Ben Gilby continues his series profiling our A-League Women’s squad with a feature one of the league’s standout performers this term, Tijan McKenna.
Locally-produced starlet Tijan McKenna is currently riding the wave of a hugely positive 2025/26.
It’s been a period of milestones and silverware, as well as proving that she is Glory’s very own Swiss Army Knife, a player capable of providing a solution wherever on the pitch it may be required.
McKenna recently clocked up her 50th appearance in purple which came shortly after success in the NPLW WA competition and she reflects upon both achievements with pride.
“I think it was really nice to get 50 appearances, especially at my home club and in front of a home crowd with family and friends,” she said.
“That was really refreshing and nice.
“It came off the back of the NPL win (with Perth Azzurri) and I was so ecstatic having such a great team of girls and coach.
“I really love them.
“Winning it together was extra special with all the stuff we went through with players coming in and out, so it was a memorable one.”
While ostensibly a central midfielder, the 21-year-old has been deployed all across the defensive line this year, particularly impressing in the unfamiliar role of centre-back and she has learned to embrace this unexpected turn of events.
“It’s definitely a blessing and a curse,” she said.
“But I think for anyone who is seen as versatile, see it as a blessing because, at the end of the day, you want to be on the field.
“Having Stevie [Head Coach Steven Peters] trust me in multiple positions is very pleasing.
“Knowing I can play a role for the team and get the game time is great, as the more minutes, the more you are seen.”
Glory’s start to the ALW season saw mixed results, not helped by having to play four of their first five games on the road.
But although McKenna acknowledges the challenges presented by Perth’s geographical isolation, she also feels that the team rallied to make the most of their home advantage when it finally came.
“The travel can’t be an excuse, but it is a potential downfall for us in Perth,” she said.
“Also the fact that we didn’t really have any pre-season games against other A-League clubs and everyone else generally can have that.
“We just had to make sure we had our legs ready and were getting ready for the home games to come, with our fans behind us where we can showcase a lot.”
One of a large contingent of young, Western Australian players in the squad, McKenna feels that having a core of local players who have played with and against each other over many years serves to strengthen the bonds within the overall playing group.
“I think it’s really special growing up with them,” she said.
“Watching them grow, it’s like a little family moment when you see a milestone;
“You sort of feel it all together.
“You see the hard work they all put in, so it’s nice to see them get what they all deserve.”
During the last 12 months, Glory’s #6 also went across to Croatia to trial with their national team, but for now, she is keeping her international options open.
“At this current moment, there is nothing going on,” she said.
“I went there for a trial and it was more just to test the waters and see what it’s like.
“Further down the path, in terms of Australia and Croatia, if I get an option, I’ll see what happens.”
Following a two-week break for the AFC Asian Cup, Glory’s ALW campaign will resume with a trip to in-form Adelaide United on Friday.
And McKenna, who fired home the club’s winner in their most recent outing against Newcastle Jets, is keenly aware of how pivotal the clash at Coopers Stadium could be.
“Going into the Newcastle game,” she said, “we really needed to kick ourselves, as we really wanted to go into the top six coming into the break.
“We all put our front foot forward and sneaking the late 85th- minute winner was really special.
“We all need to knuckle down, focus on the simple things and don’t complicate it.
“Leading up to the Adelaide game is important.
“Winning in Newcastle was a great high, but going into a two- week break stops you at a brick wall.
“It will be our own fault and downfall if we decide to go the other way.
“It’s just about focusing on your job and getting it done.”
With thanks to Ella McShane
#ONEGlory
