Another week, another slate of major talking points from the Ninja A-League, brought to you by the Dub Zone crew.
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Watch this week’s episode below as host Amy Duggan and A-Leagues commentator Teo Pellizzeri are joined by Sydney FC midfielder Bianca Galic to break down all the biggest talking points from Round 2.
Samba’s mixed debut and the moment that will cause the Phoenix to ‘explode’
Sabitra Bhandari, the first-ever Nepalese footballer to grace the Ninja A-League, made her competitive debut for Wellington Phoenix on Saturday afternoon, and the prolific striker has brought an army of new supporters to both the club and the competition.
Nicknamed “Samba”, the Phoenix star had a mixed debut in a 1-1 draw with Canberra United, missing two big chances in a nervy showing. Pre-game, Bhandari spoke of the strong support she’s felt from the Nepalese people since signing for Wellington, and that support was on full display through Round 1 as fans flooded the A-Leagues official social media posts and YouTube stream of the Phoenix v Canberra contest to support the Nepalese superstar.
On Dub Zone, A-Leagues commentator Teo Pellizzeri pondered the prospect of a debut Bhandari goal in Phoenix colours, and the subsequent reaction online.
“Sabitra Bhandari had chances in this game, maybe a little bit of nerves on debut carrying that weight of expectation,” Pellizzeri said.
“The Nepalese fans have rallied around the Ninja A-League, they absolutey are following her every move. As soon as she hits the back of the net, the ‘Nix are going to explode. But she needs the midfield support to put her in a goalscoring position.”
Honouring Jeff Hopkins after game 200: ‘One of the most valuable people in the game’
On Sunday afternoon, Melbourne Victory heaad coach Jeff Hopkins became the first coach in Ninja A-League history to oversee 200 league games, as his side beat Western Sydney Wanderers 4-1 to move up to third on the table.
Hopkins’ Ninja A-League coaching career began at Brisbane Roar where he secured two Championship titles and one Premiership through his 2008-2012 tenure. In 2016, he was appointed Victory head coach; he’s since added two more Championship titles and another Premiership to his glistening honour roll.
On Sunday, he made history as the first 200-game Ninja A-League head coach and on Dub Zone, was appropriately honoured by A-Leagues commentator Pellizzeri.
“The first coach to reach 200 games in the Ninja A-League, and did so with a win – which is great in the milestone game,” Pellizzeri said.
“It’s not just the titles, it’s not just the success, it’s that he went to Melbourne Victory at absolute rock bottom, he took over a team in such a state (that) they won the wooden spoon in his first season in charge.
“He’s been able to build programs, develop players. I’ve previously described him as the CEO of women’s football at Melbourne Victory. He is one of the most valuable people in the game and it’s great to see he’s still going strong.
“He got so close on both fronts last year, second on the ladder, runner-up in the Grand Final, but who knows, maybe this year is Jeff Hopkins’ year once again.”
Sydney star reacts to 14yo teammate’s remarkable start to life as a Sky Blue
Sydney FC signing Bianca Galic says it’s “crazy” to consider her 14-year-old teammate Willa Pearson is performing at the level she is in the Ninja A-League, after becoming the youngest-ever player in the competition’s history in Round 1.
Pearson’s Sydney debut against Melbourne City in Round 1, aged 14 years and 312 days, was a major talking point in Australian football. The teenager excelled on debut and backed up her first-ever performance with a second consecutive start against Adelaide in Round 2, as she helped Sydney keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw.
Speaking on Dub Zone, Galic admitted to thinking Pearson was three to four years older than 14 through the initial weeks of pre-season, such is her poise and talent as a defender.
Galic also hailed Pearson’s “football IQ” while commending the young defender for keeping the likes of Holly McNamara and Erin Healy off the scoresheet through the first two rounds of the season.
“When I first started paying with her, for the first three weeks of pre-season I thought she was three or four years older than she is. Fourteen to me is crazy,” Galic said.
“I keep thinking, ‘What was I doing at 14?’ But if you watch her play, she’s composed. Yes, she has a lot to learn but I think she has a great head on her shoulders and is very aware of how much growth she’s going to be doing in the next couple of years.
“You talk to her off the pitch and her football IQ is really great, actually. We talk about age and things like that but to come in and make your debut and pretty much be in a really pivotal role, and secure it within two games, play against teams that have Healy, McNamara, some of the league’s finest finishers and do really well against them, that’s a credit (to her).”
