It was some return to the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition on Sunday for Melbourne City and APIA Leichhardt star Rhianna Pollicina.
Donning the captain’s armband on her return, Pollicina recorded two assists and a goal to guide her APIA Leichhardt to an important victory over the Macarthur Rams.
The victory over last year’s Champions extended the lead at the top of the table for Spencer Prior’s team to eight points from their closest rival, Bulls FC Academy.
With the crafty midfielder an important part of the furniture at Lambert Park, the 26-year-old is excited to be back and impressed with how the team has kicked off the season.
“It’s good to be back.
“APIA is a special club that does a lot for the women’s game in NSW and the team is looking really exciting.
“I’m proud of what they have achieved while us Liberty A-league women’s players haven’t been playing.”
APIA’s first 45 minutes last Sunday was electric, running away to a 3-0 lead at the break, with Pollicina playing a key role.
“It is always nice to get on the scoresheet and provide some assists for the team, but it was definitely a big shift from all the girls on Sunday night to get the three points against a very strong Macarthur Rams side.”
APIA have definitely lived up to their pre-season billing and are playing some fine football at both ends of the park at the moment.
They fell just short of a spot in last year’s Grand Final and will look to go a step further in what is a long season.
“It was obvious last year we had a few well known players all play at higher levels but the girls this year have all proved their worth in the NPL and hopefully we can see some of them pushing for that next level – they are all willing to put in the hard work and the results have been showing and I couldn’t be happier to now be onboard with their success so far,” Pollicina said.
With the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup only months away, many are expecting Pollicina to be thrust into an extended Matildas team list.
She has excelled at both state league and A-League level and is hopeful the call up will arrive.
“There is always a dream to play for your national team so I’m just going to keep working hard and pushing to be a better player on and off the field,” concluded Pollicina.
By – Nikola Pozder