Four games were played, and two were postponed since December 23. Brisbane defeated Newcastle 2-0 thanks to a vintage display from Katrina “Mini” Gorry, Sydney FC easily accounted for Western Sydney by the same score.
Melbourne City enjoyed two wins over the Christmas weekend. They defeated Canberra United 4-0 in Maria Rojas’s last game until February, and snuck past a brave Perth Glory side 1-0 on a hot Tuesday night.
Week six and seven Talking points
Mini Gorry’s masterclass
Katrina Gorry has been rested by Brisbane Roar up until Round Five. Her return has coincided with two wins in two games from her side. As Matildas fans know, there is simply nobody quite like Mini Gorry. She controls games from midfield and is constantly on the ball, but can also has the ability to decide games with decisive finishing.
If Gorry is within 30 yards of goal, it is a realistic chance for Brisbane to score. If she gets space inside the penalty area, it is almost certain to result in punishment for the opposition.
Gorry is a pleasure to watch, tactically flexible and brutally effective.
Galic finally gets her goal
Daniela Galic might be the most exciting prodigy since Mary Fowler to grace the A-League Women. Following an impressive Under 20 World Cup, the stylish midfielder joined the latest rebuild at Melbourne City.
Her first few games highlighted her excellent decision making and ball control, but in the last two games she has gone up another level again.
In City’s 4-0 defeat of Canberra United, Galic scored her first senior goal following weeks of near misses.
It was a brilliantly struck dipping shot from outside of the area that left Keeley Richards with no chance despite the distance. On the Melbourne City bench, Sally James celebrated as much as Galic did. No doubt the goalkeeper has been on the end of some of those shots in training but it was wonderful to see her deliver in a match.
Against Perth Glory, Galic was one of the best players on the field. In the 36-degree heat, she was relentlessly energetic and adventurous in possession. She switched flanks and played through the middle in a complete attacking midfield performance, her versatility is an almost unfair addition to her growing list of attributes.
It is easy to get carried away with young players. Skill is exciting, but consistency is key. At this early stage, Galic looks to have both.
Teams missing a piece
Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory are both competitive, but currently look one player short of where they would like to be.
The Wanderers need a striker. They can bring the ball out of defence and can play it through midfield. However, without a dangerous centre forward, the wing work of Sophie Harding and the creativity of Amy Harrison goes unrewarded.
Kat Smith’s side are not exactly easy to play against, but they need a presence up front to take pressure off the rest of the side and prevent opposition defenders getting too comfortable.
Perth Glory’s loss to Melbourne City could be best described as honourble. But where City had dominance over midfield, Glory had trouble linking the three areas of the pitch. Hana Lowry is still very much learning her trade, and Ella Mastrantonio has a mountain of work to do with or without possession.
If Sofia Sakalis can recapture her NPLW form, they could charge up the ladder, but a player like Mie Leth Jens was for them last season would free up the entire side.
Game to watch in Week eight
Melbourne Victory hosts Canberra United on New Years Eve, and it shapes as an intriguing match up. Canberra like to play a fast paced aggressive style, while Victory prefer to build through midfield.
It is hard to say where either of these sides currently fit in the title race, both have the quality to challenge, but have been undone by teams above them in the ladder. Victory is currently in form, but Canberra have been frightening at times.
These two sides boast dangerous strikers in Melina Ayres and Michelle Heyman, and popular playmakers in Grace Maher and Alex Chidiac.
The result is hard to predict, but there will be highlights. This game could be crucial when the final ladder is decided.
Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images
