Red-hot Camilleri firing on all cylinders at UNSW FC

Ahead of their crucial clash with Manly United this weekend, we spoke to UNSW FC star Trudy Camilleri about their recent form and the finals race.

Camilleri joined UNSW FC from Mt Druitt Town Rangers, and has been enjoying her time at the club, which is currently fifth in the NPL Women’s NSW competition.

“So far, UNSW has been a blast,” she said.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs, but we have still managed to stick together, have had many laughs, lots of banter and played in parts some really good football, so I can’t complain.

“The girls have been fantastic and the club has been extremely supportive – even in the boys section, they are ballers and very inspirational to watch and learn from.

“The club as a whole is fantastic, so I’m very happy.”

UNSW are one of the most in-form sides in the league, having won four of their last five matches, and are in a strong position to challenge for finals with two games to go, just one point off fourth, two points off third and three points off second on the ladder.

“I actually believe, in my opinion, the key to our recent success is knowing each others’ strengths and weaknesses as players and working with each other,” Camilleri said.

“We have been giving each other the respect to shine and perform, and trust we are all heading in the same direction.”

Camilleri has been crucial to this recent run of form, blending effortless technique with industry to help dominate in midfield.

She will be characteristically key this weekend in a do-or-die finals clash, as UNSW FC host sixth-place Manly United, who are just one point behind them on the ladder.

“The mood has been a ‘ready to go mood’, we have been there and present,” she said.

“It has been like that for a while now, each week we try focus on the game ahead.

“Manly will be tough, there’s no doubt, but we’re ready to rumble.”

The winner of the fixture will be in a strong position for the top four heading into the final round, while the loser will likely find themselves out of the running.

“It would mean everything to us and the club,” said Camilleri on making finals.

“From being promoted into NPL 1 only a couple of years ago, then to a relegation battle last season, to now a possible finals finish is an amazing achievement from Zoran (Naumovski) and Nick (Apoifis) to build to.

“The girls have battled this year and, at one point, things were shaky with lots of different emotions, but each week we stuck together and supported each other.

“This is a fantastic bunch, and it would be a proud moment for all to accomplish our team and club goal from our first meeting in pre-season.

“It would mean everything, and would be where we deserve to be.” UNSW will face off against Manly United on Sunday afternoon at The Village Green, with the 3:15pm kickoff also visible live and free on Football NSW’s YouTube Channel.