The focus of Ben Gilby’s latest deep dive into our Ninja A-League squad is uncompromising defender Naomi Chinnama.
It’s been a challenging start to the season for Naomi Chinnama who was just getting settled into her groove in the Glory backline again when an ankle injury led to her current spell on the sidelines.
The 21-year-old, in her second season at the club after joining from Melbourne City, is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in the league, a status that led to her inclusion in Australia’s ASEAN Cup-winning squad earlier this year.
That triumph in Vietnam was an experience that she will cherish for years to come.
“It was an incredible environment to be part of and a true honour to captain the side in the opening round,” she said.
“The group was fantastic throughout – supportive, focused, and fun.
“Managing the conditions was tricky, particularly with the heat and playing the day after arriving, but the team’s determination never wavered.
“We pushed through together and came away with a great result.”
Chinnama followed up that success by returning to Glory for the A-League Women campaign and continuing what she describes as an enjoyable stint in Western Australia.
“Having family here has been really special,” she said.
“I’ve also enjoyed living with my housemates, building friendships with teammates, exploring Scarborough Market and finally visiting Rottnest with the team, which was incredible.
“It’s great to experience a new part of Australia both on and off the pitch.”
The opening rounds of the competition handed the women in purple four away games in five weeks and Chinnama acknowledged how tough that schedule was for the group.
“Collectively, it’s been challenging, especially with consecutive away fixtures,” she said.
“Most teams only travel occasionally, whereas we’ve had a significant portion of the season on the road.
“The travel does take its toll, but we don’t use it as an excuse.
“It’s just one of those factors we have to manage.
“There are multiple factors: the time difference, a four-hour flight and then playing the very next day.
“On top of that, we lose a training session due to travel.
“It’s demanding, but it’s part of the job, and you learn to adapt.”
With that period of the season behind them, the team are now settling into their groove, having recorded successive home wins and produced a highly creditable performance in defeat at Melbourne City last time out.
And Chinnama believes there are good things to come.
“We’ve shown some strong performances which is encouraging,” she said.
“On a personal level, I feel more confident this season.
“Despite our efforts, the results haven’t quite aligned with the level of performance we’ve put in, but that’s football at times.
“Naturally, we’ll take the lessons from those experiences and continue to build.”
#ONEGlory
