Matilda McNamara has played every minute of every Westfield W-League match for Adelaide United Women this season.
It has been a breakout campaign for the 22-year-old, who returned to the club last year and played a handful of matches.
The centre-back has been a resolute presence in defence and has since developed a strong partnership with defender Maruschka Waldus.
“I’ve really enjoyed it,” McNamara said about playing alongside the Dutch centre-half.
“I think we’ve really gelled together as a central defensive duo which is really good and I think we’ve been able to complement each other very well.
“… I’m really happy I’ve been able to be picked every week and my form’s been improving throughout the season.”
Sunday’s clash with Western Sydney Wanderers Women at Coopers Stadium is essentially do-or-die, as the Reds must win to keep alive hopes of an inaugural finals berth.
The attendance record for a standalone regular-season Westfield W-League game is also set to be smashed with more than 6,500 tickets redemptions so far confirmed.
The current record stands at 3,105 – achieved in 2016.
“We’re all super excited to first of all be able to play on Coopers (Stadium),” said McNamara, who has scored one goal in 11 games this year.
“That ground is one of the best football grounds in Australia.
“Being able to play in front of so many people is going to be really, really amazing.
“Hopefully we can get as many people there as possible, to show that we can host World Cup games as well.”
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The Wanderers cannot make the top four but have turned their fortunes around in recent weeks.
McNamara stressed Adelaide could not afford to take them lightly as they chase history.
“Even though they can’t make finals, I think they’re going to come out to the game really strong and try and leave everything on the pitch,” she said.
“They’ve been in really good form recently and definitely hit some strides.
“I think we’ve just have to be really cautious that we play our best, I think our best will be able to beat anyone.”
