Canberra United teenager Mary Stanic-Floody has burst out of the blocks in the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season – but will the Australian-born midfielder’s phenomenal run of form capture the attention of an international rival?
A-Leagues legend Catherine Cannuli has sent a warning to CommBank Matildas selectors in the aftermath of Stanic-Floody’s latest wondergoal in Canberra United’s 1-1 draw with Perth Glory in Unite Round.
The 18-year-old has already bagged two long-range stunners this season to go with her one assist through four rounds of the Ninja A-League season, and is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young talents in the competition.
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It’s Stanic-Floody’s second season at Canberra after a move from Sydney FC – a transfer that earned praise from both Cannuli and Teresa Polias on this week’s episode of Dub Zone, where the two Ninja A-League greats marvelled at the teenager’s sparkling early-season form and pondered whether her Irish heritage could become a roadblock to a Matildas call-up in the future.
“She’s just been incredible this season and it’s great to see her flourishing,” Polias said on Dub Zone.
“She’s scored two peaches this season. She’s orchestrating things for Canberra. Her link up play with Heyman has been wonderful to watch as well.
“She was sitting on the bench at Sydney. So she’s made that move, and it’s paying off.”
“It (was) also a massive move for Stanic-Floody as well,” Cannuli added, “because as a youngster, it can become very, very easy. (to stay in Sydney).
“You can see here the girl’s got quality, especially the technical ability. I’ve watched this girl, I’ve coached this girl, she’s an absolute talent.
“And to have the maturity to be able to step away from Sydney and see a winning team, you’ve got all the bells and whistles there, to be able to move to Canberra, different lifestyle, go and live on your own. That, for me, shows big qualities in a footballer and in a person as well.
“Last season, she announced herself and played a little bit more. This year, can see how much more comfortable she is, and to see the partnership between her and Michelle Heyman, I’m sure Michelle has taken a mentor role as well with her, in helping her along, but I think this girl’s got a big future.
“And one thing to actually be worried about is that she can actually qualify for an Irish passport as well. So we need to sometimes be careful now with you know, the way women’s football is opening up around the world. She is eligible to play for Ireland… we’ve just got to be careful and make sure that we’re watching.”
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Brisbane have found an ‘absolute gem’ and her story can inspire NPL hopefuls
Brisbane Roar are on top of the Ninja A-League table after four rounds – and their surge to the summit has been inspired by a number of star performers – including off-season signing Momo Hayashi.
The 29-year-old Japanese midfielder spent six seasons at NPL Queensland side Gold Coast United before signing for the Roar ahead of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League campaign – but has seized her first opportunity in the Australian top flight.
Hayashi scored her first two goals in Roar colours to inspire her side to a commanding 4-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in Unite Round.
MATCH REPORT: Rampant Roar go top with third straight win on unforgettable night for star signing
Both Cannuli and Polias took the time on Dub Zone to commend Hayashi for her seamless leap from the NPL to the Ninja A-League – and Roar head coach Alex Smith for taking a chance on the midfielder.
“She played the last few years in the Queensland NPL,” said Cannuli, “and I think that’s a credit to Alex Smith. He did spend a lot of time in that space, and he has gone out and recruited players that do fit his style. And I think she’s been a fantastic addition to this squad.”
“You have to take your hat off to Alex Smith for getting out there and recruiting an absolute gem,” Polias replied.
Cannuli continued: “And they’ve got Tish Woods as well, who’s also come from the NPL. And I think she’s been brilliant as well.
“This is what happens when you’ve got coaches that have been around the league for a little while and have the time and the recruitment that goes into it in the off-season. I think that’s very, very important.
“And you can see everybody that he’s picked for this team, it’s actually been pieces of the puzzle, picking up from last season, where he’s adapted his style and been able to pull players in to be able to do that now.”
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Honouring an Australian football icon: An ‘absolute legend’ calls time
The Matildas are in Brisbane ahead of Thursday night’s clash with Brazil, and the friendly affair will take on a special meaning for Australia’s all-time international appearance record-holder Clare Polkinghorne, who has confirmed the game at Suncorp Stadium will be the last of her career.
Polkinghorne is a legend of both Australian football and the Ninja A-League. Her international career spanned more than 18 years and featured five FIFA Women’s World Cup Appearances, three Olympic Games campaigns, and victory at the 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
At club level, Polkinghorne notched 152 appearances for Brisbane Roar – the club’s all-time appearance record until Unite Round when fellow Matildas legend Tameka Yallop surpassed that number with game number 153 in Orange.
Polkinghorne won two Julie Dolan Medals, two Ninja A-League Premierships and just as many Championships.
On this week’s episode of Dub Zone, both Cannuli and Polias took the opportunity to praise the retiring Matildas legend for her impact on Australian football.
“When you think of women’s football in Australia, she’s one of the images that pops up. She’s just so synonymous with the game here,” Polias said.
“Always a tough competitor, you know, always made it the game have that extra spice when you’re up against her. We’re farewelling an absolute legend.”
“It’s so beautiful to see Polks be recognised,” Cannuli added. “And it’s great that she can do it in her home state, in Brisbane.
“What a legend of the game she is, and used to hate playing against her. I did have one season at Brisbane Roar with her, and I’ve got to say, she’s always the most professional person on and off the pitch. What you see is what you get with Polks. From day one, when she was a youngster coming through to the end, there hasn’t been much change in her.
“I’m hoping that we do keep her in the game and she plays some sort of role to be able to give back to the next generation.”
Sydney midfielder delivers timely on-field response to Matildas snub
Sydney FC midfielder Mackenzie Hawkesby sent a timely reminder to Matildas selectors of her undeniable quality with her performance of the season to date in Unite Round, scoring in the Sky Blues’ 1-1 draw with Melbourne City in the Grand Final rematch.
The Matildas squad are set to play four games scheduled against Brazil and Chinese Taipei between November 28 and December 7; Hawkesby has been called into Matildas squads previously but was overlooked by interim head coach Tom Sermanni, who selected 36 players in his bumper squad for the four friendlies.
After witnessing Hawkesby’s big performance for Sydney against City in Unite Round, Cannuli pondered whether the disappointment of being overlooked for Matildas selection inspired Hawkesby to put on a show in Unite Round.
“She’s been a great contributor to this league,” Cannuli said.
“She’s been consistent in the league. She’s probably been one of the best players in this Ninja A-League as well over the last few years, and I’m sure that she’ll be very disappointed that she didn’t make the Matildas extended squad.
“And I think this performance was like a big: ‘You know what? This is what I’ve got. I’m still here, and I’m looking to get that call up again’.”
MATCH REPORT: Grand Final rematch all square as 2 stars shine while another hurt after first Matildas call-up
