Above: NWS Spirit line up for their game against UNSW.Photo: Georgina Lewis
Round 14 of the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition delivered drama, quality finishes, and saw significant movement on the ladder as the race for finals intensifies. With results that swung in stoppage time and standout individual performances, every match had something on the line.
Match of the Round – Macarthur Rams 1–2 APIA Leichhardt Lynwood Park
APIA Leichhardt continued their resurgence with a crucial 2-1 win over the Macarthur Rams in a rematch of last year’s Grand Final.
Returning to APIA colours, Sophie Hoban opened the scoring in the 9th minute after a slick through ball from Ash Brodigan. Despite Macarthur starting brightly and creating several early chances, they were continually denied by APIA keeper Sally James.
Macarthur equalised in spectacular fashion in the 67th minute, with Tea Mucenski producing a bicycle kick from a pinpoint Breier corner to level the match. But just three minutes later, chaos in the box saw Ash Crofts pounce and fire APIA back in front.
Despite late pressure from the Rams, the visitors managed the final moments expertly to seal all three points.
NWS Spirit 1–0 UNSW Christie Park
In a tightly-contested clash between two finals hopefuls, NWS Spirit snatched a dramatic win with virtually the last kick of the game.
With both sides creating chances in the second half, it took a 95th-minute moment of brilliance to break the deadlock. Victoria Martin’s low cross found Kayla Osborn in traffic, and although UNSW cleared initially, Skye Halmarick met the bouncing ball with a sublime half-volley that kissed the post and went in.
Spirit’s win keeps them firmly in the top-four conversation, while UNSW will rue their missed opportunities.
Northern Tigers 6–2 Newcastle Jets North Turramurra Rec Area
The Tigers roared back to form with a commanding 6-2 win over the struggling Jets.
Beth Bernardi and Haley Johnson put the hosts two up before a Josie Allan-led attack forced an own goal to give Newcastle hope. Lily McMahon restored the two-goal cushion before halftime, and Tigers ran away with it in the second half with goals from Mischa Anderson, Josie Wilson, and Charlotte Mortlock.
Aaliyah Kilroy’s tap-in made it 5-2 before Mortlock’s screamer sealed a dominant Tigers performance that pushes them back toward the top four.
Bulls FC Academy 2–0 Mt Druitt Town Rangers Northbridge Oval
Bulls FC Academy stunned league-leaders Mt Druitt with a well-drilled 2-0 win at home, extending their unbeaten run to six matches.
Elizabeth Grey struck twice from corners—once in the 15th minute and again in the 53rd—to seal a famous win for the Bulls. Their disciplined setup and threat from set pieces proved too much for the visitors, who struggled to find rhythm and offered little in response.
Sydney University 1–2 Illawarra Stingrays Sydney Uni Football Ground
The Stingrays extended their unbeaten run to six matches with a 2-1 away win over Sydney University, powered by a fast start.
Siobhan Edwards opened the scoring inside eight minutes after being played in by Alexia Karrys-Stahl, before captain Caitlin Cooper added a second with a thumping header from a corner.
Jaime Beaufils gave Uni a lifeline with a converted penalty in the 70th minute, but Illawarra held firm to stay second on the table.
Sydney Olympic 3–0 Gladesville Ravens Peter Moore Field
Olympic continued their turnaround under George Beltsos, securing a confident 3-0 win over Gladesville Ravens.
Sarah Yatim opened the scoring early before Aideen Keane doubled the advantage with a slick run and finish in the second half. Alyssa Whinham, a revelation since returning from A-League Women duty, capped things off with a long-range strike in stoppage time.
It’s Olympic’s third straight clean sheet and a sign their push away from the bottom of the table is gathering momentum.
Manly United 1–1 Western Sydney Wanderers Cromer Park
Manly United were denied a win at the death as Western Sydney Wanderers snatched a point in the final minute.
Talia Younis put the Wanderers ahead with a sharp finish in the 60th minute, and they looked on course for all three points until Ellie Kerr blasted home a thunderous half-volley from a corner in the 90th.
Manly drop points in their bid to re-enter the top four, while Wanderers will take confidence from a gritty performance away from home.
Final Thoughts
With just eight rounds to go, Round 14 reminded us just how tight the NPLW NSW season has become. APIA’s resurgence continues, Spirit find late magic, and Bulls FC Academy’s rise adds another twist in the finals race. At the other end, the Jets’ defensive woes deepen, while Olympic’s revival promises more surprises to come.
Stay tuned — the second half of the season is just heating up.
Above: Ann Odong in match day mode with The Matildas. Photo: ABC.
Whilst the arrival of Joe Montemurro as The Matildas’ new head coach took all the headlines last week, the announcement that Ann Odong is to depart her role as the team’s media manager was just as big for many of those around the women’s game in Australia.
Why is this the case? Simply, Odong is both a legend and a role model. She diligently supports those who support the women’s game, going out of her way to provide people insight, advice, and the benefit of her experience and achievements. Put simply, Ann Odong’s encouragement and accessibility have enabled so much of the phenomenal growth in interest in The Matildas through her superbly crafted media campaigns and support to the people who cover the team.
Impetus has grown into the site it is today, thanks to the support Odong gave us in our early days.
In this special article, four of our site’s writers explain the impact she has had and how she has inspired them to become who they are.
Then, Penny Tanner Hoath, who coached Ann at Gosnells City Soccer Club, south-west of Perth in Western Australia, and then supported her during the embryonic journalist’s earliest days at Radio Fremantle in the early 2000s, shares her memories of those days when Odong was cutting her teeth on The World Football Programme on the station.
A role model and inspiration
by Genevieve Henry
Above: Matildas training captured by Genevieve Henry on her first in-person media event – an experience which was made even more special for her thanks to the presence of Ann Odong. Photo: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.
Ann Odong is an incredible role model and one of the most respected people working in Australian sports media. While that may sound like fangirling (it definitely is), she earns this by being one of the most talented, professional, and kind people I have encountered on my journey.
Long before I ever dreamed of press conferences or accreditation, I would spend hours scrolling through and admiring Ann’s work as a football photographer. Her ability to capture beauty and tell a story is uncommon amongst sports photographers. Something about her work feels more personal, more human.
From her use of unconventional angles and framing to the clarity and quality, her photos are a step above so many others. Ann certainly inspired me to get into football photography, so it’s only fitting that years later, she would play a central role in my own career.
In addition to her aforementioned excellence, Ann fosters an environment so welcoming that a terribly nervous teenage girl could feel welcome in press conferences.
Working for Impetus has given me countless incredible opportunities, including access to Matildas’ press conferences. Up to a certain point, I had only been writing up reports based on the video files, but one lucky window I got to attend a press conference over Zoom. I was panicking, because asking Mackenzie Arnold anything was the biggest thing I had done so far—Ann soothed those fears from the moment I logged online.
I became accustomed to these press opportunities with Ann in charge and began to feel as though I belonged just as much as every other journalist there.
Months later, I had my first in-person press opportunity, and my anxiety felt larger than life. There I was, surrounded by journalists twice my age with equipment that made my eyes water to think about the cost, in my homemade Matildas hoodie and messy airport hair. If I could have curled up into a ball, I would have. But when Ann stepped in to get the ball rolling, my fears were instantly soothed.
If my memory holds up, the first thing she did was sing a snippet of a Beyoncé song to check on the microphone (now that I write it, it sounds like a hallucination!), and just that simple act made me feel much more light-hearted and brave. Her comforting and professional presence cultivates the best journalistic environment – one of truth, openness, and excellence.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ann when I had my first photography credentials for an international match. I ran into her while waiting for team photos, and although she was likely extremely busy, she was kind enough to not brush me off. That moment of recognition fueled me to embrace my position and feel confident in myself. Ann inspired me and so many other women in sports media to feel as though we deserve to be here.
Thank you, Ann. Australian football media, the Matildas, and I (amongst countless others) are forever indebted to you!
The driving force behind irreversible growth
by Kieran Yap
Above: A large number of Matildas fans gather in Perth – Ann Odong played an instrumental role in the team’s accessibility and popularity. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
It’s impossible to quantify what Ann Odong had brought to Football in her time as media manager of The Matildas. But what we do know for sure is that the game has never been more popular, and it has never been more accessible for media and fans.
The Matildas have never been bigger, women’s football has never had more potential, and she has long been a driving force behind what now seems like irreversible growth.
It is exciting to think of what might be next for Australian women’s football’s most influential off-field figure after she finishes up as Media Manager for Australia’s most beloved national team. The sport is a better place with Ann in it.
She saw the potential and supported it wholeheartedly
by Ben Gilby
Above: Ann Odong. Without her recognition and support in our earliest days, Impetus would not be where it is today. Photo: Australia UNHCR.
For years, as someone who lives 10,000 miles from Australia, my experience of the Matildas was getting up at ungodly hours and powering up the laptop to shout at a screen.
In 2019, as the World Cup in France that year came to an end, I wanted to combine my appreciation of the women’s game with my love of writing – to cut a long story short, Impetus was born as a ‘one man band’ in September of that year.
As The Matildas were the national side that I’d always been so passionate about since the mid-2000s, it was natural that they played an integral part in our earliest coverage along with what was then still known as the W-League. So, one day, armed with a number of articles with a gradually increasing number of views, it was time to bite the bullet – be a bit cheeky and ask if the site, its writers, and photographers could apply for Matildas accreditation.
An email was sent off to Football Australia media, and, if I’m being honest, no reply was expected. But, within a few days, Ann Odong replied. She had clearly had a look through some of the examples of our writing that I’d sent and gave us permission in 2020 to get on the Matildas’ media list.
The access that Ann Odong gave to women’s football media is like no other. Other national sides only offer in-person opportunities. For Ann, it’s all about the accessibility of The Matildas – and that is a major reason why they are, without question, arguably the country’s most beloved sporting team.
Ann gives Zoom access to media events, video files of player features, and sends out special interview packages to all media. It means that if you are located on the other side of Australia, or in my case, the other side of the world, you can still report on The Matildas. You can play a role in lifting their visibility further.
Then there are the little personal touches that make Ann who she is. There was a strange moment on the terrace at Kingsmeadow, where I stood during Sam Kerr’s early days at Chelsea with a large Western Australian flag. During one WSL game, I heard a voice in front of me – “Ah! You must be Ben.” – It was Ann. Clearly, my status as the Matildas nut who lives in South-West London was spreading.
She didn’t have to do that, but she did – a phrase that is synonymous with her.
Fast forward to 2022, and The Matildas themselves were at Kingsmeadow for open training and a media conference before playing South Africa the next day. It was one of those weird ‘pinch me’ moments. As I walked into a small room at the ground, fiddling with a video camera in front of a table was Ann. “Hi Ben! So good to see you!” she said. My nerves went.
The video camera set-up ceased, and she began talking to me about me personally. Naturally, we both have strong connections to Western Australia, and conversation turned to some of the things we miss most about the place – coffee being one of them. Within moments, she gave me a personal recommendation of an Aussie cafe in South London. A place I now frequent regularly. Thanks Ann!
Then, when head coach Tony Gustavsson walked into the room, the first thing Ann said to him was – “Tony, meet Ben, he covers The Matildas in-depth from England.” Once more – she didn’t have to do any of that. Her job was to set up the media room ahead of the presser. But she didn’t. She stopped, recognised me by name, and focused on what she knew about me. She personally introduced me to the Matildas’ head coach. That’s going way above and beyond.
Without her early recognition of the potential of our site and our writers back then, Impetus would never have reached the position it is in now. It was access to and our coverage of The Matildas that opened the door for us to get accreditation for the Lionesses and WSL.
Ann Odong – I would not be where I am today without you. Our site would not be where it is today without you. On behalf of our team of just under 100 contributors, thank you.
Such an important advocate
by Ella McShane
Above: A packed Stadium Australia prior to the Matildas’ World Cup semi-final against England – part of the huge success of the event was Ann Odong’s media campaign. Photo: Ben Gilby.
During the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Matildas’ media team executed one of the most successful media campaigns in modern sports history. The campaign elevated every facet of women’s sport on Australian shores and beyond.
The woman behind it? Ann Odong, Ugandan-Australian storyteller, strategist, advocate, and the off-pitch hero who led a team that changed the game forever during that transformative summer. Her official job title, The Matildas Media & PR Manager.
The ‘Til It’s Done’ campaign, brought to life under Odong’s leadership and storytelling, became more than just a unifying slogan; it was a nationwide movement that brought out the best of Australian culture.
The movement advocated for the minorities that had previously not had a seat at the table and marketed the Matildas as a team that represented all Australians.
The campaign partnered with the world-leading corporate sponsorships and the storytelling by Odong and her team, crafted one of the most powerful global identities in sport. For the first time, it was women at the forefront of what it meant to have a national team crest on the heart.
Often not conceptualised by consumers, this elevation of quality and competitiveness in the women’s game has been made possible by people like Ann Odong. The Australian football media community and beyond will always be inspired by her World Cup legacy.
I’m so damn proud of her… she single handedly made the Matildas the brand they are today
by Penny Tanner Hoath
Above: Ann Odong (back row, far left) pictured at Gosnells City Soccer Club. Photo supplied by: Penny Tanner Hoath.
Ann walked into my world as a shy, unassuming teenager, then named Doris, and into my football club in the mid-2000s, Gosnells City Soccer Club, about 25 minutes south-west of Perth, searching for a place to feel welcome and some purpose and connect to a community.
Her family had arrived in Australia some 10 years after escaping from the terror in Uganda. I did not know about her background until we became fast friends, and I had taken her under my wing. That knowledge served to endear me more to Ann as she simply got on with life, looked after her family, and absolutely jumped into new opportunities with the energy we all simply expect of Ann.
Maybe finding someone like me, a female, who played decent football, was in the media, and had total passion for the sport, was akin to finding a new home. I saw in her a spark for living and wanting to give something and to belong somewhere.
Along the way, the then Doris applied for her driving licence and, to my surprise, changed her name to her legal birth name, Ann. We all learnt to call her Ann, which was tricky at first and took me years to get a hold of after knowing her as Doris.
Ann was an avid reader and, being incredibly astute, she didn’t need telling twice with that famous encyclopaedic memory; she would call anyone out if you forgot and impress anyone in a conversation.
Ann joined the World Football Programme in the mid-2000s as a shy young lady and flourished in this space. She didn’t know if getting behind the microphone was going to be her thing, but was willing to try under my tutelage. That encyclopaedic knowledge had to be used for something more than just reading!
Ann is easy to talk to, but was very quietly spoken at first. We worked on that, I nurtured her in the studio until she didn’t need me there anymore and could host on her own.
I gave her space to expand in all ways, contacts, introductions, and guidance. Ending up behind the microphone, challenging all of our resources, processes, and guest lists, and taking command of all of the technology of the time in our community station and at home and anywhere a microphone or laptop could be, was second nature in a short time for her. No problem at all.
Above: Whether it’s behind a camera, in front of a camera, or speaking face to face, Ann Odong is a class act. Photo: Australia for UNHCR.
She learned fast and explored everything she could in the world of live radio until there was nothing left to consume in that space. A professional in that space when she left us around five years later.
People loved what she did in those early years, as it spotlighted a big need that wasn’t being filled, locally and nationally. She NEVER EVER STOPPED working. Nothing has changed there.
One of Ann’s first notable interviews at World Football Radio was with a very young teenage Sam Kerr, accompanied by her Mum, in the studio at Radio Fremantle 107.9fm in Hamilton Hill. This was before anyone else besides us in Perth knew there was a Sam Kerr to be reckoned with.
That initial contact with Sam (through her Mum), I think, fanned the flames of possibility and thoughts whereby making personal connections was a pathway she could use to step into higher and wider levels of women’s football.
Remember, Ann entered the women’s football arena when few people were connecting the potential with its possible growth, so she was pioneering in media and making a LOT of friends and connections along the way, well before any move to Melbourne, studying law and landing a job at Football Australia.
Who knew back then that this was all part of laying the groundwork for what was going to become the number one national brand, and she would lead that global brand into a World Cup on home soil? I’m so damn proud of her. I believe she is the person who single-handedly made the Matildas the brand they are today. Don’t try telling me any different.
I was very sad to see Ann leave Western Australia, but by the time she left the World Football Programme, the Women’s Game website she had created was the single most accessed women’s soccer portal in Australia, and she had established herself as the oracle with a hard-working team around her.
What an inspirational person. Total dedication to the cause, total respect for everyone around her, and loyal over and above everything. She just needs to get some more sleep then she could fit more in (My lips to God’s ears.) This is an Ann saying from her Mum.
What makes me smile about Ann (besides the above) is when she says “Lordy”. It comes from a place of ‘OK, let’s take a moment and think about that,’ with a hint of amusement, knowledge, and possible mischief. Pretty much sums up the relaxed Ann that I know and love.
Above:Subiaco goalkeeper Monique Todd gets a hand to the ball under Perth SC pressure today. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Balcatta Etna 8-3 UWA-Nedlands
by Ben Gilby
Three goals in an eight-minute spell in the second half ensured that Balcatta Etna finally put a stubborn UWA-Nedlands side to the sword at Home Group Stadium.
Whilst the home side ran out comfortable winners in the end, the visitors showed real character and skill to keep hitting back. In doing so, they scored three goals of the highest quality.
There were new faces across both teams, with Balcatta bringing in Izzy Foletta after the defender had a break at the end of her A-League Women commitments with Perth Glory, along with former NTC midfielder Ella Marwick. The visitors gave a first start to striker Taylor Reid, who has been among the goals for both Murdoch University Melville and Curtin University in the league previously.
It was an action-packed first half with six goals in a 34-minute spell. The hosts took the lead eight minutes in when UWA-Nedlands paid the price for a loose pass across their penalty box, with the ball falling perfectly for Lucy Jerram to hit a first-time shot in from around 10 yards.
UWA-Nedlands levelled in a similar vein when an errant pass from Balcatta enabled Chloe Rodrigo to hit a spectacular first-time shot which flew in from the right-hand edge of the box.
Parity lasted just eight minutes before the home side regained the lead. A superb flick pass in the middle of the park from Zoee Spadano released Jerram, who accelerated away into space and hit a shot that visiting goalkeeper Madison Large pushed to the right, but only as far as the on-rushing Abbey Meakins to slot home from close range.
UWA-Nedlands have been more than capable of scoring goals all season, and they struck yet again just after the half-hour mark when the ball was played back to Emily Dinsdale on the right-hand edge of the area. Her effort floated straight into the top left-hand corner of the net. Quite possibly, it was meant as a cross, but regardless, the visiting side had their second spectacular goal of the half.
This time, the scores were only level for three minutes as Meakins was played in from the right by a centimetre-perfect pass to dispatch past Large from the edge of the area.
Balcatta grabbed a two-goal advantage three minutes before the interval when a lofted pass was played through for Jerram to run onto. In these situations, there is only going to be one outcome – the attacker raced through the wide open space to smash home her second of the afternoon.
The home side grabbed their fifth of the afternoon just before the hour mark when Meakins fed Jamie-Lee Gale, who advanced and rounded Large to slot home.
However, still UWA-Nedlands would not lie down, and with 68 played, a lofted pass was too high for Marwick to get a head on and Dinsdale was able to run through and lift a sumptuous shot over Bennett and in.
Then came the decisive period of the game as Balcatta stepped down harder on the accelerator. Two minutes after Dinsdale’s goal, a superb one-two between Spadano and Meakins resulted in a ball going across to the back post for Liana Cook to turn in.
With 74 on the clock, A free-kick on the left ended with Meakins letting fly with a superb effort that flew into the top right-hand corner.
The 11th and final goal of the afternoon came when Gale broke clean through, but saw her shot parried by Large, only for the ball to fall perfectly for Cook to dispatch her second of the game.
This win extends Balcatta’s winning run to four in a row – a period in which they have scored 21 goals. It sets the scene perfectly for next Saturday’s showdown with Perth SC, which will be some game.
UWA-NEDLANDS: Large, C. Gaspar, Cain, Dadswell, Preiato, Rodrigo, E. Gaspar, Short, Dinsdale, Riches, Reid. Substitutes: Hartley, Visic, Beese, Carr, Vulin.
Scorers: Rodrigo 17′, Dinsdale 33′, 68′.
Football West Academy 4-0 Murdoch University Melville
by Ella McShane
Above: Theodora Mouithys, who opened the scoring for Football West Academy on Saturday. Photo: U18sNPL
The Football West Academy (FWA) put on a dominant display as they earned a 4-0 victory against Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) at the Sam Kerr Football Centreon Saturday.
The home side seized the initiative from the start as a combination of powerful overhead clearances and a confident build from the backline posed an immediate threat to the visitors
Theo Mouithys made FWA’s early dominance a reality, striking against the already grappling away side just 11 minutes in. The attacker, a recent call-up to the national team set-up, analysed MUM’s efforts to neutralise the threat and positioned herself perfectly to openly receive the ball from her surrounded teammate Ava Santos. Mouithys’ momentary but powerful dribble forward created unstoppable momentum to bury the opener with confidence.
As the first half progressed, FWA sustained its dominance. This made for a demanding shift for goalkeeper MUM FC Kaitlyn Mohan. Called to action on multiple occasions, Mohan maintained composure and confidence between the posts.
In a desperate bid to prevent a goal-scoring opportunity, the visitors’ Luana Ascenzo-Cabello fouled FWA skipper Klaudia Houlis inside the box which resulting in a yellow card and a penalty awarded.
Houlis stepped up to take it. Mohan briefly got a glove to it, which provided hope for a dramatic save. But the power behind the strike saw the ball deflected into the net, the home side 2-0 up 31 minutes in.
The second half commenced, and the youngsters did not take long to find their goal-scoring groove. Loose passes from MUM allowed FWA to take possession and exploit clearances. Sam Brady’s cross from the right wing was put into the net for an own goal, securing a 3-0 lead at 48 minutes.
In a similar bid to gain control, MUM’s Monique Baiamore fouled Houlis, resulting in a yellow and a free kick at a distant but prosperous spot for FWA. Xuri Dalton stepped up to take the shot and powerfully rocketed the ball into the back of the net, confidently securing the decisive 4-0 scoreline.
Above: Caitlin Doeglas, scorer of Perth RedStar’s fourth goal today. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Perth RedStar secured their sixth straight win after coming from behind to defeat Fremantle City.
The opening 40 minutes were a midfield tug-of-war, with RedStar’s sharp passing repeatedly challenged by Fremantle’s disciplined defensive structure. With only a handful of breaks forward for either side, play remained locked at the halfway line.
Fremantle’s Abbey Green was finally able to make a break forward on the left wing towards the port city side’s goal. Green crossed it into box delivering to teammate Erin Siah, whose initial shot was parried by RedStar goalkeeper Gabby Dal Busco. Quick to react, Siah followed up on the rebound, slipping past Dal Busco and heading the ball home to give Freo the halftime lead.
The second half had barely begun when RedStar found the equaliser. In an effort to break down the visitors’ tight defensive block, Renee Leota sent the ball back to Jay Coleman, who struck a clean volley toward goal just outside the box. Initially intercepted by goalkeeper Megan Phillips, the save was not secured, and the ball went in.
As they are so successful at doing, RedStar were now able to maintain possession in their favourable half of the pitch, and the goals came in rapid succession. Despite a congested box, Leota managed to launch an ultimately successful overhead shot on target, which put her side 2-1 ahead in the 53rd minute.
A mere three minutes later, and a clean run from the RedStar backline, travelled through midfield and delivered the ball at an open Jayna Ridley, who was able to secure the comfortable 3-1 lead for the home side.
Freo tried to rally and were seen more offensively again. Sophie Meaden’s shot at 79 minutes ricocheted off the crossbar straight down onto the goal line, but didn’t go over it.
In the final minutes, a free kick was awarded to RedStar following a foul by Sofie Obourne just outside the box. Sarah Carroll’s ball in was delivered to Caitlin Doeglas, who comfortably sealed the 4-1 win.
Above: Perth SC’s Ella Lincoln (right) in action against Subiaco today. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Perth remain top of the NPLW WA after what was in the end, a comfortable win over Subiaco at Dorrien Gardens today.
Whilst the home side had to work hard to against a well-organised Subi outfit to find the initial breakthrough, once it came the goals flowed, with five different scorers on the mark.
The opening 45 minutes were akin to a bit of a chess match. Subiaco were well-disciplined and set up to push high and deny the home side space.
The home side dominated possession and territory, but as a result of the hard-working visitors, it took until a minute before time for Perth to take the lead.
Tijan McKenna gained possession in the middle of the park and played a pass out to the left flank. After a series of short passes inside and back out to the flank, a cross came in from the left that was just out of the reach of Hannah Collins. However, Sam Mathers was on hand on the right to turn the ball back in for Ella Lincoln to turn the ball home.
The second half saw the Azzurri dominance continue, and this time, with the Lincoln-Flannery combination in full evidence, the goals flowed.
With 54 played, Maja Archibald found Georgia Cassidy inside her. The Glory A-League star played a perfectly judged ball through to McKenna who let fly from 25 yards to send a rocket into the net.
On the hour mark, it was 3-0 as Lincoln gathered possession in the midfield to play in Flannery on the left who advanced and rolled a low shot into the right-hand corner of the net.
Two further goals in a four minute burst sealed the deal. Lincoln and Flannery combined once more in a move that ended with Flannery putting in a low cross for Mathers to turn home.
Finally, an excellent three pass move ended with Lincoln finding Flannery yet again with the resulting ball into the box finding Epril Nossent at the near post who sent a shot trickling into the far corner.
The Azzurri now go on to face all the other sides in the top four in successive weeks, beginning with Balcatta Etna away, before hosting Perth RedStar and travelling to the Football West Academy.
SATURDAY: Balcatta Etna v Perth SC, Fremantle City v UWA-Nedlands. SUNDAY: Murdoch University Melville v Perth RedStar, Subiaco v Football West Academy.
Above: The Lionesses in a recent game. Photo: Shell Lawrence for Impetus.
Sarina Wiegman announced her squad for this summer’s Euros from St.George’s Park this afternoon.
This summer, England’s Lionesses will be aiming to defend their Euros title. They were champions on home soil in 2022, which was followed up by a first world cup final appearance in 2023.
The squad heading to Switzerland this summer will look very different to the squads of these tournaments. England have been rocked by a series of high profile retirements: first Mary Earps, then Fran Kirby, followed by Millie Bright withdrawing due to exhaustion after playing in four different tournaments for Chelsea.
Her withdrawal points to the larger conversations around scheduling – with players expected to handle increasing loads whilst also adapting to the pressures that come from the growth of the women’s game.
There is also a question around why players are choosing to retire so early – Earps and Kirby are both in their early 30s, and whilst the circumstances underlying their retirements will inevitably differ, it is a striking pattern.
Impetus has also discussed players – though not national team – who are choosing to retire even earlier, particularly throughout Europe. For example, players in the Dutch league are retiring as young as 21.
This leaves the England squad looking very different compared to previous tournaments. In goal, there is a lack of experience – though Hannah Hampton is established as Chelsea’s no.1, she only has 14 senior caps, and backups Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse are both uncapped.
The loss of Kirby is not as unexpected – the midfielder only chose to retire after being informed that she would be a reserve player in case of injury.
There is a wealth of young competition in her role – Grace Clinton and Jess Park are both solid attacking midfield options, alongside the more experienced Ella Toone.
Bright’s absence is arguably the most impactful. The Chelsea stalwart captained England at the 2023 World Cup and would have been expected to start every game. In her absence, captain Leah Williamson will be expected to partner Alex Greenwood at centre-back, unless she is preferred at left-back, in which case Lotte Wubben-Moy would likely partner Williamson.
England are blessed with a wealth of talented defenders – it is the leadership at the back that has taken a major blow. Hampton is not known for being vocal, and she will have to manage a back line of vastly more experience.
It will be up to Williamson and Greenwood to lead the team from the back – which is a lot of pressure for them to handle.
It is certainly a new-look England that are heading to Switzerland this summer; ironic considering the narrative that Sarina Wiegman struggles to trust young players.
The full squad is presented below:
Goalkeepers
Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating, Anna Moorhouse
Defenders
Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Lucy Bronze, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan
Midfielders
Grace Clinton, Jess Park, Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh
Above:Renee Leota (right) – who has had quite the month with Perth RedStar – here seen celebrating her 300th appearance for the club. Photo: Perth RedStar.
5/6/25
We’ve assembled a group of people who are watching the competition’s matches especially closely to identify the league’s most consistent players each month. For May, Ben Gilby, Kelechi Osunwa, and Tommy Doleman produced a shortlist of four players, from which the winner was selected.
The shortlist – May 2025
Abbey Meakins (Balcatta Etna)
Above: Abbey Meakins (left) has been hitting the heights as Balcatta return to winning ways. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
May has been the month that Abbey Meakins and her Balcatta team have begun to pick up the wins. After a stop-start opening to the campaign due to having to play all their early matches away from home due to renovations and several postponements, the side has been behind the eight ball from the start. Following a 5-0 loss to Perth RedStar, Balcatta have been going all out to put things right, and Meakins has been in inspiring form, crashing home four strikes in her side’s other two league games during the month. It’s not just the goals, though. The attacker is a key part of the link-up between her side’s talented midfield and forward line as they look to establish themselves in the top three.
Kim McCartney (Perth SC)
Above: Striding forward purposefully, Perth SC’s Kim McCartney. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Her team remains unbeaten and has moved to the top of the ladder. Kim McCartney has been a huge part of that success this month at both ends of the field for Perth SC. The Azzurri‘s defence has had a settled, rock-solid look to it, with McCartney leading the way with the tackles, energy, and work rate to ensure that opponents simply won’t break through. Perth conceded just one goal in their three league games during the month, and on top of that, McCartney, always a talented free-kick specialist, contributed two goals in their 8-0 win at Murdoch University Melville.
Andrea Preiato (UWA-Nedlands)
Above: Andrea Preiato bursts forward for UWA-Nedlands. Photo: Celena Lyons.
Andrea Preiato has stepped up to the plate in decisive moments this month for UWA-Nedlands as her team won two of their three league games to move clear of the relegation place in the competition. May opened with Preiato scoring one of the goals in her side’s vital victory over Murdoch University Melville, a game between two teams who, up to that point, were looking for their first wins of the campaign. Preiato has been an excellent link-up player with the ability to beat players with a glorious flick of the ball.
Impetus NPLW WA Player of the Month for May 2025:
Renee Leota (Perth RedStar)
Above: Perth RedStar club legend Renee Leota has had a stunning May. Photo: Perth RedStar.
It’s not just been a stand-out month for Leota. It’s been a historic month. May has seen the New Zealand international not only make her 300th appearance for the club – but she has also played a huge role in her side winning every one of their games during the month. RedStar scored an incredible 21 goals in May with Leota contributing five across three of those games, including a hat-trick in the team’s 6-2 win over UWA-Nedlands. Renee Leota epitomises everything about her club – loyalty, skill, determination, and high achievement. The Kiwi star is going all out to add to her incredible record of honours won at the club and doing it at top form.
Impetus NPLW WA Player of the Month Roll of Honour 2025 season
Above: Sophie Harding for NWS Spirit. Photo: Aptitude Photography
Round 13 of the NPL NSW Women’s competition marked the halfway point of the 2024 season, and it didn’t disappoint. From stunning long-range strikes to dramatic late winners, the weekend served up a bit of everything — and with just a few points separating the top contenders, every result now feels decisive.
Mt Druitt kept their grip on top spot with a composed away win, while the Wanderers snapped their losing streak in style. Elsewhere, UNSW edged a five-goal thriller, Olympic found much-needed momentum, and several finals hopefuls continued to jostle for position.
Here’s your full wrap-up of an action-packed weekend.
Match of the Round: Western Sydney Wanderers 5–0 Newcastle Jets Wanderers Football Park
The Western Sydney Wanderers snapped a five-game losing streak in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 5–0 victory over the Emerging Jets in a dominant performance at home.
Miriam Zumaya struck early, finishing a one-on-one chance in the 7th minute after a long ball from Amelia Bennett. She doubled the lead 11 minutes later, reacting quickest to tap in a rebound after a long-range effort from Lauren Nada was parried into her path.
The Wanderers continued to pile on the pressure in the second half, outshooting the Jets 30 to 10. Amy Barker capitalised on a wayward pass from the goalkeeper to make it 3–0 in the 68th minute, before heading home a well-worked short corner routine for her second just twelve minutes later.
Olivia Vanderlaan capped off the win in the 90th minute, tucking home from close range after a sharp assist from Ava D’Costa.
Western Sydney Wanderers Starting XI: Lauren Nada, Chelsea Barton, Alyssa Mckenzie, Miriam Zumaya, Alvina Khoshaba, Anika Stajcic, Ava D’Costa, Talia Younis, Jasmin Selva, Amelia Bennett, Amy Barker. Substitutes: Estella Cameron, Catalina Wyrzynski, Olivia Vanderlaan, Christa Oliva, Annabelle Croll, Tahlia Voskanian.
Newcastle Jets Starting XI: Isabella Threlfo, Sophie Howarth, Kate Heap, Emma Dundas, Layla Sharpe, Navah Crofton, Marni Duggan, Julieanne Fox, Annika Driscoll. Substitutes: Josie Allan, Lily-Rose Dunbar, Lacey Dobson, Aaliyah Kilroy, Charlotte Lowrie, Mackenzie Preston-Poole.
NWS Spirit 0–2 Mt Druitt Town Rangers Christie Park
League leaders Mt Druitt Town Rangers continued their strong run of form with a professional 2–0 win over NWS Spirit in the round’s only Saturday fixture.
The Rangers wasted no time asserting their dominance, going ahead in just the 2nd minute. A high press forced Spirit into a turnover in their own half, and Adelaide Wyrzynski capitalised with a quick cross into the area. While the initial attempt was blocked, Leena Khamis was on hand to bury the follow-up.
They doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Khamis dropped deep to thread a brilliant pass through the defence. Erin Tavares let the ball run onto Wyrzynski, who blasted a first-time strike into the roof of the net.
Spirit pushed for a way back into the game but couldn’t break through a composed Mt Druitt defence.
NWS Spirit Starting XI: Tiahna Robertson, Erin Pridmore, Kayla Osborn, Bethany Gordon, Skye Halmariack, Ella Abdul Massih, Princess Ibini-Isei, Madison McComasky, Cristina Aunon, Sophie Harding, Ariana Stoltzfus. Substitutes: Shani Cooney-Cross, Victoria Martin, Rubi Sullivan, Siena Hawkins, Viktorija Calusic, Grace Smith.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers Starting XI: Holly Williams, Kaiya Buchanan, Rosaria Galea, Olivia Sloan, Erin Leah Tavares, Leena Khamis (C), Tiarne Flavin, Ella Buchanan, Ena Harada, Adelaide Rosalinda Wyrzynski, Renee Krstanovska. Substitutes: Laura Tredinnick, Emily Kos, Holly Dalrymple, Jessica Robinson, Rita Boateng, Keiko Tanaka.
Bulls FC Academy 1–1 APIA Leichhardt Northbridge Oval
In a tightly contested clash at Northbridge Oval, Bulls FC Academy and APIA Leichhardt played out a 1–1 draw in a match that showcased two sides with finals aspirations.
APIA opened the scoring in the 27th minute after a slick passage of play ended with Charlotte Lancaster being brought down in the area. Ashlie Crofts converted from the spot with a composed finish into the bottom corner.
The Bulls hit back just seven minutes later when Tamires Souza bundled the ball over the line after a chaotic scramble from a corner.
Both sides searched for a winner in the second half, but the points were ultimately shared.
Bulls FC Academy Starting XI: Mio Nemoto, Elizabeth Grey, Avaani Prakash, Claudia Valletta, Tamires Souza, Jasmine Meli, Petria Phillips, Jynaya Dos Santos, Gemma Ferris, Amber Luchtmeijer, Indiana Dos Santos. Substitutes: Ashley Henebery, Arna Hogarth-Scott, Daniella Naimi, Grace Johns, Jade Guichon, Ashley Hughes.
APIA Leichhardt Starting XI: Sophie Magus, Claudia Cicco, Jessica Seaman, Teal Kilbride, Te Reremoana Walker, Charlotte Lancaster, Ashlie Crofts (C), Jordan Jasnos, Estelle Fragale, Sophie Hoban, Alyssa Rose. Substitutes: Hannah Mcnulty, Mia Golding, Zoe Panagopoulos, Christina Kilecec, Paige Cuthill, Ashlee Brodigan.
UNSW 3–2 Northern Tigers The Village Green
UNSW made it three wins on the bounce after a thrilling 3–2 victory over the Northern Tigers.
Demi Koulizakis opened the scoring in the 34th minute after a bursting run and assist from Angelique Hristodoulou. The Tigers levelled early in the second half through Beth Bernardi after a smart pass from Charlotte Mortlock.
Just minutes later, Skye Casacchia put UNSW back in front with a stunning half-volley from outside the box. The Tigers responded once again, this time through a well-placed header from Haley Johnson in the 75th.
But it was substitute Trudy Camilleri who had the final say, heading home an Hristodoulou cross in the 82nd minute to seal a memorable win.
Northern Tigers Starting XI: Josie Wilson, Isabella Keech, Savannah Murray, Haley Johnson (C), Charlotte Mortlock, Saffron Grass, Beth Bernardi, Olivia Cartwright, Bo Burton, Aimee Longhurst, Jasmine Black. Substitutes: Lily McMahon, Greta Kraszula, Mischa Anderson, Rosie Ewin, Annaliese Glastonbury, Isla Witham.
Macarthur Rams 2–4 Sydney Olympic Lynwood Park
Sydney Olympic picked up a vital win in their fight to climb the table, downing the 2024 champions Macarthur Rams 4–2 in a high-scoring affair.
Olympic took the lead early when Alyssa Whinham’s shot deflected off Chantelle Maniti and found the net. Macarthur equalised soon after through an outstanding strike from Amelia Cassar.
Whinham restored the lead with a confident penalty before turning provider alongside Sarah Yatim to tee up Aideen Keane for 3–1. India Breier pulled one back before halftime, but Olympic sealed the win through another Whinham finish in the 77th.
Manly United came from behind to defeat Sydney University 2–1 and keep touch with the top four.
Sydney Uni struck first through Alice Thompson, who cut in off the left and found the bottom corner. Manly equalised after halftime when Emily Minett beat the offside trap and found the net with help from a deflection.
Minett then bagged the winner in the 79th minute, latching onto a long goal kick from Jodie Drever and finishing calmly past the keeper.
Sydney University Starting XI: Charlotte Owen, Alice Thompson, Amelia Feeney, Talia Kapetanellis, Jaime Beaufils (C), Megan Simpson, Tahliya Sambrook, Jenny Hill, Jennifer Kokoris, Sofia Fante, Maria Tsavalias. Substitutes: Charlotte Hogan, Maddie Caspers, Ruby Egan-Brown, Hannah Callaghan, Ellen Hughes, Zanthe Juric.
Illawarra Stingrays 1–1 Gladesville Ravens Macedonia Park
A late equaliser saw Gladesville Ravens snatch a point against the Illawarra Stingrays in a 1–1 draw.
Caitlin Cooper gave the Stingrays the lead in the 76th minute after a lung-busting run and a neat exchange with Chloe Middleton. But Miku Sunaga answered back for the Ravens just two minutes from time, rising highest to head home the equaliser and ensure both sides took a point.
Illawarra Stingrays Starting XI: Sophie Emery, Alex McKenzie, Poppie Hooks, Chloe Middleton, Siobhan Edwards, Alexia Karrys-Stahl, Danika Matos, Annabella Keep, Caitlin Cooper, Sofia Christopherson, Brooklyn Hudson. Substitutes: Kaelah Austin, Adelaide Thompson, Ella Giles, Kate McPherson, Helena Halios-Lewis, Sophie Bailey.
Gladesville Ravens Starting XI: Annie Halls, Lexie Moreno, Breanna Buccini, Morgan Roberts, Keisha Allen, Poppy Channing, Allyssa Ng Saad, Miku Sunaga, Isabella Habuda, Taren King, Shamiran Khamis. Substitutes: Eliza Coleman, Charlotte Wilford Carroll, Kaylie Shannon, Natalie Sproule, Eliza Hamilton, Alethea Levy.
With the ladder tightening and form lines beginning to emerge, the second half of the season promises plenty of drama. Mt Druitt remain the team to catch, but a cluster of in-form sides — including the Bulls, UNSW, and Manly — are building serious momentum.
At the other end, the battle to avoid the bottom is heating up, with crucial clashes ahead for Macarthur and the Jets. Round 14 is shaping up to be another defining weekend, and if Round 13 was any indication, there’s still plenty of twists to come.
Above: Rebekah Stott (13) in possession for the Football Ferns against Venezuela yesterday. Photo: RNZ.
The Football Ferns responded from a disappointing performance and result against the Venezuelans at the end of last week to level the two-match series in Spain yesterday.
New Zealand were hungry to secure a win and ensure they tied the series. Ferns’ coach Micheal Mayne made five changes to the starting lineup, rewarding a number of players who were not included in the first match. Those players included Liz Anton in the defensive line, Manaia Elliot, Milly Clegg, Jacqui Hand, and Kellie Brown in the midfield and forward positions.
The match started with a similar feel to match one as Venezuela had an early opportunity to score the opening goal from deep inside the Ferns’ half in the opening minutes. Keeper Victoria Esson was called into action, but the shot sailed across the face of the goal and exited harmlessly on the other side.
New Zealand started this match much more positively. Their first real opportunity came in the tenth minute as they launched a counterattack, harnessing the speed and precision of Hand. While no shot was put on goal, a lapse of discipline by the Venezuelan defenders taking down Ferns defender Taylor resulted in a penalty. Katie Kitching stepped up to take the kick, but the shot deflected off the post.
With Annalie Longo playing in her preferred midfield role, much more energy and speed in transition were demonstrated, giving the Ferns forwards space to work with.
The next real opportunity for a goal came in the 40th minute as Venezuela were awarded a free kick just inside the field of play from the Ferns’ left-hand corner flag. An average-looking kick was not collected by Esson, allowing Mariana Speckmaier to somehow get a toe on the ball and slide it into the goal.
Just three minutes later, New Zealand leveled the scores. A pass back from the midfield to the defenders that looked innocent was played up the right-hand wing, and a beautiful cross from Brown found Clegg standing unguarded in the area, and a quality shot beat the goalkeeper.
Just mere seconds later, a speculative chip kick by Castellanos midway in the Ferns’ half, flew over Esson’s head and missed the target by a manner of inches.
The second half started with New Zealand applying all the pressure. Venezuela were mostly held in their own half as they were unable to find their way into the opposition’s half. It wasn’t until the 58th minute that the South Americans had their first scoring opportunity, which arose from a corner kick, won by Speckmaier. The ball fell nicely for the Ferns and was easily tidied up.
New Zealand grabbed the winner in the 72nd minute following Venezuela’s inability to clear the ball from deep within their half. Following a pinpoint accurate cross in front of the goal, a lovely cutback and nutmeg by Elliot found Hand waiting to guide the ball into the net.
It was fantastic to see both teams’ hunger from this point on, as each team fought to get the win. The Ferns fought hard to gain possession and shut out the Venezuelan attacking forays while their opposition desperately sought out avenues to move the ball into the New Zealand half. The final twenty minutes of the match went backwards and forwards with neither team gaining the ascendancy as the Ferns gained the win.
The Ferns team looked far more comfortable in this match, and the chemistry among players was much more apparent. With Longo dropping back into the midfield proper, she became the provider of quality through balls and an additional defender as required. With Longo being able to maximise her speed, space was created at the front for the strikers to sit high up the pitch.
The introduction of players who value keeping possession also made an impact. Hand, Brown, and Elliot all provided speed and precision along with chemistry with their teammates, which was largely missing in the first match.
New kids, Manaia Elliot and Deven Jackson, both had high-quality matches and looked very comfortable mixing it up against international opponents.
In a reversal of the first match, the Venezuelan team found the going tough trying to break through the Ferns’ lines to get into attacking areas. With no space opening up through the middle, the wings were targeted first, and then long balls over the top became the strategy.
However, the Ferns were up to the challenge, and besides giving up one goal, the tactic of applying pressure and maintaining possession worked throughout. Venezuela lacked the intensity that they played with in the first match and came up short.
Ultimately, the team that had the greater level of on-pitch chemistry took the win across both friendly matches. In match two, the New Zealand players who missed out playing earlier in the week, took their opportunities and showed that they are hungry and capable of more.
Teams: NEW ZEALAND (3-4-3): Esson, Taylor, Anton, Moore, Stott, Longo, Kitching, Elliot, Hand, Clegg, Brown. Substitutes: Bunge (46’), Hahn (66’), Pijnenburg (66’), Green (84’), Hassett (72’), Jackson (46’).
Above: Scotland huddle post-match. Photo: ScotlandNT on X.
Scotland legend Rachel Corsie bowed out of international football as an unused substitute and Melissa Andreatta gave fans a glimpse of what is to come in an end-to-end clash against the Dutch.
After a dominant start from the Netherlands, a Lee Gibson save fell to Danielle van der Donk who calmy picked out Jill Roord in the area to put the Dutch ahead. They continued to push for another goal and some last ditch defending was required from centre back Jenna Clark to keep Romee Leuchter from adding to the scoreline, who was a constant thorn in the Scottish side during the first half.
Having fought through this spell of Dutch pressure, an injury to striker Kathleen McGovern allowed Andreatta to pull out the tactics board and give a full-on team talk in view of the TV cameras.
Above: Melissa Andreatta. Photo: ScotlandNT on X.
Whatever she said was clearly effective; as almost straight afterward right back Emma Lawton broke away from a Netherlands corner and launched a cross from at least 30 yards out, McGovern somehow latched on the end of it, guiding it into the corner for a Scottish leveller.
This seemed to give Scotland some renewed confidence and they started to have more control from then on, with Dutch chances coming fewer and farther between. It was so encouraging after what had been a total collapse against Germany from 1-0 up at half time to 6-1 at full time to see Scotland be able to sustain that competitive level.
The half time introduction of Rachel McLauchlan was inspired, and the Scots only got better as the second half went on, implementing the high pressing that Andreatta had discussed in her first ever press conference for the job. Kirsty Maclean and Erin Cuthbert were aggressive in midfield and found themselves in good areas many times, starting to show a bit of a ‘spine’ that the Australian manager could build around.
Above: Erin Cuthbert for Scotland. Photo: ScotlandNT on X.
Arguably, given the last 30 minutes it would be Scotland that are most disappointed to only come away with a draw, as they had a number of touches clean through in the Dutch box, but the stiff reflexes of van Domselaar and some indecisiveness from Scotland kept the score 1-1.
The grit, fight, strength and leadership shown by all 16 Scots out there today was a fitting tribute to the icon that is Rachel Corsie. Consistently throughout her international career, this is what Corsie displayed and finding someone worthy to replace her and lead this team into a new era will not be an easy task.
Above: Rachel Corsie. Photo: PA Media.
This point may not have been crucial to the Nations League table. But it represents far more than that. It was the performance that will be remembered not the score. It was the day Melissa Andreatta showed she was for real; and that Scotland could compete with anyone again.
TEAMS: NETHERLANDS (4-3-3): van Domselaar (GK), Casparij, Dijkstra, Spitse (Captain), Brugts, Kaptein, Groenen, Roord, van de Donk, Roord, Leuchter. Substitutes: Kop (GK), Baijings, Egurrola (85’), Grant (69’), R Jansen, D Janssen (68’), Snoeijs (85’), Wilms (74’), De Jong, van Dongen, S van der Sanden, I van der Sanden.
Above: Sarah Rowe (left) after the A-League Women Grand Final win.Photo: A-League/Central Coast Mariners
When Sarah Rowe signed with the Central Coast Mariners midway through the A-League Women’s 2024/25 season, it was with excitement, ambition, and a willingness to be pushed outside her comfort zone. What followed was something she could never have predicted: a journey that ended with silverware.
“I got asked the question today ‘what did you enjoy most?’ And honestly, the answer was all of it,” Rowe shared in an interview. “Every moment of Mariners, I enjoyed. It was just such a special time filled with so many special people. I feel like it was exactly what I needed.”
Her arrival came at a critical point in the season but despite limited recent football experience, Rowe quickly earned a place in the starting eleven.
“I think Emily [Husband] knew that I probably didn’t have the experience in soccer over the last couple of years. But she knew that I was an experienced athlete and had probably been in pressure situations in different sports, she also knew I was willing to do any hard yards or any hard work behind the scenes to get myself to a place where I was good enough to be a starter.”
“Two weeks in, she was like, ‘I’m going to start you.’ And I was kind of looking at her being like, are you sure? I don’t think I’m ready. But because she thought I was ready, I was like, well, I have to be ready.”
Rowe’s debut in the backline required quick adjustment, not just to a new team, but a new position entirely.
“I had never played right back. So I was going from having an attacking mindset to actually being dictated to by my player and having a defensive mindset.”
Behind the scenes, she and Husband committed to hours of tactical analysis.
“Emily was amazing. She did so much work with me behind the scenes. We looked at video tirelessly every week to just see where I could improve and how I could get myself to a position where I would start every week. I think she probably trusted the work that I was putting in to get there.”
But the physical side was no small hurdle, either.
“The girls had match sharpness way ahead of me. My body wasn’t even in the right shape to play soccer. I changed the way I train, there were elements of the game that I struggled with earlier
on, I was running past things versus being able to stop as effectively and quickly as you need for soccer.”
“AFLW had coached me to be a different way and I had to kind of unlearn those habits and relearn new ones that were essentially muscle memory in my head from having played soccer before.”
There’s no shortage of praise for Emily Husband in the media and the sentiment is just as strong among her players.
“I just think she’s incredible. I think she’s a tactical genius, which she would hate me saying because she’s so humble. Her values are exactly where they should be. She’s so sincere and she’s so loyal to her players and she makes us feel that all the time.”
“If there was ever a problem in my life, even my personal life, I could always lean on Emily no matter what. She was always there to listen, but she always expected the highest standards of us.”
“I probably haven’t met as well-rounded a coach before in my career. Just massive respect. Cannot speak highly enough about her.”
Never the team picked to win, the Mariners gained confidence with each match, heading into the final with quiet belief.
“Probably the last two weeks of the season, it was nothing but elation, from the Melbourne City game to the final. After that, it was just the highest of highs that you feel in sport.”
The grand final itself brought everything full circle. Against her former club, Melbourne Victory, Rowe played in front of a crowd filled with friends, family, and her Collingwood teammates.
“It was like the dream final set up for me, essentially across the road from Collingwood grounds, all my Collingwood teammates being there, my dad being there, playing my old club, Victory. It couldn’t have worked out better.”
“You wouldn’t ever want to win a game any other way than we did in penalties. It’s the sweetest way to win a game.”
Though just a short time at the club, the bond forged with the Mariners’ supporters was strong.
“I got to build relationships that will last forever. I got to know the fans, I got to know families in the crowd. I really felt a part of everything that was Mariners.”
“It reminded me of home back in Ireland. Sometimes you think in professional sport that sincerity can get lost, but it really has restored my faith in humanity and the way people are.”
Compared to her earlier stint in the A-League with Melbourne Victory, Rowe sees this chapter as one where she had the opportunity to settle in.
“I had more time at Mariners, which meant I got to build deeper relationships. At Victory, they put so much work into me when I hadn’t played soccer in eight years, I’ll never forget them for that. But this time I was a starting player, I played 21 games, and I really felt part of the club.”
Now, with the season complete and her AFLW preseason already well underway, Rowe isn’t ruling out what comes next.
“I would definitely be considering another season. What that looks like, I suppose, is kind of all up for debate at the moment. But it’s definitely not too far from my mind. I’m definitely going to be having conversations about it over the next couple of weeks.”
And when asked to sum up her entire experience as a Mariner?
“Honestly, just grateful. Grateful to have met the people that I did. Grateful to have been a part of the team that we were. And just grateful that we got what we deserved in the end.”
“So often in sport, you really don’t. You put in tireless days, day in, day out, for very little highs and a lot more lows. I think when you do achieve those highs, you appreciate them like no other.”
Medal in hand, Sarah Rowe capped off a season defined by hard work, growth, and a team that refused to be counted out.
Above: Georgina Karaparidis surfs the corner flag.
Box Hill United defeated Preston Lions 3-1 in a game of spectacular goals and relentless attacking football.
Box Hill entered round 11 struggling for wins, but goal scoring has not been a recent problem, especially with rising star Georgina Karaparidis in for form. The 18 year old had scored in the last two games and would prove a handful for even Preston’s experienced defence.
The visiting Lions dominated the early exchanges, putting Box Hill on the back foot. Miri Nishimura was pulling the strings in attacking midfield, while Ellie La Monte and the overlapping Georgia Henderson were ominous on the left of Preston’s attack.
When the opening goal came, it was no great surprise, but the manner still left anybody watching in shock. Nishimura unleashed a dipping 25 yard strike that left Box Hill’s defenders with no chance.
Box Hill had spent much of the game playing on the counter attack with Gabrielle Simpson the busiest creative for for the home side, and the goal to Preston only opened the match up even more. In the second half the goals began to flow and it was Karaparidis who drew things level in the 64th minute.
Substitute Sara Petkaris threaded a clever pass into the path of Karaparidis’ clever ghosting run and the striker only needed one touch to finish low and into the net.
Preston tried to hit back and almost re-took the lead following a flowing move involving Nishimura, La Monte and Valentine Pursey. The chance ended up at the feet of Eliza Amendolia who’s effort brought a superb save out of Natasha Stathopoulos in goal.
Box Hill made it 2-1 in the 71st minute with an effort to match Nishimura’s opener. Fullback Josephine Aulicino received the ball near the touchline, tricked her way past one defender, and pushed beyond the next. after holding off the challenge she fired a rocket of a shot into the top corner to finish off an incredible induvial piece of play and put Box Hill ahead.
The sealer came almost immediately after. Karaparidis’ trickery and tenacity out wide created the chance, and she teed up Kaitie Cox for another brilliant curling finish.
Box Hill almost added a fourth after Emma Perone ran onto Karaparidis’ through ball, but could not beat Maggie Byrne in goal who made an unlikely one-on-one save.
Their fourth win of the season lifts Box Hill into eighth on the table, and into the traffic jam of quality sides looking to break into the finals positions. Next up they will host Bulleen Lions in what is shaping to be the game of round 12. Preston Lions will hope to respond against Spring Hills FC.
There were goals a plenty elsewhere across the league. Bulleen defeated Brunswick Juventus 3-1 despite going behind to a first half penalty by Lyela Butler.
A second half resurgence came in the form of a brace by Mary Brown. The youth team graduate scored in the 51st and 84th minutes to put Bulleen back in control and and own-goal settled matters on Saturday afternoon.
FV Academy beat Bentleigh Green 4-2 at The Home of The Matildas. Chelsea Briggs opened the scoring with a brilliant, bending effort from the corner of the box before Kaya Jugovic added a brace, including another spectacular long range strike, to put the home side well in control.
Two goals to Coco Parker brought hopes of a comeback for the visitors, but the ever deadly Fiorina Iaria settled things with a 79th minute finish to complete a Jasmine Millar’s square pass while in on goal.
Heidelberg United’s time at the top of the table continued with a 3-2 win against Essendon Royals. Last season’s Champions were made to earn it after coming from two goals down, but right now there is no stopping Sawa Matsuda, who’s hatrick was enough to see and raise Sasha Coorey’s brace for Essendon.
Heildeberg’s Japanese attacker now has 13 goals in 11 games and is the clubs most deadly forward since Danielle Wise roamed the Olympic Village stadium.
South Melbourne’s recent struggles continued. The 1-1 draw with Boroondara-Carey Eagles mean that the early pace setters are now five games without a win. They remain hard to beat, but match winning moments are frustratingly elusive for a side that was scoring for fun in the early rounds.
Raquel Derales’ 27th minute strike put South in the lead but that was surrendered in the 76th minute with a goal by Boroondara’s speedster Priya Savarirayan.
In the only other draw of the round, Alamein and Spring Hills FC played out a 0-0 result at Dorothy Laver Reserve.
