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Vivianne Miedema – short term pain for City’s long term gain

by Bethany Monkhouse (18/11/24)

Above: Vivianne Miedema in action for Manchester City on her WSL debut at former club Arsenal. Photo: ESPN.

Dutch international Vivianne Miedema’s latest injury setback – surgery on her left knee – has had a frustrating impact on her settling in process at new club Manchester City.

After a hugely promising start as shown in her performances against Arsenal and Barcelona, this latest injury was a big blow to both player and club.

City boss Gareth Taylor has tried to allay fears about the injury, stating that it is “only a small niggle,” and “only a minor procedure,” was required in hospital, although he was unable to give an estimated return date for the star signing, but claimed she is in “high spirits.”

Miedema made an instant impact at Manchester City, scoring her first goal against Paris FC away in the club’s 5-0 win in the Champions League qualifiers. She also scored on her league debut against her former team away at The Emirates.

In addition, she provided an assist for Naomi Layzell’s goal by heading the ball back into the centre of the box for the English defender against the defending Champions League holders Barcelona. This was only the second time that the Catalans had failed to score in their last 80 matches.

Above: Vivianne Miedema in action for Manchester City before her latest injury blow. Photo: BBC.

In such a short space of time, Miedema has shown a spark that her new team very much needed. Her ability to put shots in on goal is second to none.

This spark is crucial because some key players for City have been below their highest standards. It’s also been a tough time for Sky Blues attacker Chloe Kelly who has only started two out of seven games for City this season, in all competitions.

Another advantage that Miedema brings to the team, is her versatility as both a playmaker position and a goal-scorer. For example in that Champions League qualifier against Paris FC, she was deployed in midfield and still managed to score the first goal for her team.

Starting her career as a left winger, and then adapting to the number nine role before moving to number 10, the Netherlands’ record scorer has experience in a range of positions. Having both record breakers Miedema and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw linking up together is something that City fans cannot wait to see. WSL defenders may think differently.

Manchester City will be desperate to get Miedema back to full fitness – she on average scores a goal every 102 minutes she plays. This could prove vital for the North-West side to have the best chance of winning the league this season.

Her presence in the side also offers City real options for rotating the squad to compete in the League Cup, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.

Gareth Taylor believes that upon Miedema’s return, we will see an “enhanced and improved version” of her. The WSL and Champions League have been warned.

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Davis wondergoal wins the day for The Jets

By Kieran Yap 18/11/24

Above: Cassidy Davis at the centre of celebrations after her decisive goal.

Newcastle Jets 1-0 Wellington Phoenix

Newcastle Jets have won their first game of the season, with a 1-0 defeat of Wellington Phoenix at home. A Cass Davis wonder goal was the difference between the two teams that played with attacking intent, although without the cutting edge in the penalty box.

Newcastle began the game in a positive fashion. Sheridan Gallagher was in the starting lineup for the first time since returning to the A-League Women, and made up an attack with Lauren Allan and Deven Jackson either side of her.

Allan in particular enjoyed plenty of space on the right, with Newcastle identifying that early and trying to find the winger as quickly as possible. Both sides experienced some nervy moments deep in defence when playing it out from the back very nearly went disastrously wrong.

Gallagher continued her menacing form. The former Young Matildas captain dropped deep often to either hold up play or move the ball forward. Wellington were alert to the threat she poses and focussed on preventing her from shooting to good effect.

Out wide, Wellington had bigger problems. They have still not adapted to the losses of Michaela Foster and Hailey Davidson in the fullback roles, and Newcastle’s wingers were enjoying the opportunities to run and whip in crosses. Jackson almost opened the scoring with a stinging left footed strike from 18 yards. Vilao was forced into an excellent save after the first shot was blocked by the defence.

Davis’s goal came late in the second half. On first viewing it looks like a cross that floated in, but on replay, it was more likely that she meant it.

After receiving the ball from a throw in, Davis was under little pressure. The Jets captain is not best known for prolific goal scoring or large numbers of assists, but Wellington should have been aware that when Davis scores, it is usually a goal of the season contender.

Davis shaped to return the ball along the side line and used that time to look up and assess crossing options. With nobody in attacking the central areas or far post, she took aim, and struck a dipping shot that caught everybody by surprise.

The goal was worthy of winning any game, and proved to be decisive, but Davis was also typically industrious throughout, snuffing out midfield threats and helping sweep the ball forward repeatedly for The Jets.

Wellington had opportunities too. Minutes before Davis’s effort, they had a goal chalked off for offside and Annalie Longo missed a great opportunity to put her side ahead. Olivia Ferguson had a chance to equalise late, but the substitute’s 83^rd minute header went wide.

Wellington’s tough afternoon continued beyond the loss, with Longo suffering a suspected fractured eye late in the match. She is unlikely to play next week.

The results leaves Wellington on the bottom of the table with three defeats from three games. They lost plenty of talent in the off-season, but need to find a way forward fairly urgently now. Mebae Tanaka adds an extra bit of spark and invention when she is on the pitch, and The Phoenix fans will be wanting her involved from the start next week.

Newcastle looked assured in the way that they want to play, even if they are still missing a true penalty box predator like Sarina Bolden or Melina Ayres. Once they get through midfield they are a frightening side, and seem intent on doing that as quickly as possible, while still keeping the ball on the deck. The goal was a moment of genius, but they could easily have had one or two before that. How new signing Gia Vicari’s goal line header stayed out is one of those mysteries of the universe, but the chances will continue to come for her, and she looks like a lively striker.

Next week, at Unite Round, Wellington face an in-form Adelaide United, while Newcastle will go up against a Western United looking for avenge a 4-1 loss to Melbourne Victory.

Lineups:

Newcastle Jets: Robertson, Cicco, Prior, Baumann, Davis, Dundas, Allan, Hoban, Wilson, Jackson, Gallagher. Substitutes: Vicari, Hammond, Gooch, Adama, Boertje.

Goals: Davis 70’

Wellington Phoenix: Vilao, Brazendale, Jaber, Barry, McMeeken, Longo, McCutcheon, Elliot, Whinham, Main, Jale. Substitutes: Ferusson, McMillan, Tanaka, Wall, Feinberg-Danielli.

Referee: Bec Mackie

Attendance: TBD

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Gielnik hat-trick sets up Victory

Melbourne Victory 4-1 Western United

Report by Joe Rosedon with EXCLUSIVE photos from Adrian Geremia at The Home of the Matildas (17/11/24)

Above: Kayla Morrison (left) looks to keep Western United at bay as Alex Chidiac (right) looks on. Photo: Adrian Geremia for Impetus.

A first-half hattrick from Emily Gielnik powered Melbourne Victory to a hugely impressive win over cross-state rivals Western United. An outcome that lifted them to second in the ladder as a result.

Jeff Hopkins’ side could not have set the tone better, taking the lead in twelve seconds. Sloppy play from the visitors from the kick-off saw the ball given away far too cheaply. Victory took full advantage. A ball back over the top caught the Western defence out and Gielnik was away, accelerating past Alana Cerne and firing her side into a stunning early lead.

**Above:** Emily Gielnik shoots earlier today. **Photo:** Adrian Geremia for *Impetus*.

Gielnik was soon to have her second goal of the game and Western were the architects of their own downfall once again. A seemingly mundane back pass by Cerne to Alyssa Dall’Oste was pounced upon by Gielnik who was able to divert the goalkeeper’s clearance into the net to double the home side’s lead.

Western United began to fight back. Catherine Zimmerman’s ambitious long-range strike had Victory keeper Courtney Newbon struggling but a combination of crossbar and fingertips was enough to maintain Victory’s two goal lead.

The pressure however paid off soon after. An excellent Grace Maher corner was met by Zimmerman. Her header crept past Newbon, who would have felt she should have done better, to give the away side a route back into the game.

Western were back to square one just twenty minutes later. Alex Chidiac’s relentless pressing forced Western into giving up possession. Chidiac drove into the space, looked up, and slotted the ball through to Gielnik. She remained composed in front of goal, as she had done all afternoon, and completed her hattrick.

**Above:** Western United’s Grace Maher curls in a free-kick today. **Photo:** Adrian Geremia for *Impetus*.

Nikki Flannery was inches away from giving Victory their fourth of the game in the opening stages of the second half. Her curled effort rattled the foot of the post and Gielnik’s follow-up was cleared off the line. At this stage, it seemed that Victory could run up a cricket score.

Yet, Western United still had life in them. Kahli Johnson caught Laura Pickett in possession high up the pitch, but her attempt just evaded the bottom right corner. Soon after, any chance of a famous comeback was out of sight for the visitors.

Sasha Grove was dispossessed by Beattie Goad. Her quick pass to Rachel Lowe was coupled with a first-time through ball from the midfielder that sent O’Grady away. The youngster showed remarkable calmness under pressure to score and seal a well-deserved three points for the home side.

For more of Adrian Geremia’s images from this match, plus photo galleries from three other A-League Women games this weekend, check out our Instagram page – @ImpetusFootball.

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

Scorers: Gienik 1′, 9′, 41′. O’Grady 81′.

WESTERN UNITED (4-4-2): Dall’Oste, Grove, Maher, Cerne, Dehakiz, Roach, Eggesvik, Hieda, Zimmerman, Medwin, Johnson. Substitutes: Lincoln, Sardo, Taranto, Ibarguen, Cortellino.

Scorer: Zimmerman 20′.

Referee: Rachel Mitchenson.

Attendance: TBC.

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Yallop leads Roar to win over Perth Glory

Brisbane Roar 3-0 Perth Glory

by Isabelle Campbell (16/11/24).

Above: Tameka Yallop drives into attack: Photo: Richard Haines

Brisbane Roar delivered a dominant performance in their 3-0 victory over Perth Glory. Both teams entered the match looking to build upon promising results in the previous week, but it was the home side who came away with a convincing win in Round Three.

In the first match of the weekend, Perth Glory, left feeling confident following a gritty win over the Jets, looked to continue with the same momentum that they played with at home. Brisbane Roar, fresh from a 1-0 win against Sydney FC, hoped to continue their strong defensive form, having limited the attacking opportunities of last season’s champions.

With both sides having won nine times and drawn four in their previous meetings, this match was predicted to be close. Roar had the advantage in the two teams last encounter, winning 2-0.

Sarah O’Donoghue faced her former team, making her debut start for Glory, while Charli Wainwright was named on the bench, currently with Perth Glory on a youth development agreement.

Brisbane Roar dominated from the first minute of the opening half, forcing Perth Glory goalkeeper Miranda Templeman into several key saves early on. Despite her best efforts, Brisbane’s pressure soon paid off with skipper Tameka Yallop finding the back of the net in just the 7th minute.

The home side quickly doubled their advantage as Tamar Levin scored a brilliant debut goal, set up by Chelsea Blissett. Brisbane’s constant attacking intent and quick transitions appeared to overwhelm Perth, who struggled to establish themselves in the game.

Physical battles defined much of the half, with Miku Sunaga earning a yellow card for a foul on Momo Hayashi that awarded Brisbane a free kick, though it came to nothing. Perth’s defence did have its stronger moments, with Tijan McKenna making a vital block to deny a threatening shot from Emily Pringle.

As frustrations and determination continued to build, Alicia Woods committed a foul on Sunaga, receiving the second yellow card of the game and handing Perth a free kick that failed to yield any real threat. Brisbane continued to press high, eventually causing Templeman to be tested late in the half, forcing an awkward save of what was almost an own goal off the head of Chinnama.

Perth Glory struggled offensively and failed to register a single shot on target, leaving them with significant work to do as they headed into halftime trailing 2-0 to the Roar

Brisbane Roar continued their dominance into the second half, further cementing their control over the match. Tameka Yallop remained at the heart of the action, firing a shot that was crucially blocked by Onyinyechi Zogg, whose solid defending kept Glory’s hopes alive momentarily.

However, Brisbane’s pressure paid off once again when Miranda Templeman committed a foul in the area, conceding a penalty. Yallop stepped up and converted the opportunity with composure, extending Roar’s lead and securing her second goal of the game.

Perth had a rare moment of promise when Kelli Brown unleashed a powerful, long-range shot, but Olivia Sekany was equal to the task, making a smart save to preserve Roar’s clean sheet.

The match grew increasingly physical as frustrations boiled over with O’Donoghue, Chinnama, Dalton, and Brown all receiving yellow cards in a scrappy last quarter of the game.

Brisbane’s control was evident not just on the scoreboard but in their passing game, with the team completing an impressive 561 passes.

At full time, Brisbane Roar claimed a commanding victory, with a clinical performance and a 3-0 scoreline that underlined their dominance in both offence and defence. Perth Glory, despite their defensive efforts, struggled to find any rhythm in attack and will be left reflecting on a frustrating outing to Perry Park.

With next weekend being the A-League Unite Round, both teams will be playing their matches at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval. Glory will be coming head to head with Canberra United whilst Brisbane face Western Sydney Wanderers.

For more of Richard Haines’ superb photography from the game, check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (4-2-3-1): Sekany, De La Harpe, McQueen, Varley, Blissett, Hayashi, Woods, Pringle, Levin, Yallop, Popadinova. Substitutes: Richards, Hecher, Kuilamu, Freier, Kruger.

Scorers: Yallop 7’, 59’ (pen), Levin 13’.

PERTH GLORY (4-2-3-1): Templeman, McKenna, Chinnama, Tatham, Johnston, Dalton, Cassidy, Brown, O’Donoghue, Sunaga, Hillary. Substitutes: Skinner, Zogg, Abdul Massih, Wainwright, Roberts.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello

Attendance: 1,588.

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Sydney FC secure well-fought victory in Derby

by Alice de Koster-Kitto (16/11/24)

Above: Amy Harrison leads Shea Connors to the ball in the Sydney derby. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Sydney FC 1-0 Western Sydney Wanderers

Sydney FC took home their first win of the season in a 1-0 victory against Western Sydney Wanderers in the highly anticipated Sydney Derby, at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.

As expected with any derby, the game kicked off with an immediate intensity on the pitch, however, there was an added level of pressure that could be felt from the first touch. Although Sydney FC has won in the past 5 meetings of these two sides, the game was not one that could be easily predicted, given the 2023/24 Ninja A-League Champions’ current drop in form. Going into the clash, Sydney had not won a game in the first two rounds of the season, which hasn’t happened since the 2018/19 season.

Western Sydney went into the derby, clearly looking to take advantage of their rival’s recent shortcomings, putting intense tactical pressure on the attacking end, while searching for their first Sydney Derby goal since 2019. The visitors’ determination paid off early on, earning them the first real chance of the match, with a header from Paige Hayward in the 3rd minute, which was ultimately blocked.

Both sides kept the momentum up for the first half, however neither was able to really assert themselves. Although possession was fairly even, it did seem that the Wanderers had the slight upper hand towards the start, capitalizing on their strengths, and playing with a technicality that has been somewhat absent from their game this season.

There were a number of free kicks from both sides, none of which could be turned into a goal, or even a real chance at either end.

Sydney FCs first big chance came from Shea Connors in the 11th minute. Although the shot was blocked by Western Sydney’s Ella Buchanan, it set the hosts up for a streak of strong attempts, shifting the match to a much more even one on the attacking end.

The energy did not falter as halftime approached, with the opponents equally striving to break the deadlock. Though there was no shortage of opportunities, it appeared that the pressure of such a critical match prevented either side from finishing, falling short several times through the first half.

With just a few minutes left in the first half, it looked as though if there was to be a goal before the break, it would come from Western Sydney Wanderers. Striking partners Sophie Harding and Cushla Rue continued to put pressure on the champions, however, Sydney’s defense proved too strong to let a goal through, leaving the match scoreless at halftime.

Following quite a frantic first half, the match returned with a new sense of structure in both teams, despite there being no halftime substitutions. The first substitution of the match was not a planned one, when Sydney FCs Faye Bryson was subbed off after what appeared to be a hip injury. Abbey Lemon replaced Bryson, in the 48th minute, marking her first game of the season.

The physicality and intensity continued through the second half, and although both sides came back seeming much more sure of themselves, it was still unclear which way the match would go, as it seemed increasingly likely that the derby would end in a draw, for the first time since 2021.

Sydney FC’s substitutions proved to be the answer to this tight clash when Caley Tallon-Henniker replaced Mackenzie Hawkesby. Though Hawkesby played an excellent game in her 74 minutes on the pitch, Tallon-Henniker brought a certain pace and aggression to the game that was needed for Sydney to assert themselves as the dominant side as stoppage time approached.

In the last 10 minutes of regulation, Sydney FC picked up their game, cleaning up their play, as it became a matter of when they would score, rather than if they would score.

The first and only goal of the match came from Sydney FC’s Caley Tallon-Henniker, assisted by Shay Hollam in the 86th minute, putting the hosts in the lead, and gearing them toward their first win of the season.

With the match now heavily in favour of Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers were not willing to go down without a fight, maintaining the same intensity and spirit they started with, through to the last minute.

The 4 minutes of added time saw visitors desperately search for an equaliser, while Sydney continued to build towards a second goal. Despite their equal efforts, neither side was able to find the back of the net again, ending the match with a 1-0 victory to Sydney FC.

The win marks Sydney FCs first win of the season and their 6th consecutive Sydney Derby win.

Both Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers will return to Leichhardt Oval next weekend, playing in the A-League Unite Round. The Wanderers will face Brisbane Roar on Friday evening, as part of the weekend’s first doubleheader., while Sydney will conclude the unite round on Sunday, facing current table leaders, Melbourne City.

For more of Kris Goman’s photography for us from the game, check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball.

Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Edwards, Tumeth, Tobin, Thompson, Bryson, Lowry, Hawkesbt, Caspers, Dos Santos, Connors, Ibini. Substitutes: Franco, Hollman, Lemon, Luchtmeijer, Tallon-Henniker.

Goals: Tallon-Henniker 86’.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (4-4-2): Khamis, Hayward, Chessari, Harrison, Harding, Saveska, Matos, Buchanan, Rue, Younis, Harada. Substitutes: Segavcic, Ferrus, Price, Trew, Kapetanellis.

Referee: Isabella Mossin

Attendance: 3,324.

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Reds win against Canberra

By Alyce Collett 16/11/24

Above: Adelaide United celebrate a goal against Canberra United. Photo: Adelaide United

Canberra United 0-2 Adelaide United

Adelaide United have broken their duck against Canberra United, beating them for the first time in over two years.

A dominance in possession in the first half paired with goals from Emily Condon and Fiona Worts meant that the Reds had the ascendancy early, and did not let Canberra back into the match in the second half.

The first half was at times chaotic, but one thing that was consistent was that momentum was very much in the red corner.

Adelaide really dominated possession early, and although it took them over 10 minutes to get a goal, it felt like when not if those in red would eventually score.

The Reds did eventually take the lead after the Canberra defence was unable to confidently clear the ball, and Condon pounced to smash the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Condon continued to push for further scoring opportunities as the half progressed, really keeping the Canberra defence on their toes and was ably assisted by the likes of Worts and Lucía León.

Canberra did have brief moments of attacking potential, but just did not have the numbers to make anything happen. One thing that did not help the home side was that Maja Markovski was doing a lot of two way running, pushing back hard to help out the defence, which meant Canberra just did not have the numbers in attack and that meant Adelaide’s defenders were able to isolate Michelle Heyman and really quell her influence on the game. The home side was also too flatfooted at times in attack, which allowed Adelaide’s defence to pounce and intercept far too easily.

Adelaide eventually found a second goal with about 10 minutes to go in the half after Emily Hodgson snuck a pass passed Canberra’s defence to set up Worts in the box, who snuck a shot into the bottom corner to double the visitors’ lead.

Canberra almost responded moments after the restart, but Heyman’s subsequent shot went slightly wide.

The final few minutes of the half were rather chaotic.

Adelaide almost had a third goal for the half but Ella Tonkin’s goal was ultimately ruled offside, before Markovski missed an absolute sitter of a shot up the other end.

The half time stats really show how dominant Adelaide was in the first half.

The Reds held a solid lead in the passes (241 to 165) and held the ball in possession for almost 20% more of the half than their hosts. They only had five shots on goal though, but three of those were on target, which considering two of those were goals is quite impressive.

The other really interesting stat from the first half was around defence. Canberra recorded more tackles and more clearances, which considering how much more composed Adelaide were in defence compared to the hosts, this is not surprising.

The second half could not have been more different from the first.

Canberra started promisingly in the second half with aa number of chances from the likes of Markovski and half timesubstitute Jyanna Dos Santos, but the positioning of Adelaide’s defenders was really strong, and they were able to get their body perfectly in the way to block the Canberra shots.

Much of the second half was more end to end action and free flowing than the first half had been, with both sides having plenty of opportunities to score.

Adelaide did look the more likely of the two sides to score with their shots more on target than Canberra’s, but thanks to some brilliant saves from Sally James the Reds were unable to add to their tally. Canberra did have one really strong chance at a goal, but after a couple of deflections the Reds’ defence ultimately held strong to get the ball away.

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

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, E.Hodgson, Leon, Tolland, Tonkin, McNamara, Morgan, Dewey, Condon, Healy, Worts. Substitutes: Grove, Clarke, Grigg, Karambasis, Mullan.

Goals: Condon 11′, Worts 35’.

Attendance: 1,249.

Referee: Rebecca Durcau.

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City and Central Coast share the points

by Emma Burke (16/11/24)

Above: Melbourne City celebrate their second goal. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

Melbourne City 2-2 Central Coast Mariners

Under the sun at Casey Fields, Melbourne City and Central Coast Mariners have shared the spoils in a two-all draw for Round Three of the A-League Women.

It took City all of three minutes to open the scoring, when defender Alexia Apostolakis found herself in space outside the 18-yard box, firing a well placed shot into the top right hand corner of the goal.

Central Coast had a reply for City only two minutes later. Young striker Annalise Rasmussen pounced on a poor back-pass from defender Taylor Otto to her keeper Malena Mieres, leaving her to score into an open net.

City claimed the lead before half time through a free kick by Lourdes Bosch. Bosch’s delivery went through the legs of a teammate and an opposition player, catching Mariners keeper Sarah Langman off guard and unable to reach the ball in time.

Despite the mandatory breaks in play for drinks, the heat clearly had an impact on both teams.

The second half looked much slower than the first, and both side’s goalkeepers were put to the test, each making crucial saves.

Isabel Gomez found her side the equaliser, a perfect end to her week after been called up to the Matildas for the first time in her career.

An initial shot came in from English international Jade Pennock, which was blocked by a diving keeper, directly into the path of Gomez.

Gomez was able to put the ball over Mieres, and into the net, though it may have collected a final touch from Alexia Apostolakis in an effort to clear the ball.

In the final period of play both City and Central Coast made an effort to find a winner, though neither were able to do so.

With a point taken by each side, City remain top of the table, while Central Coast sit fifth.

As Round Four is Unite Round, both teams will head to Sydney for their fixtures at Leichhardt Oval. Central Coast Mariners will play Melbourne Victory on Saturday the 23rd of November at 2:15pm. City will play Sydney FC in a rematch of last year’s Grand Final on Sunday the 24th at 4:15pm.

For more of Tilly McDonald’s images from the game for us, check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-3-3): Mieres, Apostolakis, Stott, Otto, Roestbakken, Pollicina, Huges, Davidson, Speckmaier, Harvey, Bosch. Substitutes: Vlajnic, Henry, McKenna, Karic.

Scorers: Apostolakis 3’, Bosch 33’.

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-1-4-1): Langman, Martin, Irwin, Nash, Riley, Gomez, Nunn, Galic, Ray, Pennock, Rasmussen. Substitutes: Trimis, McMahon, Puxty, Quilligan

Scorers: Rasmussen 5’, Gomez 76’.

Referee: Kelly Jones.

Attendance: 562.

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A-League Women Media Conferences

Impetus’ Ava-Marianne Elliot reports on Canberra United and Central Coast Mariners press conferences ahead of their upcoming matches.

Canberra United

by Ava-Marianne Elliot

Coming off the back of their 1-0 away win at Wellington Phoenix, Canberra United are aiming to make it three for three in their opening run. This weekend, they face Adelaide United at home, and the task of obtaining the three points will be no easy feat.

One key thing Canberra have been working on across the opening three fixtures and their pre-season has been their defensive performances. Head coach Antoni Jagarinec outlined that the goals will inevitably come with such quality forwards, but not conceding as many shots as last season could make the difference in the long haul. Last weekend against Phoenix, the effort paid off as the side kept a clean sheet.

Ahead of their clash with a well-structured Adelaide, Jagarinec said the squad is mostly fresh and fit, however there is one concern in Aideen Keane. After picking up a knock in last weekend’s match, whether Keane will be match-fit is ‘touch and go.’ The young midfielder is being given until the last minute to prove her fitness, however if she is deemed unable to play this weekend, it’ll be a huge loss for Canberra.

**Above:** Canberra United celebrate, their team making a promising start to the A-League Women season. **Image:** Canberra United.

Alongside Jagarinec, Michelle Heyman also addressed the media, who further discussed the positivity amongst the squad. She said the spirits were high within the group, and a huge confidence boost had been given from obtaining those three points last weekend, making the long journey well worth it.

“It was incredible to see our defence and how well we’ve been performing in that area, especially compared to that last season where we ended up giving away goals in the last minute”.

Last weekend didn’t just see a win for her side, but another record for Heyman. Her goal saw her become the first ever player in the A-League Women’s to score 100 goals for a single club, however for Heyman, her focus isn’t trained on her personal achievements. “It’s nice, my younger self would be really stoked about it all. I think now that I’m getting older I’m just happy with the three points and continuing to win. I want to win trophies and I want to bring trophies home for Canberra United, so my main focus is to continue to score as many goals as I can, but it’s all for the team”.

Being part of a new frontline, Heyman also spoke on how the new combination is working. “I think we’re all on the same page and we’re very similar footballers as well so, I think we’re making similar runs all the time which is nice too”. For her, the experience of being part of a completely new front four has been exciting, and the rest of the season is looking positive.

Central Coast Mariners

by Ava-Marianne Elliot

Last weekend, Central Coast Mariners were held to a goalless draw away at Western United. In their upcoming fixture against Melbourne City, Head Coach Emily Husband outlined the importance of capitalising on opportunities in a difficult draw.

**Above:** The Mariners overjoyed after a goal, starting off strong. **Image:** Central Coast Mariners

Regarding the result against Western United, Husband said “there were areas where we definitely could’ve been better, and should’ve been better”. Ultimately, walking away with a clean sheet and a point was a positive result, despite it not being the best case scenario.

The squad have been putting in the hard work, and Husband has hope the effort will translate to the pitch so that they start to see results consistently across the season. “Look, I can’t speak highly enough of them. At the end of the day everything we’re asking them to do they’re doing, it’s just then implementing it and obviously still getting to know a few of the new faces and integrating those into the team”.

With City next up, it’s a difficult fixture to head into as the away side. “We know that Melbourne City will always be one of the top teams up there, so for us it’s always about going there and making sure we’re competitive”. Since City are such a strong side, Mariners will have to have an element of bravery, and take their chances in and out of possession to attempt to match the home side.

To round off, Husband spoke on Jessika Nash and the impact she’s had so far as a newcomer. “She’s one who always wants to learn and always wants to improve and that’s the type of player we want within our squad”.

Reflecting on last week’s performance, Nash spoke on how the point was gladly taken against Western United. Heading into their game against City, Mariners will be striving to walk away with all three. Leading into the game with two strong performances behind them, there are a lot of positives to take. “With the team and the standards that we hold, we want to get three points week in and week out so for us it’s a reflection, and how can we improve that for the next week”.

When asked about how she’s finding life with Central Coast Mariners and how she’s fitting in with the squad, Nash expressed how much she’s enjoying being part of the team. “I’m absolutely loving it here on the Coast. The girls and the coaching staff, if not just the whole entire club it’s truly a family and for me you play your best football when you’re happy and enjoying it, so for me it’s been incredible”.

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Clare Hunt Exclusive Interview

Above: Clare Hunt on signing day with Tottenham. Image: Tottenham Hotspur.

by Genevieve Henry (15/11/24).

Ahead of tomorrow’s huge North London derby in the Women’s Super League with Tottenham Hotspur Australian defender Clare Hunt answered Genevieve Henry’s questions about her transition to England, rapid ascent with the Matildas, and ultimate goals with Spurs.

Hunt has been on a meteoric trajectory since her first national team call up in 2023. After an impressive run of seasons with Western Sydney Wanderers and Canberra United in the A-League Women, the defender was immediately entrusted with a starting spot for the Matildas and she hasn’t given it up yet.

Not having set a single foot wrong throughout the Women’s World Cup, Hunt gained international attention and earned a move to Paris Saint Germain. This European summer, Hunt was once again on the move and Tottenham Hotspur were lucky enough to sign the stalwart centre back.

There were many factors that drew Hunt into Tottenham, but at the top of her list was playing time. “For me, it’s important to continuously get minutes under my belt. I’m excited to continue to develop these next few seasons with Tottenham and enjoy my time here in London.”

“It’s been really good, really easy to settle in. I’m enjoying my time here. The club is really welcoming, the facilities are great, and I think the people here are great. I feel like it’s an opportunity for me to develop and get to play against quality opposition, week in and week out.”

“Just getting game time is really important because it allows me to develop, it allows me to make mistakes and learn, it allows me to have successes and recognize those as successes in the way that I play.”

“Getting minutes here at Spurs has really helped me and given me confidence moving forward in playing against top teams. Having relatively consistent performances is something I want to do and continue to do throughout the season, so I think being alongside some other Aussies makes it more familiar and helps me with that.”

The Australian contingent not only at Tottenham, but all over London and England has been a major positive for Hunt, alongside other similarities.

“I feel like the culture here is not too different from home, so it makes it quite easy to settle in. I’d say it’s easier to settle in than Paris with that language and cultural barrier. It’s been a really smooth transition for me and it’s allowed me to progress quickly in transitioning into the football here.”

Above: Hunt celebrates a win with the Matildas. Image: Football Australia.

Tottenham has been continuously improving over the past few years and Hunt sees that potential and hopes to help take the club to greater heights.

“I want to get to a point where Tottenham is a club that’s undeniably competitive in the Women’s Super League and we’re sitting up at the top of the ladder, year in, year out; and we’re competing for Champions League positions, and in the Champions League. That is a mark I want to leave at Tottenham and be a part of something bigger here.”

“I think it’s a great competition (the WSL), I think each weekend you go into, you’re not one hundred percent sure that you’re gonna take points away from it; whether you play a top team or a bottom team, it’s tough competition. I also feel like the pace of the game is to a decent standard and it’s allowing me to grow, to lead in this team, and to be a player that wants to develop and help develop others. I’m really enjoying it.”

Hunt recently scored her first goals for both club and country. She attributes it to the freedom she has been given to prove herself on set pieces. “It’s quite nice to have that flexibility and show what I can do up the other end of the pitch.”

Hunt’s career has been full of quick adjustments and big steps up, all of which she has handled with remarkable grace and poise.

“I think my attitude helps me a lot, just to continually try and progress. It’s quite important to start and to play, and that’s something I want to do. That’s a big contributing factor in how I can be a leader or a figure on a team who can drive others to want to win and want to improve. That drives me to be the best player and best person that I can.”

“Every little process requires an adjustment period, and I think for me, I didn’t necessarily get granted that when I cracked into the national team…It was almost like ‘hey, you’re a regular starter now, so make the most of it and stay there.’ Now that I have that confidence in myself and also that feeling that I can do it, I know I can be a regular starter in decent teams and the national team, so for me it’s just being consistent in my effort throughout the week, whether that’s in gym or training.”

One of the factors that has helped Hunt to gain such incredible opportunities in her career is her levelheaded-ness and composure. She puts it all down to her ability to read the game.

“Sometimes I might look calm but I don’t necessarily feel as calm inside. It’s just understanding how the opposition plays. I think once you understand the way they press, or the way they move, it’s gonna be relatively predictable for you.”

Above: Hunt and compatriot Charli Grant training with Spurs. Image: Tottenham Hotspur.

“I play against some really amazing players, but I also feel like defending is easier than attacking, so I have the upper hand anyway.”

In her still surprisingly young career in the spotlight, Hunt has played in front of some incredible audiences, which she may become accustomed to with bigger crowd sizes at some WSL clubs’ grounds.

“To play in front of big crowds, it’s a privilege, it’s an amazing opportunity to show people what you can do, but it’s also just an opportunity to enjoy it. I think it’s amazing that on a Sunday I can go to work and have 50,000 people want to watch what I do for a living. That’s really, really cool. There’s so much exposure around women’s football now, I think it’s great. It’s quite exciting to be a part of that.”

Hunt also spoke about her excitement at the promise of a big crowd at the North London Derby. With Aussies Hayley Raso and Charli Grant at Spurs with Hunt, as well as Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Steph Catley at Arsenal, tomorrow’s match will be highly attractive to audiences in Australia.

It’s safe to say no matter who emerges victorious, North London will be green and gold. Hunt’s first game against Arsenal should be one to remember, especially as Tottenham have made huge strides to catch up in the rivalry. Hunt will surely put her best foot forward and once again show the world what she can do in this monumental match-up.

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Matildas new names join seasoned pro’s

By Emma Burke 15/11/24

Above: Matilda McNamara rejoins the national team. Photo: Football Australia

The Matildas’s final squad for 2024 has been announced by interim Head Coach Tom Sermanni at AAMI Park this morning, featuring seven uncapped players, and eight players with 10 caps or less.

The squad boasts 36 names, a mixture of players based both locally in the A-league, and across the globe.

“There’ll be certain players who won’t be able to be here for the whole window,” said Sermanni, regarding the size of the squad.

“We had a big list of players… it was touch and go between the players we picked and the ones who missed out,” he said.

New names include Morgan Aquino (DC Power), Leah Davidson (Melbourne City), Isabel Gomez (Central Coast Mariners), Hana Lowry (Sydney FC), and Natasha Prior (Newcastle Jets FC).

This squad also sees Tottenham attacker Hayley Raso, and Liverpool goalkeeper Teagan Micah both return from hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.

Experienced Matildas and fan favourites in Alex Chidiac, Chloe Logarzo, and Emily Gielnik all return to the national team fold, due to their impressive starts to the 2024/25 A-League Women’s season.

Australia will face familiar foes Brazil in Brisbane on the 28th of November, a celebration match for defender Clare Polkinghorne, who will be making her last appearances for the Matildas in this window of games.

The Brisbane game will be followed by a rematch on the 1st of December, down on the Gold Coast.

The squad will then head down to Victoria to play two games against Chinese Taipei one at AAMI Park on the 4th of December, and then their final fixture on the 7th of December in Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

Regarding the Head Coach position, Sermanni was clear about his tenure in the role while the FA look to fill the position full-time.

“I’m here as the interim coach for as long as the FA wants me to be here,” he said.

“There is no time limit, I’ll be here for as long as I am required.”

“You may have to put up with me for a while yet.”

Matildas Squad

Morgan Aquino

Mackenzie Arnold

Ellie Carpenter

Steph Catley

Alex Chidiac

Kyra Cooney-Cross

Leah Davidson

Caitlin Foord

Mary Fowler

Sharn Freier

Daniela Galic

Emily Gielnik

Isabel Gomez

Katrina Gorry

Charlotte Grant

Winonah Heatley

Bryleeh Henry

Michelle Heyman

Clare Hunt

Alanna Kennedy

Chloe Lincoln

Chloe Logarzo

Hana Lowry

Matilda McNamara

Teagan Micah

Jessika Nash

Courtney Nevin

Clare Polkinghorne

Natasha Prior

Hayley Raso

Jamilla Rankin

Karly Roestbakken

Remy Siemsen

Emily Van Egmond

Clare Wheeler

Tameka Yallop