Melbourne City moved out on top of the Westfield W-League ladder in Round 5, while Sydney FC bounced back to form in the Hunter.
But which stars made the Team of the Week?
There was another win for Brisbane Roar while Perth Glory left it late to snatch a draw with Canberra United on Friday night.
We’ve reviewed the tape and crunched the numbers, so here is w-league.com.au‘s Round 5 Team of the Week.
REPORT: Sensational Siemsen spurs Sydney FC to ground the Jets
REPORT: Roar survive Reds fightback to win five-goal thriller
Goalkeeper
Eliza Campbell (Perth Glory)
Kim Carroll’s late goal may have won Perth a point but that wouldn’t have been possible without Campbell’s heroics in the 89 minutes prior.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper was almost impenetrable at Dorrien Gardens, making nine saves as Glory earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Canberra United.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115577561001
Defenders
Natalie Tathem (Brisbane Roar)
The right back put in a busy performance in hot conditions in the Queensland capital to prove key to her side’s first home win of the campaign.
Her 100 touches were far and away the most in the match and she backed it up off the ball by winning three of her five tackle attempts and nine of 17 duels – equal top for her team in both categories.
She capped off her showing with the assist for Hayley Raso’s match-winning goal in the closing minutes as she tirelessly went forward on a Roar counter.
Emily Menges (Melbourne Victory)
There was a reason why it took Melbourne City almost 90 minutes to get their winner…and her name is Emily Menges.
The American was outstanding in her side’s 1-0 loss on Thursday night, winning 100% of her tackles, seven clearances and two interceptions is a resolute display alongside Westfield Matildas star Jenna McCormick.
Alanna Kennedy (Sydney FC)
How good is it to see Alanna Kennedy back!
The Westfield Matildas defender started her first match of the campaign as she returns from injury and was as solid as a rock in the heard of the Sky Blues defence.
Kennedy didn’t give the Jets attack a sniff and almost marked her return with a trademark free-kick goal, but for excellent work by the keeper.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115923829001
Kim Carroll (Perth Glory)
The 32-year-old defender chose the perfect time to score her first goal in Glory colours, popping up with a towering header in the final minute to snatch a draw against Canberra United.
The 54-cap Westfield Matildas marshalled her defence superbly, while she was also on hand for a couple of key blocks, interceptions and clearances on the night.
No wonder coach Bobby Despotovski feels she’s in the best form-ever for the club.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115582382001
Midfielders
Yukari Kinga (Melbourne City)
The Japanese World Cup winner is the player who makes things tick for City and she was at her scheming best in the derby win.
Not only did Kinga pop up with the winning goal in the last minute, her distribution was almost flawless, making 50 passes at 94% accuracy.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115238841001
Teresa Polias (Sydney FC)
She may be small in stature but Polias is a big influence on Sydney FC’s success on the pitch.
The Sky Blues skipper was at her metronomic best in the Sky Blues’ win over the Jets, controlling the tempo and rarely giving the ball away with her crisp distribution.
And it was only a stunning save from the keeper that denied her a rare goal!
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115924469001
Simone Charley (Canberra United)
The American continues to thrill Westfield W-League fans with her eye-catching displays, producing another one in the draw with the Glory.
Not only did Charley score her side’s goal – her third for the campaign against Perth – but she had four shots and was the visitors’ most threatening player.
Also worked hard at the other end for her side, involved in 15 duels and making three clearances and two interceptions.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115565864001
REPORT: Carroll scores at the death as Perth and Canberra share the spoils
REPORT: Kinga’s late winner gives City Melbourne Derby bragging rights over Victory
Forwards
Hayley Raso (Brisbane Roar)
Rampaging, relentless, ribbons – what can we say about the Westfield Matildas star that has not already been said this season?
She again proved herself a stand-out on Saturday as she struck a brace – including the match-winner – against Adelaide in a typically rough-and-tumble performance.
The goal lifted her season’s tally to three and we suspect there is more to come.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115808179001
Remy Siemsen (Sydney FC)
Another week, another superb display from the Sky Blues striker. Siemsen scored a classy double on Sunday as Sydney FC sunk the Jets in the Hunter.
It’s the third time in just five appearances this season Siemsen has scored a brace and she currently leads the Golden Boot standings with six goals for the campaign.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115922588001
Rylee Baisden (Brisbane Roar)
The American attacker continues to take big strides in her debut Westfield W-League season – delivering two assists in the Roar’s win over Adelaide.
She proved a tireless threat for the entirety of her 71 minutes in the Queensland heat, and was only prevented from getting on the scoresheet herself by a sharp save early in the second half.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115798367001
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