Race for finals in A-League women’s set to get ‘wild’ with all bottom six sides in with a shot
There are not too many sporting competitions where your team could be last, with just five rounds to go and still be a finals’ chance, but that is the case in the women’s A-League.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There are five rounds to go and the A-League Women’s competition is so tight that any team, including the struggling Sky Blues, can still make it across the finish line for finals.
Sydney sit at the bottom of the table with just three wins – but mathematically, if they win all five remaining games and other results go their way – they could sneak into the top six.
They have a favourable run home, coming up against just one of the current top ranked sides in their last five matches.
Canberra United coach Antoni Jagarinec described the situation as “wild” and said it showed the competition was starting to level out.
Jagarinec, who took over the side this season and had to effectively rebuild the entire squad, sits on equal points with sixth placed Central Coast Mariners – separated by goal difference.
A win – if other results fall their way, could see Canberra United leapfrog into fourth place.
It is a massive improvement for Canberra who finished last season in 11th. They have six wins, six draws and six losses.
“The draws are better than a loss, absolutely, but when you look back in hindsight the what ifs start to creep in – especially when the ladder is this close,” Jagarinec said.
“We can’t control what we’ve done in the past.
“The reality is if we win the next five games then we are guaranteed to be playing finals so that’s what we are looking for.”
Sitting undefeated, Melbourne City are sure to be playing finals and will be on the hunt for redemption after falling in the grand final to Sydney FC last season.
Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United are hot on their heels with just four points between the top three sides.
Victory and City have been powerhouses in the A-League in recent years.
Jagarinec said this season proved the gap was closing and investment was becoming more widespread.
“They are a long time in the making, it’s consistency, it’s big clubs, retention of players, it’s money as well,” Jagarinec said.
“They are on the top of the table and rightly so but I don’t think they are that far ahead football wise, they are still winning but the margins are smaller, so the scales are tipping in my opinion, because of the investment into other clubs and the commitment to where women’s football is going in Australia.”
SEKANY RECALLED
Brisbane Roar’s run to finals has been made tougher with American goalkeeper Olivia Sekany out for the remainder of the season after dislocating her kneecap and rupturing her patellar tendon.
The keeper, who has starred in all 17 of Roar’s matches, keeping six clean sheets and making 47 saves, was stretchered off during the game against Sydney FC on March 2.
She has been recalled to her NWSL club Racing Lousiville.
“Not at all the ending I’d envisioned for my Australian adventure, but I am still so thankful for the people I met, memories I made, and experience I gained during my time there,” Sekany shared on Instagram.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the Brisbane Roar medical team for providing me with excellent immediate care, as well as to the rest of the Roar organisation for ensuring my swift and safe return home so that I could have surgery and recover surrounded by family.
“My time with Brisbane Roar was everything I could’ve hoped for and more.”
Roar are likely to promote former Canberra United shot stopper Keeley Richards to the No. 1 keeper role.
JANCEVESKI’S SECRET WEAPON
Melbourne Victory’s Alana Janceveski is in incredible form – but the 21-year-old says it has nothing to do with the extra training sessions or off-season work.
The midfielder says her secret is cooking and spending as much time in the kitchen with her family as possible.
It was something she missed when she moved to Perth to chase her dream as a professional footballer.
Now back home, playing for the club she grew up supporting, Jaceveski isn’t wasting a second of family time.
“I do really love cooking, it comes from my family roots with my mum and grandmother teaching me from when I was young,” she said.
“It’s a good release for me and time with my support system is big in my time off, they really allow me to wind down and not think about football and just really relax
“They are such a big part of who I am and why I’m able to perform.
“It’s always been a big dream of mine to play for Victory and putting on the jersey for the first time I was very nervous, just all the feelings but since that first game I’ve really come into the role and feel the proudness and passion to play for the club.”
She now has four goals for the club but there is one part of her first goal that will always stick with her.
“Being able to look up at my family all sitting together in the stands and the feeling of togetherness, we all made it there together,” Jancevski said.
YOUNG MATILDAS’ STAR COMMITS TO ROAR
Promising young defender Isabela Hoyos has signed a three-year extension with Brisbane Roar – locking her in through to the end of the 2027/28 season.
The 16-year-old has played for both the Junior and Young Matildas and was part of the side that won the PacificAus Sports Four Nations Tournament last month.
Hoyos has played in seven games, including four starts.
“I’m very grateful to be extending my time with Roar,” Hoyos said.
“I’m very fortunate to be playing in front of my family and friends at home.”
“This season has really helped me find my place in the team and has really helped me grow my game.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Race for finals in A-League women’s set to get ‘wild’ with all bottom six sides in with a shot
Reds on ‘same page’ despite form slump
‘Healthy disagreements’ are ‘fine’ with Adelaide United coach Carl Veart, who is intent on finding a solution to the Reds’ form woes.
EPL club owner buys slice of Aussie team
Melbourne Victory is the latest A-League club to be funded by the owner of an English Premier League outfit.