Perth RedStar’s Caitlin Doeglas talks to Ben Gilby about her footballing journey, her six years in the W-League and A-League Women with Perth Glory, and howshe feels the NPLW WA is growing(18/9/24).
Above: Caitlin Doeglas with the Tracey Wheeler Medal that she won as player of the match in the Night Series Grand Final win over Balcatta Etna earlier this year. Photo: Football West.
Caitlin Doeglas has been absolutely flying with Perth RedStar this season. Previously renowned for having a stellar six-season spell with Perth Glory in the A-League Women, the attacker has been outstanding in 2024 with goals, assists, and dogged teamwork, all done with a smile on her face.
Doeglas, who describes herself as “a positive attacking player. I love a high press and winning the ball high up the field to score,” caught the football bug at an early age.
Above: Caitlin Doeglas (left) battles for Perth Glory against Melbourne Victory’s Hayley Raso in 2016. Photo: Paul Kane.
“I started soccer when I was eight years old,” she said. “Mum tells me that I came home from primary school one day ranting about playing soccer at school and that I loved it. I had a summer sport already (Little Athletics) and needed a winter sport, so Mum signed me up for soccer at the local club, Ballajura Soccer Club.
“From there I never stopped playing. I played in the boys NPL League from Under 11 all the way to Under 18. For the majority of this time, I was the only girl in my team but also the league, which I never gave a second thought. In 2015, I was offered a W-League contract at Perth Glory, after being a train-on since the age of 15. I was ecstatic that all the hard work and perseverance paid off. I thoroughly enjoyed my six seasons.
“I was a part of two grand finals, scored the third fastest goal in A-League Women history, and in my last season there in 2021, I won the club’s Golden Boot jointly with the amazing Hana Lowry.
“In 2017, I was given the opportunity to play in Victoria for NPLW team Alamein FC. I relished the challenge of moving states and playing against the best players in Australia. Most recently, I moved to NSW to play in the NPLW for Northern Tigers. Once again, playing against the best players in Australia, I learned so much on and off the field. I am now playing for Perth RedStar, and to be a part of such an accomplished team is incredible.”
Above: Caitlin Doeglas shoots for Perth Glory against Newcastle Jets in 2021. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
The attacker has had to overcome major challenges throughout her career, including two ACL injuries. Doeglas reflected on the period, saying: “I tore my right ACL and LCL, and it took me 13 months of rehabilitation to return to soccer. In 2021, I tore my left ACL which took 14 months of rehabilitation. My most recent ACL reconstruction was devastating, as I knew what it took to come back better and stronger.
“Rehab was long, as well as, juggling my teaching career. I am very lucky to have an amazing support network around me. My mum, dad, sister, and boyfriend kept me sane throughout the tiresome rehab as well as, my Gym Jump Lift Run, who were with me every step of the rehab journey.”
Doeglas’ six seasons at Perth Glory saw her as part of two Grand Final squads – and scoring her first-ever goal for the club after just 14 seconds against Western Sydney Wanderers during the 2016/17 season. She looks back fondly on that achievement – “It’s my favourite memory from my time at Perth Glory… what makes it even better is that it was assisted by Sam Kerr. The biggest thing I took away from my time at Glory is to have fun. You play your best soccer when you are enjoying it. That’s all you can ever do, try your best and have fun.
“We got to play at NIB Stadium (now known as HBF Park) and to play in Perth’s biggest rectangular stadium was already amazing. I started in the midfield. The ball was played back to Kim Carroll and she kicked it up the field. Sam got the ball turned and I was running down the right side and she played me the ball, I remember kicking it so sweetly and it beat the WSW keeper. One of the best feelings an athlete can feel. I was so happy and to do it with that incredible team, at home, in front of my family and a home crowd made it even better.”
Above: Caitlin Doeglas in control for Perth Glory against Melbourne Victory in 2021. Photo: Tom McCarthy.
After time playing NPLW football in both Victoria and New South Wales, the attacker is back on home soil, part of the hugely successful Perth RedStar side who have already sealed a third successive NPLWA title this season.
“I am very grateful to be playing for Perth RedStar and thoroughly enjoying playing for them. We have such a great mix of youth and experience and I really believe that shows in our performances each weekend. The girls have been playing together for a while now and I have gelled with the group so well, it is exciting.”
Doeglas believes that long term the longer A-League Women season may benefit the NPLW WA in terms of encouraging local players to remain in their home state to play, rather than going East to search for what can be perceived to be a higher standard of play.
Above: Caitlin Doeglas drives through for Perth RedStar at Subiaco this season. Photo: Denyse RM Photography.
“It is known that female players especially Glory players moved over East the past couple of seasons to play in NPLW NSW or NPLW VIC leagues, I did this too. However, now that A-League is a longer season, we see girls coming home or staying home to play. This is what has bought the quality of the league up. I also believe that the quality of girls coming through the youth system has improved drastically and there are some really exciting players, especially at RedStar.”
Above: Mia Bailey (right) and Sarah O’Donoghue. Photo: Heidelberg United
It is fair to say that Heidelberg United made some good decisions in the season that saw them crowned champions. One of those was the recruitment of Queensland star Mia Bailey.
The former Brisbane Roar goalkeeper’s arrival was a real coup for Heidelberg. At just 20 years of age, Bailey boasts A-League Women and Junior Matildas experience, along with an impressive personal highlight reel. Following her incredible form in both finals it is evident that the move to Victoria’s NPLW has turned out perfectly for club and player.
Initially, football was not the first thing on her mind.
“I just moved because I wanted to live in Melbourne, “ Bailey tells Impetus.
“I didn’t really think about like the footballing aspect.
“The club reached out to me and asked me if I wanted to come down.
“So I came down for a trial just to see how things were, and instantly at Heidelberg, I loved it all the girls.
“I love them so much. They’ve got such a good culture.”
“I just signed with them then and there.”
Bailey’s instincts were right, and she immediately felt at home at the other end of the country and in a new city.
“As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with so many different people and so many different families that make it feel so welcoming.
“We have dinner every Thursday night with the men’s team, and all the board members are there.
“It just creates such a good culture.”
Bailey is speaking to Impetus from the home of club administrator Helen Tyrikos. The iconic stalwart of the club and the newly arrived goalkeeper struck up an almost immediate rapport. It helped Bailey settle, and also get the best out of herself on the pitch.
“She’s been such a big part of my sort of move as well…she’s basically like a second mom to me.
“I love her so much. She’s another big part of why Heidelberg are such a good club! The things that she does for the whole club behind the scenes like nobody really sees it. But I’ve sort of had firsthand experience at what she does.
“She’s amazing.”
Bailey enjoyed the her new surroundings, but also liked the challenge of a different league. She describes the NPLW Victoria as a little faster than Queensland and with stronger teams at the bottom end of the table.
On the field she adapated quickly. The Melbourne winters provided a less welcome challenge for the Queenslander, but the club environment made up for that.
Bailey settled in as well as anybody could hope to, and captain Stephanie Galea was full of praise for the youngster. She was added to the team’s leadership group with no hesitation.
“Oh, she’s been amazing!” Galea said when asked about Bailey’s impact.
“She’s She’s just full of energy, and that energy just translates to the other players as well.
“She calls me grandma, but that’s okay. I’ll let it slide.
“She’s always positive making everyone laugh. And obviously she does a lot of work behind the scenes at the club as well
“She’s very vocal player, which I think helps as a goalkeeper.
“I see a lot of like younger keepers in the League, and I think having her experience and her voice has really helped us like so much just like leading from the back.
“I think that’s very important. Straight away I wanted her in my leadership team.
“Even though it was her first year I was like, this girl has what it takes to back me up.
“She’s one of my closest friends now, So I am very grateful that she came to the club.”
It was not an easy season for Heidelberg United. For the first half of the year, it looked as if they might have found themselves in a relegation battle, but they kept belief, found form and never lost confidence.
Bailey credits the win over eventual premiers Bulleen Lions as the turning point for the season, but observers were realising that they were becoming hard to score and defend against. Having a keeper capable of miracles like her double save in the semi final helps too.
With Heidelberg in control but only holding a 2-0 lead, Bulleen were growing into the game, and beginning to create repeated chances. When the ball fell to former Melbourne Victory attacker Tiffany Eliadis, a goal looked certain.
Bailey made not one but two close range saves within seconds. It was a sliding doors moment in a match that they would go on to win 4-2.
“Not a lot really goes through my mind,” says Bailey of those big moments.
“It’s sort of just reactions and it comes as it comes.
“In games like those, though you need to keep talking the whole time, because in the first half I felt like. I didn’t really do much to be honest, so I just got to keep myself switched on.”
As Galea said, Bailey is known for being vocal between the posts. She is not shy about directing her defence or trying to distract the opposition. For someone who appears to be a natural goalkeeper, it was a surprise to learn that she began her football journey as a striker.
She came to goalkeeping almost by accident after “mucking around” in goal at the Peninsula games while on trial for the state team. It was a good fit for the talented youngster and in the next few years she would represent her country and start in goal for Brisbane Roar.
“Yeah, I love it now,” she says of switching from outfield to goal.
“The pressure of it is a lot. But it’s also what makes it really fun, I guess.”
From “literally just mucking around” in goal at training to becoming an NPLW Champ with one of Victoria’s most storied clubs, Mia Bailey’s time in football so far has been eventful, and successful. She is an assured, composed but energetic presence as the last line of defence and a key reason that Heidelberg won this trophy.
For player and club, her arrival at Heidelberg United was one of the best signings of the 2024 season.
Above: Tom Sermanni is his role as Western Sydney’s women’s football advisor. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Matildas Asian Cup winning coach is back in the dugout at least for the time being. Tom Sermanni has been named interim manager of Australia for the October international window while Football Australia continues to finalize their search for Tony Gustavsson’s replacement.
Sermanni’s appointment comes as a surprise, but makes sense. He is perfect for the role and for the circumstances he will be walking in to.
The former Matildas boss is one of the most well regarded figures in the game and will be taking charge of the side for the third time (1994-1997 and 2005-2012).
He guided Australia to the quarter finals of the 2007 and 2011 World Cup’s and earned the nation’s first silverware since joining the AFC when The Matildas lifted the 2010 Asian Cup.
At club level, he has coached the Orlando Pride and been instrumental in the recent resurgence of the Western Sydney Wanderers.
However, his most important legacy has been in the players that he has brought through, and the faith he showed in youngsters that formed the foundation of the “golden generation.”
Caitlin Foord, Emily Van egmond, Kyah Simon and Sam Kerr all got their first caps under Sermanni. He not only gave the then prodigies a chance, but gave them responsibility.
Famously, he trusted Caitlin Foord to play at fullback on the legendary Brazillian Marta at the 2011 World Cup. At the age of just 16, it would be the making of the now iconic Matilda who would on to be named the best young player of the tournament by FIFA.
The 2010 Asian Cup was where a 16-year-old Sam Kerr was first unleased onto the world stage. The youngster scored against South Korea in the group stage and then in the final against North Korea. Likewise an 18 year old Kyah Simon was entrusted to win the game from the penalty spot and bring home the trophy for the first time in Australian history.
Sermanni is the right fit beyond decade old achievements. His name immediately inflects as feeling of good times and exciting possibilities, and right now, after three years of the most intense preparation the players will ever experience, a familiar, fondly remembered and highly respected face could be the best choice for a reset.
The smart money was on long time assistant Mel Andreatta. The current U23 coach will likely still be in contention for the senior job should she want it. But the benefit of Sermanni for a minimum of one window is that there is no pressure on him. He has nothing to prove and will probably not be auditioning for the full time role.
This means he will not be afraid to tinker or name a few surprises, but will also be familiar enough with the current squad without brining any baggage from the last eight years on board.
This is a good vibes appointment that gives Football Australia some room to breath and take their time. Sermanni’s record cannot really be criticised, and given that they have been clear it is an interim role, the usual stress around potential sackings that always seems to cloud both national teams should be entirely absent. His history at club and international level also shows a willingness to give youth a chance, should this tenure extend beyond the upcoming games expect him to experiment with some new faces.
Sermanni’s teams played some terrific football, set new standards, and provided some great memories. This is a circuit breaker from the tension of the last three years and should allow everyone to enjoy themselves again while nothing is at stake.
He is ideal for this team right now, and while the players will be looking to impress any incoming manager, he will simply look to maintain national team standards and ensure they can play at their best.
This is an excellent, low stakes, high reward appointment while Australia awaits a hugely important decision.
Ben Gilby reviews both of Sunday’s showdowns, with photography from Rob Lizzi at Perth RedStar v Perth SC (16/9/24).
Above: From left to right – Grace Johnston, Sam Mathers, and Ella Lincoln sprint forward to acclaim Charli Wainwright for hitting the winning penalty yesterdayat RedStar Arena. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth RedStar 0-0 Perth SC
After extra time, Perth SC won 3-2 on penalties.
The Azzurri are in the Top Four Cup Final after coming through a dramatic penalty shoot-out at RedStar Arena which saw Stacey Cavill make four superb saves.
Despite going down to defeat, RedStar deserve huge credit after having to play with 10 for so long after defender Abbey Woolley was sent off after being shown two yellow cards after 40 minutes. The two sides could not be separated after two hours of football, and the fourteen penalties produced only five goals with Perth SC claiming their place in the Final at their fourth attempt in the shoot-out.
Both head coaches made a single change to their starting lineups from last weekend’s State Cup Final where these sides faced off. Carlos Vega Mena brought in Renee Leota in place of Jayna Ridley for RedStar, with the Perth SC’s Danielle Brogan selecting Georgia Cassidy in midfield in place of Tijan McKenna.
Above: Momoko Sakairi (20) and Charli Wainwright tangle in yesterday’s game. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The Azzurri had the lions share of possession, but they were also working exceptionally hard off the ball with Charli Wainwright playing a key role in neutralising RedStar midfielder Reina Kagami. Olivia Wood’s danger was also largely held at arm’s length for most of the 90 minutes.
In terms of the early attacking threat, Sam Mathers was gaining plenty of space on the left to make runs and look to connect. With a quarter of an hour played, Perth had their first half chance of the encounter as Ella Lincoln won a corner on the left. Daisy McAllister lifted a cross in which was headed wide by Baxter Thew.
Above: Sam Mathers (azure shirt) looks to hold off RedStar’s Quyen Doan yesterday afternoon. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Just after the half-hour mark, Lincoln was felled between Andreia Teixeira and Abbey Woolley to the left of centre, with the former looking to be the one who made the contact, and a yellow card was shown. The free kick from McCartney, 25 yards out flew wide of the right-hand post.
Five minutes from the break, McAllister was brought down by Woolley on the left, and the RedStar defender was shown a yellow card, and then to her teammates’ audible shock, a red – they clearly believed the first yellow had been shown to Teixeira – but the referee stated otherwise, and Woolley was off.
Above: Andreia Teixeira (red shirt) tackles Ella Lincoln in the first half yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth had the first chance of the second half when Lincoln held off her defender and threaded a perfectly weighted ball through to McAllister who laid a square pass behind the RedStar defence for Mathers, but her eventual shot was held by Dal Busco.
The home side need to be applauded for their excellent defence throughout the remainder of the game. They never looked like they were a player down. Vega Mena’s side worked their socks off and had the experience of Dal Busco to frustrate Perth when they were able to break through.
Above: Andreia Teixeira (red shirt) tackles Ella Lincoln in the first half yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
With six minutes to go, RedStar gained their only spell of concerted offensive pressure of the half. Wood was fouled on the left, just outside the box. Carroll curled a free-kick in that Thew headed off the line at the cost of the first of three successive corners taken by Caitlin Doeglas. The first came in for Quyen Doan to see her header deflected out for a repeat flag kick ahead forcing another that ended with Kagami’s effort cleared off the line. It remained goalless at the end of 90 minutes.
It was the Azzurri who returned to the ascendancy in the opening period of extra time. Mathers found Lincoln on the left who fired a powerful effort that Dal Busco pushed out for a corner. From this, the visitors earned a throw that Mathers directed to McAllister who chipped the ball over Momoko Sakairi. RedStar failed to get a firm clearance, and the ball fell awkwardly for McKenna on the edge of the box, which caused her shot to just clear the bar.
Above: Daisy McAllister (azure shirt) looks to escape from Andreia Teixeira yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
With four minutes of extra time remaining, Johnston was fouled by Sakairi on the right, parallel with the penalty spot. McCartney stepped up to deliver the set piece towards Lincoln, but the NPLW WA’s top scorer saw her low shot cleared. Dal Busco would also deny Lincoln in the closing stages after being found by Johnston.
In the dying embers, RedStar earned two half chances themselves – first for Wood whose effort went wide of the right-hand post, and then Doeglas, but Cavill gathered well.
Above: Perth RedStar goalkeeper Gabby Dal Busco, who had another fine afternoon, gathers ahead of Perth SC’s Ruby Marshall yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
So, the place in the Top Four Cup Final would be decided by penalties. If the two hours we had just watched weren’t dramatic enough, it was nothing compared with what would follow.
Sarah Carroll stepped up to take the first kick for the hosts – but was forced to wait for a long time to take it due to a combination of Cavill adjusting her gloves, and the top right-hand corner of the net needing repairing. To her credit, she fired home. Ella Lincoln strode forward for the Azzurri’s opener, but Dal Busco saved to the left of centre.
Cometh the hour, cometh Stacey Cavill. Whilst RedStar were frustrated by what they felt were her delaying tactics, she launched into a series of stunning saves – starting with denying Anderson’s effort to the right. McCartney levelled the scores at 1-1 dispatching her penalty high into the roof of the net. Next up for RedStar was Teixeira who sent her effort over the bar. Grace Johnston responded by coolly hitting a low effort into the left-hand corner.
Above: Stacey Cavill makes one of her four saves during the penalty shoot-out. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Cavill made it advantage Perth when she saved Wood’s shot to the left. It meant that Mathers could put her side into the final by scoring – but agonisingly the penalty went over the top. Doeglas was next up and calmly hit her effort down the centre to bring the scores back to 2-2. McKenna now had the chance to claim the win – but the Young Matilda saw her shot go wide of the left-hand post.
Into sudden death, and RedStar’s experienced Emily Dunn strode forward, but Cavill saved down the middle. Perth were one kick away from the Final again – but the drama was still not over as Thew hit her penalty over the top.
Kagami placed the ball in a bid to put the advantage in the home side’s favour – but yet again, Cavill saved at the right-hand post. Wainwright placed the ball to confidently strike home the winning penalty. The young midfielder had given the Azzurri their first-ever win over Perth RedStar in the Top Four Cup.
This was another huge achievement by Danielle Brogan’s team. They had to show so many qualities to earn the victory – game management, confidence, organisation, belief, and no little skill. Perth SC have earned a full week of preparation for a Top Four Cup Final for the first time.
More of Rob Lizzi’s photos from RedStar Arena yesterday
After Extra-Time, Balcatta Etna win 3-1 on penalties.
Above: Abbey Meakins, who hit the penalty that would eventually seal Balcatta’s victory – seen in action earlier in the season. Photo: Denyse RM Photography.
Balcatta Etna overcame the sending off of star striker Lucy Jerram, and being pegged back within three minutes of taking the lead to run out winners after a penalty shoot out with Fremantle City.
Jerram was sent from the field after being given two yellow cards, but Pete Rakic’s side were able to overcome this set back to advance to within one match of their first ever Top Four Cup Final.
After a goalless first half, Balcatta hit the front with 72 minutes played. Liz Anton’s throw-in just inside her own half found Jamie-Lee Gale up the touchline. Her original low cross in was cut out by Annabelle Leek, only as far as Izzy Foletta to play a low shot in which was parried by Dayle Schroeder in the Freo goal into the path of the onrushing Liana Cook to fire home at the back post.
GOAL! 71:50
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Balcatta Etna FC W in the Balcatta Etna FC W vs Fremantle City W match at Grindleford Reserve.
However, the home side’s lead would last for just three minutes. Abbey Green played a perfectly weighted pass from inside her own half out to Erin Siah on the left-hand touchline to square a low ball in for former Balcatta player Mia Yeo to send a shot between Rebecca Bennett’s legs and in.
GOAL! 74:40
Goal in the NPLWA – Women's competition for Fremantle City W in the Balcatta Etna FC W vs Fremantle City W match at Grindleford Reserve.
And so to penalties. First up was Freo’s star defender Leek who saw her effort fly over the bar. It was a heartbreaking miss for a player who was absolutely outstanding once more throughout the encounter. Liz Anton, newly signed by Canberra United took advantage with the New Zealand international blasting her kick straight down the middle and into the net.
Alex Poad got Fremantle on the board as her low shot to the left beat Bennett. Faye Phillips responded by blasting her penalty – Schroeder got a hand to it, but there was more than enough power to ensure it went in for the hosts to lead 2-1.
Janice Kiama stepped up for the visitors, but her effort was smothered by Bennett, diving to the right. Abbey Meakins ensured that Balcatta profited yet again as she dispatched her kick with aplomb to ensure the home side continued their 100% record from the spot.
Catherine Adams placed the ball for Freo’s fourth kick, knowing she had to score to keep her team’s hopes alive. After a short run-up, Bennett dived to the right once more to save, and Balcatta had won.
Pete Rakic’s side now go on to face Perth RedStar in midweek for the right to take on Perth SC in the Top Four Cup Final at the Sam Kerr Football Centre next weekend.
Above: Stephanie Galea after Heidelberg’s Grand Final win. Photo: Football Victoria.
Heidelberg United captain Stephanie Galea talks to Impetus about a season that will go down in history.
After nine years at Heidelberg United, Steph Galea can finally call herself a Grand Final winner. A remarkable campaign saw her team struggle with form at the beginning of the season, with the team hovering in and around the bottom of the table.
A mid-season coaching change made all the difference. Since then, the team went from strength to strength winning six out of their last eight regular season games, before completing an astonishing turnaround to become NPLW champions. Steph Galea spoke to Impetus about what caused the change in fortunes, the dramatic ending to the final and her love affair with Heidelberg.
The start of the season for the club was a real challenge that saw disappointing result after disappointing result, only gaining one point from the opening three fixtures.
“We struggled a lot. We couldn’t really get going. We were playing okay football but obviously the results and the goals weren’t being scored” Galea said
“I thought it was going to be one of those seasons where we finished on the bottom. And you know, after being there for nine years, I was thinking is this ever going happen for me?”
The poor start saw the removal of manager Louis Spiridis. After the arrival of his replacement Sven Samild and with help from coach Dennis Georgeakopolous, Heidelberg’s form saw a dramatic improvement, winning their first three games after Samild’s appointment
“When Sven came in it was like a breath of fresh air. He said to me if we’re going to get relegated, let’s get relegated having fun. And moments later we were in contention of making the top four.
“From there we didn’t really look back. We started getting the results straight away and were scoring plenty of goals.
“When you’re happier you play your best football so I think that was the biggest difference”
The Grand Final itself was this epitome of this turnaround. With ten minutes to go, Preston led 2-1 and look set to win. Heidelberg had other ideas. In the 88th minute, Keely Lockhart drew them level. They then went one better in the 95th, when Mami Ambo rose highest to nod the ball home to seal an improbable victory.
“I remember looking at the scoreboard, and I saw that there was ten minutes to go, and I said, surely this is not happening to me again. I still had hope that we would come back because we had done it many times before
“I think it’s just the togetherness of this team. They just back each other so much and they fight for each other”
This isn’t Galea’s first taste of success whilst playing for Heidelberg. In her first season at the club in 2016, she won the Nike FC cup. Yet the Grand Final victory was the culmination of years of work and effort.
“It’s obviously a bit more special, because I’ve been working so hard for it and the club have been as well
“Last year I wasn’t sure if I was going to continue playing, maybe drop down a level and play a bit more for fun.
“So, the fact that I stuck it out and I really wanted to win something at that club because they deserved made it that much sweeter”
This was also significant season for Galea in terms of personal achievement. She played her 150th game for Heidelberg. Over that time the club has become an integral part of her life. Her role at the club has evolved past just being a player, now taking on coaching responsibilities at the club for the junior teams.
“The club means everything to me. I’ve been welcomed with open arms and been looked after ever since.”
“I’ve also got involved in coaching. my main goal was to create a unity between the junior program and the seniors, because sometimes that can be a little bit separate
“I’d make sure all the senior players would go down to each age groups training sessions have a kick around with them.
“There’s people at that club that have just done so much for me, and I feel like now I’ve finally repaid them for everything”
Above: Mary Fowler, one of Sophie Puodzius’ five players ready to dominate the WSL in the new season. Photo: Adam Johnstone for Impetus.
The long-awaited 24/25 Women’s Super League season is set to get underway later this month just 42 days after the conclusion of the prestigious Paris Olympics, and here is my guide of four of the best overseas players to keep an eye on, along with one potential huge Lionesses star of the future.
The number of players moving to the WSL from abroad has increased exponentially over recent years due to the great opportunity for development that the league offers. This is because players are able to go up against tough opposition on a regular basis and compete for a number of coveted trophies.
The upcoming season hopes to build on this as we are increasingly seeing the rapid evolution of players who are rising through the ranks to establish themselves as big names within the WSL.
Here is a rundown of some of the most exciting players who are ready to take the WSL by storm in the 24/25 WSL season.
Sandy Baltimore
Above: Sandy Baltimore in action for previous club Paris St Germain. Photo: PSG Feminines.
The former Paris St Germain winger made a move to West London back in July, signing a four-year contract with reigning WSL champions Chelsea.
The 24-year-old is an extremely versatile player who has the ability to impress across the attacking midfield and on both wings. As a natural left-footer, Baltimore is ruthless in front of goal, scoring 42 goals in nearly 200 appearances for PSG.
The French international was a key target for the incoming head coach Sonia Bompastor, who had recognised Baltimore’s potential from her time as manager at PSG’s rivals Lyon. The French international’s UEFA Champions League experience will undoubtedly prove to be crucial for a team who are seeking their first title in this competition.
Baltimore is a great addition to a newly revamped Chelsea side owing to her immense pace and agility. She is composed on the ball and can maintain possession which will contribute to the team’s hold-up play.
Her spatial awareness allows her to accurately execute both long and short passes which creates fluidity in Chelsea’s style of play. She also utilises her pace to outrun opponents before putting crosses into the penalty area,with an 89% take-on success rate last season.
Meanwhile, her shooting abilities could prove to be extremely crucial to Chelsea’s future success as her positioning and finishing in front of goal is first-class whilst she is also a confident penalty taker. This is because one of Chelsea’s weaknesses last season was their failure to capitalise upon their goal-scoring opportunities, perhaps most notably in the Champions League Semi-Final against Barcelona.
Overlooked by a sold-out Stamford Bridge, the Blues failed to convert their share of chances including a vicious effort from Erin Cuthbert which was fired over the bar.
Contrastingly, Barcelona took advantage of their attacking opportunities and sealed the win thanks to a late penalty which saw them through to the Champions League Final. In these highly competitive matches, Baltimore could alter Chelsea’s fortunes as she is an extremely creative player, averaging five shot-creating actions per game.
The French international initiates numerous attacking opportunities and isn’t afraid to shoot which could make her a perfect addition to Bompastor’s side. Therefore, we could see Baltimore link up well with left-back Niamh Charles if she is deployed on the left wing. The pair will combine well along the left flank to create chances through overlapping runs and through balls.
In her first season as a Blue, Baltimore will be aiming to impress Bompastor and develop further as a player in a new league against world-class opposition.
Mary Fowler
Above: Mary Fowler – who took her chance for Manchester City towards the end of last season. Photo: Harvey Todd for Impetus.
The Australian superstar signed for Manchester City in 2022 and is renowned for her skill and technical qualities.
In the early stages of last season, Fowler struggled for game time owing to fierce competition in her position from the likes of Lionesses Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly. As a result, she started the first six games but was left out of the starting lineup for five months.
Towards the closing stages of the season, manager Gareth Taylor had clearly recognised Fowler’s potential as she was finally given her chance to shine. The Cairns-born star quickly hit the ground running, contributing four goals and four assists in seven games.
The ousting of Chloe Kelly raised a few eyebrows but Fowler seized her opportunity, and proved her immense value through several outstanding performances.
She links up well with Manchester City’s right-back Kerstin Casparij through the completion of overlapping runs which can overload opposition defenders and open up space for neat crosses to be delivered into the penalty area.
The Australian international offers something different from conventional wingers as her dribbling abilities with both feet allow her to successfully take on opposition defenders.Therefore, she registered six shot-creating actions and five progressive passes per 90 minutes last season, which highlights her progressive play.
Fowler is a set piece specialist who utilises her great vision to accurately pick out her teammates before floating perfectly weighted crosses into the penalty area. Her versatility is invaluable for both club and country as she excels across the front line and in the centre of midfield. Fowler is a reliable player who can be trusted to look after the ball and carry out hold-up play which allows her teammates to move higher up the field.
She was a key cog in the Manchester City machine that had a record breaking run of 14 unbeaten games in the WSL last season, including a historic win against Chelsea at Kingsmeadow.
Despite this, City cruelly missed out on the trophy due to goal difference whilst Chelsea retained their title for the fifth year running. This raises the tough question of the crucial difference that Fowler could have made if she was entrusted earlier in the campaign.
Looking ahead to this season, the Australian international will be aiming to establish herself as a regular fixture in City’s starting XI. Fowler’s influence will prove to be vital for City’s success as they prepare to begin their title campaign and look to avenge last season’s disappointment.
Laia Codina
Above: Laia Codina celebrates with a post match drink after winning the Conti Cup last season. Photo: Arsenal Women.
At the age of only 24, Codina is already a Champions League and World Cup winner. The former Barcelona defender signed for Arsenal last year with the aim of seeking regular game time and bringing major silverware to North London.
As a versatile player, Codina possesses an array of skills from dribbling to last-ditch tackles which marks her as one of the most exciting defenders to watch in the WS L.
Codina’s superb vision sets her apart from other defenders of her calibre as her notable passing statistics are comparable to the likes of Leah Williamson and Mapi León. Her ability to detect opposition attacking opportunities allows her to shift into positions where she is perfectly placed to make crucial blocks and interceptions.
She is a creative centre-back who is often seen scouring the pitch and directing teammates, with an 89% pass completion rate last season. The majority of her goal-scoring chances arise from set pieces where she uses her physical presence to tower over opponents, and direct the ball towards the face of goal.
The Spaniard put on a defensive masterclass against Chelsea in the 2024 Continental Cup Final at Molineux. As a half-time substitute for the renowned Leah Williamson, Codina quickly settled into the game, completing a series of crucial blocks to halt opposition attacks and maintain a clean sheet.
The Spaniard has a great partnership with Lotte Wubben Moy which has been showcased when this pairing have been utilised together. Wubben Moy undertakes the role of the more physical centre-back which allows Codina to press forward during attacking opportunities. Furthermore, both defenders have strong aerial capabilities meaning that they can pose a huge threat from set-pieces.
On the international stage, she has 19 caps and two goals which is made more impressive when the overload of talent within the Spanish team is considered. Her proficiency and reliability was acknowledged as she was handed starts in both the World Cup and Nations League finals, where she excelled against tough opposition.
Despite her clear talent, Codina only started five WSL games last season and made eight appearances in total. She will be seeking an increase in game time as her impressive performances have shown that she is more than capable, given the opportunity.
In her second season as a Gunner, the Spanish international will be hoping to break into Jonas Eidevall’s starting eleven as well as playing a greater role in her teams’ title ambitions.
Olivia Smith
Above: Olivia Smith in action for Sporting last season. Photo: Gualter Fatia.
The Canadian international has recently signed a long-term contract with Liverpool after a breakthrough season at Sporting Lisbon, scoring 16 goals in 28 games.
Smith’s highly anticipated arrival sets a new transfer fee record for Liverpool Women. This shows the intent that the Reds had to release Smith from her contract at Sporting, beating many top clubs in the race to snatch up the rising star.
The midfielder will be a great addition for Liverpool as her speed and tenacity in front of goal makes her a huge attacking threat. She predominantly stars as a right-winger owing to her dribbling abilities which enable her to cut inside and create space for goal-scoring opportunities.
Smith’s awareness on the pitch is beyond her years as she regularly plays pinpoint through balls to her teammates and delivers neat crosses into the 18-yard box. This means that we could see her link up with the likes of Sophie Roman Haug who is a great attacking header of the ball, winning 99% of her aerial duels last season.
Liverpool exceeded all expectations last season, finishing fourth in the league with many outstanding performances; however there are still some shortcomings that the Reds need to address that could otherwise prevent them from competing for a top-three finish.
Smith could prove to be a vital signing for Liverpool as a lack of goals scored per game was a key weakness of their campaign last season. They ranked as the fourth-lowest goalscorers with only 24 in 22 games. The team often failed to capitalise upon their chances in front of goal leading to costly defeats in games where they dominated possession.
For example, Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw at home against relegated Bristol City despite stats of 63% possession and 10 shots.
Therefore, Smith could have a huge impact upon a Liverpool side that can lack a clinical presence in front of goal. She is a playmaker who’s progressive play could prove to be crucial, especially in these tight games. This may prevent Liverpool from dropping vital points that kept them outside of a top-three finish last season.
Smith can help to solidify Liverpool’s attacking presence after the departures of Shanice Van De Sanden and Melissa Lawley. Her arrival will look to catalyse their hunt for silverware as the club is undergoing a period of rapid development with increased investment in their women’s team.
Grace Clinton
Above: Grace Clinton (centre, white shirt) reacts in Spurs’ home game with Chelsea last season. Photo: Anthony Hanc for Impetus.
Manchester United’s Grace Clinton is a generational talent who has made headlines for her dominant performances for both club and country.
Clinton received her maiden Lionesses call-up in 2023 as her rapid improvement caught the eye of Sarina Wiegman.
The young star has been a valuable asset to teams that she has previously been loaned to, owing to her ability to influence the direction of games. Perhaps most notably, she helped Tottenham Hotspur to reach the FA Cup Final for the first time in their history with her influence being cemented by being voted as supporters’ player of the season.
Her absence in the FA Cup Final against her parent club Manchester United inevitably impacted Spurs’ as they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at Wembley Stadium. This exemplifies Clinton’s importance to the team’s success owing to her incredible dribbling capabilities and ability to drive the ball forward.
Therefore, her presence could have prevented sloppy goals being conceded by a team that looked disjointed and unnerved. Clinton was undoubtedly a crucial component of Spurs’ setup therefore it will be interesting to see how the Lilywhites fare without her.
Clinton is the definition of a true box-to-box midfielder who orchestrates attacking opportunities but also drops back to defend diligently when required. She won 80% of tackles last season, demonstrating her physicality and strength.
Upon her return to Manchester United, it’s likely that we will see her link up with fellow Lioness Ella Toone who frequently features in the number 10 role. Both players are attack-minded with the capacity to shoot from distance, therefore it’s likely that the pair will link up well to create chances in front of goal.
Ahead of the 24/25 WSL season, Clinton will be seeking regular game time at Manchester United with the hope of claiming major silverware whilst also aiming to play a part in defending England’s title at the 2025 Euros.
Ben Gilby has been covering the National Premier Leagues Women’s (NPLW) competition in Western Australia for a number of years now. His coverage of it on the site is consistently among Impetus‘ most-read articles eachweek. But why is this? Why does this league mean so much to him, and who are the clubs and people that make the competition what it is? (11/9/24)
Above: Perth RedStar’s Olivia Wood (right) prepares to cross against Perth SC in a battle of the top two at RedStar Arena at the end of July. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
It’s the weekend. Hundreds of females from the youngest of ages up to seniors all kitted out and down at the ground to play.
Subiaco AFC provides opportunities for females to play from the age of three all the way up to walking football. Seniors are not just the name for the club’s NPLW WA side. It goes way beyond that. This is a club where no matter your age, potentially there is a team for you.
Whilst not every club in the competition has such a range of ages turning out for them each week, Subiaco epitomises what the NPLW WA competition is – community-driven with volunteers putting in the hours to do jobs as diverse as marking the pitch, ordering the food, putting the nets up, and coaching the teams.
Above: Matchday at Subiaco’s Rosalie Park ground. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
The background and set-up
This season, the fifth in the competition’s history, which is embryonic among other state NPLW competitions, has been the most competitive yet – both at the top and bottom of the table. Whilst Perth RedStar may have been crowned as league champions for the third year in a row, the remaining silverware – the State Cup, and the Top Four Cup (a post-regular season competition for the teams who finished first to fourth over 21 weeks) – could be won by any of the competing teams, not something that has always been the case.
The NPLW is a second tier of state football leagues in Australia, below the A-League Women. The competition is divided up on a state basis. Australia is divided into the states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. There are additional ‘territories’—the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) with the connected Jervis Bay Territory and the Northern Territory.
There is no promotion and relegation from the A-League to the State NPLW leagues, and, given that, apart from some overlap at the start of the NPLW seasons, a number of players will play in both competitions for effectively year-round football.
The NPLW WA is one of seven state leagues (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, ACT, and Northern New South Wales are the others), and it became the sixth to be set up in 2020. The competitions are overseen by Football Australia in partnership with the state governing body of the sport in each case (Football West for Western Australia), the idea behind the competition is, in the words of Anthony Siokos in the Sports Business Insider, to “monitor and improve elite player development.”
Western Australia’s league has eight clubs, and there are four competitions across the season. There is the pre-season Night Series, which sees the eight clubs divided into two groups of four for round-robin matches followed by semi-finals and a final. Then the main NPLW WA league competition of 21 rounds where each team plays each other three times. This is supplemented by the State Cup (for the eight NPLW WA clubs and eight from the league below – the Women’s Division One), and the Top Four Cup, an end of regular season Finals competition for the teams that finish first to fourth in the NPLW WA.
The eight clubs that took part in the 2024 NPLW WA are Perth RedStar (three-time champions and Top Four Cup winners), Perth SC, Balcatta Etna, Fremantle City, Hyundai NTC (effectively the State U18 representative side), Subiaco, Murdoch University Melville (two-time league winners, one Top Four Cup), and UWA-Nedlands. The latter became the first side to be promoted into the competition as they replaced Curtin University who finished bottom at the end of the 2023 season.
For those overseas, trying to identify what sort of level the NPLW WA would be equal to in Europe is challenging due to the varying degrees of club strength. It would probably be a fair estimate to suggest that a game between the competition’s top sides would roughly equate to an average Championship (tier two) standard in England. Matches between the clubs around the fifth to eighth place in the league can vary from tier three to tier five standard in England, depending on factors such as availability, injuries, and playing conditions.
Above: Murdoch University Melville lift the 2021 NPLW WA championship. Photo: FotoEnzo.
The unique challenges
Every NPLW competition in Australia has its own challenges – finances, having to train and play matches around full-time work or studies are ones that all have in common. Yet Western Australia has several other hurdles that its players need to clear that their counterparts elsewhere in the country do not have to overcome.
Western Australia covers a landmass roughly the size of Western Europe and is an inherently rural state. Just over 2,000,000 people live in Perth, but after that, the state’s next biggest city is Bunbury with around 74,000 people, followed by Geraldton at just under 38,000. Those population figures plus the huge distances between population areas make it very difficult indeed for any player outside of the Greater Perth region to be noticed.
The Goldfields region of the state, around a seven-hour drive from Perth has produced several outstanding players such as Lydia Williams, and now Tanika Lala and the area in the South-West of the state has also developed some real talent – Tash Rigby from Margaret River being just one, but how many superb female footballers have been missed simply because they were not spotted by coaches, or were not able to uproot their lives and move hours and hundreds of kilometres from their families and jobs in pursuit of a footballing career?
To reach the full potential of that footballing career can, for the best of the best, mean international representation. This is another big quandary facing Western Australian players. The national teams and their coaches are based on the east coast (effectively Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane), literally thousands of kilometres and over four hours by plane away.
For a number of years, players in Western Australia have been encouraged to move across to the eastern states to improve their chances of being noticed by the national team coaches. This has had the dual impact of inhibiting the growth of a strong local competition with top players feeling they have to move to the other side of the country – something that also impacts the state’s sole pro club, Perth Glory, as very few of their players get selected for national teams until they move to pro clubs on the east coast.
The one positive of the above situation is the enhanced identity that Western Australians have – there is, to an extent an underlying feeling of “us and them” in relation to the eastern states. It develops a sense of deep pride in where they come from, and what it is to be Western Australian. With the A-League Women competition now having a full home and away season, more players are now considering staying in WA to play their NPLW football.
Above: Perth SC’s Tijan McKenna, who returned to the NPLW WA for this season after several years playing in the NPLW Victoria. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
More of Perth Glory’s players have played NPLW in Western Australia this year, and indeed, Tijan McKenna has come back from Melbourne after a couple of years in the NPLW Victoria, with Ruby Cuthbert returning from Brisbane Roar and Ischia Brooking from Western Sydney Wanderers playing in the competition this year as well. That can only be a big benefit for the league, and it can’t be a coincidence that the NPLW WA has been far more competitive at the top and bottom this year.
Media coverage of any NPLW competition is limited. The NPLW WA has every match available to view online live or on-demand via the website www.streamer.com.au – in terms of other content, it is all driven and delivered by volunteers. The overall quality of the work produced by volunteers covering the competition in their own time is exceptional – but at the same time, it’s disappointing that the competition has to rely on people doing it for their sheer love of the league and its clubs to promote it.
At the current time, in terms of written media, three people/outlets either provide previews or round wrap articles (or both) for each week of the season. Each year that has gone by, I have tried hard to extend the coverage of the competition that I provide – going from a weekly round wrap, to a detailed match report and review of the other games, with weekly in-depth interview features with players, and now a monthly player of the month feature and team of the season piece.
In the spoken word media, there is the weekly Perth Football Podcast which runs an episode specifically focusing on the women’s game, and Radio Fremantle’s World Football Show host Penny Tanner Hoath is a recognised name in the Western Australian women’s football circles and, indeed has appeared on the bench for Murdoch University Melville this season.
But the fact remains that there is a reliance on people supporting the development and progress of competition in their spare time. This isn’t a Western Australia problem, it’s an Australian football problem all around.
Within Western Australia – and indeed several other states – the AFL (Australian Rules) is king – dominating both broadcast and written media time – and bums on seats in stadiums at the same time that the NPLW is in progress. The recent announcement that Perth is going to get a NRL (Rugby League) side again will make that media space even more congested. Any non-Matildas-related mainstream media coverage is very difficult to obtain for the round ball game.
The clubs and players
Above: Northern Redbacks celebrate their 2022 Night Series Final win over Balcatta Etna – their last game before becoming Perth RedStar. Photo: FotoEnzo.
The NPLW WA has eight clubs in it. This is the first season that promotion and relegation has played a part in the construction of the league with UWA-Nedlands entering the 2024 competition for the first time, replacing Curtin University.
Perth RedStar
The most successful side in the competition – formally Northern Redbacks. In the Redbacks era as a female-only set-up, they enjoyed huge success not only within Western Australia but more widely. Among the headline achievements was the winning of the 2013 Interstate Challenge Cup against Adelaide City on penalties.
They have a track record of huge success with their age group teams competing both locally and overseas. In 2022, the team merged with ECU Joondalup to become Perth RedStar. Since then the silverware has continued to be won with three successive NPLW WA championships and two Top Four Cup victories.
Apart from being supremely well coached by Carlos Vega Mena, RedStar can point to continuity in their playing squad with a number of their team having played over 200 (in some cases over 300) matches for the team. Indeed, a look back at the squad for that Interstate Challenge Cup win over Adelaide City 11 years ago reveals three – Carla Bennett, Renee Leota, and Emily Dunn – who have played NPLW WA football for RedStar this season.
Above: Perth RedStar’s Olivia Wood (right, red shirt) in action earlier this season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
This is a team stacked full of outstanding players who are consistently excellent in their pursuit of more NPLW WA silverware. Starting at the back with Gabby Dal Busco, goalkeeper for Perth Glory in the 2016 W-League Grand Final, who remains arguably the best shot-stopper in the league.
RedStar can point to the hugely impressive stalwarts of Andreia Teixeira and Emily Dunn, whose calming presence and ‘been there, done it’ mentality rubs off on the younger faces around them which include the hugely talented young Mischa Anderson. Other members of the squad in the earlier stages of their career include Olivia Wood – a thrilling attacker, who combines excellent footwork with marvellous vision and the ability to score a lot of goals.
Then add in the experience of Sarah Carroll who is so often at the heart of everything that is good about RedStar. Carroll has relentless energy and belief to both support her team through the middle third, take sublime set-pieces, and track back to defend with aplomb. Further up the field is Caitlin Doeglas – another player with A-League Women experience in the past. The former Perth Glory player clearly loves life at RedStar Arena and has used pace, outrageous skill, and quality finishing to light up the competition this season.
No discussion about Perth RedStar is complete without a mention of their Japanese sensation Reina Kagami. The league’s top scorer last season, Kagami, with compatriots Manami Arai and Momoko Sakairi around her, has had another strong season. The goals have still flowed, but crucially, so have the excellent vision and link-up play.
RedStar are the epitome of a champion side – any time their opposition doesn’t take chances in front of goal, they have a habit of going up the other end of the field and punishing those misses to take victory. They have set the bar high – but other teams are starting to really rise to the challenge now.
Above: Perth SC’s Dorrien Gardens stadium. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Perth SC
RedStar’s closest challengers in recent years finishing second in both the league and Top Four Cup. However, the newly crowned State Cup Winners have gone up another level this season with former Matilda Danielle Brogan recruiting extremely well upon her return as head coach.
Coming in from A-League Women side Perth Glory were young stars, Georgia Cassidy and Grace Johnston. A third Young Matilda Tijan McKenna returned from Victoria, and Murdoch University Melville’s impressive pair of Charli Wainwright and Sam Mathers also arrived. Offensively, Ella Lincoln remained at the club to continue her dangerous partnership with Jess Flannery, and at the back, the key presence of Baxter Thew, Kimberley McCartney, and Epril Nossent produce significant ballast.
Above: This season’s NPLW WA top scorer, Perth SC’s Ella Lincoln (azure shirt) lets fly at Murdoch University Melville. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Any team that could put out a midfield of Daisy McAllister, Wainwright, Cassidy, and McKenna, with the latter thriving in a central midfield position was always going to be a threat.
The Azzurri (the club’s nickname due to their historic connections to groups from the city’s Italian community) have pieced together an exciting passing game this year. Within the squad is a mixture of WA-produced Young Matildas, local players in the early stages of their careers, and battle-hardened experienced NPLW WA players. Another second-place finish has been secured and after clinching a first-ever State Cup win against Perth RedStar last weekend, hopes are high for their Top Four Cup campaign.
Above: In the huddle this season – Balcatta Etna. Photo: Denyse RM Photography.
Balcatta Etna
A team with a strong-looking squad, who threaten to be a real handful in the Top Four Cup.
With a lot of new faces to mix in with retained players at the Home Group Stadium, head coach Pete Rakic worked well to bring his squad together – there is a real sense of belonging, identity, and sheer enjoyment at being part of the team. Balcatta can point to the likes of dangerous attacking pair Lucy Jerram and Monique Prinsloo, who combine real pace with predatory finishing, backed up by Abbey Meakins, one of several players to have followed Rakic from Perth SC at the end of last season.
Above: Balcatta Etna’s Abbey Meakins, a consistently impressive performer in the NPLA WA. Photo: Denyse RM Photography.
Meakins is a superb striker of a set-piece who weighs in with more than her fair share of goals. Joining her in midfield are the likes of Kat Jukic and Liana Cook who pull the strings linking with the strikers ahead of them well. At the back, Balcatta has the presence of Rebecca Bennett in goal who is a fine shot-stopper with Faye Phillips and Alyssa van Heurck marshalling the defence. In the final month of the regular season, a further squad boost in the shape of New Zealand international Liz Anton and local A-League Women star Izzy Folletta has further added to their stocks.
Balcatta have found their form at the right time, and have the ability to take silverware before the end of September.
Above: Abbey Green fires in a shot for Fremantle City at Subiaco last month. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Fremantle City
A team who had an up-and-down season, after losing a lot of key players at the end of 2023. The port city side are extremely well coached by Faye Chambers and after taking a while to find their feet, produced an extremely strong middle third of the season, which included an impressive win over Perth RedStar.
Once the club were able to get them on the pitch after a break following the A-League Women season, their potent pair of attackers, Abbey Green and Tanika Lala, at times have been unplayable. Green is one of the most watchable wide players in the competition with searing pace and excellent footwork.
Lala has long been thought of as one of the state’s biggest potential stars of the future after two stellar years with the NTC behind her. A goalscorer extraordinaire who has the dual qualities of pace and power, Lala is a major threat to any team at this level.
Above: Fremantle City’s Alex Poad (burgundy shirt) scoring at Perth SC this season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Whilst their attacking pair has taken much of the attention this season, elsewhere, Alex Poad and Annabelle Leek have provided consistently high-quality performances and have been hugely influential in the team’s progress. Goalkeeper Dayle Schroeder has been in career-best form as well. The team can also boast the combative and creative flair of Janice Kiama, who plays a key role in linking up with the attackers, and the talented Olivia Trueman who causes defences no end of problems both out wide and when she cuts inside.
However, they suffered the loss of three regular starters – Clara Hoarau, Maya Spatafore, and Anna Powell overseas in early August which coincided with a more challenging run of results. Whilst there is a case in point to consider Fremantle as a team in transition with other sides around them looking stronger, there is a gritty determination and belief to push for honours that mark them out as regular tough opposition. You know you have done well if you can leave Hilton Park with points. On their day, Freo can beat anybody.
Above: Violet Longmore in action for Hyundai NTC this season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football West NTC.
Hyundai NTC
A team that provide one of the anomalies for people overseas watching the NPLW. Hyundai NTCis, effectively the state representative under-18 side. They compete each week against the other seven sides who have considerably older players, some with A-League Women and international experience. Regardless, the NTC has had huge success in recent years.
Exceptionally well coached by Ben Anderton, the team has just come out of a golden generation with players such as Georgia Cassidy, Tanika Lala, Grace Johnston, Ischia Brooking, Lilly Bailey, and Ruby Cuthbert all going on to earn A-League Women contracts for 2023/24. A State Cup Final win last season and Top Four Cup Final appearances have been achieved with a team playing, at times breathtaking football.
After so many of their successful side from the last two years became too old to represent the set-up this season, it has taken some time for the new crop to find their feet in terms of consistent results, but there have been some great moments.
The return of Ruby Cuthbert and Ischia Brooking from inter-state has been huge but also has been the presence of the likes of Theodora Mouithys, Mia Britton, Violet Longmore, and Klaudia Houlis.
Above: Theodora Mouithys (blue shirt nearest camera) drives forward for Hyundai NTC at UWA-Nedlands this season. Photo: Cat Bryant.
Mouithys is a powerful attacker with immense upper-body strength who has proved to be a real handful for the league’s experienced defenders this season. Britton is a winger for the ages. The teenager has real pace allied with both fancy footwork and confidence to hit stunning shots from long range.
Longmore is yet another member of this squad with the air of someone far more experienced than her years. A player who always leads by example, she has every chance of being the next elegant ball-playing star to emerge from the NTC setup. Houlis has been an attacker who has played above her age grade for several years and is now in her second year with the senior NTC side and has the ability to score goals from nothing.
Head coach Anderton sets his teams up to play out from the back and move forward with patient, well-structured passing football that is a joy to watch. Occasionally things can go wrong and goals get conceded, but at the heart of this team is the overwhelming focus on player development, risk-taking, and preparing these players for the future. The next generation of Western Australian female footballers look very bright indeed.
Above: Subiaco head coach Greg Farrell makes a point to his team. Photo: Denyse RM Photography.
Subiaco
A team that has slowly built and stand on the cusp of being a team that can push for Finals football – but needs to solve the conundrum of how to make the jump from being well clear of the bottom two to consistently winning the games that will push them into the top four discussions.
Winless in their first season in 2020, Subi has won a minimum of five games from 2022 onwards and has a strong second XI competing in the league below. Whilst Marianna Tabain may take the headlines for her sumptuous touches and ability in front of goal, their squad has a host of players who, on their day, can cause the more established sides problems.
Above: Marianna Tabain (white shirt, centre), bursts through for Subiaco against Perth RedStar this season. Photo: Denyse RM Photography.
The club’s status as a gradually improving side is matched by the growing number of impressive squad members. Former A-League Women star Marianna Tabain has had a talismanic presence on the team for three seasons now. As well as popping up with a number of goals on a regular basis, Tabain is a calming presence and a key figure in inspiring those around her.
Frankie Murray-Hocking has had another impressive year. She is a player with an eye for the insightful pass, vision to link up the play, and is more than capable of popping up with an important goal. Elsewhere, Subi can point to the poise of Cass Harvey and Stella Zampogna who have scored some absolutely stunning goals this year allied with being reliable presences all over the pitch.
With, perhaps two experienced quality players to add to the mix for 2025, there’s absolutely no reason why Greg Farrell’s side cannot push ever further up the league.
Above: Sophie Patience (centre, red shirt), in action for Murdoch University Melville this season. Photo supplied by: Sophie Patience.
Murdoch University Melville
More colloquially known as MUM FC, this is a club who were the heavyweights of the first two seasons of the NPLW, as most of the hugely successful Queens Park side that were so strong in the pre-NPLW days moved across. MUM FC won the first two NPLW WA championships, one Top Four Cup, and one State Cup, but since then, life has got harder.
Whilst 2022 saw the side miss out on the Top Four by just two points, 2023 saw a mixed bag as a side full of extremely talented youngsters were not able to break into the upper echelons of the ladder, but did make the State Cup Final, going down to the NTC at the Sam Kerr Football Centre.
After losing a lot of their talented squad from last season, MUM FC found it hard at the start of the 2024 campaign, going down to heavy defeats. But as the season entered its last two months, the new faces have gelled, aided by the experienced heads of Ellis Glanfield and Ella Mastrantonio.
Above: Ellis Glanfield (red shirt) in action for Murdoch University Melville this season. Photo: Denyse RM Photography.
Australian international Mastrantonio was a calming presence among young heads and tried to lead by example, and the injection of another former Perth Glory star in Glanfield added important goals at times during the final third of the campaign. Taylor Reid has been a player who has flown under the radar in the competition for a few seasons, but she is someone full of running who offers herself in offensive positions. Elsewhere at MUM FC, Ingrid Gomez Basallo and Luana Ascenzo-Cabella have been explosive at times and key members of the squad.
Murdoch University Melville became much more competitive, picked up results against the teams around them in the table, and produced arguably the win of the season when they defeated top three side Balcatta Etna in a run to the end of the campaign which eventually saw them finish off the bottom.
Above: Matchday at UWA-Nedlands this season. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
UWA-Nedlands
The NPLW WA’s newest side may have finished bottom of the ladder, but they have a lot to be proud of. They began the season as a group of players with little to no prior NPLW experience, they have been competitive from the get-go. Whilst they have been on the receiving end of some heavy beatings, it was not on the scale that previous cellar-dwellers have experienced.
UWA-Nedlands can also point to scoring goals and taking the lead against the top sides on a number of occasions this season. They have been consistently well-organised under Lawrence Lewis’ stewardship and have real spirit and belief in their squad. A case in point was their reaction to falling four goals behind at home to Perth SC in early August to hit back and play their part in a sensational second half which saw the final score end 8-4 to the visitors.
The club added some impressive performers to the NPLW WA this season. Emily Dinsdale emerged as an increasingly influential player who took to this higher level of football like a duck to water. Her vision, tracking, and runs have been apparent from the very earliest period of the campaign, and she has also found the net as her team looked to consolidate their spot in the competition.
Above: UWA-Nedlands’ Emily Dinsdale, who has had an excellent first season at NPLW WA level. Photo supplied to Impetus by: UWA-Nedlands FC.
Andrea Preiato become a dangerous addition to the squad – a player who is not afraid to run at opponents and create chances. Michaela Thawley and Morgan Springer, who came into the club ahead of the season from America have also produced moments of quality. Thawley is a dangerous attacker who also creates for those around her, and Springer has been a good shot-stopper throughout the campaign.
Eventually, it wasn’t quite enough as they finished the regular season bottom of the ladder. The club now face a wait to see who wins the Women’s Division One and whether or not a club from that league wishes to make the step up to NPLW WA football.
Where now..?
With the NPLW WA marking its fifth season this year, the time has come to take stock, look at what is working, and consider what still needs to be developed. Keep an eye out on Impetus over the coming weeks for a major article focusing on this.
Above: Heidelberg United lift the trophy. Photo: Football Victoria
“Great run.. that’s a penalty… what a goal!… I think we’re headed for extra time… what the F-…?…What. A. Game!”
These are just some of the utterances and exclamations heard around the ground at the 2024 NPLW Victoria Grand Final. Heidelberg United and Preston Lions faced off at The Home of The Matildas and put on a show that will go down in the folklore of this league.
Both sides could claim to be one step away from a fairytale. Preston Lions had returned to the division only one season ago, and had enjoyed an exceptional season in that context. Boasting Emma Checker in defence, Western Australian Ellie La Monte and Perth Glory striker Susan Phonsongkham they had a side capable of beating anybody on their day.
Heidelberg’s season could be best described as turbulent. Facing the threat of relegation early on in the season, Sven Samild took charge of the team and guided them up the ladder and eventually to a shot at their first championship in 16 years.
Things started well for Heidelberg. Keely Lockhart’s determined run into the box earned a penalty. Alana Jancevski took a deep breath before scoring in familiar style from the spot.
The lead was short lived. Phonsongkham unleashed a spectacular drive from beyond 30 yards. The ball flew high and dipped over Mia Bailey in the Heidelberg goals to level the scores in stunning fashion.
Preston makes it 1-1! 🎯
Rasamee Phonsongkham from long-range makes it all square in the 2024 NPLW Grand Final at The Home of the Matildas! pic.twitter.com/wuJR1nYa8N
Preston had the lead before half time. Haley Johnson was played in by Phonsongkham and after some clever movement and quick stepovers, she fired in to the top corner to make it 2-1.
The second half would see both sides on the attack. As the afternoon went on, Heidelberg seemed to gain more momentum but still were unable to break down the Preston defence. Dan Foden’s team still looked dangerous on the counter attack and were desperately unlucky not to go another goal up.
But Heidelberg continued to push. At times they looked hurried but they never stopped, and as the game reached the closing stages they somehow looked more confident that they had at any other point.
Jancevski’s unpredictability was the key to the eventual equaliser. Her pass was curled with the outside of her foot around the defender and too the feet of Steph Galea. The Heidelberg captain combine with Kathryn Vlahopoulos to put Lockhart into enough space to wiggle free and finish cooly to tie up the scores.
It looked like extra time was looming, it felt like penalty kicks might separate these teams, but Heidelberg had other ideas and evidently were eager to start the afterparty as early as possible.
A Jancevski corner was well cleared before Cameron Barreiro’s long range effort was palmed over for another. This one was hit shorter it bounced high after a deflection, creating the nightmare scenario for defenders, a dropping ball on the goal line. Mami Ambo jumped highest to nod the ball home in the 96th minute.
Pandemonium ensued. The whistle blew second after and Heidelberg United had achieved a remarkable late comeback. The stadium was in shock, as many were laughing or crying as they were cheering. This was a famous win, born of skill, determination and forcing their own luck.
It will go down in history as a classic of the Victorian NPLW.
This is the goal that made Heidelberg your 2024 NPLW Champions!
Impetus caught up with Heidelberg United recruit and Melbourne Victory bound playmaker Alana Jancevski following the win. Her voice sounded croaky after a day of celebrating, and the win had truly sunk in. This was Jancevski’s third consecutive Grand Final as an individual and her first time on the winning team.
“I’m a little bit tired now,” she said to Impetus.
“The adrenaline’s worn off, but very happy, and just grateful for the whole experience.”
Jancevski reflected on the strong start to the game, and although Heidelberg had to win it the hard way, she says there was belief throughout the team even after going a goal behind.
“I think we started the game really well,” she said
“In the last couple of games we have done that, so it was really nice to see that eventuate again.
“I think we justgot a little bit too complacent as a team and kind of went away from, our style of play.
“At half time was just really about realizing how good of a footballing side we were, and we just wanted to go back to that and go back to keeping the ball and just really trying to move the opposition.
“We kept going and going and going, and I think there was a real shift from the team in about the 76th minute, and we just kept pushing and pushing and pushing, and eventually we made our way through.”
This was a team win for the ages, but much of the post match celebrations centred around one player in particular. Stephanie Galea is a legend of the club, and has been a loyal and devoted Heidelberg United player. There was a feeling before the game, a buzz around the stands, that the players wanted to win this for their long serving captain.
“Steph’s such a special person,” says Jancevski
“I’ve known her pretty much my whole life.
“Everyone knows that she bleeds black and yellow, and she was one of the main reasons everyone wanted to win.
“She just always puts her heart and soul into the game and I think everyone wanted to do it for her, for sure.”
After finally winning that elusive Grand Final, Jancevski said that the overwhelming feeling was relief. She made special mention of the culture of the club, everyone from the iconic administrator Helen Tyrikos to each member of the squad.
Far from blocking out her own past of close misses , she used it to fuel her in a tough match.
“It definitely kept replaying my mind that you know ‘It can’t happen again.’
“Late in the game, had a real shift in my mentality just to give my absolute all, and just really go past the fatigue,
“It was a dream come true that I’ve always wanted.”
As the game wore on, and the stakes became higher, Heidelberg started to take more risks with the ball. They did not resort to desperate long balls, but as a team became more creative. Jancevski caught the eye with some clever turns and flicks as the side’s confidence grew despite the score.
Heidelberg make it 2-2 on the brink of full-time! 😮
Keely Lockhart scores for Heidelberg to level the scores with only minutes remaining! pic.twitter.com/mDFVszkoQj
“Written on my wrist I had ‘remember’ which is something that I did look at towards end of the game, and in that period where I remembered how much it hurt to lose.
“I think that helped to restart my engines if you want to say it like that, and just fight for everything.”
Jancevski and Heidelberg celebrated in a manner that the champions deserved, but she won’t get top bask in the glory of the win too long. Pre-season starts soon for the A-League Women, and she is returning to Melbourne Victory, her hometown club, determined to make an impact.
“It’s just fully sunk in how amazing it is to win something and I think that can be great fuel for myself personally, that the amount of hard work and hours I’ve put in in this off season to get to the level of playing that I’ve got to is something I’m really proud of.
“But it’s only the beginning for me.
“I can use everything I’ve learned personally and in football terms this season to really push myself this off season.
“My goal is to make the mark on this A-League season for Victory.”
by Freya Ward at The City Ground for Impetus(8/9/24).
Forest’s squad celebrating Lyndsey Harkin’s 300th appearance for the club. Photo: NFFCWomen on X
Nottingham Forest put on another dominant performance at the City Ground to secure themselves the top spot in the FAWNL Northern Premier Division, slotting 9 goals past Stourbridge in a 9-0 victory to mark Captain, Lyndsey Harkin’s 300th appearance for the Reds.
Forest are now the only team in the league to take away the maximum 12 points from their first four fixtures- after Burnley and Rugby Borough, both dropped three points over the weekend, putting the Reds in a great position before taking on fellow title contenders Burnley next Sunday (15/09/24)..
The home side capitalised on the large pitch at the City Ground and opened up the visitor’s defence through wide play- having access to the Premier-Leauge size pitch is something that the Reds seem to be taking full advantage of this season, in both this game against Stourbridge and the first home fixture of the season against Sporting Khalsa. Forest’s game plan was clear, it was to be intense and tire out the opposition’s defence from the first kick of the ball, which is exactly what they did- finishing the first 45′ 3-0 up with goals coming from Charlie Wellings, Nat Johnson, and Mollie Green.
Forest made their already great side even better throughout the second half by utilizing their substitutions- these fresh legs really upped Forest’s intensity and allowed them to continue scoring past the visitor’s tired defence who ultimately couldn’t keep up with the constant forward runs from the likes of Mel Johnson who bagged herself a brace.
Above: Sophie Domingo vs Stourbridge Photo: Aimee Reynolds for Impetus
A key player for Forest was Hat Trick Hero- Sophie Domingo, the 24-year-old forward joined the club in August 2022 from rivals Derby County and has been nothing short of exceptional during her time with the team so far, scoring 25 goals in 50 appearances in Garibaldi. Domingo made history for the Reds with her Hat Trick being the first ever for Forest Women at the City Ground.
For Stourbridge, it was a tough scoreline to take, post-match the away side’s boss Aid Clements stated “We’re not fit enough” he said his team “gifted Forest goals.” Clements said he felt as though his side “did enough in the first half” to compete with the top side but ultimately their job as a club is to compete and he felt as though they didn’t do that in the second half, where Forest tripled their scoreline, ending things at a huge 9-0.
Leicester City line up at the Perth International Football Cup. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus
This past week I, along with countless other avid women’s football fans, was in attendance at HBF Park across all three game days of the Perth International Football Cup. Bringing together high-profile teams from both England’s Women’s Super League; West Ham United, Manchester City, Leicester City and France’s Division 1; Paris Saint-Germain.
Although the first of its kind, the tournament generated a lot of buzz from the moment it was announced. The concept of the Perth Cup was conceived as a way to showcase women’s football at the top level in a state that generally (and I speak from personal experience as a Perth resident) misses out on large scale events such as this.
The lineup of participating teams was a huge selling point as all of the clubs involved have their own star players that football fans, myself included, jumped at the opportunity to watch play in person regardless of whether or not their club was participating in the tournament.
With three of the four clubs featuring at least one of our homegrown heroes or Matilda’s.
Originally set to be all four before the announcement of Clare Hunt’s departure from PSG, The event was marketed as a way to see our Tillies playing for their clubs rather than national team.
As someone who was fortunate enough to be in the stands on all three matchdays, I can comfortably say that the games were an interesting watch regardless of having fairly low score lines. The skill and technique on display were unmatched, with several games providing moments that had myself and others around me on the edge of our seats.
Looking beyond the pitch, the atmosphere and community surrounding the cup was a key focus with fans’ enjoyment and engagement made to be of the utmost importance. The city of Perth fully embraced the event, with activities and events for fans including meet and greets and Q&A sessions, as well as opportunities for those within or hoping to enter the business side of women’s football such as the networking luncheon that was held at Crown Perth, there was something for everyone.
The tournament was also a perfect opportunity for the clubs involved to grow their international fan bases. Whilst many of the attendees were likely already supporters of one of the teams, there were also those who attended perhaps out of curiosity or for a cheap evening out and they may have found themselves leaving HBF Park a newfound Hammer or maybe a Cityzen?
By participating in the tournament, teams were able to show off their players to a new crowd live and in person rather than through a television screen or glitchy livestream. This kind of exposure cannot be understated in the quest for worldwide recognition of women’s football.
On a more personal level, being part of this event was immensely rewarding. Watching top-tier women’s football in person (and without the need to hop on a flight across the country) was something I did not take for granted.
Looking back on the very first and possibly only Perth International Football Cup, it’s easy for me to say that this event was something special. For a city such as Perth, where we often aren’t organisers’ top pick for hosting high scale sports events, it was a nice treat to have the opportunity to watch top-level women’s football right in our backyard. As a fan, being in the stands surrounded by people who share the same love and passion for the women’s game was unlike anything that can be experienced via a livestream.
This tournament was never just about the games; yes of course it was a competition and there was ultimately a winner and a loser, but at the core it was about growing the game and extending the reach of women’s football to new audiences. As the final whistle blew on the last game, I felt lucky to have been witness to something that brought so much joy and further proved that women’s football in Australia is only moving forward and has absolutely no intention of going back.
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