Last gasp Morrison seals Victory in see-saw seven goal thriller

Melbourne Victory 4-3 Newcastle Jets

by Ben Gilby (21/3/25)

Above: Melbourne Victory’s Alana Jančevski shows her delight after putting her side 3-0 up. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

Melbourne Victory ran out dramatic late winners in a match against Newcastle Jets that at one point they led 3-0.

Kayla Morrison’s strike six minutes into stoppage time at the end of an incredible encounter at the Home of the Matildas earned the win after an incredible back-from-the-dead effort from the Jets looked to have earned an unlikely point.

The second-placed Victory were red hot out of the blocks, establishing a two-goal lead within the opening 11 minutes, with Emily Gielnik on the mark for both.

The Matildas striker grabbed her first after just 52 seconds when she was fed by Rachel Lowe’s looping pass over the Jets’ defence. Gielnik picked up possession out on the right flank, nodded the ball towards the box, and slammed a shot past Danielle Krzyzaniak as the Jets’ keeper rushed to narrow the angle.

She could have had a second just seven minutes in when a sublime pass from Alex Chidiac on the left found Gielnik in acres of space towards the 18-yard box on the other side of the pitch. She chested the ball down before firing narrowly wide of the far post.

However, her brace arrived on the 11-minute mark, and it was a goal that put her two clear at the top of the A-League Women scoring charts. Alana Murphy curled a corner in from the left and Gielnik’s back flick header propelled the ball in at the near post.

Ten minutes later, it appeared that Jeff Hopkins’ side had achieved a match-winning lead when they extended their lead to 3-0. Chidiac had possession centrally outside the box with her back to goal and squared a pass to Alana Jančevski on the left.

Above: Celebration time for Melbourne Victory – left to right: Kayla Morrison, Alana Jančevski, Alex Chidiac, and Nikki Flannery. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

The former Perth Glory magician took a touch before firing a long-range shot that bounced just ahead of the six-yard box which seemed to catch out Krzyzaniak before flying in at the right-hand post.

It was one of those goals that this very special player can suddenly pick out from nothing.

Game over, you might think? Absolutely not, as a rapid-fire burst of two goals in as many minutes just before the interval brought Newcastle right back into it.

With 43 minutes played, Cass Davis’ corner on the left was headed back to her by the home defence. Her second attempt saw her put a high cross into the mix at the back post with Lauren Allan getting up highest to head home into the top right-hand corner.

Shortly afterwards, the Jets closed the gap further with a goal that hugely frustrated the Victory. There was absolutely no danger whatsoever as Murphy played a ball back for Claudia Bunge. The Football Fern’s attempted clearance came crashing back off Sophie Hoban and flew into the net. Game on.

Ten minutes into the second half, Victory had a chance to seemingly put matters out of reach once more as Sara D’Appolonia played the ball in from the right which eventually found Nikki Flannery. However, the former Canberra United attacker leaned back slightly as she made contact which caused the shot to fly over.

Then came the real drama.

With four minutes of stoppage time played at the end of 90 minutes, Hoban advanced through the middle for the Jets and threaded a sumptuous pass that bisected two Victory defenders on the edge of the box and rolled into the feet of substitute Sheridan Gallagher who cooly sidefooted past Courtney Newbon from around 10 yards to level the scores.

Less than a minute later, the drama reached its stunning climax. Jančevski played a corner in high from the left that was headed back for Morrison to pounce from three yards out near to the back post to turn the ball home.

A quite incredible game decided in a quite incredible way.

Above: Kayla Morrison (blue shirt, third from left) shows her joy after hitting her last-gasp winner. Photo: A-Leagues.

Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-1-4-1): Newbon, Pickett, Bunge, Morrison, Jančevski, Murphy, D’Appolonia, Gielnik, Chidiac, Flannery, Lowe. Substitutes: Candy, Furphy, O’Grady, Sakalis, Wilson.

Scorers: Gielnik 1’, 11’. Jančevski 22’, Morrison 90+6’.

NEWCASTLE JETS (4-2-3-1): Krzyzaniak, Cicco, Prior, Wilson, Baumann, Dundas, Davis, L. Allan, Hoban, Jackson, Copus-Brown. Substitutes: Adams, Breier, Collins, Gallagher, Robertson.

Scorers: Allan 43’, Hoban 45’, Gallagher 90+4.

Referee: Molly Godsell.

Attendance: 632.

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Sørensen: “It’s 90 minutes of football and everything can happen”

By Alyce Collett 21/03/2025

Above: Brian Sørensen of Everton. Photo: Harvey Todd for Impetus

It is another important week for Brian Sørensen and his Everton charges as they prepare to face relegation battlers Crystal Palace at home tomorrow.

Looking ahead to the clash with Palace, it was mixed news on the injury front.
Clare Wheeler has been sick but Sørensen is confident she will play a role against Crystal Palace, even if not the whole match. Melissa Lawley copped a bit of what the Everton boss described as “a kick earlier in the week” but is back on the pitch and training. However, Louna Ribadeira is likely now out for the rest of the season after having surgery on her foot.

After last weekend’s action, tomorrow’s clash has a completely new context surrounding it. Everton and Crystal Palace are coming off being on opposing sides of 3-1 results, with the Toffees going down to Arsenal and Crystal Palace beating Aston Villa.

Above: Crystal Palace beat Aston Villa in their last outing. Photo: Crystal Palace Women

With the potential of Crystal Palace only being four points behind Everton by the end of the weekend if the result goes the visitors’ way, Sørrnsen is aware of the pressure his side is under. “It is really important and we know that also” The Toffees boss stressed. “But again, it’s 90 minutes of football and everything can happen in terms of we could be very dominant and they find two right moments to hurt us on and we’re hitting the post or vice versa.“

When asked what is like coming up against a side that is fighting to stay in the top tier, Sørensen said that “I think it’s like all other games, we need to be well prepared. We need to understand the threats and try to neutralize them, and we need to be at our best and also match them in energy and in fight.”

Sørensen added that he expects Palace to fight for their WSL place: “So I expect a tough game. And they were thrown a lifeboat last weekend, so they also know if they can go on and do the same tomorrow then they will be in a good place for the last five games of the season.”

He also noted that since new Palace manager Leif Smerud took over from Laura Kaminski, the biggest change in Palace that the Merseysiders’ boss has noticed is “a bit more playing to their strengths in terms of defending as a unit but also attacking and finding the moments to attack.”

Reflecting on the season, since the turn of the year one of the most notable areas of growth for the Toffees has been in attack.

While Sørensen agreed that the injection of Kelly Gago has been a huge boost for his side “because that was one of the areas we’ve been lacking in, so it’s been good”, he also noted that it’s broader than just Gago’s influence, praising the efforts of Toni Payne, Katja Snoeijs and Hono Hyashi.

Everton v Crystal Palace kicks off on Saturday at 14:00 GMT.

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Media conferences: Manchester United v Aston Villa

By Catherine MacKenzie (21/03/2025)

Above: Aston Villa manager Natalia Arroyo. Photo: @AVWFCOfficial on X

Manchester United manager Mark Skinner has warned fans not to expect an easy game against Natalia Arroyo’s Aston Villa, a team fighting to avoid relegation.

Sunday’s game in the midlands will be an unusual one for Manchester United, as they will come into the game off the back of a heavy defeat at the hands of rivals Liverpool. That 3-1 scoreline will still feel heavy in the minds of fans; losing to your fiercest rivals in such a way is never something that can be quickly recovered from.

Aston Villa are also entering the weekend following an unexpected defeat – to London club and fellow relegation fighters Crystal Palace, who notched only their second win of the season.

Many pundits have claimed that United’s season has “gone under the radar” somewhat; their fifth-placed finish last year and key departures in the summer suggesting a modest season would be ahead of them. Instead, they are challenging for the Champions League – and until that Liverpool game, were seen as unlikely title challengers.

Above: Manchester United regroup following loss to Liverpool. Photo: @ManUtdWomen on X

It could be argued that Villa’s season has gone under the radar for an altogether different reason; for a club that has former Lionesses and European Championships winners Rachel Daly and Jordan Nobbs in its ranks, a relegation fight and mid-season managerial change would not have been foreseen.

On Friday morning, both managers spoke to press. Team news out of both camps was positive, with no new injuries to report (barring a potential knock to United defender Gabby George, who is due to be assessed in the last training session).

United manager Marc Skinner was understandably asked about the reaction to the Liverpool loss from his team.

He expressed confidence that the team fully understood what should have been done in the game. He added that the loss has fuelled their “hunger” and that, against Villa, they aim to be more “ruthless in those attacking parts”.

Looking back on her team’s defeat to Palace, Villa’s Natalia Arroyo acknowledged that they had played “the game they [Palace] wanted us to play”. She emphasized that controlling emotions would be crucial for improvement against United, particularly in attacking moments against the team with the best defensive record in the league.

Above: Aston Villa’s Chasity Grant in action against Crystal Palace. Photo: @AVWFCOfficial on X

Arroyo anticipated that “Man United will probably force us to play a different game,” but emphasised that “we will be ready” and “we know we have the tools to win.”

For his part, Skinner suggested that playing against sides fighting relegation is dangerous in a different way to facing sides fighting for a place in next year’s Champions League. He talked about Villa being a “dangerous” team, agreeing that their results have not matched performances in recent weeks and that he expects more from them.

Asked about how Villa have changed since Arroyo’s arrival, he added that they have become more of a possession-based team, and that he sees them improving: “They are in a tough moment”, he said, “but I know they will grow from it”.

Aston Villa v Manchester United kicks off on Sunday at 16:30 and will be available in the UK on the Barclays Women’s Super League YouTube channel.

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Miquel: “I don’t think it’s the type of league where you can relax”

by Rachel Gore (20/3/25)

Above: Amandine Miquel. Photo: LCFC Women.

Leicester City manager Amandine Miquel spoke of the extensive injury crisis gripping the club ahead of an important meeting with top-five hopefuls Brighton and Hove Albion.

Currently, Leicester City sit in tenth place in the WSL table with only three points separating them from both ninth place and twelfth place, which is the bottom of the table. As Miquel’s side battle to stay out of the relegation zone, opponents Brighton are hoping to take home the three points and consolidate their spot in the top five. 

Leicester City currently have their “highest level of injured” footballers and when asked to clarify which players will be unavailable on Sunday, Miquel said “so many, I can’t tell you”. She added: “some of them might come back this game, half of this game, we’ll see”. 

One of these injured players is Ruby Mace, a young baller who has recently experienced her first camps with the senior Lionesses. Upon injury there was concern that Mace had injured her ACL with Miquel saying that Mace “was a bit worried”. Subsequent tests revealed that Mace did not suffer an ACL injury and Miquel said that she would “prefer not giving any detail” on the exact injury that occurred. The manager said that she is hopeful that Mace will be seen in a match before the end of this season. 

Above: Ruby Mace of Leicester City. Photo: LCFC Women.

Another high profile injury was to Lena Petermann, who is “really disappointed” with her injury but “knows it’s part of the job”. Miquel is doubtful that Petermann will return this season but did say that “miracles happen, so why not”. 

It has been two weeks since Leicester City have played a competitive fixture with their last WSL matches seeing them face Chelsea and Manchester United. Speaking on these matches, Miquel said, “the last games we played were not easy”. 

Leicester’s last two matches against Brighton were “very close” and therefore Miquel has faith that her team can get “upfront and score”. On Sunday, against Brighton, Miquel’s squad will “have to make sure” that they’re defensively “strong” whilst also “improving offensively”. 

Their clash with Brighton will be played at home and the club have a much better record of winning home games than away fixtures. Despite this, Miquel said that her team “have not given up on winning away”, “it’s not forbidden” and that they “are allowed to win away”. 

During their two-week break, Miquel’s side played a friendly against Sheffield which “was a good opportunity for everyone to get some minutes”. The Leicester players had also been looking forward to resting and Miquel clarified that “they did have some rest”, however she also emphasised that “professional football players days are not that long so they do have a lot of rest in the afternoons”. Despite this period of rest, Miquel does not think that the WSL is “the type of league where you can relax”.

Miquel believes that her squad “are feeling refreshed” and are, therefore, ready for Sunday’s fixture. Kick off will occur at 15:00 on Sunday 23 March at the King Power Stadium. 

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

by Ben Gilby (20/3/25)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sienna Saveska: delivering for club and country

By Kieran Yap 20/3/25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

“I have always enjoyed taking set pieces.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Kieran Yap 19/3/25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Holly Furphy: taking shots and grabbing her chances

By Kieran Yap 18/3/25

Above: Holly Furphy. Photo Gold Leaf Creative.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fran Kirby and the Seagulls end winless streak against struggling Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Brighton and Hove Albion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scorer: Kirby (42’)

Referee: Ryan Atkin.

Attendance: 1,425.

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Jets end Roar’s premiership hopes with late win

Brisbane Roar 2-3 Newcastle Jets

By Isabelle Campbell 16/3/25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goals: Yallop 7’, 19’

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

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

Referee: Isabella Mossin

Attendance: 2,548.