Football West News

Perth SC and Hyundai NTC enjoyed an open training session in Albany

Perth SC and Hyundai NTC will showcase the NPLWA Women’s competition as the second part of the Great Southern Regional Festival of Football double-header.

The Round Seven game at Albany’s Centennial Stadium kicks off at 5pm and follows the NPL Men’s clash between Perth Glory and Sorrento (3pm).

With Murdoch University Melville showing no signs of letting up, respective coaches Danielle Brogan and Ben Anderton know they can’t afford to fall too far behind the league leaders as the season reaches the halfway point.

Azzurri coach Brogan said her players had to be switched on if they were to return to Perth with the three points.

“I like Ben and what he brings to the game, he’s got a good philosophy similar to what we are trying to do here,” she said.

Both sides held an open training session in Albany on Friday night and Brogan explained: “I watched a bit of the NTC’s session and they looked sharp, if you are not on your game the three in the middle of the park will hurt you.

“But we have an experienced side, ex-internationals, Glory players and ex-NTC players. So we will be up for this.”

Brogan said her team’s open session was enjoyable for the players.

“We did most of our work in our normal sessions on Tuesday and Thursday, this was more a case of loosening the legs after the long bus ride,” she said.

“It was good. The surface was good and what a backdrop with the sun setting on the mountains … what a fantastic spot.”

Brogan said the game was a great opportunity to show the regions how good the women’s game in Perth is.

“We had a walk around the town this morning to stretch our legs and people were coming up to us to wish us luck," she said.

“Hopefully we’ll get a good turnout, especially with us having Jenna Onions, who is from Albany. I know a lot of her family will be here.

“And how good is it that the men’s game is the curtain-raiser!”

NTC head into the match having just suffered their first defeat, a 1-0 loss to top-of-the-table MUM FC.

“It was disappointing to lose but I couldn’t fault the girls, it was probably the best we have played this season,” head coach Anderton said.

“They are all looking forward to the game and showing what they can do. It will be a great experience for them.”

The NTC squad was boosted with the presence of Matildas star Lisa De Vanna, who will be working with the players.

The remainder of the Round Seven matches are on Sunday. MUM FC are away at Fremantle City, Subiaco host Balcatta, while Northern Redbacks face Curtin University.

Round Seven fixtures