The latest instalment of Ben Gilby’s deep dive into our Ninja A-League squad features fans’ favourite Grace Johnston.
It’s been another incredible year of growth for Glory’s locally-produced starlet, Grace Johnston.
2025 saw the 20-year-old produce consistently strong performances for the club which led to a call-up to the Matildas U23 side who went on to win the ASEAN Championship in August.
So it is little wonder that her reflections upon the period are overwhelmingly positive.
“A highlight was definitely my time away with the U23s National team,” she said.
“Winning the ASEAN Championship was great for me and to get more minutes under my belt for my country is always a good thing.
“Also, I was happy with my consistency during the A-League Women’s season and I just hope to use those experiences to build into 2026.”
Johnston clearly relished her time in the green and gold at the ASEAN Championship in particular.
“It was great, such an enjoyable experience,” she said.
“My time on the pitch, the players I had the privilege of playing with and the coaches and staff worked seamlessly together to create such a positive environment which encouraged success and personality on and off the pitch.
“My highlight of the trip was definitely starting against Vietnam in front of a packed stadium with over 16,000 people there.
“It’s a feeling and an environment I’m definitely chasing to be a part of again.”
After being a standout player in the NPLW WA for several seasons with both the Hyundai NTC and Perth SC, Johnston moved across to Victoria this year to play her NPLW football with Preston Lions.
And it was a period of growth both on and off the pitch for her.
“I loved it,” she said.
“I got to experience a new city, meet new people and play a high level of football during the off-season.
“My teammates at Preston and the girls from Glory that I lived with definitely enhanced my experience and I’m extremely grateful for Preston Lions giving me the opportunity to play interstate.
“Living away from home was a first for me; I loved it though.
“It was a great way for me to fully control all aspects of my life and more specifically, my football life.
“This was obviously enhanced by the fact I lived with other athletes and together we had a common goal to simply do everything possible to come in as prepared as possible for the A-League season.”
These achievements across the calendar year, Johnston believes, came about due to significant improvements in her mental development.
“It was my second season in the A-League,” she said, “and getting consistent minutes under my belt and moving to Melbourne for even a short period of time was great.
“I loved the experience and the taste of what life would be like if I went to play overseas, which is a big goal of mine.
“Going away with the U23s and playing in front of the crowds we did and learning how to deal with that, it’s not something we’re exposed to too often in Australia and it was great to experience.
“The NPLW VIC is quite different to here in Perth, with more teams, more games and more diversity in opponents.
“Specifically, I found the NPL VIC to be much more physical than the NPLW WA, which was a good test for me and a great opportunity for me to improve that side of my game.”
Glory Women’s season started with a first win on the road since the end of 2023, only for the side to subsequently suffer four defeats on the spin.
But Johnston believes that the attacking potential in Stephen Peters’ squad can be a catalyst for improved results.
“It’s brilliant to have the freedom to express myself up and down the line, but it’s only doable when the girls around me express themselves equally,” she said.
“Rola Badawiya has been a great addition to the team, as well as Gabby Hollar returning from injury and scoring twice in her first game back.
“Our midfield being spearheaded by our captain Izzy Dalton, alongside internationals and players I’ve played with my whole life, is a balance that I think works for the team very well.
“When the team works together cohesively, our individuality shines and we win games.”
Glory Women return to action on Friday 12 December when Wellington Phoenix will provide the opposition at Sam Kerr Football Centre.
Grab your tickets HERE.
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