As the curtain falls on the Liberty A-League season, a clutch of stand-outs are hoping for the call from national team selectors.
They are the Liberty A-League’s Six of the Best – half-a-dozen players whose performances this season have caught the eye of pundits and fans alike.
With Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson in Australia to unveil his latest squad on Tuesday – to face New Zealand in as pair of friendlies next month – KEEPUP asked a trio of experienced A-League observers for the players whose output and consistency had impressed them over the season and should put them on national-team radar.
Amy Chapman, Grace Gill and Georgia Yeoman-Dale have all been part of the A-Leagues coverage on 10/Paramount+ this season, and converged on a shortlist of players on the fringes of the Matildas who are now ready to move towards centre stage. All six, not surprisingly, have been named in the PFA’s Team of the Year voted by all the players.
Alex Chidiac (Melbourne Victory)
Another powerful showing in the Grand Final underlined how important Chidiac has been to Victory all season since her loan move from JEF United Chiba.
“Alex has been crucial to Victory’s run of success in the finals,” said Chapman. “Her work rate in midfield, and her ability to bring those around her into play, have been phenomenal. At 23 she has matured into a top-class player and she deserves to come back into the reckoning for the national team.”
Mackenzie Hawkesby (Sydney FC)
So much of Sydney’s football in the Grand Final involved Hawkesby, especially in the first half, adding to a season where she has been quietly but consistently influential.
“Her stats speak for themselves – 10 assists and five goals in 16 games – and she’s been a major reason for Sydney winning the Premiership,” said Chapman. “She is their link-up expert, the pivot between defence and attack, and gives everything for the team.”
Taylor Ray (Sydney FC)
Ray stepped up to cover the absence of Sydney captain Teresa Polias at the heart of Sydney’s midfield.
“Ray has done that in a big way,” said Yeoman-Dale. “She reads the play very well and screens the back line perfectly. Early decision making and vision allows her to play passes one touch when others would take two or three.”
Winona Heatley (Melbourne City)
The fullback’s season ended one short of the Grand Final, but her defensive poise impressed throughout.
“After she didn’t get picked for the Matildas to go the Asian Cup in January I thought she responded really well,” said Gill. “She became a key player in big games which speaks to her mentality. She closes down opponents well, takes them out of the game. She deserves an opportunity in a home national team camp.”
Claire Hunt (Western Sydney Wanderers)
A serious shoulder injury limited to Hunt to eight games, but her performances for Western Sydney were enough to earn the club’s Pat O’Connor Medal.
“Her maturity as a player really showed for Western Sydney this year and her organisation and leadership was a big part of why their defensive record was so good early on,” said Yeoman-Dale. “She is fast and athletic which allows her to cover effectively and her passing and distribution is class.”
Rachel Lowe (Sydney FC)
Four goals in 16 games underlined Lowe’s contribution after last year struggling with injuries.
“There are players who respond to being exposed to a higher level and I think Lowe is one of those,” said Gill. “She’s got one Matildas cap but her technical ability – she can play as a No 6 or higher up the pitch – would allow her to respond to the challenge of being in the at group.”
