Olympic Duo Prepared For Step-Up
Words: Matt Dorman
Images: Chris Simpson
Recent immersion in Westfield W-League environments has steeled Olympic FC duo Nat Tathem and Katie Ronan for their call-up to the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Women’s Select.
Some of the state’s top female football talent will be on show on Sunday when 17 of PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland’s finest take on Belinda Wilson’s Brisbane Roar at Goodwin Park.
Tathem (above; left) has returned for the match following a week spent trialling with Melbourne City.
The midfielder believes training alongside the likes of Steph Catley and Larissa Crummer has raised her game.
“I think it’s easier to perform when things are more intense,” Tathem said.
“When you’re surrounded by better players you improve to their level. All the Matildas players expect a high level of everyone.”
Tathem, who led Olympic in the absence of injured captain Alycia Clayton late in the season, anticipates a similar challenge in Sunday’s game.
“I’m not sure what to expect from the Roar team because I haven’t played with those girls before but I think it will be the same step-up because of the high level of expectation the different players have,” she said.
Teenager Ronan (below; left) is also set to grace her home pitch in Yeronga as one of two goalkeepers in the squad.
Despite currently spending time with Roar, the 16-year-old is still aiming to nab victory against the two-time Westfield W-League Champions.
“We have such a good team, hopefully we can go out and get an upset,” Ronan said of the Women’s Select.
“I’m learning off some of the older girls here, getting experience from them. They’re teaching me new things.
“I can’t wait. It’s going to be really exciting.”
Sunday’s exhibition match will continue a remarkable year for the youngest player in the Women’s Select squad with her Roar involvement coming on the back of regular league appearances.
“They call me in every now and then to train and it’s really good. I really like the atmosphere and the girls are great,” she said.
“Training with those players is pretty amazing.”
Match Details:
PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Women's Select v Brisbane Roar Westfield W-League
Sunday, 27 September
Goodwin Park, Brisbane
Kick-off at 3:00PM
Gates Open at 2:00PM
Admission: Gold Coin Donation for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation
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