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ALW In Focus… Naomi Chinnama

Ben Gilby continues his series profiling our Glory A-League Women’s squad with a feature on in-form defender Naomi Chinnama…

Perth Glory’s 20-year old Young Matildas defender Naomi Chinnama believes that the team are “getting into their rhythm now” and are well prepared to spend 2025 pushing themselves up the A-League Women ladder.

“With such a huge turnover of players, together with injuries, there were bound to be a few teething issues at the start of our campaign, which I think is to be expected,” she said.

“But we are getting into our rhythm now and hope to see this generate more wins in our upcoming games.”

Chinnama was one of a raft of new faces who came into the club ahead of the current campaign and she believes that the all-important bonding period has produced a squad who are ‘tight’ and ready to run through walls for each other.

“I like that there were players from different backgrounds,” she said.

“We spent a lot of time doing team activities and getting to know each other.

“The girls all hang out and have regular dinners and catch ups on off days.

“Christmas in Perth with the girls was lovely.”

The defender has played under some of the best coaches in Australia during her development, including both Rado and Dario Vidoši at Melbourne City and she considers herself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from the pair.

“They’re both very well respected coaches and people,” she said.

“I enjoyed working under both of them and I’ve learnt a lot.

“I got to experience two different takes on what is essentially one overarching City philosophy. 

“This and their individual personalities has led me to develop my thinking and approach to the game.”

Some of the 20-year-old’s fondest footballing memories so far come from her regular call ups to Young Matildas camps under Leah Blayney and that enjoyment floods through in her recollections of them.

“There is so much to be said here (about my time with the Young Matildas), but what stands out for me is working with Leah Blayney and her exceptional coaching and support staff,” she said.

“My involvement here has been critical to my growth and development.

“Representing Australia against world class teams like Japan, Spain, Brazil, Colombia and others during the qualifiers and at two separate World Cups ranks at the top of my highlights with the Young Matildas.

“I’m so thankful for those experiences.”

Chinnama has come a long way from her childhood days playing the sport in her backyard with her brothers, with her football journey having already taken plenty of twists and turns.

““My brothers were fast, physical and technical,” she said.

“Let’s just say, we all came away with quite a few scars from our one-v-ones!

“I played alongside my twin brother in the Point Cook U-7s Boys Team, with my dad as the coach.

“I also took part in athletics, tennis and gymnastics, whilst still getting in some football sessions in the background.

“Ultimately, football prevailed and I returned at age 11 to play for the South Melbourne U-16s girls team, before committing to the Victorian NTC program for five years whilst attending Maribyrnong Sports College.

“I was given a two- week trial opportunity at Melbourne City whilst still in Year 10.

“I had no expectations and prayed that they would just keep me as a train-on.

“By week four, on Christmas Eve, as I began to wonder, Rado Vidošić signed me on a one year contract and I was ecstatic!

“I moved to online school with VSV in Year 10, which gave me more flexibility to pursue football.

“From there, more chances opened up and I eventually got to represent Australia in the Young Matildas.

“After four plus years at City, I decided to trek across to Perth.

“I knew it would be a challenge but I was very excited for it.”

The commanding centre-back was enthused about joining Glory as she believed the move would increase her chances of becoming a regular starter in the A-League Women.

“Of critical importance for me, was the coaches’ belief in my ability and consistent playing time,” she said.

“So logically it was the next step for me in my football journey.

“I saw the move as just another challenge that would prepare me for whatever is to come.

“The transition was a smooth one.

“I met with management, the coaches and background staff, who helped me to get right back into it following the U20 World Cup in Colombia.

“I’ve settled in nicely with my new teammates and I love the beaches and the sun is always out – that’s been a huge change for me.”

The approach and expectations of Glory Head Coach Stephen Peters at Glory are other factors that the Young Matilda believes are facilitating her further development as a player.

“I would describe Stephen as very focused and professional,” she said.

“He invites discussion and is very in depth with his game analysis.

“Stephen has been very supportive of the players and has given us the freedom to express ourselves within the guidelines.”

There was a landmark moment for the 20-year-old against Adelaide United last month as she scored her first A-League Women goal in what was her 49th appearance in the competition.

But typically, she looks back on that achievement from a wider team perspective.

“It was amazing to finally score, but I credit Georgia (Cassidy)’s precise ball placement and the team for winning the free kick,” she said.

“Overall it was a huge team effort and I credit the goal to the girls who put all the pieces in place leading up to it.”

The defender sums up her approach to the rest of the season as “review and build” and as the squad adapts to the challenges of injuries and gels ever further, she is optimistic that 2025 is set to be an exciting year for Glory.

#ONEGlory