It’s the news all City fans have been waiting to hear… Holly McNamara is back!
After being sidelined for over 12 months, the City star has been cleared to return and is included in our extended squad for Sunday’s Ninja A-League fixture against Canberra United at AAMI Park.
McNamara isn’t the only key player returning to the fold. Leah Davidson and Tyla-Jay Vlajnic are also back from international duty, while Lourdes Bosch has recovered from the minor quad injury that kept her out of our last game.
Sunday’s match will be our third fixture at AAMI Park this season, a venue we’re yet to drop a point at. We’ve already beaten Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney in those familiar surroundings and will be looking to maintain our perfect record when we take on Canberra.
Earlier on Sunday, our Men’s team takes on league leaders Auckland FC, aiming to make history by handing the newcomers their first-ever loss.
Haven’t got your tickets for Sunday’s doubleheader yet? Click here to grab them now!
We’ll come into the contest full of confidence after continuing our perfect record on the road with a 4-1 win over Brisbane Roar last weekend.
Ben Dunbar returns to the extended squad and will be eyeing his third appearance of the season. He’s joined in the inclusions by 17-year-old Mikey Ghossaini, who is named in a senior squad for the first time.
It comes after a highly impressive season in the VPL1 U21 competition where Ghossaini banged in 22 goals in just 17 appearances. The young attacker has since been regularly training with Aurelio Vidmar’s squad.
Mathew Leckie remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury, but is making encouraging progress and on track to be back in the mix for selection in the coming weeks.
ALM Round 8 Squad
1. Jamie YOUNG (GK), 2. Callum TALBOT, 6. Steven UGARKOVIC, 8. James JEGGO, 10. Yonatan COHEN, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 16. Aziz BEHICH, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 20. Arion SULEMANI, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 27. Kai TREWIN, 30. Andreas KUEN, 33. Patrick BEACH (GK), 35. Medin MEMETI, 38. Harry POLITIDIS, 42. Ben DUNBAR, 46. Ben MAZZEO, 47. Kavian RAHMANI, 50. Mikey GHOSSAINI.
In: 42. Ben DUNBAR, 50. Mikey GHOSSAINI (both promoted).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 7. Mathew LECKIE (hamstring), 15. Andrew NABBOUT (knee), 17. Max CAPUTO (leg), 21. Alessandro LOPANE (knee), 23. Marco TILIO (hamstring), 34. Jayden NECOVSKI (knee).
ALW Round 7 Squad
5. Taylor OTTO, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 7. Kathryn HARVEY, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 9. Holly McNAMARA, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 14. Laura HUGHES, 15. Kiera MEYERS, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Mariana SPECKMAIER, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 19. Lourdes BOSCH, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC.
In: 9. Holly McNAMARA (returns from injury), 18. Leah DAVIDSON (returns from international duty), 19. Lourdes BOSCH (returns from injury), 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC (returns from international duty).
Out: 20. Caitlin KARIC, 21. Isabella ACCARDO (both omitted).
Unavailable: 1. Sophia VARLEY (ankle).
