Melbourne City striker Holly McNamara is determined to get back on the pitch this season

Experts questioned if Holly McNamara would recover from her third ACL tear but the City striker never once doubted her ability to return to the pitch during her most gruelling rehab yet.

Melbourne City’s women’s team is taking the inaugural Asian Women’s Champions League by storm – their unbeaten streak has given injured attacker Holly McNamara even more motivation to get back on the pitch.

McNamara, 21, lauded as the next Sam Kerr, is 10 months into her rehabilitation program for her third ruptured ACL.

The striker suffered her first when she was just 15.

Her third happened back in November 2023 – just days after she was recalled into the Matildas squad.

The terrible injury left her on the bench to watch City win the title, earn entry to the Asian Women’s Champions League and rue what could have been had she made the Matildas squad for the Paris Olympics.

City have won their opening two games of the Champions League – winning their first game 3-0 and their second 2-1 to sit on top of their group. They will take on Kaya FC-Iloilo on Saturday in their final group stage clash.

Holly McNamara has torn her ACL three times. picture: Getty Images

McNamara didn’t travel to Thailand with the team – instead staying in Melbourne to focus on her rehab.

“They’re never quite easy but this one’s been a little bit difficult with a different kind of graft used and a few setbacks along the way, but it’s on the up now and I’m looking forward to getting back out there,” McNamara said.

“It is always difficult when you want to do something and you’re not allowed to or you physically can’t – it was hard but I’m so proud of the girls for winning the premiership last year.

“We’ve been watching the games back here and we’re so proud of what they’ve done, they have really taken everything that we’ve done during pre-season and put it out on the pitch.”

McNamara, who scored six goals in her opening five matches before her injury, said she was expecting to be ready for Round 1 on November 1.

It’s been a tough journey for Holly McNamara. Picture: Getty Images

“I don’t have a date at the moment set for my return – I’m just taking it one step at a time, ticking off the boxes and then whenever game time comes, it will come,” she said.

When McNamara’s injury was confirmed as her third ACL many experts questioned if the rising star would be able to make a comeback.

The thought of not playing again never crossed McNamara’s mind – it was the opposite.

With the need to get back on the pitch keeping her motivated through the challenging past 10 months.

“The first game back is always the best because you finally get to play,” she said.

“I think for the whole 10 and half months so far I just want to be back out there – I think every day is the same vision, same thoughts – I just want to play again.”

She has been guided through the rehab by the expert medical staff at City which McNamara dubbed among the “best in the world”.

Holly McNamara is determined to return this season. Picture: Getty Images

Also in her corner are the 11 other A-League’s Women’s players who suffered the same injury last season.

“When you see those players who have something in common and something to chat about so you chat about your rehab,” McNamara said.

“Obviously Chelsea Blissett (who transferred from City to Roar last season) did hers last year as well so we have had a few conversations as well as with Adriana Taranto from Western United, she did hers as well.”

McNamara said it was a “sad statistic” and said more research was needed into why the injury was plaguing so many women’s footballers around the world.

“It’s a difficult thing to pinpoint, there isn’t one reason or one factor, it is such a broad kind of injury and so many things can factor into it,” she said.

“Obviously research going forward would be great if it can prevent anything.”

Melbourne City’s A-League’s season will kick off on November 3 against Perth Glory.

Originally published as Melbourne City striker Holly McNamara is determined to get back on the pitch this season