On this week’s episode of The Official Liberty A-League Podcast, host Campbell Johnson is joined by Teresa Polias and Catherine Cannuli to discuss the emergence of a surprise Sydney FC striker, the Central Coast Mariners’ A-League Women comeback and more. Listen below.
“It’s amazing how things seem to go full circle, don’t they?”
The words of foundation Central Coast Mariners player Teresa Polias resonate as she describes what it means for the region who will once again be represented in the Liberty A-League from next season onwards.
The Mariners are set to become the league’s 12th side in 2022-23, having last played in the competition in 2009.
Last week the club announced Emily Husband as the club’s head coach for their A-League Women return; as each of these details are confirmed by the club, it all begins to feel that little bit more real heading toward 2022-23.
Joining KEEPUP’s Campbell Johnson on this week’s episode of The Official Liberty A-League Podcast were Polias and Cannuli; Polias – an A-League Women legend and former Matilda – began her career at the Gosford club, and ponders what her career in football might have looked like if the club wasn’t in existence when she was rising through the ranks as a young prospect.
“To be honest, if the Mariners weren’t around back then, who knows?” Polias pondered.
“I may not have started my (then W-League) career at that time, and then who knows what my road would have been?
“It’s great for the region to have an opportunity up there closer to home. I’d really love to see some local talent in the Mariners setup come next season, but very exciting times. It evens up the number of teams in the league, so we can say goodbye to the bye rounds – which I’m loving!”
The makeshift number nine who has ‘earned that spot’ up front for Sky Blues: ‘She’d be starting in any other team’
Early in the season, Sydney FC’s Matildas striker Remy Siemsen departed the club for an opportunity abroad. Then, in-form United States import Madison Haley succumbed to a hip injury, which has sidelined the number nine for the past two games.
The current league leaders have not missed a beat despite the key absentees; Haley shouldered the load when Siemsen made tracks, and since the American began her stint on the sidelines, it’s been midfielder Rachel Lowe who has managed to plug the gap up front.
The 22-year-old – capped by the Matildas at 17 years of age – has scored three goals in two games to fire the Sky Blues to the top of the A-League Women table (pending Canberra United’s appeal against a points deduction) in wins over Wellington Phoenix and Western United.
“She was absolutely brilliant,” said Polias, reflecting on Lowe’s two goals in a 3-0 win over Western United in Round 16.
“With Madison Haley being out, it’s given Rachel an opportunity in a new position, one she hasn’t been used a lot in, but she’s really made it her own. She was subbed on in previous games and did a great job; she got the start at number nine and I think she was brilliant. I think she combined really well with Cortnee Vine.
” She knows the players behind her very well, so the chemistry is there. It’s just whether, I guess, is Madison Haley going to be back, and even if she is back, will (head coach Ante Juric) back her again?
“Ante is the type of coach that, when you do your job and do well, he will back you, and Rachel has earned the spot. I’m really happy for her bagging two on the weekend, a really good performance.”
Sydney expect Lowe to continue to start for the time being with Haley “doubtful” ahead of Saturday’s clash against Wellington. But, should Haley make it back in time to press for minutes versus the ‘Nix, Lowe will most likely slot in to a more conventional midfield role.
The Sky Blues are dealing with a personnel shortage heading into the weekend; captain Natalie Tobin is suspended, whilst both goalkeeper Jada Whyman and centre-back Charlotte Mclean are ruled out via concussion after clashing heads in their 3-0 win over Western.
Central midfielder Shay Hollman is still unavailable whilst on international duty with the Young Matildas at the AFC Under-20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers.
But for the time being, Sky Blues boss Ante Juric can take solace in the fact that Lowe’s electric form is helping to plug one of the many gaps in his squad heading into round 17.
“As we know Ante is quite a tough nut,” Cannuli said. “He really sticks to his guns and if things are working, he’s happy to keep rolling with that.
“I personally think you have to find a spot for Rachel Lowe in that squad now. I think she’s done really, really well, been patient sitting there waiting for her chance, and she’s been a true professional about it.
“She’s gotten her chance, and now she’s really stepped up to the plate. It just goes to show how versatile she is as a footballer, as well. People underestimate how good she actually is, because she’s not one of the ones who is out there and loud, she’s a very quiet girl but when she’s out there on the pitch she can really do a job.
“She can play any position on the pitch and go and do a job for any team in the A-League Women.”
