Round 4 of the Westfield W-League was highlighted by exciting clashes and free-flowing football. Find out who made the Team of the Week, presented by Bunnings Warehouse.
City edged Victory, 3-2, in a thrilling Melbourne Derby upset, gaining a measure of revenge for last week’s 6-0 reverse, while Sydney FC climbed to the top of the tree after sealing their own derby day delight in a 2-0 win against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Adelaide United kick-offed the round, beating Perth Glory for the second time in five days, 2-1, while Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar wrapped it up on Sunday with a pulsating 1-1 draw at McDonald Jones Stadium. Here are the 11 players that starred in their respective positions.
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Goalkeeper
Teagan Micah – Melbourne City
Having seen six goals whistle past her seven days earlier, it was always likely Teagan Micah would play a big part if City were to bounce back from last Sunday’s 6-0 derby rout to Melbourne Victory.
On Sunday, Micah came to City’s rescue with several crucial saves. Arguably the pick of the bunch – and most important – came when Micah got down low and palmed Hannah Beard’s curler away, to prevent Victory from scoring from kick off after Claudia Bunge’s own goal.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6223540345001
Defenders
Tessa Tamplin – Newcastle Jets
The teenage defender is growing in stature for the Hunter Valley outfit and impressed again in Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Brisbane Roar on Sunday.
Tamplin’s ability to get up the field and deliver dangerous crosses is proving a real asset for the Jets, and against Roar she made a joint game-high five clearances.
Ellie Brush – Sydney FC
Brush continues to knock on the door of the Westfield Matildas. The defender is ever-reliable at the back and a constant threat in attacking positions.
She capped a dominant display by doubling Sydney’s lead over Western Sydney Wanderers with a smart volleyed finish from close range.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6223404292001
Clare Polkinghorne – Brisbane Roar
The veteran Westfield Matilda executed several pieces of excellent last-ditch defending to prevent Newcastle from getting a clear sight of goal on Sunday.
Polkinghorne won a joint match-high three tackles, made three clearances, and four interceptions. A game-saving performance.
Gema Simon – Newcastle Jets
With Tamplin on the right and the Australian international Simon on the left, Newcastle are sporting two handy full-backs right now.
Simon was a constant source of attacking danger for the Jets. She created three chances on the night.
Midfielders
Emily Condon – Adelaide United
Emily Condon faced adversity after missing an empty net after surging through on goal and going around the keeper, but Adelaide’s midfield ace showed great character to respond and become the Reds’ match-winner for the second time in two weeks when she headed the decisive goal.
The Reds attack was at its most dangerous when it was driven by Condon. In an all-action display, the 22-year-old dropped in 14 crosses, created five chances, took three shots, completed 92% of her passes and won six duels.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6222779575001
Alisha Bass – Newcastle Jets
The midfielder edges fellow Jets midfielders Rhianna Pollicina and Cassidy Davis to earn a place in this week’s best XI. Bass was everywhere for the Jets in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Brisbane.
Her ability to snuff out danger and retrieve the ball at the last moment was exemplified by her game-high six interceptions. An absolute workhorse.
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Teresa Polias – Sydney FC
A true captain’s knock from the skipper, who became the first Westfield W-League player to reach 150 games in Saturday’s derby win.
Polias controlled the tempo for the Sky Blues from the first whistle til the last against Western Sydney Wanderers. The midfielder’s masterful set piece delivery and crossing led to three chances for her teammates.
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Forwards
Cortnee Vine – Sydney FC
Wanderers defenders will be sick of the sight of Vine in full-flight after her telling contribution in Sydney’s double over their rivals this season.
Vine ran rampant down her right flank in the first half and could have picked up a couple of assists had Remy Siemsen been more accurate with her finishing.
Chinatsu Kira – Melbourne City
After an excellent derby showing for City on Sunday, Japanese international Kira has well and truly arrived Down Under.
Kira was at the heart of everything attacking for City, producing the assist for Alex Chidiac’s opener and it was her cross that Claudia Bunge inadvertently stuck in her own net.
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Alex Chidiac – Melbourne City
Chidiac netted her first goal on home soil since arriving back in the country from Atletico Madrid, and Westfield Matildas fans will hope this is a sign of great things to come from the City starlet this season.
She laid on the match-winning assist for Harriet Withers and was a general handful for the Victory defence.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6223521919001
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