Here’s a look back at some of the highlights of the Westfield W-League season, filled with footballing quality, drama and more than a few surprises.
With the competition back to a complement of eight teams this year, the 2012/13 edition of the Westfield W-League was brimming with excitement from the first kick off.
Here’s a look back at some of the highlights of the W-League season, filled with footballing quality, drama and more than a few surprises.
Western Sydney Wanderers’ first win
While they couldn’t quite manage to emulate the success of their male counterparts, Wanderers FC certainly impressed in their debut season. It took them until round three to get off the mark but they did it in style with a 2-0 win over Perth Glory. Their form tapered off in the latter stages but they remained in finals contention right up until the penultimate round.
Perth’s 7-5 victory over Sydney
In terms of pure entertainment value, it’s hard to go past this as the game of the season. The Sky Blues held a 2-1 lead at half time before the match exploded into life in the second in a matter of minutes. The sides were locked at a heart-stopping 5-5 before two late strikes saw Perth Glory emerge triumphant. Three goals from Lisa De Vanna and a double from Elisa D’Ovidio accounted for most of the damage on a day when goalkeeper self-esteem was in short supply.
Tameka Butt’s hat trick in her 50th game
Faced with the tricky assignment of facing a desperate Canberra United side in Round 12, Tameka Butt took charge to fire Brisbane Roar to a commanding 5-1 win. Her three-goal haul coincided with her 50th W-League appearance and the result ensured top spot for the Roar going into the finals, making the milestone that much sweeter.
Melbourne’s first ever Grand Final
In the previous four Westfield W-League seasons, only three teams (Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra) had contested the Grand Final. But Melbourne Victory upset the natural order this year on the back of rock solid defence, conceding the fewest goals during the regular season. In light of their mid-season coaching reshuffle, the achievement is all the more impressive.
Sam Kerr’s grand final goal
In a tense finale against Melbourne Victory, with the scores locked at 1-1 and the hosts gathering momentum, an inspired moment of determination and skill from Kyah Simon delivered a pinpoint cross to Sam Kerr, who threw her entire body into a decisive header. The goal gave Sydney FC a lead they would not surrender. The celebration was just as good, with Kerr pulling off an exultant cartwheel and backflip to cap off a fantastic season.
