Manly United on top with Minett in fine form
Emily Minett has been leading from the front this season with seven goals for high-flying Manly United, who currently sit atop the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW Competition.
The striker credits coach Tom Hopley for unlocking her confidence and allowing her to play in a more relaxed manner.
“He has really driven my confidence as a player up. I lost it for a little bit there, but he’s really good at communicating and knowing his players.
“You put so much pressure on yourself as a striker. You shoot, and if it’s not going in, you start putting even more pressure.
“He’s really taught me to just relax, not put pressure on yourself.”
Minett is very proud of the team’s strong start but believes there is a long competition to go so they can’t get ahead of themselves.
“We’re all really excited, but we know it’s very early days, so anything can happen, you know.”
It’s a dramatic turnaround for the club, who finished last season in 11th place in a disappointing year. Their seven wins in 2024 has already surpassed their five victories from last year.
“Last year, I think we really had an almost rebuilding year.
“We’ve really worked on what combinations work and who plays well where. It allows us to build up the field more and allows us to get close to goal.”
Manly United is renowned for its positive club culture, which has allowed them to retain a core group of players for many years who are now leading this recent success.
The 27-year-old says she is incredibly grateful for the family-centred and nurturing environment.
“I’ve been there 11-12 years, I think, and there’s players been there longer than me, but having grown up playing together and still having the same goals and passion, it’s really unique.
“It’s good in the fact that we know how each other have played for so many years, so we know what works for each other without having to communicate it.”
Minett’s experience isn’t limited to the NPL NSW, but in 2020 she was also selected for the Football NSW All-Stars team that travelled to Brisbane for the ‘State of Origin’ clash with Queensland.
“That was a really cool experience for me because as a player who’s been striving for a women’s A-League for a number of years now.
“Being able to have a professional environment where you train with these bunch of girls only for a couple of weeks and then you fly, it was really surreal.”
As an older player, Minett knows it is tough for professional opportunities to present themselves but is optimistic that if she keeps up these performances that it will create some interest from clubs.
“Over the last two years I’ve had trials with certain teams and injuries have gotten in the way.
“I feel like for myself being a bit more mature and knowing my roles and responsibilities and not holding myself to too much of a higher standard, it’s allowed me to relax and play and I’m hopefully getting some sort of attention out there that might attract some sort of team.”
For Emily Minett, the main focus is to keep performing well and scoring goals to help lead Manly United to a successful 2024 campaign.
They have a big test this weekend travelling to take on the reigning two-time champions Macarthur Rams.
“The goals going forward for us, I mean, is to keep winning as Manly are probably renowned for, just wanting to stay up the top of the table as long as we can.”
By Annabelle Banfield
