Top two now the target as Mariners make Melbourne trip

Central Coast Mariners Women are looking to keep up their fine run of form as they make the trip to take on Melbourne City on Saturday.

Emily Husband’s side would leapfrog their hosts with a win, with second spot now the target after a place in the Liberty A-League Finals was already secured last week with a 4-1 win over Canberra United.

There was more good news for Husband throughout the week, as she was named Liberty A-League Coach of the Month for the second consecutive month.

READ MORE: Husband and Jackson make it Back-to-Back Coach of the Month Doubles

⏮ Last time out

Rola Badawiya netted a brace last time out, taking her season tally to seven, and she was also on target last time we faced Melbourne City.

Rola’s goal gave us the lead before a stunning equaliser from Rebekah Stott earned the visitors a point in an entertaining 1-1 draw at Our Paradise.

👀 Players to Watch

There are a number of players to keep an eye on in this clash and both sides will be pleased to welcome back two of their star youngsters from Young Matildas duty, as Peta Trimis is back available for Husband and Daniela Galic returns for Melbourne City.

The two were standout performers in Uzbekistan for Leah Blayney’s team, Trimis finishing as Australia’s top scorer in the competition whilst Galic was the beneficiary of a Trimis assist in the Young Matildas’ 2-0 win over the hosts.

READ MORE: Individual award nomination caps off Peta Trimis’ starring role at U20 Women’s Asia Cup

Highly rated Galic is City’s top creator this season with four assists, and was recently named in GOAL’s 2024 NXGN ‘The Best 25 Wonderkids in Women’s Football.

City’s top scorer is Hannah Wilkinson with eight, the same tally as Mariners’ leading scorer Wurigumula. Our number nine has excelled on the road this season with five of her eight coming in away games.

Whilst Wilkinson leads the way on the scoring front for City, they do spread the goals throughout the team. Galic has six goals to go with her four assists, as do Emina Ekic and Holly McNamara, whilst Rhianna Pollicina has scored five, so there are plenty of threats for Husband’s defence to be aware of.

And finally, we couldn’t possibly discuss players to watch without highlighting the influence of our captain, Kyah Simon, who has netted three goals in her four starts since returning from injury.

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