The dream of each Australian female footballer is to play at the highest level and represent the Matildas at a World Cup, and for the lucky few that get the chance to don the Green and Gold, the feeling is immense.
The dream of each Australian female footballer is to play at the highest level and represent the Matildas at a World Cup, and for the lucky few that get the chance to don the Green and Gold, the feeling is immense.
One talented footballer, the Central Coast Mariners ‘veteran- Kelly Golebiowski – at the age of 28 – whom has not only sported the Matildas jersey at a World Cup and an Olympic Games, but also played in the Women-s MLS in the United States alongside an iconic symbol of women-s sport, Mia Hamm.
“It was definitely a career highlight to play and train with Mia Hamm, as has been playing for Australia,” said the former Washington Freedom player.
“It was quite indescribable, Mia (Hamm) was a player that I looked up to, I mean I had posters of her in my room, she was my idol and to play with her was a tremendous experience.”
Golebiowski returned to Australia following an extended stay in the United States, and following a first season with Sydney FC in the Westfield W-League, has arrived at the Central Coast Mariners where the attack-minded player is really enjoying her football.
“We are all having a great time this season, each and every squad member is challenging for starting spots, and we are really making it difficult for the coach each week; the depth is fantastic,” said Golebiowski.
At 28-years of age, Golebiowski does not mind being called the ‘veteran- of the side, nor does she mind the extra responsibilities on her shoulders amongst a relatively young playing squad.
“I enjoy being the ‘old head- in the team, giving the girls some advice from my experiences in football both with the Matildas and overseas; it really is an honour.
“And, when you see the efforts that each player puts in, our results are testament to the work ethic of the team altogether,” Golebiowski said.
The Mariners- sit in second-spot on the W-League ladder, three-points behind Brisbane Roar, though despite the general on-looker still doubting the Mariners- title ambitions, Golebiowski remains adamant her team will continue to turn heads between now and the season-s end.
“We all enjoy the ‘underdogs- tag, it is fine by us if we are written off, no problem at all with that.
“We-ve got a strong self belief amongst the group, and this has been our driving force with our results, which are perfectly reflected by the League ladder and results to-date,” said Golebiowski.
Despite the W-League in Australia lacking the prowess of the American women-s league in Mia Hamm-s day, Golebiowski remains confident that women-s football in this country is certainly on the rise.
“We have a young competition here, we are only now into the second season.
“In the US, they had a lot of money injected into the game and that allowed for the competition to develop.
“In Australia, we now have a stepping stone, which is fantastic for all of the players in the country,” continued the Mariners- attacking midfielder.
“The only downside at this point is the short season, as a ten-round regular season is definitely not enough.
“In saying this though, the platform is there, and we all need to work hard to keep women-s football growing,” said Golebiowski.
The Mariners head to Adelaide to face bottom-placed Adelaide United, though despite the Round 2 defeat of the South Australian outfit in the Central Coast Mariners- first ever W-League match at Bluetongue Stadium, Golebiowski & Co. will not be taking their opponent lightly.
“We won-t be looking at the fact that they are last, we can-t afford to do that.
“As I said about our self belief, this has been our strong point, and we will continue to play as we have with the same intensity as we have up until now.
“Also, with a short season, we cannot afford to drop points, so the girls will all be out there to continue the good that we have achieved to-date,” ended Golebiowski.
The Central Coast Mariners next match of the Westfield W-League season will be against against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium this Saturday, 14 November. Kick-off is at 2:30pm ACST (3:00pm AEDT), and will be broadcast live and exclusively on ABC1 and ABCHD.
Adelaide United squad: 1.Sian McLAREN (gk), 2.Ebony WEIDENBACH, 3.Renee HARRISON, 6.Thomai KEZIOS, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 11.Georgia CHAPMAN, 12.Katerina BEXIS, 13.Lauren CHILVERS, 14.Donna COCKAYNE, 15.Tenneille BOALER, 16.Christina PAPAGEORGIOU (c), 17.Karina ROWETH, 18.Rochelle KUHAR, 19. Nenita BURGESS, 20.Kristi HARVEY (gk), 21.Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY
*one to be omitted*
In: Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY (injury replacement player)
Out: Angela FIMMANO (hamstring – 1 week)
Unavailable: Ruth BLACKBURN (injured – season), Ashlee FAUL (international duty), Ruth WALLACE (international duty), Marijana RAJCIC (ankle – season)
Central Coast Mariners squad: 1. Jillian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER (c), 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Rachael DOYLE, 5. Jessica SEAMAN, 7. Teresa POLIAS, 8. Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI, 9. Renee ROLLASON, 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 13. Trudy CAMILLERI, 14. Ashleigh CONNOR, 15. Elizabeth O’REILLY, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY, 17. Britt SIMMONS, 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH, 20. Rachel COOPER (gk)
*three to be omitted*
In: Teresa POLIAS (promoted), Elizabeth O’REILLY (promoted), Britt SIMMONS (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Nil
Referee Lee COREY
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