To celebrate 10 seasons of the Westfield W-League, we chat with Adelaide United Women, full-back Jenna McCormick about the growth of the competition as well as areas for improvement moving forward.
Adelaide United defender Jenna McCormick believes the Westfield W-League has come a long way since she first began playing for the Reds.
McCormick received her debut for AUFC Women during the 2012/13 season, making her one of the longest serving players currently in the side.
However, before returning to Adelaide ahead of this campaign she also spent two years at Canberra United.
McCormick said there are a number of differences in the current landscape of the league compared to more than five years ago.
She said one of the noticeable differences was the increase in professionalism.
“Obviously there’s a couple of little differences here and there,” McCormick said, who has amassed a total of 36 appearances for United.
“I guess when I first started out with the Reds it was under the control of FFSA, rather than Adelaide United.
“The standard of play has definitely grown and the players that we have attracted to the league has been great.
“The respect that we have from the public and the coverage from FFA has also improved.”
During the off-season of the Westfield W-League, the 23-year-old played abroad at Stjarnan Women in Iceland in 2016, and Norway’s Medkila in 2017.
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McCormick said there was a marginal difference in the quality of football.
“The competition is really strong, it’s very physical and exciting and played over the summer it’s something people can get out and watch and be interested in,” she said.
“The standard is better probably only just, but they play a different brand of football in Norway and Iceland.
“So it’s similar but in its way it has its differences as well.”
McCormick also revealed what she would like to see transpire in the Westfield W-League in the future.
“I would really hope in the next ten years there’s enough in place that people can make a living out of it,” she continued.
“I hope in ten years’ time we are still attracting these top-quality overseas players, if not better players.
“A full season, longer than what it is now, is ideal too.
“We do a lot for just three months of the year playing when it could perhaps coincide with the men’s league.”
Adelaide United host Brisbane Roar in Round 13 of the Westfield W-League 2017/18 season on Sunday, 28 January at Marden Sports Complex.
FFA, in consultation with all key stakeholders, has taken the decision to delay the kick-off due to the expected high temperatures forecast for Sunday in Adelaide. Kick-off is now 6pm.
