Melbourne Victory forward Emily Gielnik has done her chances of a Matildas recall the world of good after netting twice during her side’s 3-2 win over Adelaide United.
Leading the line for Victory in their opening game of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season, Gielnik pounced after just four minutes in South Australia.
Sensing the danger inside the box, Gielnik timed her run to perfection to tap home Nikki Flannery’s cross to give her side the lead.
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“Expect her name to be on the scoresheet a lot this season,” said Paramount+ commentator Pokuah Frimpong after the 32-year-old tucked the ball home for her first of the campaign.
After Adelaide United bagged the equaliser through Fiona Worts, Gielnik then dragged her side back in front on the stroke of half time.
Positioning herself well inside the box, the experienced striker nodded home a high delivery to cap off what was an impressive first-half display.
The best player on the park according to FotMob with a rating 8.8, Gielnik eventually got through 82 minutes of hard work before she was replaced by substitute Eva Briedis, who would go on to score a sensational winner in the 92nd minute.
Having battled numerous injuries over the last 18 months including two calf muscle tears, Gielnik appears to be edging back to her best if Victory’s season opener is anything to go by.
“I know I’m 32 now but I’ve never been more excited to get out there and do a pre-season and dig deep, run hard and get going,” said Gielnik before the new Ninja A-League season kicked off.
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But whilst scoring goals for Melbourne Victory in the Ninja A-League will be at the forefront of the striker’s mind, Gielnik admits the ultimate goal is to seal a return to the national team set-up.
“I am wanting to have the season of my life because Matildas is back where I want to be and I’m going to push for that.
“I know the first few camps are probably out of reach for me in terms of games under my belt but I’m looking to have a strong season, first and foremost for Victory, and then hopefully be rewarded in the future if I perform well enough with a call-up back in to camp.”
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Missing out on both the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympics due to injury, Gielnik is hoping a familiar face will once again hand her the chance to represent her country.
Given her debut by head coach Tom Sermanni back in 2012, the former boss is now in charge once more, this time on an interim basis.
“It’s come full circle with Tommy,” said Gielnik when speaking before the Ninja A-League season began.
“He gave me my first opportunity and he’s back again – that’s not to say I’m going to get a free ride, no one is going to get a free ride, definitely not in national team colours…”
