+5’

Referee: Isabella Mossin

Attendance: 2,548.

McNamara brace leads to record breaking City win

Melbourne City 4-3 Adelaide United

by Alice de Koster-Kitto (16/3/25)

Above: Celebration time for Melbourne City’s Holly McNamara (sky blue shirt on right) today in their record-breaking win over Adelaide United today. Photo: Melbourne City.

Ctrl:Cyber Pitch saw history made, as Melbourne City broke the record for the most consecutive unbeaten matches in the A-League-Women. The heated and action-packed meeting against Adelaide United marked the home side’s 19th match without a loss.  

There was not a dull moment in this contentious meeting, and it was clear from the first touch, that this was not a game that you would be able to look away from. While Melbourne City were the favourites to win, an aggressive scrap for possession at the start, was the first sign that Adelaide were not backing down from the challenge, and were well and truly in the game, remaining so until the very end. 

Melbourne City opened the scoring just 10 minutes into play, although it remained unclear who would be awarded the goal. When TJ Vlajinic’s set piece landed on the line, there was an extremely close-range battle, which resulted in Holly McNamara and Lourdes Bosch getting the final touch before crossing the line, almost simultaneously. The goal was initially given to McNamara, however, after some evaluation from officials, it was later amended to be Bosches’ goal. 

Adelaide United was quick to respond when a shot from Chelsie Dawber almost resulted in the equaliser, but was ultimately saved in the centre of the goal. 

While Melbourne City remained dominant, and another goal seemed inevitable, it also appeared quite likely that Adelaide would also score, keeping the current table leaders on their toes. 

The hosts lead was extended when Holly McNamara tapped in Bosch’s shot on target, landing City with a 2-0 lead just 27 minutes in. 

Although now two goals behind, Adelaide was not shaken, as their attack and defence remained equally as strong, as they desperately searched for points of their own. 

It was not long after Melbourne’s second goal that the visitors put themselves back in the game, when a battle inside the box saw Ella Tonkin put the ball over the line, earning the Reds their well deserved first goal of the match. 

As halftime approached, the momentum continued to build, with both of these excellent attacking sides determined to maintain their place in the game. In an unfortunate turn for Adelaide United, an own goal from Lucia Leon, saw Melbourne City take back their two-goal lead at the break. 

It wasn’t long until the second half saw its first goal, when a strike from Erin Healy to the bottom left corner, earned Adelaide United their second goal of the match. This was Healy’s seventh of the season, continuing what has been an incredible campaign for the 23-year-old US international.

There was no lack of end-to-end action, as it seemed the intensity only picked up as stoppage time approached, with a slew of great attempts from both sides made for one of the season’s most entertaining and unpredictable matches thus far. 

Melbourne City once again reclaimed their two-goal lead, with McNamara’s second of the afternoon, further cementing her place as a crucial part of this squad. 

Adelaide United were not backing down from the fight and remained very much in the running until the final whistle, as the final minutes of regulation saw a tactical shift from the visitors that did not allow Melbourne City to be comfortable in their lead for very long. 

The final goal of the match came in the 73rd minute saw Zoe Tolland earn her debut Ninja A-League goal. A tight battle inside the box at extremely close range led to several players making a touch, however, it was Tolland’s header that ultimately put it over the line. 

A moment of concern for City came at the 76th minute, when McNamara was replaced by Bryleeh Henry, after receiving medical attention for what seemed to be a cramp, although it was unclear if the substitution was precautionary or if the injury was more serious. 

The intensity remained as high as ever during the final five minutes, giving Adelaide plenty of opportunities to equalise. Despite these several chances, and not through lack of effort, neither side was able to net another goal, leaving the final score as 4-3 to Melbourne City. 

City’s victory has earned them a place in A-League Women history, as they break the record for the most consecutive unbeaten games, with 19. Despite their loss, it is a true testament to the impeccable form Adelaide United have found themselves in recently, that they were able to hold their own against and unsettle the dangerous force that Melbourne has proven themselves to be this season. 

Round 20 of the Ninja A-League will be crucial for both these teams, as they are both set to face top six teams. City will remain home at ctrl:cyber Pitch and face Western United, while Adelaide will head home to Coopers Stadium to take on Brisbane Roar. 

Check out our Instagram feed @impetusfootball to view Impetus’ Adrian Geremia’s photo gallery from the game.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-2-2-2): Mieres, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Vlajnic, Davidson, Hughes, McKenna, Bosch, Speckmaier, McNamara. Substitutions: Barbieri, Henry, McMahon, Pollicina, Roestbakken.

Scorers: Bosch 10’, McNamara 27’, 65’, Leon 41’ (OG).

ADELAIDE UNITED (3-4-3): Jenkins, E. Hodgson, Leon, McNamara, Tonkin, Tolland, Holmes, Sasaki, Condon, Healy, Dawber.  Substitutes: Melegh, Karambasis, Dewey, Morgan, I. Hodgson 

Scorers: Tonkin 33′, Healy 53’, Tolland 73’.

Referee: Izzy Cooper.

Attendance: 323.

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‘We wanted to transform how people saw what was possible’: Australia’s Game Changers reflect on how they redefined what it means to be a woman in sport.

By Alice de Koster-Kitto 16/3/25

Above: Ann Odong speaking at Game Changers. Photo: Anna Kucera/ Cassandra Hannagan. Sydney Opera House.

This past weekend I, along with 200 women’s football fans, attended ‘Game Changers’ as part of the Sydney Opera House’s ‘All About Women’ festival. Designed to celebrate the growth in women’s sports over the recent years, as well as bring awareness to difficult topics within the space that often go unnoticed in these discussions.

The panel brought together a diverse group of women in sport, featuring Matildas veteran goal-keeper, Lydia Williams, Matildas head of PR and Media, Ann Odong, inaugural AFLW Premiership coach Bec Goddard, long-time AFLW player Kirby Bently, and was moderated by renowned broadcaster and journalist Tracey Holmes. 

The sheer diversity of the event, from the speakers to attendees, and their varied opinions, made for an invaluable experience, and one that I personally, will take with me as I move in the world of women’s sport, and as a woman in today’s world. 

Although the issues with diversity and acceptance have been recently highlighted, along with the clear bias that Australian media in particular, has with women’s sports – despite what it can and has done for the country – being in a room with so many empowered women, both on the microphone, and sitting in the crowd, truly highlighted the community that has been built around women’s sport. This was a uniquely empowering experience that has personally brought me a sense of hope in what has been a quite unsettling time in the space. 

These recent ongoing issues were not shied away from during the discussion, and no topic was off-limits. From recent criticisms of the Matildas to the media coverage of Sam Kerr’s recent trial, and addressing comments made by Marty Sheargold, from the perspective of those directly involved. 

It was refreshing to see the range of perspectives throughout the room and to see women so unafraid to stand up for their beliefs, and to say what they meant, making it feel more like a true discussion and meeting of minds, rather than sitting in a room, listening to a talk. 

One of the points made by Odong, which was reinforced by the rest of the panel along with a room of nodding heads, is one that I myself have tried to articulate for some time. That is, the argument of ‘men’s football is better football’ and the concept of parity with the men’s game, is somewhat void, as women’s sport is, and should be, a different product entirely. 

This conversation was the catalyst for a slew of further talking points, including the debate about whether we should strive to achieve equality or equity, and how these two very different goals should be approached very differently.


‘When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression’ was a sentiment that was echoed throughout the discussion, as the panelists reflected on how and why these industries and the women that have built them, deserve equity over equality, in providing the same opportunities and resources as men in their field while allowing them to select and shape how they use what has been provided to create this unique, yet ultimately just as valuable product.

Quite often there was a dialogue regarding the consumerism of women’s sports, and how the sudden rise in interest in fanfare has led to unrealistic expectations set for female athletes, particularly the Matildas, and the criticism that comes along with this. 

As said by Matildas head of PR and Media Ann Odong, ‘We wanted to transform how people saw what was possible for women and girls’, a sentiment that is reinforced by not only the turnout of this event but by the continued and ever-growing turnout for women’s sports both on and off the pitch. 

With such sudden growth within women’s football and sport in general, alongside the communities that have been built, it can be easy to get caught up in a bubble as a fan,  a player, or a professional and lose sight of how far we do have to go as an industry, and the limitation that is still put upon us. Although the hour was no lack of informative and important conversations that brought light to these issues within the hour, the biggest takeaway from the event, was the validation that people would show up for women’s sports beyond the major tournaments and historic wins, proving that women’s sports always has been, and now more than ever, is much more important than the results on the pitch.  

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Battle of the Blues: Chelsea dismiss City to win League Cup  

Above: Chelsea Captain Millie Bright (centre) lifting the trophy with her teammates Photo: Lauren Kelly for Impetus

Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City 

By Ava-Marianne Elliott at Pride Park for Impetus (15/03/25)

Chelsea emerged victorious in the Subway League Cup Final after defeating Manchester City at Derby County’s Pride Park, winning their first trophy under Sonia Bompastor. 

Since replacing Emma Hayes last year, Bompastor has done exceedingly well in her post. Chelsea have won 26 of their 28 games under her leadership. City have been in an unusual spot after long-term Manager Gareth Taylor was sacked from his position on Monday, with Nick Cushings taking over as interim. 

Following their flying form, it didn’t take long before Chelsea opened the scoring, with Lauren James’ clever pass putting Mayra Ramirez through on goal. Ayaka Yamashita was just able to keep the ball out of the net, but the rebound struck Laia Aleixandri and fell back to Ramirez for an early opener. 

After Chelsea’s goal the energy amongst the City side seemed to surge. Shots from Leila Ouhabi and Aoba Fujino both came close, forcing Hannah Hampton to ground to make some strong saves. 

Chelsea’s centre back pairing of Captain Millie Bright and Natalie Bjorn worked flawlessly to keep the ball out of the net. The duo made countless saves and well-timed blocks, ensuring that their side kept the lead heading into the second half. 

Sjoeke Nüsken and Erin Cuthbert also deserve their flowers for their defensive effort. Nüsken did a stellar job of keeping the City attack at bay, and Cuthbert’s support provided crucial reinforcement to the backline. 

City came back out from the break with vengeance, finding the well deserved equaliser in the 64th minute. Fujino was allowed a dangerous amount of space, and sent a powerful shot soaring past Hampton, catching Chelsea off guard. 

With the score level and 25 minutes left on the clock, there was everything left to play for. 

Above: Natalie Bjorn (right) takes on Khadija Shaw (left) Photo: Lauren Kelly for Impetus 

The Chelsea defence did an incredible job of working tirelessly to nullify the looming threat of Khadija Shaw, ensuring the prolific goalscorer was unable to find the net. Shaw will be frustrated she was unable to make the scoresheet, with several chances going begging. 

Agonisingly for City, they would be left to reflect on earlier missed chances when Chelsea sourced a second with just 13 minutes left on the clock. Hasegawa’s foot connected with the end of Ramirez’s cross into the box, mistakenly sending the ball flying past Yamashita for an own goal. 

Three minutes of extra time were announced, and the Chelsea supporters in the stands turned up the volume to rally around their team. The full-time whistle marked the end of a relentless battle between the two sides, and Chelsea were officially declared League Cup Champions. 

Chelsea now remain on the hunt for more silverware, and they’re still on track to potentially achieve a historic quadruple this season. They are still contenders in the FA Cup, Champions League and lead the Women’s Super League title race with a comfortable eight point gap over second-place Arsenal. 

LINEUPS: 

CHELSEA: Hampton, Bronze, Bright (captain), Bjorn, Baltimore, Nusken, Cuthbert, Kaneryd, Macario, James, Ramirez SUBS: Spencer, Lawrence, Charles (87’), Jean-Francois, Brown, Kaptein (78’), Hamano (75’), Beever-Jones (75’), Fishel

CITY: Yamashita, Casparij, Prior, Aleixandri (captain), Ouhabi, Hasegawa, Fujino, Roord, Miedema, Fowler, Shaw SUBS: Keating, Lazell, Coombs, Wienroither, Kerolin (81’), Park (81’), Blindkilde Brown, Obama, Murphy

REFEREE: Emily Heaslip

ATTENDANCE: 14,187 

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Ibini wins it late for Sydney FC

Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington Phoenix

By Emma Burke 15/3/25

Above: Sydney FC players celebrating the late winning goal. Photo: Sydney FC

Sydney FC have scraped themselves off the bottom of the table after Princess Ibini’s 98th minute goal secured them the 2-1 win against Wellington Phoenix at Leichhardt Oval. 

Maddie Caspers, who also celebrated her 18th birthday today, opened the scoring after finding herself on the end of a cross from Abbey Lemon that had missed Mackenzie Hawkesby in the middle of the box.

Caspers gift was wrapped up neatly for her when the defender in front of her, Tiana Jaber, slipped over at the most inopportune time, allowing Caspers to slot the ball home past Phoenix keeper Carolina Vilao.

The Phoenix had plenty of chances to find the back of the next, but had nearly every shot on target thwarted by an excellent shift between the sticks by 18 year old keeper Jasmine Black. 

When Wellington did finally find their equaliser, late in the second half, it was through a pin-point through ball from Captain Annalie Longo, to reach Manaia Elliot who was making a well timed run into the box.


With the scoreboard tied at a goal apiece, it was looking like this game would end in a draw, but a second yellow card to Jaber saw Wellington go down to 10 players with five minutes left in regular time.

While some teams have managed to see out a draw or even secure a win with 10 on the pitch, this was not the case for the Wellington Phoenix, who crumbled under both the pressure and speed of Sydney’s crucial substitution in Princess Ibini.

Ibini’s goal in the dying seconds of additional time came about through a clever one-two with Lemon, allowing Ibini the time and space to position herself to take a curling shot that passed Vilao in Wellington’s goal.

This result puts Sydney FC in 11th place on the table, just one point ahead of their cross-town rivals, Western Sydney, and leaves Wellington Phoenix in 8th place with only four games left of the season to try and secure a place in the finals.

Check out our Instagram feed @ImpetusFootball to see photo galleries from the game by Impetus’ Kris Goman and Ryan Miller-Woods

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-2-3-1): Black, Tumeth, Thompson, Tobin, Lemon, Hollman, Johnson, Tallon-Henniker, Dos Santos, Caspers, Hawkesby Substitutions: Connors, Farrow, Ibini, Mason-Jones, Bryson

Scorers: Caspers 45+4’, Ibini 90+8’ 

WELLINGTON PHIENIX (4-4-2): Vilao, Wall, Jaber, Kelly, Elliot, Brazendale, McCutcheon, Longo, Main, Fergusson, Whinham Substitutes: McMeeken, Jale, Tanaka, Ingham, Neary

Scorers: Elliot 74’
Referee: Mikayla Ryan

Attendance: 1,507.

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