The rise of teen star Daniela Galic that’s paving the way for the next generation
From unknown to overseas contract and Matildas call-up – Daniela Galic set a path dozens of A-League’s Women’s players hope to follow. Let’s look at the possible future stars.
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In the space of 12 months, after dominating the A-League’s Women’s, Sydney teen Daniela Galic went from unknown to the Matildas and expert commentator Grace Gill has no doubt there are others with the potential to follow her footsteps this season.
While Galic, 18, impressed in her rookie year with Melbourne City she really shot to fame in her second season – scoring seven goals and being named Young Footballer of the Year.
In the past year she has worked her way from the Young Matildas to making her debut for the senior national side against Switzerland last month.
Galic is the only one of the 25 strong Young Matildas squad not playing in this season’s ALW.
The offer to join the Dutch league was just too good to turn down.
Gill, a former Matildas player turned Paramount commentator, said it was the perfect platform to launch the rising stars to the next level.
“It is where we have seen our current Matildas apply their trade,” Gill said.
“While there have been a lot of departures (in the off-season) there is still a lot of really good talent in the league.
“Whether you look at the Matildas that are still here in Australia – Tameka Yallop, Sharn Freier, Michelle Heyman, or there is Alex Chidiac and Emily Gielnik and plenty of other top tier players still bouncing around the league.
“Then there’s some really good young players that I think will be involved in the Matildas and national team setups in the future.”
“I’m really excited to see who the sort of emerging names will be across this year.”
ONES TO WATCH
While Galic is the only Young Matildas to depart the ALW close to half have made the decision to move clubs this season.
Some like Jynaya dos Santos are chasing the chance for more match minutes while others like Hana Lowry made the move to develop their game further.
Gill described Lowry as a “classy player”.
“I’ve been saying for the past couple of seasons that I really think she needed a move from Perth Glory – that’s not to say she hasn’t done well at Perth, because she has, but to my eye she’s the kind of player that needs a bit more of a push in an environment that is going to see her development at a rate of knots and I think that’s what the shift to Sydney FC will do,” Gill said.
Keeper Sally James, touted as a future Matildas keeper, has rejoined Canberra United – after a run of injuries hampered her ability to push for the No. 1 jersey at Perth and Melbourne City.
“She’s a really talented goalkeeper, I’m excited for her to be in an environment where she’s supported well and she should arguably be the No. 1 spot there,” Gill said.
Other players Gill is expecting big things from this season are Ella O’Grady (Melbourne Victory), Claudia Cicco (Jets), Holly McQueen (Roar), Isabel Gomez (Central Coast) and Jessika Nash (Mariners).
SURPRISE STARS
Every season there are players who emerge from the shadows and stun the league.
Some like Sophie Harding have been around the league for years and just find that key ingredient to deliver a magic season.
Or then there are players like Gold Coast teen Shelby McMahon. The then 15-year-old was called into City mid-season to replace injured Holly McNamara – she scored two goals both in the finals series.
“Shelby McMahon was a young player who to be honest I knew very little about when the season started but by the end of the season she was a youngster that came out of nowhere,” Gill said.
“But, just wow. She really stood out to me.”
City were so impressed they offered the teen a three-year contract.
Venezuela international Mariana Speckmaier was a key to Wellington Phoenix’s performance. The 26-year-old netted 10 goals from 21 games.
“She has moved from Wellington to City, that’s a massive coup, she’s a good goal scorer and is obviously looking to develop her game further,” Gill said.
There are a number of relatively unknown international stars who could have the potential to be real threats this season like Brisbane Roar recruit Danelle Tan – Singapore’s youngest and top goal scorer.
“Some of the internationals who come into the league might have struggled to break into the first division leagues in Europe or America so they come and try their luck and have really successful seasons in the A-League's – they are always really fun to watch,” Gill said.
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