Perth Glory Women star striker Kate Gill cannot wait for this weekend’s home semi-final to get underway at nib Stadium.
Perth Glory Women star striker Kate Gill cannot wait for this weekend-s home semi-final to get underway at nib Stadium.
The Glory will take on Melbourne Victory for a place in the 2012/13 Westfield W-League Grand Final.
It has been a remarkable W-League for 2010 Asian Player of the Year Gill, who has returned to competitive action after missing last season due to a serious knee injury.
Scoring 11 regular season goals and winning the W-League Golden Boot was the last thing Gill expected in her comeback season.
“I always knew I would be back playing, but I never really put any expectations on myself. I am just happy to be back playing and everything else that happens is a bonus.”
Sunday-s match will be Gill-s first W-League final and the 28-year-old said the team has a point to prove.
“It feels deserved to make it this far, we were written off at the start of the season and there is nothing more satisfying than proving people wrong,” Gill said.
“I think what makes it so great is that we are able to repay Football West for the amount of time and effort they have invested in the team and also thank them for their belief and support, along with the great following of fans that we have.”
The Westfield Matildas star said the Glory shouldn-t underestimate the strength of Melbourne Victory, despite beating them 2-0 back in Round 1.
“I think they are a very improved side in relation to past seasons but also throughout this current season. They have recruited well and have some great local talent. Given what is at stake, I know that they will be a very competitive side.”
A massive boost for Jamie Harnwell-s side is the return of Lisa De Vanna and Gill knows how important she will be to give the Glory their best chance for success.
“It-s great to have Lisa back, she adds that spark to the team, she is a game changer,” Gill said.
“It is nice to be playing with someone whose game you know so well and who complements your style of football.
“It is always enjoyable when we are playing well together and I can-t wait for the match.”
The winner of this weekend-s semi-final will then take on the winner of the Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC clash in the Grand Final on January 27.
A massive crowd is expected and fans are encouraged to make it a ‘Purple Sunday- by wearing the team-s colours.
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory
Sunday 20 January, 2013
nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 1.00pm Perth time
Admission
Adults: $10
Concession: $5
12 and Under: Free
Perth Glory A-League members and ticket holders to Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory (A-League): Free
Perth Glory squad:2. Sarah CARROLL, 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Sasha ANDREWS, 7. Aivi LUIK, 8. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Kate GILL, 13. Elisa D-OVIDIO, 14. Collette MCCALLUM (c), 15. Liz MILNE, 16. Thia EASTMAN, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 19. Shawn BILLAM, 20. Zoe PALANDRI (gk), 26. Kaitlyn SAVAGE (gk), 30. Maja BLASCH (gk)
*Three to be omitted*
Ins:4. Bronwyn STUDMAN (promoted), 11. Lisa DE VANNA (return from suspension), 30. Maja BLASCH (promoted)
Unavailable:
Carly Telford – Hand – season
Kirri Bolton – Hip – season
Jaymee Gibbons – Study commitments – indefinite
