The Westfield W-League got off with a bang with high drama, derby dramatics and a seven-goal thriller in Round 1 – now we pick the players that earned their spot in the Team of the Week, powered by Bunnings Warehouse.
Defending Champions and Premiers, Melbourne City, showed their resilience by battling to a 0-0 draw with an attack-minded Brisbane Roar in the season opener, before Sydney FC clinched bragging rights over Harbour City rivals Western Sydney Wanderers, 3-0, in the Sydney Derby.
And the round was wrapped up with a breathless clash, as Canberra United grabbed a dramatic 4-3 win against Adelaide United with three goals sensationally scored in stoppage time.
Team of the Week, powered by Bunnings Warehouse – Round 1
Check out the 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙚𝙠 for Round 1 of Season 2020/21, presented by Bunnings Warehouse 📊#WLeague pic.twitter.com/ZKCPaD614y
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Teagan Micah (Melbourne City)
The Westfield Matildas’ shot-stopper was in flawless form, making seven saves to repel the Roar, including a one-on-one block on Leticia McKenna and a fingertip save to deny Tameka Yallop.
Winonah Heatley (Brisbane Roar)
Roar’s flying full-back covered every blade against City. She led the game in touches (108), won six of six tackles and 12 of 14 duels, created two chances and had a game-high eight interceptions.
Jenna McCormick (Melbourne City)
The Westfield Matildas centre-half was at her defiant best to contain Brisbane’s high-octane attack. She made a game-high eight clearances and, alongside Micah, was key to an unlikely clean sheet.
Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane Roar)
The Roar captain returned to Westfield W-League action for a 13th season and rolled back the years, effortlessly snuffing out City counter-attacks with three interceptions and two clearances.
Ally Green (Sydney FC)
The Sky Blues took the game to their noisy neighbours, the Wanderers, and Green was a playmaker from left-back, leading the game in touches (83), putting in six crosses and contesting six duels.
Teresa Polias (Sydney FC)
Sydney’s skipper expertly patrolled the midfield in the derby, creating three chances, including an assist, winning both of her tackles, claiming six of nine duels and making three interceptions.
Laura Hughes (Canberra United)
Scored what proved to be the decisive goal in the 91st minute with a superb lob after an all-action display in the Green Machine’s midfield, making four interceptions and two clearances.
Emily Condon (Adelaide United)
Ending on the losing team seemed unfair after the 22-year-old produced an outstanding assist for Isabel Hodgson, created two chances, put in four crosses and delivered a solid defensive display.
Princess Ibini (Sydney FC)
The star of the show, the Sky Blues’ electric 20-year-old attacker thrilled the watching world with a stunning strike before doubling her tally with a composed finish to seal the points in the 3-0 win.
Michelle Heyman (Canberra United)
Made a memorable return in emphatic style after coming out of retirement. Stuck to the task after a goalless first half and ended up scoring three of her eight shots to take home the match ball.
Mariel Hecher (Brisbane Roar)
The Brazilian futsal star dominated the Dolphin Stadium pitch against City. She did everything but score; tallying a staggering 20 crosses, carving out seven scoring chances, and trying four shots.
ROUND 2 PREVIEW: Canberra look to build momentum as Victory, Jets get season underway
REPORT: Heyman’s hat-trick heroics as Canberra edge Adelaide in seven-goal thriller
