The race to claim the Westfield W-League’s Golden Boot remains wide open with only three rounds remaining.
Perth Glory skipper Sam Kerr is the favourite to take home the title, but she faces keen competition from teammates and opponents alike.
Here’s a look at the leaderboard ahead of Round 12.
8 goals: Sam Kerr
A new year and potentially a new award for Kerr, the reigning Julie Dolan Medallist.
The Westfield Matildas superstar – whose eight goals have come from just seven appearances – will be eager to retain top spot having been runner-up twice (to Kate Gill in 2014 and Ashleigh Sykes in 2016-17).
7 goals: Katie Stengel, Rachel Hill
Still well in the hunt are a pair of top-shelf imports from the United States in Katie Stengel of Newcastle Jets and Kerr’s striker partner Rachel Hill.
While this weekend’s bye will temporarily halt her charge, Stengel’s encouraging run of three goals in four games places her as perhaps the likelier of the two to challenge Kerr.
5 goals: Lisa De Vanna, Michelle Heyman, Jess Fishlock, Natasha Dowie, Arin Gilliland, Kylie Ledbrook, Makenzy Doniak
Rounding out the top 10 are seven players incredibly all locked on five goals.
Canberra United striker Michelle Heyman and Melbourne Victory captain Natasha Dowie have the best opportunity to make inroads with their byes now out of the way.
But don’t discount a late challenge from Lisa De Vanna: Sydney FC are in top form and the speedy forward is capable of scoring in clumps.
