Wanneroo City is targeting a top two finish in the Hyundai Women’s League this season, buoyed by their 14-0 demolition of Morley Windmills in Round One.
The Roos picked Morley apart at will, with Shannon Smith scoring five in a headline display. Beth Hollett snared a hat-trick, while Indya Golding, Lisa Malicky and Maya Milarski all hit doubles to complete the rout.
Coach Mark James says it’s a sign of good things to come.
“I was very happy with the the way we played – passing and moving, we held our positions when we needed to and most importantly, we took our chances,” he said.
“Speaking quietly, but I think we might be able to win the league. Certainly top two is what we’re aiming for.”
The first six rounds are being used as grading games this season, before leagues will split and the competition will become more even.
Jessica Duggan is one player who is relishing life at the Roos, returning to the club from Joondalup United, where she played in goal and missed a large chunk of last season with a broken wrist.
“I was here for seven years before that, and we have a few new players and it’s good to get off to a good start,” she says. “I was just in the middle, feeding the girls up front.”
D
uggan is also coaching the Wanneroo City Under-10 girls’ team this year, which includes her daughter. The club has had an influx of new players in 2024, particularly in girls’ teams, with eight extra junior teams and about one hundred new players signing on.
“When I heard Wanneroo City had an influx of girls, I thought it was a great opportunity to get involved on the coaching side,” she says. “It’s been great. We have a mix of new and old players in our squad, and we played the boys last weekend and it was 2-1, so there are some great signs.”
Duggan attributes much of the growth in girls’ soccer, unsurprisingly, to the immense popularity of the Matildas.
“Watching the Matildas, and going to a few games over here, it has certainly brought some real excitement. Everyone has a favourite (Matildas) player now!”
Wanneroo Women are at home to Swan Valley at 3pm on Sunday.
