A-League Women Mid-Year Report Card: Every club graded, key standouts, finals predictions
Major upsets, future stars and surprising standouts; check out every team’s report card at the halfway point of the A-League Women’s season.
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Melbourne City are looking like premiership favourites as we pass the midway point of the 2023-24 A-League Women’s season.
Reigning double titleholders Sydney FC are missing the form that took them to glory last season, while runners-up Western United have bounced back from their grand final disappointment with the addition of Matilda Chloe Logarzo.
The Central Coast Mariners have been impressive in their return to the league as their young players steal the show, even with the absence of injured Matilda Kyah Simon.
Canberra United and Adelaide United are in a tough battle for the wooden spoon while the Wellington Phoenix figure out why they can’t win across the ditch.
With 11 matches to go, we’ve graded every team and outlined their strengths, weaknesses, and predicted their outlook for the second half of the season.
Adelaide United FC
League position: 11th (2W 2D 7L)
Grade: D
Biggest strength: Adelaide have shown great football IQ in moments, delivering solid chances when capitalised on. This was showcased in the early goal against Western Sydney in round nine, bring optimism that Adelaide can claw its way off the bottom of the ladder.
Needs improvement: Adelaide has the ability to score goals and get an early lead, but they can get lax in defence resulting in goals conceded. They’ve lost the lead in four games in which they scored the opening goal, including their 3-1 loss to Newcastle. The Reds have an experienced side and should be performing better than they have been.
Best performance: Adelaide’s best performance of the season so far came in round one with an eight-goal, 4-4 thriller against Canberra United. It featured four lead changes with the Reds often trailing, but the resilience to keep pushing for a goal from both sides showed grit and determination that Adelaide hasn’t really displayed since.
Top performer: Reds veteran Emily Hodgson has been having arguably her best season in professional football. She’s been in and around the side’s attack, despite being a defender, recording two assists in 11 games.
Player to watch: Former Young Matilda Ella Tonkin has been given more minutes this season and it’s really given her the opportunity to shine. The 21-year-old has been a crucial part of the Adelaide defence and has even been creating chances up front, scoring a goal against the Mariners in round two. Her recent red card is the only blemish on her season.
Season expectation: The Reds are unlikely to be fighting for a finals position, but a better run of form could keep them clear of the wooden spoon.
Brisbane Roar FC
League position: 9th (3W 4D 4L)
Grade: D+
Biggest strength: The Roar have produced a very experienced squad, which has shown some promise even in defeat. The team knows how to find the back of the net, scoring in every game bar one, and just need to keep up the pressure through the full 90 minutes.
Needs improvement: Brisbane have shown a lack of consistency and urgency through the opening few rounds, settling for draws or taking the loss without any real fire. Their two wins to open their campaign have kept them within touching distance of the top six, but recent matches have been underwhelming.
Best result: Brisbane snapped it’s eight-match winless run in round 11 with a 2-1 come from behind victory over the Phoenix. Matilda Tameka Yallop scored her first goal since returning to the A-League to level the scores after an early Wellington goal, while Kijah Stephenson put the Roar in front a minute into the second half to take all three points.
Top performer: American import Mia Corbin has been a great addition to the Roar this season. Scoring five goals and recording three assists, Corbin has been leading from the front and has been a light in the side’s poor performances.
Player to watch: Sharn Freier has been steadily improving through her third ALW season and has been a bit undervalued among big names such as Yallop and Corbin. The 22-year-old is a consistent starter, and her one goal and three assists have been crucial to the Roar’s push for more points.
Season expectation: Brisbane have the ability to switch on and make a real push for finals, but will need a big change in mindset to make any moves up the ladder.
Canberra United
League position: 12th (1W 4D 5L)
Grade: C-
Biggest strength: Despite being last on the ladder, Canberra have put in some good performances. They have the second highest goal tally with 20 (First is Melbourne City with 28) and have a decent squad behind them. With dedicated training to stop the influx of goals against them, Canberra could be a force to be reckoned with in the latter half of the season.
Needs improvement: Canberra has been so close to unveiling their potential but so far this season they’ve fallen short of expectations. They have a high goal count, but it’s cancelled out by the 24 goals conceded so far. Their one win was a great one over Brisbane, but they need to be consistent in their results.
Best result: Canberra only have one win out of 10 games so far, but it was definitely one to savour. Three goals to Milivojevic and one each to Stanic-Floody and Sofia Christopherson showcased the attacking power the side has, with the only lowlight being the goal conceded early in the second half.
Top performer: It’s hard to look past Vesna Milivojevic as a top player not just at Canberra United, but in the league this season. Leading the golden boot race with eight goals from 10 matches, Milivojevic has been an obvious stand out for a side stagnating at the bottom of the table. She peaked with a hat trick in the 5-1 win over Brisbane, and her consistency up front has gotten Canberra close to more points on numerous occasions.
Player to watch: Teenager Mary Stanic-Floody made the move to Canberra from Sydney FC for the 2023-24 season and has so far made a decent impact, scoring one goal from nine appearances. It’s likely as the team finds their feat through the season, it will give more opportunities for Stanic-Floody to shine.
Season expectation: Canberra has shown glimpses of what they can achieve but have so far been unable to follow through. If they continue to underdeliver, they’ll likely remain as wooden-spoon contenders. If they manage to unlock their true form, they could be vying for finals positions by the end of the season.
Central Coast Mariners FC
League position: 10th (3W 3D 4L)
Grade: C+
Biggest strength: The Mariners attack has been very strong throughout the season with Rola Badawiya and Wurigumula teaming up nicely up front. The younger players in the squad including Annalise Rasmussen, Peta Trimis and Maya Lobo have been noticeably improving each game and will only continue to get better as the season goes on.
Needs improvement: As a new team, the Mariners were always going to be on the back foot compared to teams that have remained relatively unchanged coming into the season. While the team dynamic has definitely improved, the cohesion both in attack and defence is still in desperate need of improvement. The chemistry in attack is just not where it needs to be, resulting in many good chances being squandered.
Best result: The Mariners’ 3-0 win over Canberra in round nine was not only a great result, but showcased the potential the squad has. Chinese international Wurigumula scored a decent brace, while young gun Trimis scored her first professional goal. The performance had been building over the previous few matches, with Trimis consistently on the cusp of finding the back of the net.
Top performer: British import Faye Bryson has been a stand out on the coast this season. Her first taste of Australian football was cut short after being red carded in the season opening F3 derby, but since then Bryson has been in and around the action every match. She’s been able to hold together a relatively inexperienced defence line-up, resulting in the Mariners boasting a -1 goal difference despite sitting near the bottom of the table.
Player to watch: Young Peta Trimis has been a surprising star since making her ALW debut this season. The 17-year-old already has a goal to her name and has been a game changer for the Mariners’ attack, often bolting down the sideline and creating chances for goals. She’s brought some real energy to the team and her absence from the field has been noticeable.
Season expectation: The Mariners have been consistently improving since rejoining the league this season and will likely continue to do so. A finals berth in their first season back is a bit unlikely but a solid mid-table finish would be a promising start to their revival.
Melbourne City FC
League position: 1st (8W 2D 1L)
Grade: A+
Biggest strength: Melbourne City have barely put a foot wrong this season, only losing the one match against Perth Glory. Their ability to find the back of the net is an obvious strength, averaging 2.5 goals per game over 11 matches.
Needs improvement: With only one loss so far, there isn’t a lot Melbourne City need to do. However with so much of the season still to go, consistency will be their main objective. Their one loss came to second-placed Perth and with other teams finding their form, the ladder leaders may soon be under attack.
Best result: City showed no remorse in their recent 5-0 win over Adelaide. A hat-trick for Daniela Galic and a goal each for Kaitlyn Torpey and Hannah Wilkinson showcased the side’s stellar attacking ability.
Top performer:
Player to watch: Daniela Galic is only in her second season of the ALW, but you wouldn’t know it from her recent performances. The 17-year-old has scored five times over 11 matches this season, highlighted by a record-breaking hat trick against Adelaide.
Season expectation: With City sitting on top of the ladder six points clear of second-placed Perth, it’s hard to imagine them not walking away with the premiership.
Melbourne Victory
League position: 7th (4W 2D 5L)
Grade: C
Biggest strength: Victory have a star-studded squad with Matildas Lydia Williams, Emily Gielnik, Elise Kellond-Knight and the recent return of Alex Chidiac. The experience of these players is still allowing younger talent to shine and the club is clearly setting itself up for future success.
Needs improvement: Despite having such a wealth of talent, Victory doesn’t know what to do with it. The spark that was expected with Chidiac’s return was quickly doused with two losses in a three-game losing streak and Victory just haven’t found the form that should come naturally with a squad of this calibre.
Best result:
Top performer: Rachel Lowe has been a great addition for the Victory after signing on ahead of the current season from Sydney FC. She’s been given free reign in attack and has produced five goals and one assist and could be a game changer if given the right backing.
Player to watch: Young keeper Courtney Newbon has had a whirlwind ALW season, originally signing on with the Mariners as an injury replacement just hours before the season opener against Newcastle. She massively impressed during her four-game stint on the coast and was quickly snapped up by Victory at the end of her contract. She replaced Williams in goal midway through the side’s round 11 loss to Western United and could be a star in the making if given more opportunity.
Season expectation: Victory have all the tools to be a top finals team and just need to find their groove to pull in more wins.
Newcastle Jets
League position: 8th (4W 2D 5L)
Grade: B
Biggest strength: Simply put, goals. For a team that has really struggled to find the back of the net in previous seasons, the Jets have played with much greater attacking fluency in the current campaign, not only scoring more goals but also creating far more chances. With an average of 1.22 goals per game last season, the Jets have moved that up to 1.64 to be the third-most potent team in the league.
Needs improvement: While the team has been good to watch with the ball, they have leaked more goals than they would have liked, conceding 21 to have the third-worst defence in the competition. Particularly concerning would be the amount of late goals conceded, with the Jets letting in five goals from the 80th minute onwards.
Best result: For pure entertainment value, it has to be the 4-2 victory over third-placed Western United in round eight. Playing on a beautiful sunny afternoon in front of home fans at No. 2 Sportsground, the Jets played some scintillating attacking football to send the crowd home extremely satisfied. Emily van Egmond pulled the strings from midfield all day and combined with goalkeeper Isobel Nino and striker Sarina Bolden to set up a brilliant 100m counter attack for Newcastle’s third goal.
Top performer: There have been plenty to choose from in what has been a positive season. Although she only played four games as part of her guest stint, Emily van Egmond proved why she is a Matildas legend with some outstanding performances. With three goals and three assists, the 30-year-old transformed the Jets’ attack in her short spell with the club. Elsewhere, Cass Davis has been a rock in midfield, Laura Allen a threat out wide and Philippines international Sarina Bolden an absolute standout up front with five goals in her six games with the club.
Player to watch: Lara Gooch. The teenage flyer has continued her excellent rise this season by providing plenty of attacking flair for the Jets. After missing a couple of games with shin issues, the 18-year-old showed just what is capable of with a brilliant 35m solo effort against Canberra United last weekend, dribbling past a couple of players before firing a left-foot shot from the top of the box into the back of the net. With a dogfight to make the finals, Gooch looms as a key player for the back end of the season.
Season expectation: With the Jets playing the way they are, nothing short of making the finals would meet the expectations of this group.
Perth Glory FC
League position: 2nd (6W 2D 1L)
Grade: A
Biggest strength: Perth has shown a great ability to absorb attacking pressure and grow more determined from early setbacks. Though they have a relatively low goal count so far, their solid defensive line has kept them in matches and picked up points when needed.
Needs improvement: Glory seems to be sliding in form during the midway point of the season, coming up against teams that have been gradually improving. Changes to the starting line-up may need to be made to bring fresh perspective and keep Glory apace with the top teams.
Best result: Going up against the then-undefeated Melbourne City in round seven, Glory cemented themselves as title challengers with their convincing 3-1 win. Millie Farrow put on a goal scoring masterclass as Glory quickly bounced back from an early deficit to steal all three points.
Top performer: In Perth’s push for the premiership, it’s been hard to look past Millie Farrow. The British striker became the first player to score a hat trick for Glory since Sam Kerr in 2019 in the side’s 3-1 win over ladder leaders City and has been a nuisance for the opposition in the best possible way.
Player to watch: In her first season as first-choice keeper, hometown girl Morgan Aquino has been a game saver for Glory. She has the most saves in the league with 68, and her 86.3 per cent save record proves she is well and truly the brick wall of Perth.
Season expectation: Glory will give City a run for their money, with the battle for both the premiership and championship likely to come down to those two teams.
Sydney FC
League position: 5th (4W 4D 2L)
Grade: B-
Biggest strength: The Sky Blues have shown good consistency through the season, reflected in their recent record, producing solid wins and decent draws to remain in the top six.
Needs improvement: Though Sydney is sitting comfortably in the top six, they have the second-lowest goal scoring record of the competition with just 11 in 10 games. Only seven goals have been conceded, but that means nothing when there isn’t more goals to back it up. More goals will mean more points and put the reigning champions back near the top of the table where they belong.
Best result: Sydney peaked early in the season with their impressive 2-0 win over Western Sydney in a derby for the record books. Over 11 thousand fans packed into Allianz Stadium, keen to see World Cup hero Cortnee Vine in action. Kirsty Fenton scored early followed by Fiona Worts, taking home all three points in a promising start to the season.
Top performer: Goalkeeper Jada Whyman has been pivotal for Sydney, having the most clean sheets in the league with five from 10 matches. Whyman also has the least goals conceded with just seven, contributing massively to the Sky Blue’s position on the ladder.
Player to watch: Defender Charlotte McLean has been a consistent presence in the Sydney back line, contributing to the lack of goals being let through to the back of the net. She’s started every game so far and brings great energy to an occasionally lacklustre Sydney side, and could potentially be a game changer come finals time.
Season expectation: If Sydney continue the way they’re currently going, they’ll likely have an unimpressive midfield finish and get knocked out come finals time. If they manage to find their spark, they could be heading for top three territory and potentially another grand final appearance.
Wellington Phoenix FC
League position: 4th (5W 1D 5L)
Grade: B-
Biggest strength: Wellington has one of the strongest all-round squads in the league with the team gelling well during the opening rounds of the season. The team hasn’t been relying on a single player to add to the scoreboard, with nine players contributing goals over the opening nine matches.
Needs improvement: While the Phoenix have been comfortably in the middle of the table, their disappointing record away from home has let them down. The Nix have only one win on the road out of five matches (3-0 win over Western Sydney in round two) and haven’t even been able to snatch a point across the ditch. The side has seven more away matches to finish off the season, and if their current trend continues they’ll likely fall out of finals contention.
Best result: The Phoenix’s only win away from home was a dominant 3-0 win over Western Sydney. It featured three different goal scorers in Mariana Speckmaier, Macey Fraser and Manaia Elliott, showcasing why the Nix should be considered a threat this season.
Top performer: Canadian international Rylee Foster has been going from strength to strength since her return to football after a car crash in 2021. She was named fan Player of the Month for October/November, and has again been nominated for December. Foster has recorded two clean sheets so far, in round two against the Wanderers and in nine against Newcastle.
Player to watch: Young midfielder Macey Fraser has made her mark on the team in her first season under a professional contract. The Wellington academy product has two goals to her name so far and has been gaining more confidence with every game.
Season expectation: Wellington have the potential to be real contenders for the championship this year if they can fix their losing ways away from home.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC
League position: 6th (4W 2D 4L)
Grade: B-
Biggest strength: The team has found its groove recently with four wins and a draw in the past six games, with the loss to Adelaide United seemingly an outlier. They’ve shown great resilience after losing coach Kat Smith days before the start of the season and have really started to gel on the field. With a game in hand, the Wanderers’ sixth place on the ladder doesn’t necessarily reflect where they should be.
Needs improvement: The Wanderers have been consistently inconsistent through the first half of the year, with decent wins against the likes of the Mariners and Western United overshadowed by poor performances against Adelaide and Wellington.
Best result: The Wanderers 2-0 result over Melbourne Victory in round 10 ended a near eight-year long winless drought. Skipper Amy Harrison put the side in front before the break, while a goal from teenager Alexia Apostolakis secured the win.
Top performer: Sophie Harding has been leading the Wanderers improved form, scoring eight goals in 10 games and recording one assist. It puts her level in the golden boot race with Canberra’s Vesna Milivojevic and has given the team hope of climbing even further up the ladder by season’s end.
Player to watch: At 17-years-old and already in her third A-League season, Apostolakis has been given more opportunities as a starting player with the Wanderers. She scored her first goal of the season against Victory in round 10 and has been one of the more consistent players in a sometimes inconsistent team.
Season expectation: Western Sydney could be strong finals contenders if they can keep up the momentum and fix the small errors conceding them goals and points.
Western United FC
League position: 3rd (5W 2D 4L)
Grade: B
Biggest strength: Western has one of the strongest attacking sides in the league, with the mixture of Chloe Logarzo, Adriana Taranto and Hannah Keane producing plenty of goals. They’ve been fortunate that injuries haven’t majorly impacted the squad, resulting in a solid starting line-up that remains relatively unchanged week to week.
Needs improvement: Results have been hugely inconsistent in the first half of the season, recording losses and draws against teams at the bottom of the table. A tighter handle on defence is needed to prevent late concessions for that all important goal difference.
Best result: A Logarzo brace and goals to Taranto and Keiwa Hieda produced a masterclass in attacking football in Western’s 4-1 win over Victorian rivals Melbourne Victory. The result pushed the side up to third on the ladder, within touching distance of the top two, and continues a decent run of form in the middle parts of the season.
Top performer: Matilda Chloe Logarzo is in the midst of a comeback season for the ages. After missing the World Cup due to injury, Logarzo has gone out to prove she is still a player of the highest quality. She’s scored four goals in four games and the energy she’s brought to the young team has helped them bounce back from their 2023 championship heartbreak.
Player to watch: Young Matilda Kahli Johnson has continue to star for Western in their sophomore season with two goals in six matches so far. The 19-year-old has exceeded expectations with the opportunities she’s been given and will only continue to improve.
Season expectation: Consistency is key for Western, who could be battling for the premiership if they can maintain their current run of form.
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