Bruno Fornaroli, Larissa Crummer chasing golden boot glory for Melbourne City
A YEAR ago their careers were in limbo but today they’re the golden boot headliners in Melbourne City’s AAMI Park double header.
A YEAR ago their careers were in limbo and struggling to hit the back of the net, but today they’re the golden boot headliners in Melbourne City’s AAMI Park double header.
Since joining City as low profile recruits at the start of the season, Larissa Crummer and Bruno Fornaroli have fired in a combined 23 goals as their teams have become the most prolific in their respective competitions.
Crummer, 20, gave up a plumbing apprenticeship to move from Brisbane Roar to City where her career has blossomed.
Fornaroli, 28, struggled to crack it in Europe but has become an A-League superstar and City fan favourite.
City’s new-found resources have helped the attacking predators fulfil their potential, with Crummer revealing how her new environment has helped her exceed expectations.
“It’s awesome being full time footballer. Now I live one minute from the training ground,’’ Crummer said.
“In Brisbane I had a two hour trip to training after doing a day’s work as an apprentice plumber, then two hours home then get up at a crazy hour.
“I was coming off the bench last season, so I definitely didn’t expect to be a first 11 player here. I knew the players that were coming here and I just wanted to learn.
“I only scored one goal last season and none the season before. I don’t know what’s happened, it’s my best season by far.
“Jess Fishlock (playing assistant) has helped a lot with positioning and playing off (star import) Kim Little is awesome and coach Joe (Montemurro) has taught me heaps.’’
Fornaroli is one goal away from breaking Melbourne City’s season record of 12 (David Williams) and is one ahead of Melbourne Victory’s Besart Berisha in the race to join Crummer as golden boot winner.
The Uruguayan is aware of his impending milestone, but said winning the title was the preference.
Asked if he was aware of City’s record scorer in a season, Fornaroli said: “I think 12, Willo. I have time. For me personally it’s good if I score more, but most important is the team.’’
“When I came here I didn’t say I’ll score 10, 12, 15 or five. I said I’ll work hard for the team and this is one situation when you work hard you score.
“This is one gift for me for training hard, working hard. This is a present, but I came here to win something and make history for the club and win their first championship.’’
City are one of the few W-League sides given the same access to club facilities as their male counterparts, hence the men’s and women’s sides cross paths daily.
Fornaroli was delighted for Crummer and hoped City women would continue their undefeated run against Brisbane Roar today.
“It’s good for us to play together,’’ Fornaroli said.
“I know Larissa is a very good striker and it’s great for the club and I’m happy for the team.
“This season they’ve worked hard and hopefully they go and win this championship.’’
A-LEAGUE GOLDEN BOOT
12 - Bruno Fornaroli (Melbourne City)
11 - Besart Berisha (Melbourne Victory)
7 - Jamie Maclaren (Brisbane), Aaron Mooy (City), Mitch Nichols (Wanderers)
6 - Mark Bridge (Wanderers), Harry Novillo (City), Roy Krishna (Wellington)
W-LEAGUE GOLDEN BOOT
11 - Larissa Crummer (Melbourne City)
8 - Kim Little (Melbourne City)
7 - Ashleigh Sykes (Canberra United), Marianna Tabain (Melbourne City)
6 - Vanessa DiBernardo (Perth Glory)
5 - Michelle Heyman (Canberra United), Abby Dahlkemper, Rosie Sutton (Adelaide United), Kyah Simon (Sydney FC)
CITY’S TOP A-LEAGUE SCORERS
12 - David Williams 2013-14
12 - Bruno Fornaroli 2015-16*
9 - Eli Babalj 2011-12
8 - John Aloisi 2010-11
7 - Aaron Mooy 2014-15
6 - Josip Tadic/Richard Garcia 2012-13
* Season still going
W-LEAGUE GOLDEN BOOT WINNERS
2008-09: Leena Khamis (Sydney FC), 7
2009-10: Michelle Heyman (Mariners), 11
2010-11: Kyah Simon (Sydney FC), 12
2011-12: Michelle Heyman (Canberra), 15
2012-13: Kate Gill (Perth), 11
2013-14: Jodie Taylor (Sydney FC), 10
2014-15: Kate Gill (Perth), 12
2015-16: Larissa Crummer (Melb City), 11
Originally published as Bruno Fornaroli, Larissa Crummer chasing golden boot glory for Melbourne City
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