As a young girl, Jada Whyman’s inspiration to represent her nation formed as she watched Lydia Williams being interviewed on TV.
It’s a facet of Whyman’s childhood reflected in the opening moments of the music video to the A-Leagues Anthem “Real Nice”, with Whyman’s younger sister filmed glued to the TV screen, acting as a young Jada watching Williams, then going out to emulate her new Indigenous idol.
Whyman has since grown into a magnificent keeper in her own right
Along the way Williams became less of an idol and more of a peer for Whyman, who made her way into the CommBank Matildas camp to compete with Williams for a spot in Tony Gustavsson’s side to face Brazil in October, 2021.
Now, the 22-year-old Sydney FC goalkeeper has an opportunity to equal Williams’ Liberty A-League record of seven consecutive clean sheets with a shutout against Sydney FC on Saturday afternoon.
It’s the most recent step in Whyman’s journey outside of Williams’ shadow as she forges her own path in the game.
“I’ve become aware of (the record) a bit more over the last week or so from our last game, hearing the commentary and watching the game back,” Whyman said. “A few people have said something to me about it.”
“Lydia was a big inspiration when I was a young footballer first coming into the league.
“After a little while in the league I guess it’s just been nice to match her in some areas on the field,” she said, before joking: “Sometimes, I don’t know if that’s a big statement to say or not!”
Whyman has grown into a magnificent keeper in her own right. Along the way Williams became less of an idol and more of a peer, who made her way into the Matildas camp to compete with Williams for a spot in Tony Gustavsson’s side to face Brazil in October, 2021.
She continued: “I still look up to her in little ways; I guess I want to take a little step out of being the kid that looks up to her.”
After conceding one goal to the Jets in Round 1 this season, Whyman has kept six consecutive clean sheets, including in Sydney’s past three emphatic wins (6-0, 4-0, 5-0).
Her consistency between the sticks has only improved after being adjudged player of the game in a losing side in Sydney’s 1-0 grand final loss to Melbourne Victory last season.
Whyman can seal her record-equalling seventh consecutive clean sheet this weekend – but it won’t come easy against second-placed Melbourne City, a side boasting the scoring firepower of golden boot leader Hannah Wilkinson.
It would only be fitting, however, for Whyman to equal Williams’ record against City, where the current Arsenal custodian notched her seven successive shutouts in the 2019/20 season.
Whyman says regardless of whether she manages to shut out the City attack on Saturday afternoon, a win for the Sky Blues is the top objective.
Three points would send Sydney seven points clear of City, and 10 points above Melbourne Victory in third.
“It is a big game,” Whyman said. “I think Melbourne City have been doing great, but we’ve also been in great form. I think what we’ve been doing in training has been put out on the pitch when we come up to our games.
“If we prepare well we can go out in this game and really test ourselves, test them and it’s a testament to my team and just how well they’ve defended through the first six games, it’s just been awesome.
“I just think pushing forward we’ve got to keep doing what we’re doing.
“If records get broken, records get broken but if they don’t that’s okay too, we keep pushing forward and hopefully get the win.”
Whyman added: “Nat Tobin, Charlotte Mclean, Ally Green, Jess Nash and Charlize Rule have just been fantastic at the back. I have no doubt they’ll probably do the same great job they’ve done in previous games.
“Moving forward we’ve got to keep working hard and make sure we don’t slack off coming into this game.”
Sydney FC v Melbourne City
Saturday, January 22 2022
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Kick-off: 5.05pm AEDT
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