Perth Glory striker Gabby Hollar has opened up on the injury nightmare that saw a series of blood clots derail her football career.
The American forward scored two goals for the Glory in Round 1 of the new Ninja A-League season as Perth defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1 at Wanderers Football Park last week.
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Hollar’s close-range finish in the 28th minute was a moment months in the making, both for her and her teammates, as it also set Perth on their way to a first away victory since December 2023.
“Oh, it means everything. I love the job, so it means a lot to be able to be back out there with the girls,” she told reporters, having headlined the Round 1 Team of the Week.
“It gives me a bit of confidence. I haven’t played soccer in a while, it seems like. I think it just gives us all confidence that we can get goals on the road.”
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Back in January, the 25-year-old had established herself as a key member of the Glory side having played 13 games, whilst also contributing both goals and assists.
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However, Hollar’s season was cruelly cut short after she was diagnosed with a series of blood clots, which ultimately left her unable to play or train for a prolonged period of time.
“It was a weird one. It kind of took a little bit to figure out what was going on,” Hollar recalled.
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“But once we did, our medical team was on it right away, and I was out for a little bit, but then I was back.
“I could do everything but contact, so I spent the last three months just getting fit during season. So it’s kind of like an off-season before the off-season.
“But it was honestly a blessing in disguise, because I’m back fitter than I have been, and got a lot done in that time.”
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She went on to say: “It was just a lot of running in the gym, and then also I trained with someone back home, so a lot of technical work.
“I’m from a small town in Ohio, so I didn’t get much opportunity to play in many instances. But just grinding it out.”
Glory are back in action at HBF Park on Friday night when they welcome Brisbane Roar to Western Australia in Round 2 of the Ninja A-League.
