Ben Gilby continues his series profiling our Glory A-League Women’s squad with a feature on rising young defensive star, Mischa Anderson.
Previously a key member of a hugely-talented Football West NTC set up, young defender Mischa Anderson has enjoyed a dreamlike couple of years, culminating in A-League Women minutes this season for Perth Glory.
Part of the NTC side that also included fellow Glory starlets Georgia Cassidy, Tanika Lala and Grace Johnston, the 19-year-old played Finals football in the NPLW WA and also claimed an assist during their 2023 State Cup Final win over Murdoch University Melville.
From there, Anderson moved on to Perth RedStar for the 2024 season where success continued in the form of three pieces of silverware – the NPLW WA Night Series, NPLW WA Championship and Top Four Cup.
It has been a period that the Glory #2 believes helped underpin her transition into the A-League-level defender that she has now become.
“I was lucky to be surrounded by many talented players and coaches at the NTC,” she said.
“The program provided us with a full-time training environment which gave us more contact on the pitch and consistent opportunities to learn and grow as players.
“We were a very tight group at the NTC and I felt that helped us perform above expectations on many occasions.
“I then really enjoyed the challenge of joining a new club in Perth RedStar.
“Being surrounded by quality players and high expectations has done a lot for me as a player.
“We played some great football [last year]and it was a pleasure to be a part of a title-winning team.
“Making my A-League debut has been a dream since I began playing football in Australia.
“I have been a Perth Glory Member for many years and to take the step into the playing squad has been a special time.”
Anderson’s development has been guided by some of the best Western Australia-based coaches, including Ben Anderton, Carlos Vega Mena, Alex Epakis and now Stephen Peters, all of whom have contributed significantly to her rapid progress.
“Ben, Carlos, Alex and Stephen have all played a role in making me the player I am today,” she said.
“Of course, every coach has a different outlook on the game when it comes to team identity and style of play.
“I feel I have taken important lessons from my experiences under each coach.
“I spent three years under Ben Anderton at the NTC.
“He showed belief in me to step up, lead and trust my decisions.
“This has helped me a lot.”
Being in the NTC squad playing in the NPLW WA is a tough gig given that it requires a group of players under the age of 18 to go up against more experienced and often physically stronger opponents over a 21-week league season, plus three cup competitions.
And switching from there to a different style of play at RedStar, followed by a move to the full-time environment at Perth Glory, has led to the defender having to adapt her game considerably.
“The room for error disappears,” she said.
“You have to rise to the challenge every time you step on the pitch.
“I have worked hard to adapt to the pace of the game and know I still have a lot to learn, which is exciting, but if I had to pick one thing I’m proud of to date, it would be the improvement in my decision-making on and off the ball.”
Glory’s 2024-25 A-League Women season, which is now in its final quarter, has seen the side experience its fair share of both delight and frustration.
A strong run of results at home has contrasted sharply with an ongoing search for a first away win, while a lengthy injury list has cut deep.
Reflecting on the campaign thus far, Anderson believes Glory have not enjoyed the rub of the green.
“In terms of results, it has not gone to plan, but I believe for the most part our style of play has been positive and with the right intentions,” she said.
“We have been unlucky in some matches, coming away with results that we didn’t deserve.
“Keeping players fit and healthy will be important, as we haven’t had the best of luck with that this year.
“We need to continue to trust our system, continue to play with confidence and I’m sure the results will come.
“Wins breed confidence and hopefully, in the coming weeks, we can turn good performances into three points.”
#ONEGlory
