Wainwright: “It’s been a challenge, but I like challenges!”

by Ben Gilby (5/3/25)

Above: Perth Glory’s Charli Wainwright speaking to the media today ahead of Friday’s home game with Western United. Image: Perth Glory.

It’s been an incredible year for Charli Wainwright. The young midfielder had gone from captaining Murdoch University Melville as a teenager to becoming part of Perth SC’s midfield that won their first State Cup and got to the Top Four Cup Final. Throw in a first pro contract with Perth Glory and it reaches fairytale proportions.

Speaking to the media today from Perth Glory’s HQ in Fremantle, Wainwright admitted: “Coming into the season, I didn’t expect to start any game or get any game time, however that’s not to say I didn’t have any expectation on myself to push for that.”

The 20-year-old has a presence, elegant ball playing skills and vision beyond her years, and after fighting hard to make the Glory squad – one of the few local players around that do not have an NTC background – Wainwright has flourished, starting eight matches and chalking up a total of 13 appearances.

“I’ve 100% exceeded my targets for the season…I think that this season for me was about development, and I’m pretty happy with how it’s gone…Some of the players you are playing against are quite difficult, but it’s a challenge and I like challenges and I’m here to develop and I think that’s what I’m doing.”

Wainwright was assisted in her debut season as a pro being accompanied by a large number of her Perth SC team-mates. Indeed, at times this season, the Perth Glory side has consisted of herself, Tijan McKenna, Georgia Cassidy, and Grace Johnston – all of whom made up the Perth SC midfield for the 2024 NPLW season. On top of that has been the presence of striker Ella Lincoln, who grabbed her first pro goal in Saturday’s defeat at Newcastle Jets.

Having players she knew well from Perth SC really helped Wainwright settle in at the Glory: “Starting the season in a new environment – a professional environment – so knowing a few faces that you can talk to and ask questions was definitely a help to me. It made the transition from NPL to A-League seamless.”

Above: Charli Wainwright (purple shirt) competing against Central Coast Mariners earlier this season. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

In terms of the major challenges she faced in making the step up from NPLW WA to A-League Women, Glory’s number 27 revealed: “It’s a lot faster, you need to be a lot fitter. Going from training two days a week with your NPL club, to full-time training. The match fitness you need to have to compete for 90 minutes of the game is a complete difference.

Perth Glory go into Friday’s home game with Western United on the back of a hugely frustrating 3-2 loss to Newcastle Jets. It was a game that Perth had the better of, but they paid the price for conceding two goals in the first three minutes. The outcome was compounded by every team immediately above and below the Glory winning. That hurt.

“We were definitely disappointed, especially with how we started the game conceding two goals so early,” Wainwright reflected.

However, all season long, the Glory have been a different proposition on Western Australian soil. Four home wins and some near misses from making it more. The Sam Kerr Football Centre has been packed out with four-figure crowds raising the roof with loud support.

“I love playing at home,” the midfielder smiled, “All our wins have come from home games. It’s a great environment at Sam Kerr (Football Centre), we thrive on it, so we’re definitely keen to play on Friday night.

“Every game is a must win for us…we have to go in with everything we’ve learned, effort. Focus is on effort. At the moment, it’s all about basics…playing out from the back, playing forward. Just basic things that we start to need getting right.”

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A-League Women Awards: February

3/3/25

Above: Impetus’ A-League Women player of the month for February, Chelsie Dawber. Photo: Adelaide United.

Each month, Impetus‘ team of writers and photographers who cover the competition will vote to decide their best player, head coach, and young player in the A-League Women. Here are the winners from February.

Player of the month
Chelsie Dawber (Adelaide United)

Chelsie Dawber is playing the best football of her career. The Adelaide United forward has been excellent this season, but in February she played in a way that should put her into Matildas contention.

Dawber scored twice, once against Canberra United and another against Perth Glory, but her movement and combinations with Erin Healy and Fiona Worts have helped Adelaide into the top three on the ladder.

Her one-touch finish against Canberra United was the standout moment in a terrific month. Dawber helped start the move when she received the ball on the right and swept it wide to Healy. She then ran out to the left side of the pitch as Worts moved in the opposite direction to draw defenders and open up the space. The finish was so precise and well struck that it looked like a free kick, starting on one side of the goalkeeper but curling to the other.

It was a goal of class, work rate and chemistry, it was Chelsie Dawber at her best.

At the end of February, Dawber sits on seven goals, just a few shy of her previous best tally of 10. But while in the 2021/22 season, she played predominantly on the right, in this campaign Dawber has been a much more mobile, dangerous and creative forward. She creates chances for others and finishes ones herself.

Chelsie Dawber is Impetus’ February Player of the Month.

Young Player of the month
Jessika Nash (Central Coast Mariners)
Above: Jessika Nash (yellow shirt) – who really stood out for Central Coast Mariners during February. Photo: A-Leagues.

Jessika Nash may be only 20, but for most of February has been the most experienced player in the Central Coast Mariners defence. They are not short of quality, but Taylor Ray is a star midfielder, and Sarah Rowe is a dangerous winger. Along with Annabel Martin, Nash is one of only two actual defenders in that lineup, and has been a key reason why Emily Husband’s team continues to push for finals and be hard to beat.

Nash is one of the very best central defenders in the league, her passing and composure allowed Central Coast to build from the back, and her positioning and leadership has been on full display over the last month.

She has been one of the recruits of the season, and showed exactly why in February.

Head Coach of the month
Adrian Stenta
Above: Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta – Impetus’ Head Coach of the Month for February. Photo: Adelaide United.

What a 2025 it has been for Adelaide United. Unbeaten in ten matches with seven wins in the process, Adrian Stenta has moulded an excellent system and a group of talented players to stand on the brink of only the club’s second spot in the Finals.

An impressive close season recruitment campaign, which included the return of deadly strike duo Chelsie Dawber and Fiona Worts gave warning of what was possible in South Australia after a disappointing few campaigns.

Stenta has played a huge part in creating an environment that players want to play in, and one that brings out the best of them. Several of Adelaide’s best players have departed to clubs perceived to be bigger and better, but never quite reached the heights of performance that they did under Stenta’s stewardship. That isn’t coincidence.

Speaking to Impetus at the end of January, Worts highlighted the huge influence that the Reds’ head coach has on his players, when she said: “It’s…about creating a supportive environment where everyone could enjoy themselves. When that’s the case, you can just see what happens. I think that’s where we’ve thrived in the past—when the environment is great, everyone enjoys being around each other and playing football together.

“The coach creates that environment and drives the idea that we’re a team. We’re going to do it together, go out there, do the best we can, and see what happens.”

Adelaide United are on a red hot record form. With Stenta leading the way and his players running through walls for him, anything is possible.

Impetus‘ A-League Award Winners 2024/25:

November 2024:

Player: Tameka Yallop (Brisbane Roar).

Young Player: Sarah O’Donoghue (Perth Glory).

Head Coach: Alex Smith (Brisbane Roar).

December 2024:

Player: Laini Freier (Brisbane Roar).

Young Player: Tiana Fuller (Central Coast Mariners).

Head Coach: Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City).

January 2025:

Player: Leticia McKenna (Melbourne City).

Young Player: Alyssa Whinham (Wellington Phoenix).

Head Coach: Jeff Hopkins (Melbourne Victory).

February 2025:

Player: Chelsie Dawber (Adelaide United).

Young Player: Jessika Nash (Central Coast Mariners).

Head Coach: Adrian Stenta (Adelaide United).

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Sydney edge thriller with Brisbane

Sydney FC 3-2 Brisbane Roar

by Emma Burke (2/3/25)

Above: Sydney FC’s Indiana Dos Santos, Mackenzie Hawkesby, and Shay Hollman celebrate during their win over Brisbane Roar today. Photo: A-Leagues.

Sydney FC have secured just their third win of the season after defeating Brisbane Roar in a 3-2 thriller at Leichhardt Oval.

The home side opened the scoring early through Mackenzie Hawkesbury, whose long range effort beat out a diving Olivia Sekany in goal.

Brisbane were then struck by an unfortunate injury to their starting keeper when Sekany came out minutes late to collect a cross and landed awkwardly, clutching her knee. It led her to be stretchered off the pitch and replaced by Keely Richards. 

The equaliser was found for Brisbane through Laini Freier on her return from international duty with the Matildas. 

Freier found herself on the end of a loose pass out from the back and took her chance after seeing Sydney keeper Bethany Mason-Jones off her line, launching the ball from outside the box, chipping the Sky Blues’ custodian.

The Roar then extended their lead through Brazilian star Mariel Hecher, her first for the season.

A cheeky backheel shot on goal from 17 year old, Grace Kuilamu, bounced off the keeper, but Hecher was perfectly placed to collect the rebound and send the ball into the back of the net.

Despite having a 2-1 lead, Brisbane let the game slip away from them, when a dangerous free kick was directly converted by Sydney captain Nat Tobin from 35 yards out, leveling the scores only five minutes later.

The game winner came to Sydney FC through Shea Connors, also her first goal for this season, when she set up a clever play between herself and Maddie Caspers. 

Connors played Caspers in wide inside the box, luring Richards out from her position in goal, so Caspers’ cutback to Connors left her with a near empty net to fire into.

Despite all of this, however, Sydney FC still remain last on the ladder, with three points from the win not being enough to take them out of 12th position, while Brisbane Roar remain in fifth, just within a finals berth.

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

Scorers: Hawkesby 31’, Tobin 67’, Connors 72’.

BRISBANE ROAR (3-4-3): Sekany, McQueen, Hoyos, De la Harpe, Kinsella, Woods, Kruger, Pringle, Freier, Kuilamu, Hecher. Substitutes: Richards, Morris, Tan, Hayashi, Levin.

Scorers: Freier 50’, Hecher 61’.

Referee: Caitlin Williams

Attendance: 1,441.

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León’s Brace Powers Adelaide to Triumph Over Phoenix

Wellington Phoenix 1-3 Adelaide United

By Isabelle Campbell 2/3/25

Above: Lucia Leon celebrates a goal. Photo Adelaide United

Adelaide United extended their unbeaten run with a 3-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix at Porirua Park. Lucia León’s brace and Ella Tonkin’s early header were enough to seal the win despite a strong fight from the Phoenix.

Adelaide United made the trip to Porirua Park to face Wellington Phoenix in a Ninja A-League showdown, determined to build on their strong form following a short international break. Adelaide came into the match following a 1-1 draw with Canberra United at Coopers Stadium, extending their unbeaten streak to nine games. In contrast, Wellington Phoenix were searching for a response after a 2-1 defeat to Perth Glory at Sam Kerr Football Centre, which left them without a win in their last four outings.

Adelaide United posed a significant attacking threat, with their front three having a combined 21 goals this season so far. However, Wellington Phoenix started strong, immediately pressing forward in search of an early breakthrough. Despite this start, the hosts fell behind in only the fourth minute when Dylan Holmes delivered a pinpoint corner that found captain Ella Tonkin, who guided a header into the net. It marked Tonkin’s first goal since 2023 and only her second-ever A-League goal.

Adelaide continued to push forward, with Chelsie Dawber testing Wellington’s defense, but Mackenzie Barry made a crucial block to deny her. Barry was then penalized for a foul on Fiona Worts, handing Adelaide a free kick in a dangerous position. However, Carolina Vilão was alert to make a smart save and keep her side in the game. Dawber tried her luck again but failed to find the target.

Wellington earned a corner, and while Annalie Longo delivered a promising ball into the box, they were unable to capitalize. At the other end, Alivia Kelly committed a foul on Worts, earning her fourth yellow card of the season and giving away a free kick. Vilão remained sharp in goal, once again denying Adelaide from extending their lead.

Dawber nearly doubled Adelaide’s advantage with a bold effort that chipped the keeper, only to see it rattle the crossbar. Wellington quickly seized the opportunity to counterattack but struggled to break through Adelaide’s defense. The visitors then won a series of corners but failed to convert their chances.

In the final minutes of the first half, Wellington found their breakthrough. Olivia Fergusson made a darting run through Adelaide’s backline and, with Claudia Jenkins well off her line, calmly slotted the ball into an open net to level the score. As the halftime whistle blew, both sides headed into the dressing rooms with everything still to play for.

The second half got off to a lively start, with Lucia León earning a yellow card just a few minutes in for a foul. Wellington Phoenix came out looking the more aggressive side, continuing to press forward in search of the lead. However, in the 56th minute, it was Adelaide who regained the advantage. León made amends for her earlier booking with a stunning long-range strike that found the bottom left corner, putting the Reds ahead 2-1.

Wellington didn’t back down, though, as they pushed for another equaliser. Worts unleashed a powerful strike toward goal, but once again, Carolina Vilão was up to the task, punching it away comfortably. As the match wore on, tensions began to rise on both sides, with both teams growing increasingly frustrated as the final whistle drew nearer.

Longo came close to leveling the score for Wellington, but her shot lacked power, allowing Jenkins to make an easy collection. Nanako Sasaki, having been subbed on earlier in the half, made her presence known with a powerful long-range attempt, but Vilão was quick to react and saved it.

Wellington continued to press, and McNamara’s shot from inside the box struck Vilão’s glove and hit the crossbar, only for the rebound to be cleared from danger.

In a frightening moment, Dawber was struck in the face by a high boot in the box and had to be substituted off. Tiana Jaber was shown a yellow card for the foul, and Adelaide were awarded a penalty. Worts stepped up to take it, but once again, Vilão proved her worth, standing firm and denying Worts with a crucial save.

The Reds kept up the pressure, and a corner delivery from Sasaki fell perfectly to León, who got her toe to the ball and extended Adelaide’s lead to 3-1. Despite seven minutes of added time, Wellington Phoenix were unable to find a comeback, and the match ended in favour of the visitors.

Adelaide United took home all three points, continuing their strong unbeaten run, while Wellington were left to reflect on a hard-fought match that ended in disappointment.

Next week in the Ninja A-League will see Adelaide United return to Coopers Stadium to take on the Central Coast Mariners whilst Wellington Phoenix will look to earn some needed points against the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Vilão, McMeeken, Jaber, Barry, Kelly, McCutcheon, Fergusson, Whinham, Longo, Main, Wall. Substitutes: Danieli, Abbott, Elliott, Tanaka, Brazendale.

Goals: Fergusson 41’

ADELAIDE UNITED (3-4-3): Jenkins, E. Hodgson, León, McNamara, Tonkin, Tolland, Holmes, Morgan, Healy, Dawber, Worts. Substitutes: Grove, Karambasis, Sasaki, Kirkby, Panagaris.

Goals: Tonkin 4’, León 56’, 86’.

Referee: Beth Rattray.

Attendance: 754.

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Morrison goal wins it for Victory

Western United 1-2 Melbourne Victory

By Kieran Yap 1/3/25

Above: Kayla Morrison scores the winner for Melbourne Victory. Photo: Ninja A-League.

Kayla Morrison starred at both ends of the pitch for Melbourne Victory as they fought out a 2-1 win against Western United.

Victory travelled to Tarneit to face the fourth placed Western United, with Kat Smith’s side in strong form and farewelling striker Kahli Johnson. The Golden Boot contender finalised a move to Calgary Wild in the newly formed Canadian league mid-week, and the home crowd were eager to send her off on a high.

Western have only lost once in their last seven games and posed a threat to Victory’s chase of league leaders Melbourne City. The home side were without Matildas goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln, but welcomed back Avaani Prakash after her strong displays for the Australian U20 side in the Four Nations Tournament.

Victory were without their newly capped Matildas midfielder. Alana Murphy was rested after her return from The She Believes Cup, with Jeff Hopkins using Rachel Lowe in a deeper role to compensate for Murphy’s absence and started Holly Furphy in attack.

That proved to be a fateful selection. Furphy opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a terrific finish following Alana Jancevski’s out swinging corner kick. The power behind the strike was outdone by its precision. Furphy’s effort flew into goal at the far post after a good touch to control and a second to rifle it home.

Western tried to wrestle back momentum, with Chloe Logarzo and Johnson both testing the Victory defence and Courtney Newbon in goal.

The home side looked more dangerous on the balance of play, but clear cut chances were rare and it took a fortunate but determined effort on goal to level the scores.

Another Western attack earned a corner late in the first half and Adriana Taranto’s set pice caused panic in the Victory defence. The ball bobbled off multiple Victory players before Emily Gielnik’s final touch helped it bobble over the line.

Victory re-took the lead almost immediately after the break. Another out swinger from Jancevski was thundered home by the head of Kayla Morrison. The Victory skipper rose highest and met the ball with perfect timing and technique to score what would be the decisive goal.

The game became a bit of an arm wrestle as it wore on, with neither team able to wrestle full control of proceedings. Victory were visibly missing Alana Murphy in the deep midfield role, and despite bringing on the likes of Prakash and Kiara de Domizio, Western United were unable to find a second goal.

The win keeps Victory in touch with Melbourne City and the premiership race while also keeping them ahead of the incredible consistent Adelaide United.

Western United’s defence will likely be disappointed to concede two goals from set pieces, but their back four otherwise kept Victory’s big name attack in check. Claudia Mihocic and Grace Maher won their battles with Gielnik, often forcing the centre forward wide which doubled to take up space that Nikki Flannery would have otherwise galloped through.

Morrison was imperious throughout this game. Victory may have conceded a scrappy goal, but the defence ensured that most of Western’s efforts on goal came from outside of the box.

Melbourne Victory will host Canberra United next week, while Western United will travel to play Perth Glory, and will now do so without the league and perhaps Australia’s most in-form centre forward.

Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Dall Oste, Sardo, Mihocic, Maher, Grove, Eggesvik, Logarzo, Dehakiz, Medwin, Johnson, A Taranto. Substitutes: De Domizio, Prakash, Hieda, Cerne, Picak.

Scorer: Gielnik (OG) 45′.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Newbon, Curtis, Bunge, Morrison, Jancevski, Lowe, D’Appolonia, Chidiac, Furphy, Gielnik, Flannery. Substitutes: Wilson, O’Grady, Sakalis, Pickett, Candy.

Scorers: Furphy 10’, Morrison 47’.

Referee: Izzy Cooper.

Attendance: 897.

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City equal record as Canberra boost Finals hopes

Canberra United 1-1 Melbourne City

by Alyce Collett (1/3/25)

Above: Canberra United’s Bethany Gordon (white shirt) looks to make the pass under the watchful eye of Melbourne City’s Rebekah Stott today. Photo: Canberra United.

A fascinating match in the nation’s capital has seen Canberra United and Melbourne City play out a one-all draw.

A Taylor Otto first half header saw City initially take the lead before it was cancelled out by a well-timed Aideen Keane strike in the second half.

The result sees Melbourne City equal a competition record for the longest undefeated run, but crucially for Canberra it also means it is now level with sixth placed Central Coast Mariners on the ladder, which may become important in the race to the finals.

Melbourne City’s intent on the ball was evident from the get go, and as such had the Canberra defence under immense pressure early despite Canberra being the ones to kick off the match.

However, it only took a couple of minutes for things to settle and a fluid back and forth nature settled over the game.

For City it was the likes of Lourdes Bosch causing havoc in attack, but thanks to some stellar keeping from Sally James, City could not find the back of the net.

Meanwhile, for the home side, it was obvious that the plan was to really utilise Keane’s speed on the wing and drive a lot of attack through her, but the former Perth Glory player was unable to navigate past the brick wall that was Karly Røstbakken at left back.

Although Canberra had its opportunities in attack, City were the more dominant side, continuing to pepper the home goal at a higher rate than the home side was peppering theirs. The visitors went within inches of finding the opener, but thanks to a resolute Canberra defence they continued to be denied.

The likes of Mariana Speckmaier and Jynaya dos Santos continued to threaten for their respective sides, but in the end neither side were able to get a goal on the board in the first half.

The halftime stats told an interesting story, one that showed a less even game than it felt like while watching it.

City had 16% more possession and four more shots on goal than United, but crucially the visitors had the only three shots that were on target in the first half.

Although both sides had chances early in the second half, it did not take too long for City to finally get some reward for effort and get a goal on the board after Otto was able to navigate the end of a corner past a box full of defenders and into the back of the net.

Even though Canberra United did concede the home goal, it did not seem to take the wind out of their sails, instead perhaps doing the opposite and giving them a boost of energy and intent. They were the ones doing all of the attacking, with the likes of Maja Markovski proving to be particularly hard working.

It took a while, but eventually Canberra got some reward for effort with about 10 minutes to go when Keane capitalised on a poor back pass from the City defenders, chipped City keeper Malena Mieres, worked her way past Otto and slotted the ball in the back of the net.

Both sides continued to pepper their respective goals as the minutes ticked down, with both sides going within inches of adding to their goal tallies.

However, thanks to some resolute defending from both teams, the match remained at a one all scoreline at the full-time whistle.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-3-3): James, Anton, Murray, Ayson, Dos Santos, Taylor-Young, Christopherson, Markovski, Keane, Gordon, Malone. Substitutes: Majstorovic, Bertolissio, Stanic-Floody, McKenzie, Nathan.

Scorer: Keane 81’.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Mieres, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Roestbakken, Hughes, Davidson, McKenna, Speckmaier, Bosch, Henry. Substitutes: Barbieri, Murray, Pollicina, McMahon, Harvey.

Scorer: Otto 52’.

Referee: Rachael Mitchenson.

Attendance: 919.

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Hoban at the double fuels Jets to vital win

by Ben Gilby (1/3/25)

Above: Newcastle Jets’ Sophie Hoban shows her joy after scoring against Perth Glory today. Photo: A-Leagues.

Two goals in the opening three minutes from Sophie Hoban powered Newcastle Jets to their first win in 10 A-League Women matches today.

Hoban’s strikes earned the Jets only their third win of the season, and first since a 2-1 win at Sydney FC on 14th December to close the gap between her team and the Glory to just a single point in the battle between the four sides at the bottom of the ladder.

Whilst Perth had the personal landmark of hometown hero Ella Lincoln’s first ever professional goal in only her third A-League Women appearance, this was an exceptionally frustrating outcome for the Glory. Stephen Peters’ side dominated the possession and the passing accuracy stats. They also forced the hosts into having to make almost twice as many defensive clearances.

Once more, the Western Australian side need to find a way to improve their ratio of chances to goals scored as well as ending their away day blues rapidly to avoid being dragged into wooden spoon contention. But, on the positive side of the ledger, their response to going 2-0 down so early was encouraging.

Glory were impacted by injuries again, with keeper Casey Dumont still out on top of the regular long term absentees. It meant Miranda Templeman taking her place in goal, a defensive berth for Tijan McKenna and a debut for midweek injury replacement signing Hollie Palmer.

The Jets were out of the blocks rapidly. Just over 90 seconds into the game, Libby Copus-Brown played a corner on the right back to Hoban who was positioned on the right angle of the penalty area on that flank. The midfielder took a touch and fired in what looked to be a cross originally that curled high into the top left-hand corner.

Just a minute later, Hoban took up possession centrally inside her own half and had acres of space to drive into. The Glory defenders backed off as she arrived outside the area and Hogan laid a pass off for Lauren Allan outside her on the right wing.

Allan’s low cross into the box was met by Templeman who couldn’t hold on which allowed Hoban two bites of the cherry – the first was blocked by Onyi Zogg on the line, only for the rebound to fall perfectly for Hogan to fire home from close range.

Above: Eyes down in the battle for possession today between Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets. Photo: Perth Glory.

It could have got even better for both the Jets and Hoban 20 minutes in. The midfielder ran at pace once more centrally towards the area before playing a one-two with Josie Allan on the left – a move which ended with Hoban curling a shot just over the top.

The half-time chat and changes saw Perth respond well to adversity. Industrious young striker Ella Lincoln was introduced for Kelli Brown. Lincoln, who was the NPLW WA’s top goalscorer in 2024, is an attacker who has the enviable dual ability of pace and physicality to beat defenders and deadly penalty box predatory skill. These are exactly the sort of qualities that will thrive against the challenge posed by Newcastle – and so it proved with 56 on the clock.

Izzy Foletta received the ball out on the right, and played a low ball into the mix, just outside of the six-yard box. A typical Lincoln finish that she demonstrated time and time again in the NPLW swept the ball home to give the Glory hope.

With just over 15 minutes remaining, Sarah O’Donoghue released Megan Wynne on the right. The Welsh international used excellent strength to hold off and win the tussle with Copus-Brown and cut in towards the edge of the area, right of centre. However, the Jets midfielder bit back and brought Wynne down with a tug of the shirt.

Referee Rebecca Durcau showed Copus-Brown a red card, and awarded the Glory a free-kick in a dangerous position. O’Donoghue stepped up and lifted her shot just millimetres over the top.

Perth continued to press forward in search of the equaliser. With 10 minutes remaining, McKenna used her footwork to win a battle on the left to square a pass for Palmer to curl a shot from outside the area that only just went the wrong side of the post.

In the dying stages, there were chances at both ends. First, for the visitors, O’Donoghue was denied in a one-on-one battle with Jets keeper Danielle Krzyzaniak. Then, Cass Davis was denied from close range with a diving save from Templeman.

The Jets now go on to face a battle of the bottom two with Sydney FC next weekend at home. Perth need to continue their recent strong home form that sees them unbeaten in their last three at the Sam Kerr Football Centre when Western United come calling.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (4-1-4-1): Krzyzaniak, Cicco, Wilson, Davis, Baumann, Dundas, L. Allan, Hoban, Copus-Brown, J. Allan, Gallagher. Substitutes: Adams, Breier, Collins, Hammond, Robertson.

Scorers: Hoban 2′, 3′.

PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Templeman, Johnston, Chinnama, Zogg, McKenna, Tathem, Dalton, Palmer, O’Donoghue, Brown, Wynne. Substitutes: Skinner, Foletta, Lincoln, Roberts, Wainwright.

Scorer: Lincoln 56′.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: 1,048.

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Wynne: “Now its about doing it away from home”

by Ben Gilby (28/2/25)

Above: Perth Glory’s Megan Wynne speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s game with Newcastle Jets. Image: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory’s Welsh international Megan Wynne has highlighted the team’s determination to try everything possible to ensure they finally earn their first away win of the season at Newcastle Jets tomorrow.

Whilst the Glory have picked up four wins at home, and are unbeaten in their last three games on Western Australian soil, Perth have only taken two points on the road in 2024/25, and this weekend’s showdown in New South Wales has real significance among the lower reaches of the ladder.

With Western Sydney Wanderers starting to pick up wins, the winner of Saturday’s encounter will keep in touch with mid-table and faint hopes of making the Finals. For the losers, it will be all about finishing top of a three-way battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

Wynne outlined how the team has used their additional week due to the international window to work on how to give themselves the best chance of finally delivering that first away win.

“It’s been tough, especially the longer ones where you’ve got to get one flight, then a different flight.

“We’re getting used to it…we’ve changed the schedule a little bit this week to see if that helps how we travel…instead of training we will be catching an earlier flight and get there and have time to settle. We obviously haven’t had great results on the road, so it’s about adapting things and finding better ways of doing things.

“There’s no hiding from the fact that we haven’t travelled well this season. If you look at those results and if we’d managed to score (more) away from home, the season could be looking a lot different, but mathematically it’s (making top six) possible, so we keep going.”

Perth have produced some good performances and results at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, and the confidence earned, particularly from the victory over Wellington Phoenix prior to the international window, has got the confidence flowing ahead of the game in Newcastle.

“Our last result showed how we have adapted,” explained the midfielder. “We’ve got players back from injury now and the squad is very positive. At home we are a very different team so it’s now about focusing on those points away from home.”

Whilst Perth have suffered a seemingly endless injury list this season, particularly among their midfield and strike force, Wynne has thankfully remained able to play regularly. But it has been far from plain sailing for the Welsh star, after being jokingly accused of “costing the club thousands of dollars in having to have the knee taped up each week.”

Explaining the need for that tape, Wynne said: “Its been a tough season for me personally. I’m probably in a better place now than I was at the start of the season. I’ve basically got loose bodies of cartilage floating around in my knee, and it’s been about managing it. I’m back in full training. I’m probably looking at having an operation in the off season to get those loose bodies, but there’s nothing that I can’t manage at the moment.”

Focusing specifically on tomorrow’s game at the No. 2 Sportsground, Wynne knows it will be a physical battle, but one she is confident can end in victory.

“We know what they are like. We’ve seen all season the intensity that they play at. We know it’s going to be a tough game, but we can take a lot of confidence from the last game we played against them (a 3-2 win at HBF Park in Round Two), but now it’s about doing it away from home.”

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Wanderers claim points in a long drawn-out battle against the Mariners

Central Coast Mariners 1-2 Western Sydney Wanderers

By Alice de Koster-Kitto 28/2/25

Above: The Wanderers celebrate the winning goal. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers

Western Sydney Wanderers have asserted their dominance against Central Coast Mariners at Industree Group Stadium this afternoon. The Wanderers quickly responded to what initially looked to be a 1-0 win for the Mariners for a majority of the match, as they left the impeccable Central Coast defense shaken.

The match was set to be a combative one, with a tough battle in the midfield, kicking off what would be a long drawn-out, and often hostile meeting.

A pass from Cushla Rue, gave Talia Younis the first chance of the match, and despite not being able to get the footing quite right for a shot on target, the chance put Western Sydney in early dominance.

Central Coast were quick to respond when a right-footed shot from Annelise Rassmussen was saved in the top corner by Wanderers keeper Sham Khamis. The strike would be the first of many for Rassmussen, as the momentum shifted in favor of the Mariners, as they took the dominance from a perhaps overly confident Wanderers side.

The contention continued through the first half although it became evident that if a goal were to come before the break, that it would be from the hosts, despite the adversity within the squad in recent weeks. The Mariners have had to reshuffle their squad due to injury, with key players out of regular position, including central midfielder Taylor Ray, taking over as center back. The squad’s resilience, and ability to remain one of the more threatening sides in the league this season, is a testament to the strength both on and off the pitch and has proven to be an invaluable asset over what has been a fantastic campaign thus far. 

Danika Matos took a shot from a dangerous angle, adding an element of risk to the Wanderers’ tactics that hadn’t yet been seen in this match, but could very well be crucial as the first half came to a close. One of what would be many wonderful saves from Sarah Willacy kept the ball out of the net, and the match scoreless.

The match became increasingly unpredictable, yet somewhat stagnant, with shots back and forth and the continued tension in the midfield, the constant switching of dominance, and quick responses made it impossible to tell who the opening goal would come from if one was to come at all.

An excellent shot from Izzy Gomez, put the Central Coast Mariners dangerously close to opening the scoring. Though the strike was slightly wide, it restored some of the lost energy in the Mariners side and would have undoubtedly instilled confidence in Gomez, who is returning to form following an injury at the end of 2024.

Despite a wealth of attacking intent and five added minutes, the match was left at a stalemate at the break.

The top of the second half saw Central Coast’s Brooke Nunn, within shooting distance as she attempted to pass the ball to Izzy Gomez, whom she could not quite reach. The futile attempt marked what would be the start of an uncharacteristically shaky second half for the Mariners, as they could have quite easily found the match’s opening goal, had Nunn not shied away from the shot.

Central Coast Mariners opened the scoring in the 68th minute, when a smart pass from Tess Quilligan, allowed Izzy Gomez to get in front of the Wanderers defense, and strike the ball to the back of the net, marking her third goal of the campaign, and first since returning from a knee injury.

Tiana Fuller came close to extending the Mariners lead just minutes later, however, the strike, assisted by Jade Pennock, was saved in the top left corner.

Although taking the lead, the Mariners continued to appear quite unsure of themselves as stoppage time approached, giving away the ball in dangerous areas, displaying an unusual weakness in what is usually an almost foolproof defense. 

Western Sydney took full advantage of their opponents’ disarray, as Liv Price netted the equaliser, extending her wonderful history in this meeting, having now scored both home and away against the Mariners.

The visitors almost immediately searched to extend their lead, not wanting to share the points, and although Central Coast did make a few good attempts in response, they faced even further adversity, temporarily playing with just 10 on the pitch, as goal scorer Izzy Gomez was treated for injury.

During six minutes of added time, the tension was built back up to a similar momentum that was seen at the top of the match, with the Mariners trying to reassert their dominance and take back their lead.

Despite their efforts, it was Western Sydney Wanderers who found the winning goal, when an unexpected miss of the ball from Jessika Nah, allowed a strike from Holly Caspers to roll over the line, unable to be stopped by the Mariners’ defense. Casper’s goal led the Wanderers to a 2-1 victory, marking their 3rd consecutive win, and extending what has been an excellent past few rounds.

Round 18 of the Ninja A-League will see Central Coast Mariners head on the road to Coopers Stadium as they face Adelaide United, who currently sit 3rd on the ladder, as they try to maintain their position in the top 6.

Meanwhile, Western Sydney Wanderers will take on Wellington Phoenix at Porirua Park, where the match will be anyone’s game, as the two sides currently sit just one place apart on the ladder.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-2-2-2): Langman, Nash, Martin, Gomez, Pennock, Ray, Rasmussen, Rowe, Quilligan, Nunn, Trimis Substitutions: Carmichael, Fuller, Kraszula, McMahon, Hughes

Scorers: Gomez 68’

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-3-3): Khamis, Buchanan, McComasky, Harrison, Matos, Harads, Chessari, Price, Rue, Younis, Trew  Substitutes: Bennett, Saveksa, Kapetanellis, Caspers, Segavcic

Scorers: Price 80’, Caspers 90+3’

Referee: Isabella Mossin

Attendance: 1,346.

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