An Ode to Goad

By Kieran Yap 23/12/24

Above: Beattie Goad drives past Cortnee Vine. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus

If Round Eight is to be Beattie Goad’s last game in the A-League women, the competition will farewell one of its most popular and most interesting players at the age of 27. She will be irreplaceable at Melbourne Victory, and her career will have been an inspiration for many others to bet on themselves.

A brief history of Goad is that she was a prodigious young playmaker at Melbourne Victory and then City before departing for the U.S College system in a move that simultaneously risked everything but had the potential to delivery anything.

It is still a path less travelled by Australian footballers. Going to the U.S removes players from the professional game and the direct supervision of Young and Senior Matildas selectors. For Goad it was the start of an adventure that took her to SV Meppen in Germany, Tenerife in Spain and three caps with the national team. Along the way she graduated from Stanford University, learned multiple languages and lived on a island that many pay good money just to visit.

Goad remains a humble, slightly enigmatic figure. She announced her retirement by Instagram story, and by many accounts it took the club by surprise even if nobody was really shocked as she leaves to continue her medical degree.

Football has allowed Goad to travel the world, pursue high level academics and represent her country. Repeatedly she has bet on herself and even when things have not worked out perfectly (she probably deserved more than three caps) she has earned more admirers along the way.

On the field, Beattie Goad is an artist. She has a mazy distinctive dribbling style and a first touch that takes her past most opponents, although she is predominantly a left sided player, she can cut inside or drive to the line to cross. This season, from left back she has become an extra midfielder at times to open up space for Alana Jancevski on the wing.

She has enviable individual talent but a strong team ethos, willing to sacrifice her best position for the good of the side. Although she was never a prolific scorer, she was capable of the spectacular and had the ability to send defences into reshuffles on the run.

In 2023, she spent the off-season in the Victorian NPLW with Bulleen and ended that season as premier. To watch her return to where she started was a joy.

Goad had played against Germany and Barcelona but she took the games against the likes of Box Hill and Southern United just as seriously, and showed them respect by showing no mercy. It was spectacular to watch her in full flight at that level, playing for the love of club and the game.

Melbourne Victory cannot replace Goad. She is a player that can fill multiple positions to an international standard and is a player that fans travel these vast lands to watch. She is the humble star of the team, a difference maker on and off the pitch, ever dependable and reliably dangerous.

Beattie Goad bet on herself and inspired thousands. Her career means the world to so many. She will retire as an A-League Women great.

More Reading: A 2021 interview with Beattie Goad before her return to Australia

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The offside call that shows the genius of Holly Mac

By Kieran Yap 23/12/24

Above: Holly McNamara. Photo: Melbourne City

Holly McNamara is undoubtedly one of Australia’s brightest talents and a non-goal against Adelaide United allowed her to show another level to her game.

When Bryleeh Henry played Holly McNamara through in on goal, it felt obvious what would happen next. The 21 year old could not be caught, she could not be stopped. Last week she hit the post, but this week… the offside flag went up.

By the time the play had stopped, McNamara was clear of her Adelaide opponent, and the shot was saved by Claudia Jenkins in any case, but this moment just as much as what followed added more to the mounting pile of evidence that she is something special.

When the next chance came, McNamara had learned and adjusted her own game just enough to make all the difference. Knowing she had the acceleration to easily outpace her opponent, she stayed visibly onside.

When the ball was on its way to Henry, Holly Mac made her move armed with what she had just learned.

The two Matildas linked up again, this time with a dinked ball over the top by Henry into space. McNamara got goal side of the defender and this time, backed her strength and positioning to hold her off.

The finish was class, but the movement, the timing of the run and where it started (behind the defender instead of on her shoulder) made certain that the flag would stay down, but the chance would still be just as good.

Does McNamara think these things through, or is it instinctive? Either possibility is just as exciting.

That she still possesses the same physical attributes and confidence despite so many knee rehabs is frankly startling. Similarly to Mary Fowler, Holly McNamara seems to be aware of exactly how much time and space she has, before anybody else. Her technique in front of goal is further enhanced by this special awareness, allowing for stylish and effective finishes.

What looks risky to us (like staying behind the centre back or lifting the ball just over an onrushing goalkeeper while aiming for the far corner of the net) is simply the best option for her just as chipping a German goalkeeper from distance is the best option for Kyra Cooney-Cross. When you have the technique, it’s not a risk.

What also makes McNamara so consistently dangerous is her trust in her teammates. An enjoyable journey through her highlight packages show that she can do it herself but she knows she doesn’t have to.

Her first A-League Women goal and her last before her most recent injuries were both very different solo efforts. However, she knew before the pass even got to Henry, that the next one would be for her.

She took off toward goal instead of demanding it to feet. Just as in the earlier play, that pass was coming, Henry has that quality and McNamara was able to make the most of it.

It is genuinely hard avoid getting too excited about this sparkling footballer. Even though to some degree she represents one of the best attacking hopes of the future, nothing is certain.

But McNamara is definitely something special, an intelligent, athletic, inventive and team orientated striker.

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Western United send Mariners to first home defeat

Central Coast Mariners 1-3 Western United

by Alice de Koster-Kitto (22/12/24).

Above: Kahli Johnson (green and black striped shirt) celebrates after scoring at Central Coast Mariners today. Photo: Western United.

Western United have hit back from their hammering against Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend to condemn Central Coast Mariners to their first home defeat of the season at Industree Group Stadium this afternoon.

The home side were hottest off the marks, from the first touch, an attempt from Shadeene Evans, which was ultimately blocked by Chloe Logarzo.

Despite the hosts’ early impact, the match remained quite uneventful, with neither side showing particular dominance. Western United did however hold a slight upper hand in terms of chances in the first half.  

Both teams took a defensive approach, with neither being able to net the first goal until quite late in the match, despite several shots on target. Chloe Lincoln’s save in the 54th minute prevented the Mariners from taking the lead when Petra Timms took advantage of Annabel Martin’s build-up to hit narrowly wide.

The scoring was opened by Western United, when a cross from half-time substitute  Kiara De Domizio, was tapped in by Kahli Johnson. The visitors increased their lead only three minutes later when Johnson netted her second goal of the match and fourth of the season. 

Following Johnson’s brace, momentum shifted in favor of the hosts, as they looked to hit back to preserve their home record. . Despite their new-found dominance, there appeared to be a disconnect, particularly in the midfield. 

Above: Grace Maher celebrates after hitting Western United’s third goal at Central Coast Mariners today. Photo: Western United.

The absence of midfielder Isabel Gomez following a knee injury in November, has highlighted weaknesses within the squad over the past few rounds, with their shift to defensive tactics often proving detrimental to their overall play. It is, however, a testament to the resilience and strength within the squad that they have quickly adjusted without a player who played such a key role in their early success this season. 

Since her transfer from Sydney FC at the start of the season, Taylor Ray has been particularly instrumental in stabilising an otherwise unsure midfield, and played a key role in this match especially, keeping the Mariners in the game despite their falling behind. 

Grace Maher netted Western United’s third goal of the match, with just three minutes left of regulation time.

Despite their dire predicament, as stoppage time approached, the hosts’ tireless approach paid off in the 89th minute, when Annalise Rasmussen got a goal back.

The match remained hard-fought until the end, however, Central Coast Mariners were ultimately beaten for the first time at home this campaign. The meeting marks a milestone for both sides, as it becomes Western United’s first away win of the season, ending their six-game winless streak on the road. 

Round Eight of the Ninja A-League will see Central Coast Mariners head to HBF Park to face Perth Glory, who currently sit just below them on eighth on the ladder, and in strong current form, making the clash quite unpredictable. 

Meanwhile, Western United will face Brisbane Roar at home. The match is set to be one of great contention, as Brisbane currently sit second on the table, just two places above their hosts. 

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (3-4-1-2): Langman, Irwin, Nash, Martin, Pennock, Gaelic, Ray, Rasmussen, Puxty, Trimis, Evans. Substitutes: Carmichael, Fuller, Quilligan, Nunn, McMahon.

Scorer: Rasmussen 89’. 

WESTERN UNITED (4-3-3): Lincoln, Sardo, Cene, Maher, Grove, Roach, M.Taranto, Logarzo, Medwin, Johnson, Hieda. Substitutes: Dall’oste, Mihocic, De Domizio, Cortellino, Dehakis. 

Scorers: Johnson 57′, 61’, Maher 88’. 

Referee: Kelly Jones.

Attendance: TBC.

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Freiers combine to cook the Jets

Newcastle Jets 1-6 Brisbane Roar

By Kieran Yap 21/12/24

Above: Brisbane celebrate one of their six goals against Newcastle. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

Brisbane Roar have produced a statement win with a 6-1 result away to the Newcastle Jets.

Laini Freier scored her first goal and first hattrick in the A-League Women while the Roar also contributed two possibilities for goal of the round.

This was a potentially tricky trip for Brisbane. Alex Smith’s team had been playing well, but much of their winning form has been attributed to Tameka Yallop. The captain was missing from the lineup and the Jets would have been optimistic following their dramatic win against Sydney FC in Round Six.

The afternoon started brightly for Brisbane. Grace Kuilamu ran onto a long pass from Chelsea Blissett, brushed off the challenge from Tash Prior and raced in on goal. The finish matched the effort as the 17-year old rifled the ball into the roof of the net. It was a pure strikers goal, confident, explosive and composed all at once.

Newcastle levelled the scores in the 32nd minute. Ryan Campbell’s side had set up to press Brisbane and although the Roar were mostly able to play through or over it, on this occasion is paid off.

Cass Davis hooked in the eventual shot after the ball was turned over deep in the Brisbane half due to the efforts of Sheridan Gallagher and India Breier to set her up.

That equaliser would be as good as the afternoon got for the home side, and it was undone almost immediately. Tamar Levin headed home from a corner two minutes later. She was unmarked in front of goal by a defence that was unrecognizable from the week before.

Laini Freier’s first A-League Women’s goal sent the visitors into half time 3-1 ahead. She was set up by a typically storming run from her twin sister Sharn who cut the ball back infront of goal for an easy finish on Laini’s first start for the Roar.

Momo Hayashi made it four after the break with a 40 yard missile. The Japanese midfielder signed on with a reputation for the spectacular and delivered her second goal of the year contender with an unstoppable shot in the 49th minute.

The floodgates were well and truly open and Newcastle were unlikely to find any success with the counterattacking style that had won the day against Sydney FC. The gaps opened up even more at the back and Laini Freier added two more goals to her tally.

The first was another close range finish after substitute Tanaye Morris crossed low into the box. Tiahna Robertson was left with no chance as the unopposed Freier made it 5-1.

Her third and final goal of the day was once against set up by her sister. Sharn Freier was given way too much time and space when she needs neither on a good day. The cut back was met by Laini’s curling left foot finish to make it 6-1.

The win sends Brisbane into second on the table, behind only Melbourne City by two points, but to win without Yallop is one thing, to win 6-1 away without the league’s in-form player and Dolan Medal favourite is another thing completely.

Alex Smith’s team is built around local youth and is producing terrific football. They are playing with clarity and confidence not really seen in this team in the last three seasons.

This feels like a bit of an anomaly for The Jets. Nothing was working for them while everything was working for their opposition. It was a nightmare performance, but despite the scoreline it was not a total collapse.

They will expect to move past this quickly and will have a chance to return to the winners list against Canberra United next week.

Teams: NEWCASTLE JETS (3-5-1-1): Robertson, Cicco, Prior, Baumann, Hoban, Jackson, Davis, Dundas, Breier, Copus-Brown, Gallagher. Substitutes: Wilson, L Allan, J Allan, Collins, Boertje

Scorer: Davis 32’.

BRISBANE ROAR (4-3-2-1): Sekany, de la Harpe, McQueen, Varley, Blissett, Hayashi, Woods, S Freier, Levin, L Freier, Kuilamu. Substitutes: Kruger, Pringle, Morris, Hoyos, Richards.

Scorers: Kuilamu 2’, Levin 34’, Hayashi 49’, L Freier 42’, 69’, 72’.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello

Attendance: 1,616.

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Phoenix fire to win over Sydney

Wellington Phoenix 2-0 Sydney FC

by Alyce Collett (21/12/24)

Above: The Wellington Phoenix XI that started against Sydney FC. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington Phoenix have picked up an early Christmas present by defeating Sydney FC by two goals to nil at Porirua Park this afternoon.

The first half may have been as even as it got, but Wellington came out firing after an extended half time break, and with goals from Grace Jale and Zoe McMeeken it was the hosts who came away from the match with the points, to record their first win against the Sky Blues on home soil.

The first half started in a pretty free-flowing fashion, with a lot of end-to-end action and both teams having plenty of attacking play, but thanks to strong defensive work those attacking plays did not call on too many goalkeeping saves. 

For the most part, any time either side had a decent enough chance at goal, their opponent would pack the box with sheer numbers to placate the danger of the attack. 

Sydney did have back-to-back dangerous chances about halfway through the half – with Millie Farrow really at the centre of them – but did not capitalise on either of the prime opportunities. Carolina Vilao was also having a really strong game for the Phoenix, and much like last week was really keeping her side in the match.

Possession was chaotic from both sides at times, with strong defensive pressure ensuring no one had much time to gain true control of the ball. 

The half-time stats really showed how even the first 45 minutes had been. Wellington only had four percent more time in possession than Sydney, which in reality translated to only 20 more passes. However, Sydney’s passing accuracy was seven percent better than its hosts. 

Sydney led the shot count three to two, but both sides only had one shot on target. 

The biggest discrepancy was in the touches in the opposition box, which Sydney led 11 to two. 

But, any thoughts of fixing issues and trying to get back onto the field after half-time would have to wait as the weather in New Zealand’s capital took a turn for the worse and there was a delay which saw the half time break quadrupled. 

When the second half finally did get underway, the end to end nature of the action continued.

In a bright spark for the Phoenix, half time substitute Alyssa Winham had really provided a spark in midfield as the momentum was definitely in the home side’s corner. 

The deadlock was finally broken at about the hour mark, when Grace Jale struck a long bomb from outside the 18 yard box – an effort that should have realistically been stopped by Sydney keeper Tahlia Franco, but the ball ultimately skidded past her and into the goal. 

One thing that the Phoenix did really well in the second half was neutralise the effect of Sydney’s most dangerous players in attack. Farrow’s time on the ball drastically reduced from where it was in the first half, while Princess Ibini had barely touched the ball in the first half and that continued in the second. 

As the second half progressed Wellington increased their defensive pressure, which really subdued any attacking play the Sky Blues had. 

Wellington was then rewarded for its control of the match with a second goal two minutes from the end of normal time after McMeeken headed a goal in from a corner. 

Ibini was almost able to get one back moments after the restart, but the upright came to the rescue of the Phoenix.

The seven minutes of added time was at times chaotic, but ultimately the home side held firm to claim the win. 

Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-3-3): Vilao, McMeeken, Jaber, Barry, McCutcheon, Jale, Ferguson, Tanaka, Longo, Main, Wall. Substitutes: Neary, Kelly, Whinham, Elliott, Brazendale.

Scorers: Jale 59’, McMeeken 88’

SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Franco, Tumeth, Tobin, Thompson, Lemon, Chauvet, Caspers, Hawkesby, Ibini, Farrow, dos Santos. Substitutes: Edwards, Connors, Luchtmeijer, Johnson, Sullivan. 

Referee: Beth Rattray.

Attendance: 435.

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Victory win on the road against Canberra United

Canberra United 0-2 Melbourne Victory

By Emma Burke 21/12/24

Above: Beattie Goad for Melbourne Victory. Photo: Melbourne Victory

Despite missing their star striker in Emily Gielnik, Melbourne Victory stepped up in her absence and found two goals to defeat Canberra United 2-0 at McKellar Park.

Victory found their opening goal in only the fourth minute of the match, scored by former Canberra United player Nikki Flannery. 

Flannery won her new side a corner kick which was delivered expertly to the near post by Alana Murphy. Flannery found the back of the net while mid-air off her left foot, right in front of Canberra keeper Sally James, who could do nothing but watch the ball sail in.

It took Victory until the final play of the first half to double their lead over United, thanks to Sara D’Appolonia.

The American international shook off her defender before launching a long range shot from outside the box. The shot took a fortunate bounce on its way to the goal, making it rise over the hand of a diving James in goal.

The second half saw Canberra look for a way back into the game, mostly through long balls overhead to try and unlock the goal scoring threat that is Michelle Heyman to no avail.

Victory instead were looking for a third goal to put the game to bed. They had to settle for just the two goals, however, as none of their attempts made it over the line.

This result sees Melbourne Victory secure their place in third on the ladder, below Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar, while Canberra sit in 10th, above Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.

For the final round of this calendar year, Victory will remain on the road to face Sydney FC on 28th December, and Canberra will remain hosts, this time to Newcastle Jets on 29th of December.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (3-4-3):  James, Alyson, Robers, Anton, Bertolissio, Stanic-Floody, Malone, Taylor-Young, Markovski, Heyman, Christopherson. Substitutes: Gordon, Skelly, McKenzie, Murray.

MELBOURNE VICTORY (3-4-2-1): Newbon, Morrison, Bunge, Wilson, Goad, Murphy, D’Appolonia, Flannery, Chidiac, Lowe, Jancevski. Substitutes: Pickett, O’Grady, Briedis

Scorers: Flannery 4’, D’Appolonia 45+1’.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

Attendance: 1,412.

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Late drama as Perth claim point at the Wanderers

Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Perth Glory

by Ben Gilby (20/12/24)

Above: Megan Wynne (left) looks to hold off Western Sydney Wanderers’ Ella Buchanan earlier today. Photo: Perth Glory.

A goal from the penalty spot six minutes into second-half stoppage time from Kelli Brown earned Perth Glory a deserved point from their trip to Western Sydney Wanderers today.

The New South Wales side hit the front thanks to Amy Harrison’s free-kick with only five minutes of normal time remaining, but their hopes of winning successive matches were dealt a blow with the late leveller from the former Wellington Phoenix attacker.

Glory went into the game with former Wanderers youngster Ella Abdul-Massih coming into the starting line-up in place of Nat Tathem who went onto the bench.

Chances were few and far between in the first half. The first opportunity came 18 minutes in when Harrison’s free-kick from around 35 yards for the home side flew over the top.

Almost immediately afterwards, Wanderers came closer still as Tahlia Younis took the ball to the right-hand edge of the box and played a cross in that deflected up off Onyi Zogg and fell for Cushla Rue rather too quickly for her to get proper direction on her header which went wide of the back post.

Perth began to get an increasing foothold in the game, and from Megan Wynne’s long throw on the right, Gabby Hollar flicked a header back for Brown who directed her own header just wide of the far post.

It then took an excellent tackle from Ella Buchanan to deny Wynne after the Welsh international was brilliantly fed by Brown as Perth continued their improved offensive display.

Neither keeper was greatly troubled again until just after the hour mark. Tijan McKenna bit in to win possession in the middle of the park and held off Sienna Saveska to play a perfectly weighted ball forward for Brown who held off the close attentions of two defenders as she entered the area to hit a shot that Sham Khamis dived brilliantly to push away. It was one of those moments of skill from McKenna that showed why she deserves to hold a midfield position rather than being deployed in a solely defensive role.

Above: Kelli Brown, who played an integral role up front for Perth Glory today at Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Perth Glory.

Then, with 85 minutes played the drama began. Western Sydney were awarded a free-kick just outside the box after Naomi Chinnama fouled Amy Chessari on the right of centre. Harrison stepped up to lift the ball over the Perth wall before bouncing against the base of the left hand post and in.

Perth pushed forward for a late leveller. With 89 on the clock, Brown took up possession outside the box to the left and hit a pass that saw Gemma Ferris take a swing and a miss, allowing the ball to roll on for Hollar who was denied at close range by Khamis on the edge of the six-yard box.

Khamis denied the visitors once more early in stoppage time as a beautifully weighted pass into the feet of Miku Sunaga allowed the Japanese attacker to feed Brown inside her to hit a shot that the Wanderers keeper saved excellently.

With four minutes of stoppage time played, Sunaga charged forward again and collided powerfully with the outstretched arm of Khamis and fell to the ground. Despite the goalkeeper’s protestations, referee Rachael Mitchenson showed her a yellow card and then pointed to the spot.

Brown stepped up and hit the penalty high, but with more than sufficient power to ensure it ended up in the back of the net despite Khamis getting a hand to it on the way.

This was a game that the two sides will feel they had the chances to win. Sham Khamis was superb throughout making a series of magnificent stops. On the plus side, both Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory record a second week undefeated. They will be positive about taking this improved run of form into a strong challenge over the Christmas and New Year period.

Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-2-3-1): Khamis, Matos, Harrison, Ferris, Buchanan, Chessari, Harada, Rue, Saveska, Younis, Harding. Substitutes: Bennett, Kapetanellis, Price, Segavcic, Trew.

Scorer: Harrison 85′.

PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Dumont, Johnston, Chinnama, Zogg, Abdul-Massih, Wainwright, Cassidy, McKenna, Wynne, Brown, Hollar. Substitutes: Foletta, Roberts, Sunaga, Tathem, Templeman.

Scorer: Brown 90+6.

Referee: Rachael Mitchenson.

Attendance: 862.

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Return of the Mac as City unbeaten start goes on

Adelaide United 1-3 Melbourne City

by Isabelle Campbell (20/12/24)

Above: Matilda McNamara (centre) – scored in only her second substitute appearance back from her ACL injury today in Adelaide for Melbourne City. Photo: Melbourne City.

Melbourne City continued their dominant form in today’s encounter with Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium, continuing their unbeaten run in the league this season.

Adelaide United entered A-League Women’s clash eager to reverse their fortunes. The Reds had made three changes to their lineup – one inforced by the suspension of Matilda McNamara for being sent off in their 3-1 defeat at Perth Glory last week, as they aimed to end a six-game winless streak against Melbourne City.

City also opted for three changes to their starting XI, highlighted by the return of veteran goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, marking her first appearance of the season.

For Adelaide, Fiona Worts remained a player to watch. The prolific striker has been a standout performer this season, leading the club with six goals—a tally that also sees her tied for the league’s top scorer.

The match kicked off in thrilling fashion, with Mariana Speckmaier giving Melbourne City the lead inside the opening 30 seconds. Speckmaier was on target after a well-timed assist from Leah Davidson—her first of the season.

Adelaide United quickly bounced back, however, through an unfortunate own goal. A slow back pass from Rebekah Stott slipped past goalkeeper Barbieri, who was unable to make contact with the ball, watching it roll into the City net.

Following the early excitement, the match settled into a quieter phase, with both teams struggling to create meaningful chances. Despite possession on both sides, neither team could manage a shot on goal as the tempo slowed.

Lourdes Bosch then attempted to break the deadlock with a powerful strike from distance, but Adelaide keeper Claudia Jenkins was well-positioned and made a routine save.

Above: The battle for possession in today’s game between Adelaide United (red) and Melbourne City. Photo: Adelaide United.

Melbourne City regained the advantage just before halftime with a stunning strike from TJ Vlajnic. Collecting the ball outside the box, Vlajnic unleashed a powerful shot that soared past Jenkins and into the net, putting City back in the lead with a brilliantly executed finish.

City had a promising opportunity early in the second half when Speckmaier looked for all the world about to tap in a cross. However, the ball landed in the gloves of Jenkins once again.

Taylor Otto made a darting run in behind to get on the end of a pass, but she timed her movement just a moment too soon, with the offside flag going up as the ball left her foot.

Holly McNamara was substituted on with 20 minutes of regular time remaining, marking her second appearance of the season after making her return from an ACL injury last week.

Just four minutes after taking the field, McNamara showed her immense worth to City in particular and the league more widely with a goal, a remarkable moment following a 13-month absence due to injury. Her performance highlighted the invaluable presence her side has been missing during her time away.

Both teams had opportunities to add to the scoreline in added time, but were unable to trouble the scoreboard.

Adelaide United attempted eight shots in the match, their lowest total in a single game this season. However, none of these efforts were on target, highlighting the struggles they faced in breaking down Melbourne City’s defence.

The two teams will play their final matches of 2024 at home, with Adelaide set to host Western Sydney Wanderers and City facing off against Wellington Phoenix.

Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, E. Hodgson, León, Tolland, Tonkin, Dewey, Bowler, Condon, Dawber, Mullan, Worts. Substitutes: Grove, Grigg, Karambasis, Morgan, Panagaris.

Goals: Stott (OG) 8′.

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

Goals: Speckmaier 1′, Vlajnic 41′, McNamara 74′.

Referee: Mikayla Ryan.

Attendance: 2,404.

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Gabby Hollar: “We’ve been building each week”

by Ben Gilby (19/12/24)

Above: Gabby Hollar talking to the media yesterday at the club’s base in Fremantle. Image: Perth Glory.

Perth Glory attacker Gabby Hollar believes last weekend’s victory over Adelaide United was reward for hard work that has brought incremental improvements each week this season.

The 3-1 win in front of a partisan crowd of just under 1,000 at the club’s new Sam Kerr Football Centre home saw the American score her first goals for the club. It was an experience that she cherishes.

“It meant a lot, to get three points against Adelaide who are a good side, and in front of the home fans as well…it was great to finally get on the scoresheet, but more than that, to get the three points with the team was incredible.”

It was the perfect response to the team’s heartbreaking loss to Melbourne Victory the previous week to a goal scored in stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes. Perseverence and determination came together to get the points last week.

“I think we’ve just been building each week and the steps we’ve taken, we just kept building off of that and it was bound to happen…(we had to) just keep trying to play for 90 minutes, 100 minutes, and we finally showed that against Adelaide.”

The match was rumbustuous throughout with some tasty challenges and battles. Hollar loved every second of the approach and saw it as a positive sign for the growing team spirit among head coach Stephen Peters’ side.

Above: Gabby Hollar (centre, on ground facing camera), celebrates her first goal for Perth Glory against Adelaide United on Sunday. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

“It (was a) more physical (game) than it’s been in the past (this season). I think it was a good thing, I think it was a great thing. We were in their face from the start to the finish. I think that just showed, any time there was a mistake or anything like that, our reaction was, in my opinion, incredible.”

After the match, Adelaide United mentioned how loud the atmosphere was in the stadium due to the fans being so close to the pitch. Hollar believes it’s a sign that fans and players coming together can create something special: “I think as the game progressed, it (the atmosphere) got more intense, and we loved it. It’s so fun to play in front of fans who are into it, are loud, and engaged, and it was incredible.”

Through the matches this season, Hollar’s position in the team, and that of Kelli Brown and Megan Wynne has moved around with the trio changing places from through the middle to the flanks at times during matches. It’s a strength among those three players that the American believes the Glory can reap rewards from.

“We’re very fluid and dynamic in how we move, so just trying to figure the best movements for all of us, and I think we’re headed in the right direction.”

Friday’s trip to Western Sydney Wanderers is a huge game. After the Wanderers claimed their first win of the campaign in some style, putting five goals past Western United last time out, both sides are in a position to make a big climb up the ladder.

Whilst Perth have only two wins from their opening six games and sit in 10th place, they are only a point outside the all-important top six at present. Hollar expects a tough game, but feels the team are well prepared.

“It’s such a competitive league that anyone can win on any given day…we’ve watched them (Western Sydney Wanderers) on some film, but if we just keep building and take the momentum from our last game, I think we’re in good hands.”

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Emily Gielnik vs Michelle Heyman: How can they be best utilised?

By Genevieve Henry (17/12/24).

Above: Michelle Heyman (2) celebrates after scoring against Uzbekistan earlier this year. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

With two of the A-League Women’s best centre-forwards in the Matildas squad at the same time, Emily Gielnik and Michelle Heyman both give the future Matildas head coach different qualities to look at. Impetus’ Genevieve Henry looks at their differences, strengths, and weaknesses, and how they can be best utilised.

A promising sign for the Matildas is that both managed to find the back of the net against Taiwan. While Heyman has scored more recently for the Matildas, Gielnik was clearly battling with the mental aspect of scoring and getting one in could have made all the difference.

The Melbourne Victory player especially, is a confidence player and the impact of her first goal since 2021 cannot be understated. If both can continue to perform, there is no reason why they shouldn’t both be included in the squad for the SheBelieves Cup in February.

Gielnik, who is 32, has just under 60 caps for the national team with 12 goals to her name. She has played all over the world, with some very impressive clubs to her name. She has played in Sweden, England, Germany, and of course, Australia; even playing for famous clubs Liverpool and Bayern Munich in her career.

Heyman is four years older, with around 75 caps and 28 goals. She has spent most of her career thriving in Australia, but has also had stints in Denmark and the USA. This is to say, both are vastly experienced but likely only a solution for the next year or two (though no one could bet against Heyman playing until she’s 40). 

Gielnik and Heyman have excellent qualities for a number nine, both excelling at hold-up play and physicality. Towering over most players at 1.83m and 1.80m respectively, both are aerial threats. This suits the Matildas style of play exceptionally well, as they have become accustomed to serving crosses to Sam Kerr’s noggin over the years. 

Most of Heyman’s goals are simple finishes compared to Gielnik’s goals. She has a sixth sense of where to receive a pass or a cross, and she almost always manages to convert. She is a menace in the box and a danger to defences if she has the service. Gielnik’s goals can come from anywhere on the pitch, but she is also less reliable when it comes to the easy ones. Gielnik described her playing still in the pre-match presser against Taiwan last week.

Above: Gielnik in action for the Matildas against Brazil. Image: Kris Goman for Impetus.

“I’m an old school nine. I’ll stick to my strengths. I know I’m a different kind of player to Sam and some other forwards that we have. It’s all about just recognising that and just staying in my lane. I’m hungry. I’m determined. For right now, I do see myself as a nine… (but) I’m quite versatile. I feel like I can play out wide still. But for right now, being in the nine has rewarded me. I’ve been scoring goals and doing well for my team.” 

Heyman is the perfect player for breaking down a low block against teams the Matildas would likely play in the Asian Cup or qualifiers, but she tends to struggle against stronger opponents. Against Brazil, she failed to make an impact against their smothering defending. But, she is invaluable when breaking down teams who park the bus. 

Gielnik, on the other hand, has proven to be able to handle typically stronger opponents. With goals against teams like Germany and USA as her most recent contributions to the Matildas, Gielnik tends to operate well when forced to create something out of nothing. As an impact substitute against Brazil, she offered more dangerous play than Heyman had.

Against Taiwan, she had many good chances, which is promising, but she also didn’t put them away, signifying that she may rely on pressure to perform.

Heyman is a target player while Gielnik makes herself more involved in the build-up. She has found the back of the net at a slower rate already this season in the A-League Women than last season, and it seems to be due to the lack of service from teammates. Heyman was spoiled with Nikki Flannery’s assistance last season, but only time will tell if she can hit form by herself or by forming connections with another player from Canberra.

She is also not the sole source of goals, with the acquisition of Maja Markovski relieving some of the pressure on Heyman. At the international level, she is luckily surrounded by players who can certainly provide great service consistently. 

Above: Heyman full of smiles with the national team. Image: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.


Ultimately, most Matildas fans will hope this isn’t an issue that needs to be solved for much longer, but with Kerr expected to be out until February or March, it’s likely that the SheBelieves Cup will require a solution at the nine. Gielnik spoke about this in the pre-Taiwan match presser, as well.

“Sam is Sam. I’ve always tried to never compare myself to (other) players. Since Sam’s been out, I find myself naturally gravitating towards a nine. I saw an opportunity there. At some stage she will come back in, but for me, it’s all about being in good goal scoring form, playing well, and assisting, whatever that looks like, to help the team win.”

We also saw Gielnik and Heyman on the field at the same time against Taiwan, for the first time in their careers. This tactic did not seem to be one that the Matildas will carry into the future, as it did not produce the desired results. Although there were a few great passes from one to the other, it never ended in a goal, both Gielnik and Heyman missing golden opportunities. 

Gielnik and Heyman are both incredible players. In a short-term sense, they could help the Matildas greatly when played to their strengths. 

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