Hey Fam,
Wow, what a month, huh?! Are you still a fan? Are you hanging on by the skin of your teeth? I know how you feel, I really do. I don’t know what to think. I just know, I love this game and I love my football family.
It’s hard to know right now how best to step into the next part of our love affair with this great game. I can only advise that perhaps a show of gratitude was in order. With all the crap being bantered about, I think it’s only fitting to flip the switch or to balance out the influx of negativity by flooding ourselves with what is great about our game.
First of all, let’s talk about the W-League. What an absolute cracker of a season! The most competitive season in the league’s existence. Melbourne Victory coming from the bottom of table to claim their first premiership and Sydney FC mending the heartbreak of a Grand Final loss last year with going one better and becoming Champions.
Sam Kerr, Natasha Dowie, Caitlin Foord going head to head week in and out for Golden Boot and not to mention the stand out performances of their counterparts in goals Britt Eckerstrom, Sarah Willacy and Eliza Campbell shining brightest.
Most clubs’ have exceeded their past seasons expenditure with resources thrown at the W-League sides in order to create the closest finishing table ever. The quality of Internationals arriving on our shores has been nothing short of breathtaking, with the culmination of fantastic performances being front and centre in the Grand Final.
Sofia Huerta’s first goal for Sydney was indicative of the quality that was on show throughout the season. W-League debutant Savannah McCaskill was dazzling with her skill and her performance in the Grand Final - justly winning the MVP award. Other debutants who certainly turned a few heads: Chioma Ubogagu, Rhoda Mulaudzi, Elizabeth Addo, Veronica Latsko just to name a few!
The depth of Australian talent has also risen with a few new faces being thrust into the lime light following some stellar performances. It is very hard to narrow down but here we go!
Sarah Willacy, Sham Khamis and Eliza Campbell singlehandedly kept their teams in games and on occasion kept the sheets clean enough for their teams to scrape wins. Campbell earning a Matildas spot in the Cup of Nations squad today alongside our already formidable goalkeeping stocks of Lydia Williams and McKenzie Arnold. Their careers are just beginning so it’s imperative they continue to strive for excellence to help their prospects of playing not only for Australia but professionally overseas.
It’s well documented we are craving depth in our defensive department. A solid Matildas backline should have adequate cover coming into France with many defenders taking the opportunity to show not only resilience but determination in keeping their keepers quiet throughout games. Teigen Allen, a capped Matilda who was again unsurprisingly named in the squad, a stand out opportunist with her comeback season post numerous injuries.
Angie Beard, also from Victory stocks, showed desperation and winning mentality throughout their loss to Perth in the Semi Final. She may have missed out on a Matildas call up today but is surly knocking on the door.
Our dual athlete in Jenna McCormick (AFLW) made a statement by choosing W-League commitments in the latter stages of play and her athleticism is a sight to behold. Not only is she able to keep many of our current strikers quiet but helped Brisbane Roar push to score goals as well.
Whilst we are positive vibing, let’s not forget to send positive vibes to all players who are making their rehabilitation progress steadily. Larissa Crummer, Kyah Simon and Katrina Gorry.
There's so much to love about the the W-League and Matildas. But we must also take a genuine moment to marvel at the work done to help free Hakeem Al-Haraibi. A tremendous effort by the humble Craig Foster and the entire football community.
From Pascoe Vale Soccer Club all the way to Prime Minister Scott Morrison. And yes, if you’re wondering, Mr Morrison is definitely one of us now.
This story restored my faith in the football family.
Whilst sometimes we may feel our world seems to be falling in around us, it is something like this that completely energises us and makes us see the good in everyone around us. Agenda’s put aside, ego’s neatly shifted to make way for relentlessness, bravery and downright NEVER SAY DIE attitude.
Can I get an Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi.
I’ll see you on a football pitch soon.
Bubs
P.S. Get to The Cup of Nations. Show the Matildas that no matter what – you’ll always back them.
