‘I want to learn and grow as a player all the time’: How Sarah Rowe became a Mariner

By Isabelle Campbell (18/1/25)

Above: Sarah Rowe for Central Coast Mariners. Photo: Central Coast Mariners.

Sarah Rowe talks to Impetus about transitioning between two elite sports, why she chose the Mariners and how she prepared to return to football.

After spending seven seasons with Collingwood in the AFLW, Sarah Rowe is embracing a new chapter in her career, trading Melbourne for Sydney and AFL for football.

Now signed with the Central Coast Mariners for the remainder of the 24/25 season, The former Ireland international, who can play both on a wing or at fullback, is ready to immerse herself in a new environment and make her mark in the A-League Women.

The transition has been exciting, and while the change is significant, Rowe is motivated by the opportunity to grow both as both a player and as a person.

“It’s been so good. It’s been such a refreshing change for me,” Rowe told Impetus.

“I think it’s a big move from Melbourne to Sydney, but obviously being from Ireland is a big move in itself as well just because I probably had the chance at this time of the year to go home and maybe play in Ireland or go home to family.

“But I love the thought of moving to Sydney and challenging myself in a new environment and kind of seeing what life up here had to offer,” 

For Rowe, the move to Sydney was more than just a change of scenery—it was a chance to push herself in a new direction. Joining a young, ambitious team excited her, and she quickly saw how the opportunity to play for the Mariners could offer a chance for growth.

“I really liked what Emily Husband was about and I just felt they were a young group and an up-and-coming team.

“I was like, yeah. If I get an opportunity here, why not take it?”

Joining the Mariners at a time when women’s football in Australia is experiencing a rapid rise in popularity, thanks to the Women’s World Cup, Rowe has noticed an undeniable shift since her last season in the A-League with Melbourne Victory.

“Definitely, there seems to be more fans at the games. Is probably something I’ve noticed. We have a very loyal fan base at Mariners, and I’ve definitely noticed that.” 

But it’s not just the atmosphere that drew Rowe to the Mariners. When she spoke with the club’s coach, Emily Husband, she immediately felt a connection.

“I had a call with Emily and just felt, I suppose, connected with her straight away. She just seemed like a really understanding coach, and I’d heard that she was one of the best coaches in the league.

“I could understand why because she’s a very understanding person, but also has really high standards of herself and others, which I always gravitate towards.

“I really want to be pushed, and I want to learn and grow as a player all the time.

“I just don’t think you can do that on your own as a player, and we rely so heavily on our coaches to get us better.”

Rowe’s transition from AFL to football has been made smoother by the help of some familiar faces, particularly Caitlin Friend, the founder of Elite Female Football.

Friend, who played a crucial role in Rowe’s initial switch from AFL to soccer in 2023, has been instrumental in guiding her once again.

“Elite Female Football, that was great,” says Rowe.

“Caitlin Friend was the skills coach at Victory when I first went across, and I did so much work with her when I was at Victory.

“She was really influential in my transition from AFL to soccer.

“At the time, I used to arrive to training half an hour or an hour early and just do 1-on-1 stuff with Caitlin. So when I was transitioning again, I needed to talk to her.

“I kind of got her opinion on what she thinks of the league in general, what Mariners are like, what the coach is like, you always look for, I suppose, references on all those stuff.

“She was a real trusted voice for me.”

As part of her preparation before joining the Mariners, Rowe also sought extra training to make sure she wasn’t starting from scratch.

“I think it was every Friday/Saturday morning for about three or four weeks, I went and trained with Caitlin Friend, which really helped me in my transition.

“So it wasn’t just coming flying up to Mariners and just being really raw.”

Rowe is fully immersed in her current role with the Mariners, prioritizing her development and team success over any thoughts of a return to the international stage.

Despite after only a brief six-month return to football and landing a spot as a standby player for the World Cup, Rowe is keeping her focus on getting back to her footballing best with the Mariners.

“I think no matter what, as a sports person, you always have aspirations to play at the highest level. And, of course, if opportunities came your way, you wouldn’t say no.

“But I think for me, it’s just getting back to my best, performing with Mariners, and also winning games. So that feels like purely my focus.”

Finally, Rowe offered her admiration for the Matildas’ impact on women’s sport globally, “I would be a massive fan of what the Matildas have done and are doing just globally for female sports.

“It’s incredible to see what they’re doing. They really are at the pinnacle of female sports when you think about why the game is growing, a lot of it comes down to the Matildas. They’re an incredible bunch and a really admirable bunch.”

Rowe’s arrival at the Mariners marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career, and her journey is one that football fans will want to follow closely. With her impressive background across both AFL and football, Rowe has proven herself to be a force in the sporting world.

Her versatility, determination, and hunger for success make her a player to watch, and as she continues to settle into her new role, it’s clear that she has the potential to make a big impact with the Mariners.

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Renée Slegers: Why interim became permanent

Above: Renée Slegers applauds Arsenal’s traveling following 2-0 victory over West Ham Photo: Arsenal FC

by Joe Rosedon (18/1/25)

Renée Slegers put Arsenal in a position where she was the only possible choice as the next manager.

The former Dutch international has been able to not only produce an impressive run of form but crucially restore fan positivity towards the club which had been severely lacking towards the back end of Jonas Eidevall’s tenure as manager.

The relationship with Arsenal and Eidevall began to disintegrate over the summer. The controversial departure of Vivianne Miedema to Manchester City raised concerns within large sections of the fanbase coupled with an inauspicious start to the season had put the Swede under serious pressure. Things came to a head in early October. Arsenal suffered a disastrous week, losing comprehensively to Bayern Munich 5-2 followed by a defeat to Chelsea at the Emirates.

With the WSL title drifting out of view for another season, Eidevall knew his race was run and resigned from the position. Ironically it was Slegers who initially replaced Eidevall at FC Rosengård and she would do it again at Arsenal

In Slegers’ interim period Arsenal have notched up ten wins from eleven in all competitions. This run earned Slegers the Women’s Super League manager of the month for December having not lost since the 12th October 2-1 defeat to Chelsea. Arsenal’s attacking output has been transformed under Slegers, scoring 31 goals.

In particular, the improved form of Alessia Russo has been one of Slegers’ most important achievements. The Lioness has endured a difficult start to the season, only finding the goal once in nine occasions as Arsenal’s attacks were typified by an overall stodginess. Yet under Slegers, Russo is a player reborn, scoring ten goals in eleven games and beginning to deliver on her endless potential.

It is not only in attack where Arsenal have improved. The initially surprising central defence pairing between Steph Catley and Leah Williamson has developed into a fruitful partnership. Catley in particular has shined in her new role as the left sided centre back, keeping both Laia Codina and Arsenal 2023/24 player of the season Lotte Wubben-Moy out of the side. It would be fair to suggest that not many Arsenal fans would have predicted that at the start of the season, but Slegers has made it work to great effect.

Yet Slegers principal achievement has been to restore the faith of the fans. Arsenal have a passionate and loyal fanbase that trek up and down the country and abroad to watch their team. Despite this loyalty, fans had grown frustrated with Eidevall over the past few seasons. The fans saw one the most talented squads in the league fail to live up that billing and patience was wearing thin. Slegers has enthused and reinvigorated a weary fanbase, which for any new manager is paramount.

When signing her permanent deal, Slegers said to Arsenal’s in-house media “It has meant the world to me to feel the closeness and passion of our supporters during this process” If Slegers is able to continue along this path, that passion will carry Slegers and the team to great successes soon.

Canberra United climb to fifth with win over the Wanderers

Canberra United 1-0 Western Sydney Wanderers

By Kieran Yap 18/1/24

Above: Canberra United celebrate going ahead. Photo: Canberra United

Canberra United have reestablished their finals credentials with a 1-0 win over The Western Sydney Wanderers.

The big news prior to kick off were that both Michelle Heyman and Sophie Harding were out of the lineups. The reigning Dolan Medallist was on the Wanderers bench, while Heyman was withdrawn from the game after initially being named to start.

Maja Markovski started in place of the Canberra United captain, while Western Sydney entrusted Sienna Saveska as the side’s sole recognized spearhead.

Both young strikers were involved early, with Markovski narrowly missing a chance to score and Saveska being denied by Sally James from a typical long-range effort.

Hayley Taylor-Young continued her impressive form on the right with a couple of storming runs and dangerous crosses, while Danika Matos looked lively for the visitors. Sophia Christopherson created perhaps the best of the early chances, but her low ball across the face of goal was not turned in.

Ena Harada got on the end of a Wanderers attack, but Liz Anton provided just enough pressure to ensure that the strike flew over the bar.

Canberra shook off that close call and went into the break 1-0 ahead. A well worked corner finished with a Christopherson header which bounced off the woodwork and then off Sham Khamis before crossing the line. Officially it will go down as an own goal, but Christopherson has every right to claim it.

Not content to sit on the lead, Canberra added Jynaya dos Santos to the second-half side. Her movement and presence created a few openings, but the scores stayed level.

As the afternoon wore on, Canberra United control over midfield became more obvious. Mary Stanic-Floody continued her impressive form, knitting passes together and creating chances. The absence of Amy Chessari was obvious for the visitors, and it left space for Stanic-Floody to operate with space and time.

Despite bringing on Harding, the Wanderers could not find an equaliser. Despite Canberra United’s relative control of the game, Western Sydney looked to be an improved side from the previous two losses. They did not sit as deep and tried to attack when the opportunity arose, but there were still gaps in the back, especially on the counterattack, and a more clinical side than Canberra would have likely scored more.

Canberra United are firming as a genuine finals chance, and they should expect to be there. Markovski was impressive as the centre forward, despite not featuring in the role this season, and although she looks limited by the knee bandage, her work rate and pressing game remained.

While Canberra are still not one of the very top teams in this league, they are one without any glaring weaknesses, they have quality on every line, two in-form full-backs in Taylor-Young and Teagan Bertolissio, and an outstanding playmaker in Stanic-Floody.

Darcey Malone provides depth, support and class in midfield and while the attack still relies heavily on Heyman, Christopherson, Markovski and Dos Santos are difficult to contain.

The focus now will be on maintaining that momentum. Canberra will face the Newcastle Jets in Round 13, while Western Sydney host league leaders Melbourne City.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (4-5-1): James, Taylor-Young, Murray, Anton, Bertolissio, Stanic-Floody, Robers, Malone, Gordon, Christopherson, Markovski. Substitutes: Galic, J dos Santos, Miro, Nathan, Majstorovic.

Scorers: Khamis 45’ (OG).

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (3-4-3): Khamis, Bennett, Harrison, Lobo, Matos, Price, Harada, Buchanan, Saveska, Rue, Younis. Substitutes: Ferris, Harding, Kapetanellis, Cassar, Hall.

Referee: Mikayla Ryan.

Attendance: 1,468.

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Victory find the quality to edge tough battle with Perth

Melbourne Victory 1-0 Perth Glory

by Ben Gilby with EXCLUSIVE photography from Adrian Geremia at The Home of the Matildas (18/1/25)

Above: Perth Glory (light-coloured shirts) put the Melbourne Victory defence under pressure during the first half today. Photo: Adrian Geremia for Impetus.

Melbourne Victory marked their talismanic midfielder Alex Chidiac’s 100th A-League Women appearance with a hard-earned win over Perth Glory at The Home of the Matildas this afternoon.

Whilst the Glory gave the hosts a lot to think about despite being hampered by two further injuries to key midfielders as well as Tijan McKenna’s sending off, Jeff Hopkins’ charges ran out winners thanks to a quality strike from Kayla Morrison just after the half-hour mark.

The encounter saw a host of players taking on their former clubs, including both goalkeepers, Nat Tathem, Alana Jancevksi, and Sofia Sakalis adding a little bit more spice to the clash.

Caitlin Doeglas’ influence in the Glory front line was evident from the start with the constant pressing from herself and the Perth midfield putting the Victory back line under real pressure when trying to play out from the back, forcing mistakes on several occasions.

The first 20 minutes were harum-scarum stuff with regular transitions in play as both sides looked to force the pace, with the ultimate consequence that neither side had the time to create sustained opportunities in front of goal.

Above: Alex Chidiac (dark blue shirt) looks to escape from Perth Glory’s Grace Johnston (left) and Nat Tathem on her 100th A-League Women appearance. Photo: Adrian Geremia for Impetus.

Overall, it was the visitors who had more of the territory in this period, focusing their attack along the left-hand flank and earning regular opportunities for Megan Wynne to propel her long throws into the mix. Defensively, Perth were harrying the Victory and successfully denying their key weapons of Nikki Flannery, Emily Gielnik, and Rachel Lowe of possession.

Gielnik gained her first opportunity when she was fed through on the far right-hand side on the counter-attack to fire in a shot from an acute angle that only just went over the top, although Casey Dumont looked to have it covered in the Glory goal.

Perth’s command of territory was broken by the drinks break midway through the half, a pause that also coincided with the influential Georgia Cassidy having to leave action after receiving a blow to the head earlier in the game.

The short break allowed the Victory to have a re-set. They re-emerged looking to play into space to find their runners which had the double benefit of reducing the amount of transitional play and giving them time to bring their key offensive weapons into the game.

Within moments, that change to their approach had its impact. Victory earned a free kick around 25 yards outside the box on the right after a tussle between Claudia Bunge and Wynne. The ball was floated in towards the back post where Kayla Morrison was unmarked. Tathem’s attempted clearing header fell for the defender to lift the ball into the top of the net.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time at the end of the opening 45, Lowe and Gielnik combined magnificently to break through, only to be denied by Dumont who came out to meet them.

Above: Melbourne Victory celebrate after Kayla Morrison’s winning goal. Photo: Adrian Geremia for Impetus.

The second half opened with a bang as McKenna fired in a rocket for Perth from just outside the box that narrowly flew over the top.

As the action edged towards the hour mark, Chidiac’s influence on the game grew. Flying along the right-hand side, she squared a low ball across for Flannery to direct goalwards at the back post, but Dumont denied the former Canberra United attacker.

This set the tone for a busy couple of minutes as immediately afterwards, Hollar advanced towards goal for the visitors and from just outside the box she curled a powerful effort that forced Courtney Newbon in the Victory goal to push away at full stretch.

Then, just moments later, things took a backward step for the visitors as McKenna was sent off for her second yellow card in four minutes, both for fouls on Chidiac. To add insult to injury, Perth boss Stephen Peters had just made a double substitution to switch things up, which reduced his options to make the necessary re-jig after the loss of his midfielder.

The visitors rallied in the face of adversity, looking to exploit the left-hand side of the park. They later also had to overcome another hurdle after losing substitute Charli Wainwright, who was having a promising performance, to a knock. The Western Australians can ill afford more injury woe and will be keeping everything crossed to ensure that neither Cassidy nor Wainwright becomes the latest member of their long-term injured list.

This was an encounter that was, at times cagey between two sides who failed to fire at maximum consistently. Despite this, it was always an engaging tactical battle.

Whilst Perth forced more corners and shots on goal, ultimately it was Victory who had that extra bit of quality when it mattered. They had the strength in depth and experience to get over the line and earn another three points in their pursuit of rivals Melbourne City at the top of the ladder.

To view Adrian Geremia’s gallery of images for Impetus from the game, check out our Instagram account – @ImpetusFootball.

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

Scorers: Morrison 33′.

PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Johnston, Chinnama, Zogg, Tathem, McKenna, Cassidy, Hollar, Wynne, Doeglas, Sunaga. Substitutes: Dalton, Lala, Templeman, Valletta, Wainwright.

Referee: Racheal Mitchenson.

Attendance: 1,014.

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Late equaliser against Western extends City’s unbeaten streak

Western United 1 – 1 Melbourne City 

By Alice de Koster-Kitto 18/1/24

Above: Leticia McKenna on the ball. Photo: Melbourne City

Melbourne City have extended their unbeaten streak to 12 matches, in a hard-fought draw with Western United at Ironbark Fields. 

It was Melbourne City who entered the match with the upper hand, having not lost a game this season, and sitting at the top of the ladder on 25 points, whereas the host side, Western United sit at 8th on 14 points. 

Although they went into the match with well-earned confidence, it may have been this confidence that was ultimately a disadvantage in the first half, as Western played with an unwavering urgency, searching for a goal early on. 

The first 30 minutes saw both sides play quite frantically, however, there was no real opportunity until Kahli Johnson’s strike from distance in the 34th minute, which ended up just wide of the goal.

The strike caused a shift in momentum for the rest of the first half, as a Western United goal seemed imminent, while they held their own against the table leaders. 

Melbourne City continued to dominate the possession, despite not getting many chances to score. Their strong defense kept the match scoreless until Kahli Johnson opened the scoring in the 45th minute, putting Western United in the lead at home. 

The goal caused some contention on the pitch, and between match officials and fans, as  it was unclear as to whether the tap in crossed the line, before it was deflected by Melbourne City keeper, Malena Mieres. 

Western United was awarded the goal by match officials, although there was some debate as to whether it was Melbourne City’s own goal. The goal was ultimately awarded to Kahli Johnson, assisted by Catherine Zimmerman’s cross, marking Johnson’s 7th goal of the Ninja A-League Season, and leaving the hosts in the lead at halftime.  

Holly McNamara opened the action for Melbourne City, making an excellent run with the ball, however, was not able to get the power behind it to create a real chance for the visitors. McNamara quickly took another opportunity, furthering City’s chances to defend their undefeated streak, however, the ball was shot directly into Western’s Alyssa Dall’Oste and deflected. 

Western United reclaimed possession as the second half continued, however, Melbourne City continued to jump on opportunities more than in the first half, keeping the match exciting and intense, as it shifted into a much closer match-up. 

A very close shot on target from captain Chloe Logarzo, almost continued their lead but was ultimately bounced from the keeper. 

A remarkable series of shots from Kahli Johnson, made for a dangerous Western United attack, as it seemed quite likely that they would keep their lead. Notably, a slate strike came incredibly close, before bouncing off the head of Zimmerman, inside the box. 

The match kept its momentum as stoppage time approached, with both sides desperately seeking a late goal. Western United remained in the lead until the 83rd minute, with a wonderful right-footed shot from Holly McNamara equalised the scoring. 

After six minutes of added time, and a well-fought battle to the end, there was no further scoring, and the match ended in a draw. The result extends Melbourne City’s undefeated streak this season, marking their 12th game without a loss, leaving them at the top of the table. 

Round 13 of the Ninja A-League will see Melbourne City head on the road to face Western Sydney Wanderers at Wanderers Football Park, while Western United will take on Adelaide United at Marden Sports Complex.  

To view Beck Hartley’s gallery of images for Impetus from the game, check out our Instagram account – @ImpetusFootball.

WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Dall’oste, Sardo, Dehakiz, Maher, Grove, M.Taranto, A.Taranto, Eggesvik, Zimmerman, Johnson, Logarzo. Substitutes: Lincoln, Medwin, De Domizio, Prakash, Hieda.

Scorers: Johnson 45’. 

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

Scorers: McNamara 83′.

Referee: Caitlin Williams.

Attendance: 847.

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Skinner: Clinton “In good space” ahead of Manchester Derby.

by Catherine MacKenzie (17/1/25)

Above: Grace Clinton for Manchester United. Photo: @RainbowDevils on X

Marc Skinner revealed that Grace Clinton is available and the squad is in “a good space” ahead of this weekend’s derby against Manchester City.

The Women’s Super League returns this weekend, and the biggest clash of the round is undoubtedly the Manchester derby, as Manchester City aim for a third consecutive win over their local neighbours. Speaking to media early this morning, Manchester United manager Marc Skinner revealed that Grace Clinton and Simi Awujo are both available after missing the FA Cup win over West Bromwich Albion. Midfielder Geyse Ferreira is the only new absence, due to personal reasons.

Asked extensively about the quality of Manchester City and the dangers he expects them to pose to his United team, Skinner said that the game will “come down to individual moments” on and off the ball and explained that he hopes his team will “make sure their decision-making processes are not impacted by the pressure they give you”. He also eluded to the team dynamics he expects, stating that “they (City) have grown in that team for a lot longer”, emphasising that United are a “younger” team with “less experience in these games”.

Asked about the atmosphere he expects at City’s Etihad stadium, Skinner said he has told his team not to “fear the environment you go in to”, adding that the team needs to be “mature, and try to accept the fact that we are in a game that is high pressure”.

Expanding on the qualities he hopes his team will show against the team currently second in the league, he added that his focus was on getting the balance right between defensive and attacking play; that he wants United to have “more time in the box, more touches, be more assertive on the ball and take every challenge head on”.

He emphasised that he wants his players to play with flair: “I want us to show energy, hunger, and commitment”. He spoke a lot about expression – hoping his team battle for “every header”, and “really express ourselves when we get the ball”.

Reflecting on last year’s matches against City, Skinner noted that his team “let ourselves down in one or two moments”, and that he hopes they have learned that “from minute one you need to be in it”.

He also spoke about playing Manchester City in back-to-back fixtures; first in the Women’s Super League, followed three days later by the League Cup. Asked about how he will approach the turnaround, he admitted that “you learn a lot from the first game”, and that he will aim to “keep it fresh” by rotating players during the two games.

Skinner was also asked about a number of individual players. On Ella Toone’s return to the squad after two months out with an injury, he noted that he has been impressed with her personal growth throughout a difficult period: “I’ve seen her grow on the field but also as a person off the field, her growth as a person is what I am most proud of”. On Maya Le Tissier’s role as captain this season, Skinner added that “Maya is a special person” who “thrives on these games”.

Lastly, he was asked about the psychological impact of facing such a tough opponent. Skinner asserted that “any psychological barrier is a choice”, but that “I don’t feel that from the group”, and “there is a hunger to try and win these games”.

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Rebecca Knaak, can she be the difference as City fights for the title?

by Freya Hiscott for Impetus (14/01/25)

Above: Rebecca Knaak signs a contract with Manchester City until 2026. Photo: @mancitywomen on Instagram.

An insight into Manchester City’s newest signing, Rebecca Knaak, and the experience she will bring to this City side as they fight to break Chelsea’s WSL winning streak of five in a row. 

An insight into Knaak’s career

Rebecca Knaak, a German defender has recently signed for Manchester City from FC Rosengard until the summer of 2026. Knaak spent three seasons in Sweden, winning the Damallsvenskan (the Swedish league title) in both 2022 and 2024 and securing the Damallsvenskan Cup in the 2021-22 campaign. As an integral part of her former club, Knaak was central to Rosengard’s defence, with the team in the 2024 season losing only once and conceding just nine times in 26 fixtures. Knaak’s remarkable season also saw her attain individual recognition as she claimed the Damallsvenskan’s Defender of the Year award. Knaak was pivotal to that latest title win, finishing with 12 league goals, surpassed by just five other players across the entire division.

Knaak’s stunning debut 

With defender and captain Alex Greenwood currently recovering from an MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury and Alanna Kennedy absent from City’s latest matchday squad, Knaak made her first appearance for City in their 3-0 win against Ipswich in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Playing the full 90 minutes, Knaak was a dominant force in the opposition box, making strong tackles and providing an assist in the first 20 minutes, where she guided Jill Roord to scoring the opener. The versatile centre-back had an impressive game, which almost saw her secure her first goal for the Blues when a corner taken by Mary Fowler met with Knaak’s head; however, the ball quickly took a deflection onto the crossbar.

Above: Rebecca Knaak in action for Manchester City on her debut performance. Photo: Rebecca Knaak on Instagram 

What makes Knaak the perfect signing for the Blues? 

Having represented Germany at youth level, the 28-year-old brings a wealth of experience to this young Manchester City team. Knaak debuted for Germany’s Under-15 youth team at age 14, which led her to eventually captain the Under-20s. With the City squad having an average age of 24, the team has a combination of experienced players who have played at both club and international level, but also plenty of promising young talent coming through. Knaak is now one of the older players in the squad so her understanding of the game should help strengthen and inject experience into the team. In the 2023/24 WSL season, Manchester City saw three goals scored from the backline, coming from Captain Greenwood and Spanish internationals Laia Aleixandri and Leila Ouahabi. In Knaak’s latest season playing for FC Rosengard, she drove the ball into the net 11 times in the Swedish league, contributing massively to the side’s title win. 

In the 2023/24 WSL season, The Women’s Super League Golden Boot was awarded to Manchester City striker Khadija Bunny Shaw, who scored 21 goals in 18 games. Lauren Hemp also completed the most assists that season with eight. With both of these influential players currently ruled out of the City squad due to injuries, Gareth Taylor has been giving more game time to younger players, such as 18-year-old academy graduate Lily Murphy. Since signing her first professional contract for City in December 2024, Murphy has played in four WSL games and five Champions League fixtures, scoring one goal. Due to Knaak’s experience in being a key player in both boxes and her ability on the ball, she will be the perfect player to bridge the gap between experienced players and younger, more inexperienced players within Manchester City’s squad. 

Sørensen: “We needed that quality week in week out.”

Above: Hayley Ladd signs her contract with Everton. Photo: Everton FC

by Alyce Collett (16/1/25)

After not getting to get on the park last weekend, this weekend Everton finally get to start the 2025 half of their campaign with a clash against Aston Villa.

Speaking to the media ahead of the clash, Everton manager Brian Sørensen brought those in attendance up on a number of key areas ahead of the clash and the second half of Everton’s season.

One of the biggest topics discussed was Everton’s January transfer window, which has arguably been the busiest of any of the Women’s Super League (WSL) sides. So far this window the Toffees have signed the likes of now former Manchester United player Hayley Ladd and French striker Kelly Gago permanently, as well as Louna Ribadeira, Martina Fernández and Emma Watson temporarily on loan.

Sørensen spoke bout Everton’s busy January transfer window, noting that “one thing is the players. That’s what we needed in terms of the depth in the squad and then having that quality available week, week in, week out.”

“I think the two games in the fall where we actually had a bit of consistency was up against Arsenal and up against City, where we didn’t have to change last minute or somewhat dropped out and so on. So now we have a much better squad that can deliver that consistency in terms of quality and numbers.”

He eluded to that “maybe one more” player will come to Everton “but it’s not a certain”.

He also neither confirmed nor denied there would be any more departures this window, saying that “someone in that next layer that, for whatever reason, want to be certain, or given more game time, then it could be a possibility”, but there are currently no discussions in progress about players departing.

Everton have also had some temporary departures, with young stars Issy Hobson and Ellie Jones being loaned out to Sheffield United, and Macy Settle loaned out to Blackburn Rovers. Sorenson explained that his aim for them while out on loan was to get “senior exposure week in, week out, in a very competitive league.”

“To close the gap to the WSL, I think you need that exposure” Sorenson said.

“We couldn’t afford sending them out before, that was reality, and then we also couldn’t give them the match exposure.”

He also gave an update on a number of key players under an injury cloud.

He said that Elise Stenevik is not ready to return from a hamstring injury, but Karen Holmgaard will be in contention to return from her hip injury very soon.

He also said that Aurora Galli, Inma Gabarro and Kenzie Weir are all “progressing very well” in their recoveries from their respective ACL injuries.

It has been a while since Everton have played a match, but Sorenson explained how he and his team have tried to keep the momentum going from their last match, which was an upset win over title contender Manchester City.

“We showed a couple of clips leading up to the Tottenham game of our performance there just to emphasise and highlight how good some of the spells were” Sørensen explained.

“But we also know that Tottenham and Villa, is going to be a different opponent. We’re not going to set up the same way, we will do it a bit different. But we take great confidence in beating City for sure.”

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Doeglas: I was in shock…I’ve worked so, so hard for this”

by Ben Gilby (16/1/25)

Above: Caitlin Doeglas speaking to the media earlier today. Image: Perth Glory.

It was the stuff of fairytales. Coming back to the A-League Women with Perth Glory after three years away. Making a 50th appearance. Scoring a goal. Caitlin Doeglas did it all last Friday.

Reflecting on her comeback game in a purple shirt after coming in on an injury replacement contract against Sydney FC, attacker Caitlin Doeglas was full of smiles.

“I was never expecting it. For it to be my 50th (W/A-League Women appearance) and then score – I was so happy with how it went.”

The attacker had been training with the squad for several weeks before injuries struck the Western Australian side’s front line. Sarah O’Donoghue and Kelli Brown were both struck down, and Doeglas was offered a contract to replace the latter player.

“I was just training with the girls, they have such a great environment down here. Having a lot of fun, and really relaxed. Obviously, it wasn’t under the best of circumstances with all the injuries, but I’m happy to step up.

“I was purely in shock. I think I just said ‘Oh wow!’ and then didn’t say anything for a little while! Then I rang my mum and the tears came. I’ve worked so, so hard for this – it was just the best feeling.”

The 28-year-old’s return to Perth Glory came after a tough three years. Doeglas injured her ACL for the second time. Her determination to prove herself once again shone throughout.

“I always knew I would come back better and stronger because I did so much rehab. I worked really really hard on that. The season after, I went to the NPL in Sydney and played there. They have one of the best leagues in Australia.

“I did well there, I really surprised myself and proved to myself that I can still stick it to some of the best young players in Australia. I knew I could possibly still be part of an A-League team, but to get a call-up and for everything to fall into place, has just been the best.”

The attacker then returned to her hometown to play a prominent part in Perth RedStar’s NPLW WA side last season which won the championship and the Top Four Cup Final. Doeglas was in sparkling form throughout and was clearly loving every minute of it. However, starring in the NPLW is one thing, but hitting the back of the net in the A-League Women is quite another.

“It’s definitely been an adjustment. Now it’s a full-time gig. When I was last here, it was just training in the afternoons and you did your day job…Now it’s more full-time which is great. It shows the league is growing and we’re getting closer to where we want it to be.

“The facilities – it’s so nice (now). In the morning we can have our field session and have showers and ice baths. We have a gym here. That’s the biggest difference for us. Previously, we only had the field sessions and that was as far as it went, so it shows how just in three years how big a jump the league has had, and it’s only going to go up from here.”

Doeglas really hit the ground running against Sydney last week, offering Perth the sort of outlet and deadly finishing that had been missing since the injuries struck. She also has the experience of being part of several Glory sides who have won at Victory. Something she is aiming to achieve once more on Saturday.

“Melbourne Victory have been really consistent through the years…they’ve done some really good recruiting, they have (Emily) Gielnik back in and it’s going to be a really tough encounter. We’re going to give it our best shot, and that’s all we can do.

“They’re tactically very strong, physically very strong. The training we’ve done this week has been really, really good, we’ve got some good momentum going into this game. I think we did really well against Sydney and with a few minor tweaks we can give Victory a really good run for their money…I hope I can bring a bit of that ‘beating Victory’ experience along!”

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Brighton go into their first competitive fixture this year confident despite Fran Kirby’s absence.

by Aimee-Lou Caldecourt for Impetus

Above: Brighton huddle together following their defeat to Arsenal just before the winter break. Photo: @BHAFCWomwn on X

Dario Vidošić addressed the media this morning ahead of the first WSL game back after the winter break, as Brighton and Hove Albion travel to Liverpool on Friday evening. 

Brighton were not exempt from the icy conditions of the weekend as their FA Cup game versus Durham was postponed, and they have not played a competitive match in over a month. However, training continued, and focus switched to facing Liverpool this Friday.

Being almost halfway through the season now, Brighton will remain 5th no matter the results of this game week. Vidošić remained confident that top four is still a tangible target for the Seagulls. He is also hopeful that silverware may be on its way back to Brighton this season.

Brighton are confident going into this fixture, and with both Brighton and Liverpool having the postponements this weekend, there will be a lot of fresh legs eager to play competitively. 

Vidošić reflected on previous away games this season, saying that the team “learnt a lot” from the heavy Arsenal defeat they suffered last time they played on a Friday night. “We’ve progressed well but we want to [perform well] for 90 minutes against everyone… it shouldn’t really matter what the badge is we are playing against.”

In terms of injury news, Vidošić has a couple of squad players back thanks to the postponement at the weekend. Fran Kirby is still a notable miss and will be for a couple of weeks, however it has been said that she is ahead of schedule in her recovery and rehab. Vidošić confirmed that he has a couple of squad players back from injury who may be available for selection.

The winter break gives each team the opportunity to fine tune parts of their game in order to come back stronger for the second half of the season, so Vidošić has “worked in all phases with and without the ball in preparation for Durham and now Liverpool” with the team to understand other team’s strengths and weaknesses and then apply their own style of football to the game. 

The WSL is back in full force this weekend and this game should be an interesting battle to kick off the second half of the season.