Fantastic Fragale focused on winning more titles with APIA

With their case for the NPL Women’s NSW Premiership growing stronger every week, we spoke to APIA Leichhardt’s star midfielder Estelle Fragale about the business end of the campaign.

APIA have enjoyed a stellar period of recent form, having not lost a match since the 22nd of June, and winning the Sapphire Cup in that period.

“It’s been a really good run,” said Fragale on the recent form.

“I think the main thing is we’re all clear on the system we are playing.

“Plus, we’ve got one of the most aggressive and hungry midfields in the league in my opinion so I think this definitely works in our favour.

“We’re winning battles and setting the tone in games.”

Fragale has been at the heart of APIA’s midfield, blending a mixture of tenacity and aggressiveness off the ball with class and composure on it.

When asked about what makes her such a consistently excellent player, Fragale delivered a humble, inspiring answer.

“I think for me, I’ve just been really loving what I’m doing,” she said.

“When you’re around good people I think this brings out the best in you.

“At APIA, this has been the case for me.”

Meanwhile, for her side, the chase for the Premiership is on, with APIA now just one point off top spot.

The only side in the competition to have won all of their last five games, and will feel confident heading into an exciting fixture against Northern Tigers this weekend as they look to top the ladder heading into the final three games of the season.

“There is a strong belief in the group,” Fragale said on their Premiership ambitions.

“Everyone knows what is at stake.

“We are focused and enjoying the challenge.

“We have worked hard to get here, so now it is about keeping the momentum and finishing strong.”

For Fragale, winning the Premiership would be a reward for the immense work the squad have been through during the campaign, as well as vindication for last year’s defeat in the NPL Women’s NSW Grand Final.

“Winning the Premiership has been my biggest goal this year,” she said.

“Falling short in the Grand Final last year just made me want it even more.

“We don’t work hard since November last year for nothing, so actually winning it would mean a lot for me and the whole club.”

APIA Leichhardt will host Northern Tigers on Sunday evening at Lambert Park, with the 5pm kick-off available for viewing live and free on Football NSW’s YouTube Channel.