Melbourne Victory star Laura Alleway has big ambitions for W-League season
WITH a retooled attack and a trio of top-class imports, star Melbourne defender Laura Alleway has every reason to declare that the Victory women’s team is stronger than ever.
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STAR Melbourne Victory defender Laura Alleway declared that the Melbourne Victory women’s team is stronger than ever.
Victory won the W-League title in 2013-14, but Melbourne City has dominated the local W-League landscape since entering the competition, winning three straight titles.
Prolific English striker Natasha Dowie returns to lead the line, with Matilda Emily Gielnik a huge signing along with US trio Samantha Johnson, Christine Nairn and Dani Weatherholt.
Matildas defender Alleway was confident Jeff Hopkins’ side will be a threat this season, praising the coach’s recruiting and pre-season regimen.
“So good. It’s really good actually. It’s been awesome, nice to have a real pre-season,’’ Alleway said.
“The rest of our internationals arrived in recent weeks and we’ve started to work on structure.
“Three weeks with the internationals before the first round is unheard of.”
Alleway opted not to play in the US this season and the decision paid off in spades.
“Last year was hard with Orlando and not playing much, I lost some passion. I felt like God was telling me to stay at home, so I was like ‘OK I’ll stay home’,’’ she said.
“Then I met my boyfriend (Cameron), who was from the US and I met via a twist of fate. So it was a good thing, lucky I stayed.”
Victory hosts Adelaide United in their W-League season opener on Sunday at AAMI Park (4.15pm).
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Originally published as Melbourne Victory star Laura Alleway has big ambitions for W-League season