The A-League Women’s season is back in action on Friday. It’s like coming home after a long time travelling and being asked what you want for dinner and just saying “veggies please”. We might take it for granted, but the Dub packs a punch, brings freshness and is essential to our football diet.
The past month or so has been full of sweetness from international football and European domestic leagues, but it’s time to get serious. The Dub is back, and oh boy I’m excited.
So here’s my three things to think of ahead of the season.
For the love of God, will someone knock Sydney off their perch
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts under Ante Juric at Sydney FC. No matter those leaving, even Courtnee Vine or Jada Whyman this season, Sydney FC never skips a beat. Even in leaner seasons they still manage to finish in the top four. It’s tough to see the Sky Blues finishing otherwise, but that doesn’t mean teams shouldn’t be aiming to do so.
So who are the challengers? Melbourne cubed.
Melbourne Victory is welcoming home young Victorians from interstate moves who will inject talent into the side.
Western United will have a full season with the clever Kat Smith at the helm and only went from strength-to-strength once she came onboard last season.
Melbourne City haven’t skipped a beat in Asia already, despite losing coach Dario Vidosic, and came closest last time out to keeping Sydney trophy-less.
Statement defender signings
The forwards may be the headline stealers, but Dub sides this season have remembered defences win premierships. There’s been some big movements when it comes to quality defenders and here’s what you need to know:
Matildas McNamara returns home to Adelaide. The centre back was pivotal at United during her previous spell when she burst onto the scene. Not only is she known for her crunching tackles, but also is a key lynchpin to launching Adelaide’s attack.
Jessika Nash moves back across the border after a couple seasons at Melbourne Victory. Her versatility will provide essential coverage across the backline for the Central Coast Mariners, particularly in the absence of two visa players that made up last season’s backline.
Alexia Apostolakis makes her move to Melbourne City after breaking through at Western Sydney Wanderers. The 18-year-old should thrive bombing down the flank at fullback with her style suiting City, and the club knows her worth after locking in a two-year deal.
Claudia Bunge is back at Melbourne Victory to the joy of all. The classy Kiwi centre back returns from overseas and provides the Yin to captain Kayla Morrison’s Yang. The familiar face shouldn’t miss a beat on her return.
Noami Chinnama leaves Melbourne City for a new challenge at Perth Glory. She’s got the tenacity and talent to be one of the country’s best defenders. At Perth, the 20-year-old will be exposed to a different style and likely kept busier than her time at dominant Cty.
Friday night footy is back
Clear your schedules, just about every Dub round brings you a Friday night blockbuster. Most are set to prime time on the eastern seaboard at 7pm, although disappointingly there are some exceptions to that.
How to watch: All games will be shown on Paramount+ or 10Play
A win’s a win: Games are returning to free-to-air with 10 matches set to be shown throughout the season. It’s still a long way off two games a round in the league’s prime, but it’s a step in the right direction
MOLLY'S FOOTY RANTS 