Officially announced just over six months ago (May 12th), Western United are joining the A-League Women’s competition and are jumping in with enthusiasm. Fans will have high expectations after the team’s recruitment announcements.
As the third Melbourne team to enter the competition, Western United will add extra colour to local derbies and perhaps some heat as well.
One thing is key in this new club – there’s an enduring culture from NPL Victoria side Calder United which has come across. Don’t expect the usual Bruce Tuckman stages of team building as they have already accelerated through the early stages of building cohesion.
Last Season
This is the first season in the A-League Women’s competition for Western United, though tongue in cheek – Calder United (who Western United have recruited a lot of players from) finished top of the NPL Victoria table this year.
Key Facts
| Coach: | Mark Torcaso |
| Last Season: | N/A |
| Venue(s): | City Vista Recreation Reserve |
| Membership: | Four ALW packages on offer:
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Line-up
The Coach
Mark Torcaso was appointed the inaugural head coach of Western United on 29 June and will serve for two seasons. Shortly after, Helen Winterburn was appointed as the assistant coach.
Torcaso had previously been at the helm of Calder United for six years, and more recently has been in charge of Western United’s women’s development squad since August 2021.
Prior to coaching Calder, Torcaso coached Bundoora United’s senior women’s side and was also a goalkeeper coach at Melbourne Victory.
For those not familiar with Calder United, they have been impressively successful, winning the Victorian treble (NPL Premiership, NPL Championship & Nike F.C. Cup) in 2019 and 2022.
“For me it’s something I’ve been passionate about for many years. I’ve only ever worked in the women’s game, so to be involved and for the faith to be put in me to do this – I feel pretty proud, to be honest,” Torcaso told Keepup.
Read More: Mark Torcaso Inaugural Head Coach
Ins & Outs
With this being their first season, there are no changes. Several players have joined from other A-League women’s clubs and have previous experience in the competition.
- Tyla-Jay Vlajnic (Melbourne City)
- Harriet Withers (Melbourne Victory)
- Kahli Johnson (Sydney FC)
- Julia Sardo (previously with Perth Glory and Melbourne City)
- Emma Robers (Melbourne Victory)
- Francesca Iermano (Melbourne Victory)
- Jessica McDonald (Melbourne Victory)
- Adriana Taranto (Melbourne Victory)
- Melissa Taranto (Melbourne Victory)
Key Players
US import Hannah Keane has already made her presence felt, scoring three goals in two practice matches against Western United’s cross-town ALW rivals. NPL Victoria fans may be familiar with Keane as the striker featured in 2016 for Alamein. Since then Keane has played in Europe.
As a side note, Keane will be added as one of my favourite players (alongside Emma Checker) due to her plant-based diet.
USWNT player Jessica McDonald will appear as a guest player. Fans familiar with her previous Dub experience (Melbourne Victory 2012-13) will be lining up again to witness her tenacity and new fans won’t be far behind.
Calder United will share a wealth of talent with Western United, perhaps none more than Aleksandra Sinclair. What’s most surprising is that Sinclair has not yet showcased her football at Dub level.
One To Watch
Chloe Logarzo will definitely be one to watch. Logarzo’s talent and engine should not be a surprise to anyone, but how she adapts to Western United’s style of play is key – it will be exciting to see if they bring out the best in each other. Logarzo is also a key driver of the Matildas’ midfield so we’re hoping this is the perfect place for World Cup form to be nurtured.
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Prediction
Pre-season has been going exceptionally well for the Western Women, having already defeated both Melbourne Victory (1-0) and Melbourne City (3-0). Could we see them blast out of the gates in their opening match against last season’s Champions Melbourne Victory?
As the teams prepare for the longest season in A-League Women history, fast starts may be less important, but making a statement as debutants will be crucial for confidence.
The prediction is a mid-table finish. While there’s exceptional pedigree in the team from NPL exploits, perhaps the more experienced ALW clubs will just have the edge – but I’m prepared to eat my hat as this team has the power to surprise.
Fixture
Western United’s season starts against the reigning Champions, Melbourne Victory.
| Date: | 3pm Saturday November 19th |
| Venue: | City Vista Recreation Reserve |
Full Western United fixture
Follow Beyond 90’s coverage of the A-League Women’s competition.
