Words: Emily Wilson
Image: Iain Dalton

Sunshine Coast FC product Izzy Dalton has exemplified Queensland’s elite player pathway, making her Westfield W-League debut on the weekend against Adelaide United.

Dalton came off the bench for Roar in their 3-0 win over the Lady Reds on Saturday in the first match of a double-header with Roar's Hyundai A-League team.

The Sunshine Coast FC product was part of Fire’s South-East Queensland Women’s Premier League side through 2014 addition to serving as a ‘call-up player’ for Roar Women’s debut NPL Queensland season in the Under 15 Boys division.

The 16-year-old spent the past three year’s training with the Queensland Academy of Sport and Roar’s W-League side in addition to working with Fire coach Dave Bensted.

Dalton said she was focused and confident about taking to the Suncorp Stadium field.

“I was told on the Saturday morning of the game that I would be on the bench, and I was confident I could do a good job if I was given the chance to come off the bench,” she said.

Dalton’s debut in Australia’s premier women’s club football competition was all the more remarkable as it followed a seven month recovery with a ruptured ankle ligament sustained while playing for Fire in April.

Initially advised to have surgery, Dalton opted for a conservative recovery option requiring her to wear a ‘moonboot’ for several months before undergoing physiotherapy.

Dalton’s father, Iain, said it had been a long journey get back to full fitness but his daughter’s determination and resilience had ultimately shown through.

“She has battled so hard to keep motivated and worked at physio and the gym before returning to full contact training just three weeks ago,” he said.

“Playing and training full time with the coaches and players of that level has been amazing for Izzy – for example training with Matildas Co-Captain Clare Polkinghorne every night.”

Fire Open Women’s Coach Bensted said Dalton’s Westfield W-League debut was testament to her efforts at both Fire and Roar.

“Izzy has good football intelligence and a strong work ethic. She has worked hard to overcome injury and return to fitness to achieve her goals. We at the Fire wish her all the best for the future,” he said.

Sunshine Coast FC are one of 12 clubs awarded licences to compete in the inaugural PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Senior Women’s division starting in 2015.