Ahead of the first match of the Westfield W-League 2020/21 season, Adelaide United Women Captain, Dylan Holmes, says the Reds are raring to go.
After a long pre-season, the wait is finally over as United begin their campaign against Canberra United Women at Viking Park on Wednesday evening.
Having spent the past two seasons as an assistant, Adrian Stenta, was promoted into the Head Coach role during the offseason with Ivan Karlović moving into Head of Women’s Football.
There was also a change in the dugout for the hosts with Vicki Linton replacing Heather Garriock.
Holmes was anticipating a tough game against a Canberra outfit looking to return to playing finals football.
“I think they’re in a very similar position to us,” Holmes said, with United chasing an elusive finals appearance.
“Over the years Canberra has been a really hard place to go for most teams in the W-League.
“So we know that’s it’s going to be a really hard game and we need to start the season off on the right foot.”
The 23-year-old said the Reds must go and play without fear and back their ability to prevail in the nation’s capital.
“We need to go into this game believing that we can get the three points,” she said.
“I think we have a really amazing squad and a lot of local South Australians girls.
“So it’s important that we step onto the field with a lot of confidence and a lot of hunger to believe that we can win.”
As for the squad, Holmes praised the togetherness and felt that will be a vital aspect to their success this season.
“It’s shaping up really well, I think the group as a whole is a really great group of girls,” she said.
“We work really hard and everybody gets a long so I think that team unity and cohesion will be really important for us this year.”
The holding midfielder was announced as the new Reds Captain at the Club’s Fan’s Day, and while she is honoured to be wearing the armband she said it is not something that weighs on her mind.
“I feel a lot of pride I guess and I honestly haven’t really thought about wearing the armband or walking out,” she admitted.
“I’d rather get the three points but when I’m out there with the girls everybody steps up and is a leader as well.
“So for me I just do my own thing and play my own game and try and help everybody around me as much as possible.”
Match details:
Game date: Wednesday, 30 December
Westfield W-League 2020/21 – Round 1
Kick-off 6.05pm ACDT
Venue: Viking Park
Referee: Kate Jacewicz
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
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