Defensive duo Laura Alleway and Steph Catley are determined to lead the Melbourne City FC’s embryonic Westfield W-League squad to glory this season, as the Club commences its inaugural campaign on Sunday.
Joe Montemurro’s side travel to Leichhardt to face Sydney FC in the Club’s first ever W-League encounter, with Alleway and Catley expecting last year’s Semi-Finalists to be amongst the contenders again this season.
“Sydney are always a formidable side they have some very strong players in their line-up and we know we have to be on our game come Sunday,” Alleway said.
“They are a really strong side. They were semi-finalists last year and Teresa Polias is a close friend of mine and they will be tough to beat this season,” Catley echoed.
Alleway joined City as the Club’s second ever W-League recruit – after inaugural signing Lisa De Vanna – and declared she is fit and ready to go after a lengthy pre-season.
“It’s been a longer pre-season for me here being one of the first at the club, but I’m feeling good,” she said.
“It’s been great to get this period under my belt and look forward to seeing all the hard work pay off.”
Fresh from a prolonged rest after a demanding schedule which included FIFA Women’s World Cup duties and a stint in the United States with Portland Thorns, Catley is excited to kick-start her City career.
“I came into pre-season training a bit later than the rest of the group but I’m feeling good,” she said.
“I’ve had a good three week period here and I’m really looking forward to Round 1 on Saturday. I had a bit of time off in the States before I left from Portland so I’m feeling fresh and ready to go.”
Catley and Alleway are among four City representatives in the Westfield Matildas squad for the upcoming tour of China, joining teammates Lisa De Vanna and Larissa Crummer as preparations continue for next year’s crucial Olympic qualifiers.
“It’s always an honour to represent your country and to be back in the Matildas camp again is really exciting,” Alleway said. “Our tour of China will be great and there will be tough games but I’m really looking forward to it.”
