Ahead of Melbourne City’s Liberty A-League finals campaign, photographer Rachel Bach spent the day with their star Rhianna Pollicina.
After making her Liberty A-League debut as a 17-year-old in 2014, Rhianna Pollicina turned down contract offers the following season.
Between attending Westfield Sports High and training for the NSW Institute team four to five times a week as a teenager, football dominated Pollicina’s life.
“It was full on. I pretty much said I didn’t want to play anymore at this level,” she reflected.
“I kind of fell out of love with the game.”
After sitting down for lunch with the midfielder better known as Mini, I can tell that her outlook has changed greatly, as she prepared for a finals series where she looms as one of the key players.
I ask about the nickname. It was a way of differentiating two players with similar names 14 years ago.
“The other girl was obviously a lot taller. It just stuck. Everyone calls me Mini – workplace, family, my grandparents,” she laughs.
But underestimate Mini at your peril.
She has scored seven goals so far from midfield, and has been a game-changer for Melbourne City.
“It has been a crazy year and a half for me individually. I probably wish I came back earlier, but I’m glad to be here.”
As she sought to rediscover her passion for football after stepping away from the league, she turned to futsal as well as playing in the NSW NPL.
“I just wanted to find my love for the game again.”
Mini also started coaching girls and boys in smaller groups and one on one sessions. This played a role in motivating her to return to the league. “Being back in that top league would help me, my coaching and the kids.”
“Can I be a good role model?” she asked herself.
After Sydney’s first lockdown in 2020, Mini was playing for APIA Leichhardt FC in the NPL. There were only a handful of matches scheduled by the time the season restarted. That was all she needed to attract the attention of Newcastle Jets coach Ash Wilson, who offered her a trial off the back of her stellar form.
“The opportunity that Ash gave me is why I’m here today,” she said.
“It was hard, because I felt like I was kind of forgotten about before then.”
She didn’t have any expectations going into the trial.
“I thought they probably already had their team.”
Not only did she secure a contract, but the hard-working midfielder started in every match she played.
“It was definitely a good start coming back into the league. They [Newcastle] did a lot for me to get me to where I am now,” she said.
When I ask about her time so far at Melbourne City this season, the first thing she tells me doesn’t have anything to do with the team’s results, the upcoming finals series, or anything related to performance.
“We’re so close,” she says of her teammates – thirteen of the interstate players are living across two houses in the same block.
“You find another level of connection with them. They’re not just your teammates, they’re your friends as well.”
As she talks about her experience this season with City, I notice how happy Mini appears. “The first thing people say to me these days is you can tell you’re enjoying your football. I feel like you play your best when you’re in a good environment. I’m loving it.”
Her form certainly reflects that. Her skill with the ball at her feet combined with her play-making ability have her sitting amongst the league’s top players.
“I’m just so happy with what I’m doing at the moment.”
Whilst she’s found her love for the game once again, her busy schedule ensures football isn’t the only thing she’s focused on year round.
Away from the pitch, Mini spends two days a week working with kids with disabilities as a teacher’s aid, and the remaining three days are spent as a student mentor.
“The school I work at holds a job for me – when I go away they are really supportive, so I’m very lucky.”
It’s a role she relishes, and one that allows her to take her mind off football. “I have to think of the kids I’m working with, and I have to be the best support I can be. You’re not thinking about anything else.”
Whilst living in Melbourne this season, exploring the city’s cafes has become a favourite pastime. She tells me she’s tried at least 50 coffees whilst here. “I love my coffee.” She orders a second cup as we continue to chat about her journey.
Throughout our conversation, she often mentions her desire to do well for others. Whether it’s on the pitch or at work, Mini is a deeply caring person. She credits those around her – family, friends, City, Jets, APIA – for helping her get to where she is now.
Like all players, Mini’s focus is simple – keep playing well. But for someone who once fell out of love with the game, she has found a balance to finally achieve that without the stresses from earlier in her career.
Some of her answers capture that perfectly. “Whatever happens in the next few months is just a bonus,” she says rather nonchalantly.
With excitement, she adds: “I feel like every day we’re [Melbourne City] pushing each other to be better.
“That’s what’s helped me. I always say I just want to be the best person I can be for my team on and off the field.”
