A snapshot of round four of the ALW

Anna Harrington and George Clarke | December 11, 2022

THEY SAID IT: “It’s first in best dressed. Remy came in a little bit late and Madi’s doing really well.” – Sydney FC coach Ante Juric has a nice headache, with American recruit Madison Haley starring early in the season, meaning fringe Matildas striker Remy Siemsen has to earn her keep off the bench for now.

BEAT THAT: Melbourne City teenager Caitlin Karic opened her professional goal scoring account in style. With City leading Newcastle, the pacy attacker got away on the break, spotted Georgina Worth off her line then pulled off a lovely chip finish.

BEAT THAT TOO: Alex Chidiac put in her own contender for goal of the week with a brilliant “Olimpico” – a goal direct from a corner kick. The Victory playmaker floated in a lovely left-footed corner and it lifted over all the players in the six-yard box before dropping into the back of the goal.

WOMAN OF THE WEEK: Haley has been in ripping form and underlined her quality with two goals against Brisbane Roar. She poked home a Princess Ibini ball into the box in the 33rd minute for her first goal, but her second was seriously special. Shrugging off a Jamilla Rankin challenge near the byline, Haley executed an inch-perfect dink over the head of on-rushing Roar goalkeeper Hensley Hancuff.

WORLD CUP WATCH: Matildas youngster Bryleeh Henry scored her third goal in as many games in City’s win over Newcastle. Michelle Heyman’s Matildas days appear done but she reminded everyone what she was capable of with two goals in Canberra’s 3-0 win over Wellington. Chelsie Dawber landed her second goal in two games with one from the penalty spot against Western Sydney. Alex Chidiac and Beattie Goad were again brilliant for Victory, as was Young Matildas midfielder Alana Murphy, while uncapped striker Melina Ayres scored a brace.

UNDER PRESSURE: Things haven’t become any easier for Wellington. The Phoenix are 0-4 and outright bottom of the table. Receiving a 3-0 loss to Canberra hurts and it won’t grow easier. Bizarrely, Wellington’s next two games are against Adelaide: home, then away, either side of Christmas. Perth and Western Sydney are also winless.

WHAT’S NEXT: 

Western United return to action for arguably the game of the round against Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday. That day, Wellington welcome Adelaide United while Brisbane host Western Sydney. Victory will look to continue their good form when they take on Newcastle on Sunday, when Perth will chase their first win against Canberra. Sydney have the bye.