How Sydney FC’s Clare Wheeler scored first goal in 70 games

It has to be one of the longest droughts in football – seven seasons without a goal. So how did this Sydney FC gun end her goal drought?

Clare Wheeler and Canberra United’s Paige Satchell compete for the ball in W-League.

After seven seasons, Clare Wheeler had pretty much given up hope she would ever feel the triumph and elation of scoring a goal in W-League.

Then, after 70 games of elite football, her goal drought broke.

As she prepares for Wednesday night’s crucial match against Melbourne Victory at Cromer Park which will decide the W-League Premiers Plate, the Dee Why-based footballer described the feeing of finally breaking through for her first goal – thanks to coach Ante Juric “giving me freedom’’.

Sydney FC player Clare Wheeler in action. Pic: Dan Ullman.

“Previous to this year, across seven seasons, I had never scored a goal and now this year I have three,’’ said the former Young Matilda who has aspirations of playing with the Matildas at the 2024 Olympics.

“That first goal was against Brisbane (last month) and the feeling was absolute excitement.

“There is nothing like scoring your first goal. I couldn’t really believe it. I turned to Princess Ibini and said ‘I can’t believe it, can you?’.

“It just felt so good. It felt like I had finally got a monkey off my back.’’

Clare Wheeler and her Sydney FC teammates will be fighting for the Premiers Plate at Cromer Oval.

Wheeler, born in Coffs Harbour but who spent most of her youth in Newcastle and playing for the Jets, said her new scoring ability is a result of coach Juric’s faith in her.

“He is someone who has shown a lot of belief in me, challenging me to take on a more attacking role,’’ said Wheeler, who works fulltime with Macquarie Bank as a financial assistant.

“ I am playing a different role – in the Newcastle Jets I played more defensively – and now I have more freedom.

“It has allowed me to express myself in ways I haven’t played before. “And I still believe my best is ahead.’’

W-LEAGUE: SYDNEY FC V MELBOURNE VICTORY FREE ENTRY

Wednesday’s night’s final game of the W-League regular season is free to the public.

If Sydney FC, who have won three championship titles, win or draw against Melbourne Victory in the game starting at 7.30pm they will be premiers for the first time in 10 years.

Sydey FC also have a Girls Only school holidays clinic on April 9 at Cromer Park. Further details here.

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