A-League Women’s Tackle: Erin Smith analyses round six of the competition

Holly McNamara’s third ACL tear is devastating, but she can take solace in the way some stars have been able to recover. ERIN SMITH reviews round six of the A-League women’s competition.

Holly McNamara’s shocking third ACL tear has had many questioning of the star 20-year-old striker will be able to make a comeback.

And while another 12 month rehab will be a hard slog- especially coupled with missing the chance to play for the national team and a possible Olympic call-up - returning from three ACL tears has been done before.

Sydney FC midfielder Taylor Ray is proof McNamara can get back on the pitch at an elite level.

Ray tore her ACL for the third time one day after making her Matilda’s debut but is back this season for the Sky Blues.

There are several big name stars playing at the top level who were told they never would again.

Matilda’s Hayley Raso was told she would never walk again let alone play top level football again.

Hayley Raso was once told she would never walk again after an ACL injury. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

World Cup star Clare Hunt, had seven surgeries including a knee reconstruction, over five years.

Front Matilda’s player Larissa Crummer broke her leg in two places. She had to have multiple surgeries - missed 25 months of football and only barely missed out on a spot in the World Cup team.

Rylee Foster was flung from a car and told she would never walk again but she is back playing for Phoenix this season.

So while McNamara’s road back won’t be easy she has plenty of idols to draw inspiration from.

Erin Smith reveals her likes from round six of the A-League Women’s competition in The Tackle.

ROUND 6 LIKES

RISE OF THE PHOENIX

Wellington Phoenix who finished in last place last year are shaping up as championship contenders after knocking Perth Glory out of the winner’s circle.

Glory went into the round as the only defeated team in the competition but Phoenix proved just too good pulling off an impressive come from behind win.

The New Zealand outfit have already totaled more wins than they did last season in the first six rounds.

They have found the net 10 times, half the number of goals they scored all last season.

If Phoenix can keep this form up, particularly away from home, they will be a real chance to claim the championship this season.

Kurea Okino is finally off the goal mark. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

FIRST GOAL

After having one of the highest number of shots on goal for no reward this season Melbourne Victory’s Kurea Okino is officially in the race for the golden boot.

The Japanese striker has had to wait patiently for her moment in the spotlight and if her track record is anything to go by her goal in Victory’s dramatic 2-1 win over Central Coast won’t be her last.

Okino was picked up by Victory after scoring 31 goals for Boroondara Eagles in the NPLW Victoria and winning the golden boot award.

DROUGHT OVER

Western Sydney Wanderers have won their first game in 20 outings- but will they be able to keep the form going.

Western United had been in control of the game but really struggled to convert the chances they did create early on.

The 2-0 win is a big coup for WSW who hadn’t won a game this season.

Western United had gone into the season has got favourites after their impressive inaugural season where they finished second in the table and lost to Sydney FC in the grand final. But they have struggled to find form this season with just two wins this season.

Originally published as A-League Women’s Tackle: Erin Smith analyses round six of the competition