Walker keen to lead APIA to glory on Saturday
APIA Leichhardt will take part in Saturday’s National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW Grand Final in no small part to Mona Walker.
The midfielder arrived at Lambert Park this season as one to lead them to the big dance, that’s exactly what she did with some strong performances across the campaign.
“This being the first ever chance I’ve had to potentially become an NPL NSW champion, I feels ecstatic, yet it’s nerve wracking,” said Walker.
“APIA has provided so much support throughout the entirety of the season and now to me, I feel I can’t let them down now.
“However, going into “the last dance” with my team is a moment I’ll never forget.”
After the successes of the previous campaign, this one hasn’t been all that smooth sailing, always difficult backing up.
“I think that this season has been challenging yet so rewarding,” said the midfielder.
“This season has been a long journey for our team, with the expectations put on us from 2023, we had to learn as a new team, how to rise above last year’s expectations.
“We’ve had moments that have been humbling this season but we’ve learnt as a team how to lift higher and prove to others that we deserve to be where we are now.”
Yet to win any silverware in 2024, it was important for APIA to qualify for the Grand Final, something they haven’t done since getting promoted.
“It was one of our goals at the start of the season to make the Grand Final this year, so we knew as a team it was extremely important for us to insure our spot on the field at CommBank Stadium when we took on the Stingrays in the Semi Final,” Walker said.
Walker believes the Rams biggest danger comes from their engine room, the midfielder, opponents she will directly come up against.
“I definitely believe their midfield is a big threat, in previous matches I’ve watched, I’ve noticed that players like Darcy Malone control the pace of the game,” Walker analysed.
“I believe when they’re playing their best it’s because their midfield are in sync.”
The Final will be a tough game but Walker believes in her teammates.
“I expect Apia to rise to the challenge and take home the trophy!”
Don’t miss a game! Subscribe to Football NSW’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/footballnsw
By – Nikola Pozder
