Mary Fowler scored two fine strikes for Manchester City as a 4-0 win relegated struggling Bristol City and moved the Cityzens six points clear atop the Women’s Super League table.
Fowler opened the scoring in the 62nd minute with a sublime left-footed shot that slammed into the net from outside the area, before doubling the lead in the 75th minute with a slick poacher’s finish with her right foot from close range.
Two more goals for City made up for the absence of leading scorer Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, who has 21 goals from just 18 matches but will miss the final two matches after a foot injury.
Matildas centre-back Alanna Kennedy also started for City but was substituted at halftime.
Mary Fowler is in fine form for City.Source: Getty Images
Second-place Chelsea have two games in hand on City, who have just two games to play in the WSL – including next up against Arsenal and their Matildas trio of Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley.
That trio all featured overnight for the Gunners in a 1-1 draw against Aussie Clare Wheeler’s Everton, who snatched a point with a 95th-minute goal against a Arsenal team that wasted far too many chances.
16-year-old academy product Isabella Hobson made history for the Toffees, the late strike making her the youngest-ever WSL scorer.
Clare Wheeler was in the thick of things.Source: Getty Images
Mackenzie Arnold and Katrina Gorry’s West Ham ensured they would avoid relegation this season with a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, with Arnold playing the full 90 while Gorry remains sidelined for the rest of the season following ankle surgery.
Charlotte Grant picked up her first league start since February for Tottenham in a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, with Charlie Rule still ruled out with injury for the Seagulls.
Meanwhile, Matildas fullback Ellie Carpenter booked her spot in the final of the Champions League as her Lyon side beat fellow French giants PSG 2-1 in the second leg of their semi-final.
It ensured a 5-3 aggregate victory over another Australian in Clare Hunt, though the centre-back was absent with injury.
As we reach the quarter-way mark of the NBA season, it’s the perfect time to hit the pause button and reflect on how all 30 teams have fared.
It’s been a campaign filled with epic match-ups, big breakouts, incredible superstar performances, drama and entertainment including the league’s inaugural In-Season Tournament, while a host of shock contenders have emerged and others have endured a tumultuous start.
Taking into account the expectations for every team, their front office decision-making and generally what each franchise is hoping to achieve this season, here’s how we’ve graded the entire league through the first quarter.
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Grades for all 30 teams at the quarter-way mark of the season.Source: FOX SPORTS
ATLANTA HAWKS (9-13) — C-
Contending for a Play-In spot and hovering around .500, the Hawks are pretty well on pace to what most expected, if not slightly underwhelming. One thing’s clear — Quin Snyder’s team is just a middle of the road team and not a contender to come out of the East as constructed. Atlanta will at least score a ton, however is ranked among the worst teams defensively. And what’s the splash move they can make without breaking up Trae Young and Dejounte Murray? Jalen Johnson was enjoying a breakout season prior to getting struck down with injury in an untimely setback for both the third-year forward and Hawks at large.
BOSTON CELTICS (16-5) — A+
The clear frontrunner in the title race. It’s been a hot start to the season for a Celtics powerhouse that has gotten even stronger after the additions of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis — even if their true worth will be determined at the business end of the season – to boast the clear best starting five in the NBA. The early signs couldn’t be much better, with Porzingis in particular helping take Joe Mazulla’s team to another level at both ends of the floor as a rim protecting shot blocker and floor stretching five. Boston has the best record in the league, No. 4 defensive rating and No. 7 offensive rating. Full marks.
BROOKLYN NETS (12-10) – C+
Despite arguably battling the worst injury toll of any side in the league, the Nets sit just a game behind the sixth-seeded Cavaliers, and when healthy, have shown they can be a real handful. It’s largely been built around Brooklyn’s high-octane offence – ranked eighth in the league – as Cam Thomas has shined in a bigger role and Mikal Bridges has flourished as the true leader of the team. Ben Simmons’ ongoing back issue is however getting alarming. The Aussie could help the Nets improve offensively to give them a more well-rounded game. But when, or if, Simmons returns remains very much up in the air.
“He’s FAT”: Stephen A. SLAMS Zion | 02:30
CHARLOTTE HORNETS (7-14) – D+
Yes, the Hornets sit third-last in the East, but there’s a few things to factor in, largely their injury situation. Charlotte was without Miles Bridges for the first 10 games due to his suspension, while Terry Rozier also missed a key stretch. Since the aforementioned duo returned, LaMelo Ball suffered a nasty ankle injury, so we haven’t gotten a proper look at this Hornets team as constructed at full strength — a core that had the potential to contend for a Play-In spot. In saying all this, the Hornets have been a mess on the defensive end and have the fifth-worst net rating in the league, so they have a ways to improve, and injuries can’t be solely to blame for a team with the longest active playoff drought in the league dating back to 2016.
CHICAGO BULLS (9-15) – D
Are the Bulls … better without Zach LaVine? After a really grim start to the season, Chicago has curiously improved to 4-1 since LaVine was struck down with injury … time for a trade? You’d think Chicago has to pull the trigger on a move for either (or a collection of) LaVine, DeMar DeRozan or Nikola Vucevic at some stage to bring in long-term assets and continue to expose the likes of Coby White and Patrick Williams to bigger roles, as they have in recent times. Because what they have right now is the profile of a near enough lottery team despite being built to win now, so it desperately needs a reboot as the franchise arguably in the worst position of any. A big few months ahead for the front office.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (13-10) – C+
The Cavaliers have been simply solid this season. But for whatever reason, something has been off, while they haven’t had the same spark as last campaign and continue to struggle offensively. As good as Donovan Mitchell has been, just about every other Cleveland player bar Max Strus has struggled to take a step forward … plus is the Jarrett Allen/Evan Mobley froncourt viable long term? A team that was considered to be on the rise with a ton of potential has underwhelmed, even if its 13-10 record is far from disappointing. It comes in a particular crucial period with the franchise hoping to convince Mitchell to re-sign.
Aussie Exum POPS OFF for 7 x threes | 01:40
DALLAS MAVERICKS (14-8) – B
Another team that has probably surpassed expectations, sitting fourth in the West as an offensive powerhouse, even if the Mavs have struggled defensively. Luka Doncic has done Luka Doncic things, but beyond the Slovenian superstar and Kyrie Irving, the Mavs lack consistent production from the rest of their squad and have really struggled on the defensive end — even with exciting rookie Derek Lively providing a real presence as a centre. And how much do we trust Irving to stay healthy and/or to not act up? It’s been an overall positive season, but until they fix their defensive issues, Jason Kidd’s side can’t be considered a true contender to come out of the West.
DENVER NUGGETS (15-9) – A-
The defending champs are in cruise control, though Nikoka Jokic has somehow gotten better to really cement himself as the consensus best player in the league/world. With Jokic running the show in the Mile High City, it’ll always be a dominant force, but they’ve at times been too reliant on him, particularly when Jamal Murray was sidelined despite Reggie Jackson stepping up in a starting role. Of course, prioritising health and peaking come May and June is the prime concern for Mike Malone’s squad as opposed to regular season wins and finishing as high as possible, with things ticking along just fine despite a recent three-game skid and some question marks about their bench and depth as a whole following the departures of Bruce Brown and Jeff Green.
Shades of the King – Bronny makes debut | 01:15
DETROIT PISTONS (2-21) – F
A season from hell. Things can’t get much worse than what they are right now for the Pistons … can they? They’ve dropped a franchise record 20 games on the trot and have a league-worst 2-21 record. Monty Williams is constantly changing the line-up in hopes of finding a spark – but that in itself has been a problem as nothing has felt settled or stable. The sporadicness of Jaden Ivey – both the guard’s form and how he’s being used by Williams – has personified the team’s struggles. And while Bojan Bogdanovic recently returned to give them some veteran leadership, it’ll take more than that to turn things around.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (10-12) – D+
Is the dynasty Warriors era finally over? It certainly appears to be amid a rough stretch with just four wins from their last 14 outings. Steph Curry is doing everything he possibly can right now, but where’s the help? And what would happen if he got injured? Veterans Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have underperformed and Chris Paul already suffered his first injury setback, while Andrew Wiggins looks a shadow of the star that helped guide the team to the 2022 championship. Meanwhile Jonathan Kuminga has struggled to evolve into the player the team would’ve hoped for, and their other youngsters don’t appear capable to take on bigger roles – or at least Steve Kerr hasn’t been willing to give it to them – so there’s more issues than answers right now. A shake-up could be coming, either to the rotation or via trade.
HOUSTON ROCKETS (11-9) – B+
There’s been some hiccups along the way, but it’s been an overall promising season for the West’s seven seed. Ime Udoka has brought an intensity, defensive focus (ranked second in the NBA) and professionalism to the team we haven’t seen in years — boosted by the additions of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks as well as Alperen Sengun taking his game to another level. Some cracks started to appear over the last month or so and it felt like things could fall apart, but the Rockets have since steadied the ship in signs of genuine maturation. Houston does need to replicate its home form on the road, with just one away win so far (over reigning champ Denver), but there’s so much to like overall at the moment.
Davis dominates in mid season title win | 02:31
INDIANA PACERS (13-8) – A
That In-Season tournament run felt massive including taking down Eastern Conference powerhouses Boston and Milwaukee en route to the championship game. Even if they didn’t raise the trophy, the Pacers would’ve gained a ton of confidence and respect. Plus, not only did it give Indiana playoff-like atmosphere experience against some of the best teams in the league, it was the coming out of a superstar in Tyrese Haliburton under the bright lights. Can we finally admit the Pacers won the Sabonis trade? There’s simply a ton of excitement surrounding Indiana right now as one of the most fun teams to watch and best stories of the first quarter of the season that current sits fifth in the East. It’s largely been because of the Pacers’ potent No. 1 rated offence, though they’ve leaked points on the other end.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (12-1o) – B-
Should the league be officially on notice? The Clippers are two games above .500 after winning nine of their last 12. The slow start in the James Harden era is a thing of the past as Tyrone Lu’s side is figuring things out and looking a genuine threat with a new starting line-up after Russell Westbrook’s move to the bench. We’re also seeing all of their big three, Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, playing well in the same games more consistently, while the Clippers have the NBA’s No. 8 defensive rating and No. 8 net rating. It comes in a crucial season for the franchise, having gone all-in with this roster ahead of the opening of its new stadium next year. You still can’t help but think, as quickly as things have come together, they could again fall apart, with the health of their injury-prone stars key.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS (14-9) – A-
They have to get extra marks for winning the In-Season Tournament, even if it ultimately counts for nothing from a bigger picture perspective. It’s otherwise been a similar-looking Lakers to last season — a robust defence but lacklustre offence and need for more consistent scoring alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with Austin Reaves struggling to step up in a bigger role and having more success as a sixth man. Through it all, LA is still 14-9 and getting close to full strength, with the likes of Jared Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent missing key time, while Cam Reddish has been a solid addition. The evergreen and soon-to-be 39-year old James is ageing like a fine wine and doing straight up freakish things at his age. Between James and Davis, who’s having one of his best defensive seasons, this team will always be a threat, plus you sense this Lakers team has room to grow with more continuity and could go on a run at some stage like last season.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (6-16) – D-
Operation keep their head above water until Ja Morant returns next week has been a fail for the Grizzlies, who’s also been without Marcus Smart and lost Steven Adams on the eve of the season to leave a bunch of key voids. Tyus Jones’ departure also can’t be understated as a guy who knew their system so well and how to run it whenever Morant was out. With that in mind, you can’t be too harsh on Taylor Jenkins’ crew. Morant will clearly provide a much-needed boost on the offensive end, but they also can’t expect him to return and magically solve all their problems. Not many lesser Memphis players have otherwise really stepped up with extra responsibilities, while Jackson Jr. hasn’t looked like the same defender without Adams there. The Griz have at least showed better signs in recent times to creep closer to having a somewhat respectful record and look capable of turning around its season with Morant and Smart back in the fold.
MIAMI HEAT (13-10) – B
You can be glass half full or half empty on the Heat depending on what your expectations are. But never sleep on Erik Spoelstra and company — and this season has proven no different despite Miami being without Tyler Herro for a key chunk of the season (though it’s becoming increasingly hard to trust the team to ever be consistently healthy). Miami just finds useful pieces to surround Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo with including draftee Jaime Jaquez Jr., while Duncan Robinson has enjoyed a bounce back season and the returning Josh Richardson has been a useful addition. There’s still a few question marks, with the Heat rated average on both ends of the floor amid a stretch of five losses from their last eight, but they’re in a good spot when Herro and now Adebayo return from injury all things considered.
Silver breaks silence on Giddey drama | 00:43
MILWAUKEE BUCKS (16-7) – A-
It’s all kind of just going according to script for any team that lands a superstar in the off-season. Sure, the Bucks still have to improve significantly to just become an OK defensive team as they adjust to life with Damian Lillard. But through what’s felt like a slow start to the season under new coach Adrian Griffin, Milwaukee sits equal second in Eastern Conference and just a game behind Boston with the equal-third best record in the entire league. Not only are the Bucks figuring out how to best integrate Lillard with the rest of the team — most importantly, alongside star teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo — as well as other new pieces, but Khris Middleton is still (very slowly) being ramped up to full minutes. Reports of locker room drama involving Bobby Portis and Griffin is also a worry so early in the campaign. In some ways, all the apparent concerns make their .696 winning percentage even more impressive, but it’s very much is championship or bust season in Milwaukee, so expectations are rightfully high.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (17-5) – A+
Ticks all around for the team with the fourth-best net rating in the league. Seemingly the most improved team in the NBA this season, or at least, the team that’s made the jump from a playoff side to a true contender. Indeed, what the Timberwolves are doing feels real, built around the league’s No. 1 ranked defence led by Rudy Gobert getting back to some of his best form at that end of the floor. Minnesota has elite size otherwise that’s really worried opposition teams, while Karl-Anthony Towns is playing at a high level to function effectively alongside Gobert in the frontcourt, while Anthony Edwards just keeps getting better and better. And all of this despite Jaden McDaniels only appearing in roughly half their games due to injury.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS (13-11) – B-
Are they good or not? The opinion on this team seems to flip-flop quicker than any either — and the Pelicans are an enigma of sorts. But when they’ve been at full strength, there’s an argument the Pelicans can compete with anyone in the Western Conference. The Pels have in recent times shown what they can do with all their pieces on the court together including winning seven of their last 11 games. Willie Green’s side has weapons at both ends of the floor and is deep, while Zion Williamson has looked fantastic at times despite some queries around his overall professionalism and commitment to his craft. Though a blowout loss at the hands of the red-hot Lakers in the In-Season Tournament semis was a misstep, there’s reason to be bullish about how far New Orleans could go this season if things click.
NEW YORK KNICKS (13-9) – B
It’s been a solid, but unspectacular start to the season for the Knicks, who have struggled against the best teams but are rated top 10 in all three of offensive, defensive and net rating. Despite this, New York still appears to be a move away from being a true contender that’s capable of hanging with the likes of Boston, Milwaukee and Philadelphia out East. Mitch Robinson being ruled out for at least the next two months after ankle surgery is clearly a big blow, while the wing/guard rotation feels crowded after New York brought in Donte DiVincenzo. Quintin Grimes even expressed frustration over his role given so much of the team’s offence is predicated around Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and RJ Barrett. How far can a team go that leans so heavily on those three on the offensive end?
Curry tops Wemby in battle of the stars | 01:11
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (15-7) – A+
The rebuild couldn’t be going much better. In fact, could the Thunder be sneaky contenders in the West? They’ve exceeded expectations this season to surge ahead of their time as the third-youngest team in the NBA. OKC is the only team in the NBA with a top six offensive and defensive rating, while it’s third in net rating. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a legit MVP contender, Chet Holmgren has been Rookie of the Year good to provide another dimension to Mark Daigneault’s squad and Jalen Williams has taken a leap forward in his second season. Plus, whoever Daigneault puts on the court, which can at times be fluid, always competes hard and buys in on the defensive end. All of this with a mountain of draft picks at their disposal to further upgrade their roster, there’s perhaps no team better positioned overall. The only real negative has been Josh Giddey’s underwhelming form on the court — not helped by the off-court investigation — as the Aussie struggles to find his role in an altered system.
ORLANDO MAGIC (16-7) – A+
The unexpected dark horse in the Eastern Conference behind it’s No. 2 rated defence and budding young guns. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are blossoming into stars, leading a team with killer instinct that’s taken several big scalps including the Nuggets and Celtics – arguably the best two teams in the NBA. It’s been all the more impressive considering Marklette Fultz has been limited to only five games due to an ongoing knee injury, though the guard’s absence has at least opened up more opportunities for the likes of Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony to really take their games to the next level. Meanwhile Joe Ingles has added an invaluable veteran presence off the bench.
Embiid passes Barkley in stellar fashion | 01:23
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (15-7) – A
You’ve got to respect the way the Sixers consistently remain in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference, particularly after overcoming the James Harden drama that was. With Joel Embiid leading the charge in another MVP-calibre season and Tyrese Maxey emerging as a superstar, anything feels possible with these Nick Nurse-led Sixers. A faster-paced offence (ranked second in the NBA) and still rock solid defence (ranked ninth) under Nurse’s system has so far equated to the best net rating in the league. Veterans Nicholas Batum and Robert Covington have meanwhile been valuable additions on the wing from the Harden trade and provided better depth — plus Philly has a bounty of draft picks it can use to further bolster its roster. Should again be one of the key contenders to come out of the East, if not go a step further.
PHOENIX SUNS (12-10) – B-
It’s hard to get a proper read on Frank Vogel’s Suns given their new big three is still yet to share the court together this season. That was set to change this week with Bradley Beal’s imminent return, but now Kevin Durant is out, so the trio staying healthy will always be a concern. But Beal’s absence doesn’t completely let Phoenix off for a near .500 start given the franchise has gone all-in on a title with this roster, particularly given the defensive concerns have so far been validated. While it hasn’t been all smooth sailing, the Suns have still managed to stay in touch with the top teams in the Western Conference and shown they can compete with anyone. Though Durant has wound back the clock, this team will go as far as Devin Booker takes it in a new point guard role, while their role players have stepped up to fill voids.
Celtics reign top of the East | 00:59
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (6-16) – D+
To no great surprise, it’s been tough goings for the new-look Blazers this season as they move into rebuild mode after trading away Damian Lillard – but still have a blend of veterans in key roles. That slow start has been exasperated by Anferne Simons being sidelined for most of the season to date due to injury, while a host of other key names have also missed time. Portland has actually been solid on the defensive end, however is ranked second-last offensively in an area Simons will improve it. It feels like it’s only a matter of time before Scoot Henderson is handed the keys as the starting point guard role, with the Pick 3 draftee, Simons and Shaedon Sharpe the future of this franchise.
SACRAMENTO KINGS (13-8) – B+
After a slow start to the season, the still heavily offensive-focused Kings have gotten a roll in recent times with five wins from their last seven to make a charge in the Western Conference standings. De’Aaron Fox just keeps getting better and better, in the best form of his career and playing at an MVP level with a much-improved three-point stroke, while Malik Monk might be the most underrated player in the NBA as a sneaky Sixth Man of the Year candidate. The issues on the defensive end remain a problem though and have halted Sacramento from making the jump from being a fun – but potent – team last season to a legit West contender to be taken more seriously.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS (3-19) – D-
Expectations recalibrated. A team some thought was capable of making a run for the Play-In with the addition of Victor Wembanyama has been a mile off and is in contention for having the worst record in the league. They’ve dropped a franchise record 17 straight games and … well, look like a young team still figuring things out and their identity as a whole. The Spurs have been a mess at both ends of the floor – rankled dead last offensively and sixth-last defensively for the league’s worst overall net rating. The Jeremy Sochan point guard experiment has been abandoned, and right now, outside of Wembanyama, there’s not a heap to be bullish about on the roster for the future (though Wembanyama might be more than enough). But again, this is a team that was always going to suffer from some type of growing pains and can at least say they planned for such pain by committing to a rebuild — even if they weren’t expected to be this bad. Hard to give a team a fail that just landed a generational talent, who’s looked as a good as advertised.
‘Not who we are!’ Pop BURNS home crowd | 00:30
TORONTO RAPTORS (9-14) – C-
A contender for most confusing team in the NBA in terms of what it’s trying to accomplish, currently sitting outside the Play-In qualification. The Raptors have dropped four in a row amid struggles at both ends of the floor under new coach Darko Rajaković. If they can’t get things together soon, a trade involving Pascal Siakam and/or OG Anunoby by the deadline seems likely given both can become free agents at the end of the season. It very much feels like Scottie Barnes’ team now in a brilliant third season from the forward as the franchise cornerstone they should build around, while every other Raptor feels expandable.
UTAH JAZZ (7-16) – D
How long until the Jazz commit to all-out rebuild mode? Despite having a surplus of draft picks from the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell trades, Utah has attempted to regenerate its roster on the run and stay competitive in the always loaded West — evident by its off-season move for John Collins. However the team has really struggled this season compared to last. While the absence of Lauri Markannen in recent times hasn’t helped and Walker Kessler has also missed a key chunk of the season, the Jazz have dropped five of their last six games and are plummeting quickly in the West standings in campaign getting away from it. Given Utah owes OKC a top-10 protected pick, don’t be surprised if Will Hardy shakes things up soon and puts his younger players into bigger roles, while the Jazz could also be sellers ahead of the trade deadline to ensure the franchise takes something away from this season.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS (3-19) – F
It’s been bad. The Wizards have just one win from their last 15 games to remain anchored in a bottom two seed with Detroit in the East. While it’s been by design after Washington off-loaded Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis in the off-season for long-term assets, there hasn’t been much get excited about by the way of young players impressing. And so there’s not many positive takeaways for this season outside of the Wizards potentially ending up with a top draft pick. This year’s Pick 7 Bilal Coulibaly figures to move into a bigger role as the season goes on, while Washington’s other high-end draftees look like misses that haven’t warranted increased opportunities. Jordan Poole has been a big disappointment, while the ex-Warrior and/or Tyus Jones could find themselves in another jersey by the deadline.
From a historic loss for LeBron James to a crushing injury setback for one of the NBA’s most promising players — here are the latest talking points from around the league!
LEBRON CAN ONLY HELP SO MUCH AS LAKERS SUFFER HISTORIC LOSS
When LeBron James talks, you listen and when he says very little you listen that little bit closer.
In the case of Tuesday’s 138-94 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, James only had two words to offer when asked what needed to change after the worst defeat of his career.
“A lot,” he said.
When asked to elaborate on anything specific changes James wanted to see made, he again repeated those same two words.
Obviously there are some changes the Lakers will eventually be able to make that will help, without Cam Reddish, Jared Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura on Tuesday.
Getting those guys back will certainly help bolster the Lakers’ perimeter defence but it will do little to solve the team’s 3-point shooting woes.
LeBron James suffered the heaviest defeat of his career. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Outside shooting has been an issue for the Lakers for a number of years now and the front office seemed to have made a concerted effort to address that weakness this summer with the addition of Taurean Prince and Vincent.
In spite of that the Lakers rank 28th in the league in 3-point shooting percentage (33.8) and dead last in 3-pointers made per game (9.8).
When asked how the team should react to the blowout loss, James again didn’t have much to say initially.
“I can only speak for myself,” he said.
So, what does he think?
“I don’t like it,” James added.
The biggest issue for the Lakers is the fact they went into this season reportedly wanting to limit James’ minutes but instead have once again had to heavily lean on the 38-year-old.
They don’t have much choice either, with ESPN’s Zach Lowe reporting on his podcast that the Lakers are +59 with James on the floor and -92 in the 302 minutes he has been on the bench.
Then there is the issue of Anthony Davis reportedly making it “clear” to the Lakers entering the offseason that he wanted to play less time at centre this season.
Having been dominated by Sixers big man Joel Embiid, there could be an argument that the Lakers can’t compete with the best teams if Davis remains at centre instead of moving him to power forward.
For ESPN’s Brian Windhorst though it is a more complex discussion than that.
“Let’s say we give AD what he wants and put him at power forward. In 2023 you can’t have a non 3-point shooting power forward unless you’ve got a great 3-point shooting centre,” he said on ESPN’s ‘NBA Today’.
“They’re already dead last in 3-point makes, dead last in second-chance points and they start the game off poorly almost every game. That’s insurmountable. The only way you could move Anthony Davis out of centre is if you get a centre that can shoot 3s because if you put Anthony Davis at power forward and he shoots one 3 a game, which is what he’s averaging this year, it totally undercuts the way you need to play offence.
“He just signed for $60 million a year. He’s been paid to excel at that position.”
Davis himself said after Tuesday’s heavy loss that the best thing the Lakers could do is quickly move on and that may well be the case given L.A. had won four of its last five games before the 138-94 defeat.
Those wins had come against the Trail Blazers, Rockets, Jazz and Cavaliers though so maybe the loss to the 76ers still says something about where the Lakers stand in the championship race this season, even when at full health.
Booker torches the Garden with dagger 3 | 00:37
KEY DUO’S RETURN COMES AT RIGHT TIME FOR PELICANS
It took an honesty session for the Pelicans to turn around their sluggish start to the season.
Now New Orleans has dropped back-to-back games against the Utah Jazz, although this time it shouldn’t take much for the Pelicans to get back on the right track again.
Things were already concerning on the court for the Pelicans earlier in the month before Zion Williamson put the organisation under even more pressure by suggesting he wasn’t completely on board with taking “a little bit of a back seat” on offence.
In case you missed those comments, they came after a 136-124 defeat to the Mavericks as the Pelicans lost their fifth-straight game having started the season 4-1.
Vibes certainly weren’t good at that point and Williamson wasn’t feeling it, even if he was trying to as the Pelicans superstar continually stressed to reporters.
“Last year, we had a team meeting and we brought up some things I can do better, especially with buying into the program,” Williamson said at the time.
“Right now, it’s tough. I’m taking a little bit of a back seat right now. I’m trusting the process. I’m trying my best to buy in right now.”
Zion Williamson with the ball. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Hardly the stamp of approval you’d want from the face of the franchise.
As was revealed last week though, the Pelicans then went on to meet up at practice the next day for nearly an hour to sort it out.
The result was a resounding 131-110 victory over Dallas with wins over Denver, Sacramento (twice) and the Clippers to follow.
“As a team, we weren’t on the same page before,” Williamson said after the 129-93 win over the Kings.
“Now, we’re on the same page. We had a team meeting. We talked about what we want to do as a unit. That’s what we’re going to live and die with. Since we’re all on the same page, I think we’ve been gelling together a lot better.”
According to Pelicans beat reporter William Guillory, who writes for The Athletic, there were two “main points of emphasis” to come out of that team meeting.
“One was the need for the group to buy-in on a specific identity instead of everyone pulling in different directions. Three core characteristics needed to be non-negotiables for everyone moving forward: effort on defence, scoring in transition and sharing the ball,” Guillory wrote.
Pelicans coach Willie Green had made as much clear before but the players themselves were now more aware of the role they needed to play in ensuring that happened.
Spurs fall short despite Wemby heroics | 00:51
“The other intended purposes of the meeting was to make clear that Williamson and Ingram were the emotional heartbeats of the team — especially with CJ McCollum sidelined with a partially collapsed lung — and things would only change once both fully committed to pushing the team in the right direction,” added Guillory.
Now Williamson and Ingram have enjoyed some of the best stretches of the season on both an individual level and as a duo working in tandem to power the Pelicans offence.
Williamson’s efficiency has shot up, powering through defenders in the paint, although there is one issue that remains and it was exposed in the team’s most recent loss to Utah.
The Pelicans dominated in the paint with 68 to Utah’s 38 but made just seven 3-pointers and sit 25th in the league in 3-pointers made per game with 11.1.
There is good news for New Orleans though, with the impending returns of both Trey Murphy (knee) and C.J. McCollum (collapsed lung).
For context, Murphy and McCollum were responsible for 35.7 and 35.2 per cent of the Pelicans’ 3-pointers made last season according to the NBA’s official website.
Australian Dyson Daniels in action for the Pelicans. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
McCollum’s return should see Australian Dyson Daniels moved back to the bench despite his impressive defence and improvements on offence with increased minutes this season.
Daniels has shown glimpses of his potential with the ball in hand, especially when driving to the rim with aggression, but his 3-point shooting remains a significant weakness.
That much was clear against the Jazz when the young guard was consistently left wide open by defenders as Utah put multiple men on Williamson instead and found success in that strategy.
Daniels shot 1-of-6 from the field in the loss and did not make any of his four 3-point attempts.
NBA CAN’T IGNORE CHRIS PAUL’S ‘PERSONAL’ FEUD WITH REF
Chris Paul and Scott Foster have a problem. But they’re not the only ones.
The NBA has a problem too and without action could see last week’s ugly clash between the Golden State Warriors star and veteran referee repeated when it matters most.
In case you missed it, Paul was ejected just before halftime of Golden State’s 123-115 loss to his former team Phoenix after picking up two quick technical fouls.
The first was for unsportsmanlike conduct having approached Foster for what was described in commentary as a “lengthy conversation” after being called for a foul on Kevin Durant.
Eventually Foster had enough of Paul and gave him his first technical, only frustrating the Warriors star even more as he then yelled something back at the referee to receive his second technical foul of the game.
Replays seemed to suggest Paul may have called Foster a “b***h”, with the All-Star guard later claiming in his post-game press conference that it is “personal” between the two.
Chris Paul talks to referee Scott Foster. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“We had a situation some years ago, and it’s personal,” he said.
“The league knows, everybody knows, and it’s been a meeting and all that. It’s a situation with my son and so, yeah. I’m OK with a ref talking, saying whatever, just don’t use a tech to get your point across.
“I’ve got to do a better job making sure I stay on the floor for my teammates. But yeah, that’s that.”
Paul seems to have come to terms with it and at this point in his career it is about all he can do given the pair’s lengthy history.
Paul later went on to reveal there was even a meeting a few years ago with himself, his dad, Foster, Doc Rivers and former referee Bob Delaney during his time at the Clippers.
All of this is to say, should the NBA be doing more to address the lingering tension between the pair, especially given the fact the Warriors could very well factor in this year’s playoffs when it is only more important than ever that games are decide by the players and not officials?
Zach Harper of The Athletic certainly thinks so, especially when you consider Paul’s records in games with Foster officiating.
Chris Paul was ejected. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
According to The Athletic, Paul’s teams are 3-17 in the playoffs when Foster is the referee and 73-56 in the playoffs without him.
“Whether or not NBA Commissioner Adam Silver publicly admits it, the league has an officiating problem,” he wrote.
“Stars are routinely being ejected in horrendous fashion. Giannis Antetokounmpo was a recent example against the Pistons. Days later, Nikola Jokić was ejected in Detroit.”
Jayson Tatum, for instance, picked up a technical foul for hanging on the rim after a dunk late in the second quarter of Boston’s loss to the Orlando Magic last week.
While not ejected it still didn’t make a whole lot of sense to Tatum.
“That’s a rule that they just implemented that, quite frankly, I don’t think makes any sense,” Tatum said after the game.
“Anybody that’s ever played or dunked the ball, you know your momentum … just trying to make sure you’re stable when you land and make sure nobody’s underneath you.”
WILL LAMELO EVER GET A CHANCE TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Just when LaMelo Ball was really starting to put together an All-Star calibre season, the Charlotte Hornets guard looks set for another lengthy sideline stint.
Ball, who had already undergone ankle surgery in the offseason, is expected to miss an “extended period” after suffering an ankle sprain in last week’s loss to the Orlando Magic according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
It is just the latest setback for Ball, whose 2022-23 campaign came to a premature end in February after fracturing his right ankle — the same one he strained on Monday.
Injuries also disrupted Ball’s rookie campaign, limiting him to just 51 games.
LaMelo Ball is sidelined again. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It is particularly unfortunate timing given Ball’s recent form, having averaged 32 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in the nine games before Monday’s meeting with the Magic.
Then you add in the fact that Charlotte, while not a genuine playoff contender this season, still had plenty to get out of a full year seeing what it had in Ball and rookie Brandon Miller.
Now Miller may have to take on more responsibility as a ball handler until Ball is healthy again, with Charlotte’s guard room without the All-Star already a work in progress.
It doesn’t necessarily sound like a serious setback for Ball but the Hornets are right to be cautious in their approach to the injury given the 22-year-old is still a key part of their future.
More than anything it is just a shame that Ball, who in 2022 became the fourth-youngest to ever play in an All-Star game, could be denied a chance to earn his second All-Star honour.
Who will make the next Socceroos squad for the match against Mexico on September 10.Source: Getty Images
BELGIUM
The Jupiler Pro League in Belgium recently gained two Aussies, with former Melbourne City duo Jordan Bos and Aiden O’Neill joining KVC Westerlo and Standard Liege respectively.
The pair were some of Melbourne City’s finest performers last season en route to a premiership and grand final appearance and resulted in Socceroos call-ups for both.
Bos’ switch to Westerlo broke the record for the most expensive outgoing from Australia, with the deal reportedly worth $AUD2 million.
Westerlo have wasted no time in throwing the left-back into the deep end as Bos has started three from four games for his new club.
As for O’Neill, he has started all four games for Standard Liege as a defensive midfielder but is yet to taste victory.
With Bos and O’Neill enjoying regular game time so far, it bodes well for the rest of the season as they look to maintain their spots in Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad.
The other Aussie in Belgium is Jason Davidson, who joined KAS Eupen last season.
Davidson has been a left-back for most of his career but has impressed for Eupen as a centre-back this season and has played every minute of his side’s four games with two wins and a
Jordan Bos battling Angel di Maria of Argentina.Source: Getty Images
ENGLAND
Tom Glover, Riley McGree and Sammy Silvera (Middlesbrough)
There’s three Aussies at Boro this season, with Olyroos gun Samuel Silvera also joining the books just last month. But it hasn’t been a great start to the season, with the team failing to win any of their first three Championship matches. Left-winger Silvera has been having the best run so far, with an assist to pick up a draw last time out, and another assist in a cup win. After starting on the bench in the opening league game, he’s now started three straight games (all comps) and the 22-year-old looks set to have a big impact as he takes a major step up this season after joining from the Central Coast Mariners.
25-year-old Glover, who also moved from down under in July, played the cup game but is currently the number two gloveman at the club behind Senegal international Seny Dieng, who joined one day later. But with Boro struggling defensively, Glover will be hoping to crack into the first team – or else enjoy a good cup run to get minutes under his belt.
McGree meanwhile started the first league game but has since come off the bench in the three other matches – and bagged a goal in the cup. The 24-year-old even had a stint at an unfamiliar left-back position in pre-season. As the team looks to climb up the ladder after their miserable start, he could find a way back into the starting side more regularly.
McGree in action against Argentina in June.Source: Getty Images
Harry Souttar (Leicester City)
There’s been plenty of talk over a possible exit from the club after they were relegated from the Premier League, but it hasn’t happened … yet. Leicester sold Harvey Barnes and James Maddison for big money to balance their books, but they still need to trim a bloated squad (and wage bill!). Harry Souttar hasn’t been given much of a look-in by new manager Enzo Maresca, and an exit appears reasonably likely. He was left on the bench for their first league game and out of the squad completely for the two following games. Maresca said: “Harry’s a guy who since day one has been working very well. But because the window is open, for Harry and for the rest of the 25 players that we have, something can happen.”
Scottish giants Rangers have been linked with a move that would reunite Harry Souttar with his brother John. Without a move, Souttar seems likely to only get limited game-time.
Alexander Robertson (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City)
The 20-year-old central midfielder has settled in very well to life in League One at Portsmouth, playing all five of their matches (all comps) since his loan move this month. He scored in a penalty shootout win after coming on as a substitute in the EFL Trophy (formerly the Papa John’s Trophy, a cup competition), and has started their last two league matches. The young playmaker looks extremely classy and comfortable on the ball and the early signs are promising a breakout campaign in his first full season of senior football. Making it into Manchester City’s senior team still feels a while away, but with Kevin de Bruyne’s serious injury and subsequent surgery ruling him out until the end of the calendar year, another injury or two could see Pep Guardiola recall the Aussie young gun from loan for added depth. It’s not likely, but it’s not out of the realms of possibility – and every week that Robertson continues to impress at Portsmouth helps to build his case.
There’s another Aussie at Portsmouth in 24-year-old Kusini Yengi, a former Olyroos player, with the left-winger starting the season brilliantly by scoring four goals in three appearances before an ankle injury ruled him out until mid-October. When he’s back, keep a close eye on the former A-Leagues star.
There’s also several other Australians in England who are either in or awfully close to the Socceroos squad.
Ipswich Town duo Massimo Luongo and Cam Burgess are no doubt loving life at the minute.
It’s early days in a long and gruelling Championship season, but the Tractor Boys are in first place having won three games from three and conceding just one goal in that time.
Luongo and Burgess have played every minute of Ipswich’s campaign so far and have caught the eye of Arnold who reportedly watched the duo last weekend.
Burgess was set to be included in the Socceroos squad for the Argentina friendlies but was ruled out with injury, yet his form so far has no doubt boosted his chances.
Massimo Luongo is in the Championship for the first time since 2020-21.Source: Getty Images
Elsewhere in League One is Aussie duo Callum Elder and Kenny Dougall who are at Derby County and Blackpool respectively.
Elder came off the bench for slim minutes in the first four of Derby’s league matches and the 28-year-old left back is struggling as he pushes for a first-team spot.
30-year-old central midfielder Dougall has two starts, one in the cup and one in the league, with two more league appearances off the bench.
However, with Arnold taking a view towards the future in his squad selections the chances of Elder and Dougall returning to the Socceroos fold appear limited.
There’s also Tyrese Francois with Premier League side Fulham. Francois, a 23-year-old midfielder, spent part of last season on loan at HNK Gorica in Croatia after making one Premier League appearance off the bench. He suffered an injury late last season and it’s unclear if he’s currently fully fit, having trained with the first-team squad but not travelling with them to the USA in pre-season. He has not been named in a Fulham squad so far this season. A transfer is also a possibility, as is a loan deal, as he needs more match minutes to grow in his career.
FRANCE
Denis Genreau (Toulouse)
Denis Genreau will look to pick up right where he left off after the midfielder enjoyed a strong end to the 2022/23 Ligue One campaign.
The midfielder, who dealt with a series of niggling injuries last season, started Toulouse’s first league game of the season in a 2-1 win over Nantes before coming on as a substitution in a 1-1 draw with PSG.
At 24 years of age, Genreau is only going to get better and if he can nail down a regular spot in Toulouse’s midfield, there’s no reason to assume otherwise.
He made the Socceroos squad for the recent Argentina friendly and will hope to maintain it in the lead-up to the Asian Cup.
In France’s second tier is Mohamed Toure, who linked up with Paris FC on loan from Reims.
The teenager came on as a sub in Paris’ second game of the Ligue Two season against Grenoble but wasn’t in the squad for their other two fixtures due to an unknown injury.
Even if Toure doesn’t get the minutes he hopes for, a loan experience at 19 is invaluable as he looks to prove himself in France.
Toulouse’s Australian midfielder Denis Genreau (L) in a pre-season friendly with Roma this month.Source: AFP
GERMANY
Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe (FC St Pauli)
Many have said it before, but it’s hard to think of a footballer who fits a club’s ethos quite like Jackson Irvine does at FC St Pauli.
The all-action midfielder, who dons the captain’s armband for the club in the German second tier, has started every game for St Pauli this season and will no doubt be a key figure in their push for promotion.
Irvine is joined at the club by fellow Australian Connor Metcalfe, who moved to St Pauli last season.
Although the 23-year-old showed glimpses of his quality, he never quite found a consistent run of form.
But Metcalfe has also started in St Pauli’s three league games so far as a right winger which bodes well for getting opportunities to shine.
St Pauli came awfully close to promotion to the Bundesliga last season and finished fifth, so expectations will be high for Irvine and Metcalfe to deliver if they are to achieve their ultimate goal.
Irvine captaining St Pauli this month.Source: Getty Images
INDIA
Jason Cummings (Mohun Bagan)
Not many score a hat-trick to win an A-League grand final in their last game, but then again, not many footballers are Jason Cummings.
The cult hero left a lasting impression both on and off the field in a two-year stint with the Central Coast Mariners where he scored 31 goals from 50 games and earned a spot in Australia’s World Cup squad.
Cummings has since moved to India for a life-changing salary and has already scored twice for his new club Mohun Bagan in three games.
However, his status with the national team could come into question given the level of football on show in India.
Time will tell whether it proves to be a detrimental factor but if Cummings scores goals in India like he did in Australia, it will be hard to argue he doesn’t deserve a spot in the Socceroos squad.
There’s also Rostyn Griffiths in India, with Mumbai City. The 35-year-old has never been capped for Australia and has missed his chance, but keep an eye out for the Asian Champions League, where he’ll face Saudi mega-team Al-Hilal featuring Neymar, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Neves, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Cummings moved to India after winning the A-League with the Central Coast Mariners.Source: Getty Images
ITALY
Cristian Volpato (Sassuolo)
Cristian Volpato finds himself in new surroundings after moving to Sassuolo from Roma in the summer window for an estimated £6.4 million.
It is hoped a switch to Sassuolo will lead to increased game time for the talented 19-year-old, although both of his first two games for his new club have come from the bench.
Volpato did chalk up an assist in Sassuolo’s 5-2 win over Cosenza in the first round of the Italy Cup.
Prior to the 2023/24 season, Arnold confirmed he would visit Volpato in an attempt to convince him to represent the Socceroos ahead of Italy, but as of now there are no indications who he will play for on the international stage.
Time will tell on Volpato’s international future, but the teen must focus on performing for his new club first before thinking about whether to don the green and gold or the famous blue of Italy.
Alessandro Circati (Parma)
After a lengthy courting process, Arnold finally convinced promising defender Alessandro Circati to pledge his international allegiance to Australia ahead of the Argentina friendly.
The teenager had the benefit of playing in a defensive unit for Serie B side Parma with legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon barking orders behind him.
Although Buffon has since retired, Circati has no doubt taken on plenty of wisdom from the Italian superstar and will look to apply it this year for club and country.
The 19-year-old was part of a defensive unit that kept a clean sheet in Parma’s Serie B opener against Feralpisalo and in their Italy Cup first round clash against fellow promotion hopefuls Bari.
Ajdin Hrustic (Hellas Verona)
Having long been heralded as Australia’s key attacking force from midfield, Ajdin Hrustic has struggled in recent times.
Hrustic moved to Verona from Eintracht Frankfurt in last year’s summer window in search of game time but that never quite materialised.
The 27-year-old also underwent ankle surgery in early January and is yet to return to the field for Verona in Serie B after they were relegated at the end of last season.
There’s still plenty of time for Hrustic to turn things around at club level but if he cannot get on the park in the Italian second division, it will spark serious fears for his hopes of making Australia’s Asian Cup squad.
Hrustic has a lot of work to do.Source: Getty Images
JAPAN
Mitch Duke (Machida Zelvia)
The veteran striker joined Machida Zelvia in January and has had a strong season, with five goals and six assists in 24 appearances in the second division plus a cup goal. He was a regular starter earlier for most of the year but has come off the bench in the last four games for the team currently six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand. His team still has 12 matches to play as they chase promotion.
Socceroos star Duke and Lionel Messi shake hands at the World Cup.Source: Getty Images
Mitch Langerak (Nagoya Grampus)
Langerak is having yet another fantastic season for top-flight side Nagoya Grampus. The entrenched starting goalkeeper has played 28 games in all competitions with just 23 goals conceded and 11 clean sheets. He was a shock omission from last year’s World Cup and at 35 years old appears to be on the outer of the national team, but is consistently performing at the top level and could fill in for the Socceroos at any point. Nagoya are third on the ladder, five points off the lead.
Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata)
Deng is also in the top flight with Albirex Niigata, the 14th-placed team. It’s been an up and down season (which began in February) for the 26-year-old central defender. From late May to early June he dropped out of the squad completely, but regained his place for seven-straight starting appearances before a stint off the bench last time out. Overall he’s made 21 appearances in all competitions this year. If he can lock down that place in the starting XI, he’ll continue to press his case for a spot in the Socceroos’ defensive line.
KOREA
Harrison Delbridge (Incheon United)
Delbridge continues to be a mainstay in the backline for Korean side Incheon United, starting 19 of 27 league games this season.
His impressive form last year earned a call-up to the Socceroos for the double-header against New Zealand where he made his international debut.
However, Delbridge likely faces an uphill battle to break back into the team with the likes of Souttar, Kye Rowles and Circati ahead of him in the pecking order.
Delbridge for the Socceroos in September last year.Source: Getty Images
NETHERLANDS
Garang Kuol (Volendam, on loan from Newcastle)
18-year-old Kuol had a difficult first season in Europe, making just nine appearances for Hearts in Scotland on loan from Premier League side Newcastle – and almost all of them coming off the bench. Now he’s been sent to Volendam, a renowned nursery for young players, to get more minutes and continue his development. He got 24 minutes in their first league match of the season but was left out of the squad for the second match. Coach Matthias Kohler said: “We have to be patient with him. That is simply the case with a young player who comes from a foreign competition.”
Despite his limited minutes at club-land, he picked up his first Socceroos goal against Ecuador in March.
This will be a big season for Kuol’s growth, and getting as many minutes as possible is crucial.
Kuol celebrates his first goal for the Socceroos in March.Source: Getty Images
Mat Ryan (AZ Alkmaar)
The 31-year-old gloveman is the settled number one at AZ Alkmaar, having joined the Dutch club in January. The Socceroos skipper has had a great start to the season, with two clean sheets in his first five matches – four wins and a draw. Their two league wins and a +6 goal difference has them top of the Eredivisie league ladder, having finished a strong fourth last season.
On Friday morning, his side continued their bid to reach the third-tier European continental competition – the Europa Conference League – with a 1-1 draw in the first leg against Brann of Norway. Ryan made five saves in another strong showing.
NORWAY
Gianni Stensness (Viking FC)
The 24-year-old centre-back/defensive midfielder had been in fine form in recent months, earning himself a first Socceroos call-up in 12 months against Argentina in June. But things came crashing down when he tore his ACL in training later that month. He’ll be out until the end of the year.
But young Aussie teammate Patrick Yazbek, 21, is having a sensational season, bagging one goal and five assists in 18 appearances (all comps). The centre-midfielder looks to be a key figure in the Olyroos team aiming to reach the Paris Olympics.
Rounding out the Australian trio at Viking is Nick D’Agostino, although the striker has largely been consigned to an impact role off the bench.
The Heart of Midlothian contingent again features FOUR Aussies this season, although Garang Kuol has been replaced this year by another young gun Calem Nieuwenhof.
The team is third in the league after two rounds, with a win and a draw, and are also competing in the Europa Conference League play-offs, where they suffered a 2-1 first-leg loss to Greek league leaders PAOK on Friday morning.
Right-back Nathaniel Atkinson has started five games so far including that defeat, after a very strong finish to last season after a rollercoaster year saw him bounce in an out of the side but mostly feature off the bench. Early signs are very promising for the 24-year-old as he looks to take a step up in his career.
25-year-old Kye Rowles has played every minute of their six games in centre-back and is a lock to start. He’ll be hoping to avoid another injury like the metatarsal fracture he suffered in September last year that threatened his World Cup hopes. Luckily he returned in time to star in Qatar and quickly nail down his place in the Hearts’ starting side after that – and this season promises another strong campaign.
Cameron Devlin has enjoyed a bright start to the season.Source: Getty Images
Cammy Devlin bagged a brace in the Europa Conference League play-offs a week ago and has started five matches already, coming off the back of a breakout 41-game season last time around. With Aaron Mooy’s retirement, he’ll back himself to step up and fill the gap in the midfield – and his early form certainly boosts his case.
Calem Nieuwenhof, 22, made the move to Scotland on the back of a truly outstanding individual campaign for the Western Sydney Wanderers. The versatile midfielder is on a four-year contract and has plenty of time to grow, but appears to have settled well after a transfer he called an ‘easy decision’. He started their first league game in an attacking midfield role and a cup game in a defensive midfield position, and his ability to play in different roles is a key reason he should feature plenty off the bench, if not force his way into the starting team.
Devlin celebrating his brace.Source: Getty Images
Marco Tilio (Celtic)
Tilio broke the record for an outbound transfer from Australian shores at the start of July when he left Melbourne City for the Scottish giants for a fee over $2 million Australian. The youngster who turned 22 this month is however still recovering from an unknown injury that he suffered on Olyroos duty in June, with Celtic coach Brendan Rogers revealing last month that Tilio would miss the first few weeks of the season.
It will take him some time to get up to speed with the intensity of Scottish football and life at the champions. With the likes of Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda on the wings at the club, he’ll find it hard to break into the first team as a regular starter, but he’s got plenty of promise and will look to show what he can do off the bench at first.
Keanu Baccus and Ryan Strain (St Mirren)
Last season was Keanu Baccus’ first in Scotland after joining St Mirren from Western Sydney Wanderers, and he racked up 36 appearances. That led to St Mirren agreeing a reported £275,000 sale to Bolton in England’s League One (third tier). But the deal fell through – reportedly due to difficulties obtaining a work permit – and reported interest from Scottish rivals Hibernian never eventuated.
The 25-year-old has played every minute of the club’s two league games already – both wins – and has also picked up one assist in three League Cup matches.
His physicality and hard work continues to impress in the rough-and-tumble Scottish Premiership, and he’ll hope to guide St Mirren to better than last year’s sixth placed this time around, especially after they struggled at the dying stages of last season.
With just one year left on his contract, St Mirren will definitely be looking to lock him down on a fresh deal so they can cash in when bigger clubs (almost inevitably) come calling.
And Baccus continues to go from strength to strength for the Socceroos, playing the full game against Argentina in June. With Aaron Mooy’s retirement, coach Graham Arnold could turn to another Scotland-based player in Baccus to step up at the base of the midfield.
Baccus battling Argentina in June’s friendly.Source: Getty Images
Like his club teammate Baccus, Ryan Strain had a standout season in his maiden campaign in Scotland. The right back is receiving interest this transfer window, and a deal could easily still happen before the window closes.
But manager Stephen Robinson said last month that the club had ‘no bids or offers’ for the player, claiming that meant other clubs were “not realising how good a player” he is.
“Long may it continue,” the St Mirren boss told BBC Scotland.
“We don’t want to let him go. We don’t need to sell, we’re not in the [financial] position we were in last year.
“Ryan’s done terrifically well. He’s a very, very good footballer if he doesn’t complicate the game.”
He’s started five cup games and bagged four assists already, and also started both league games in a sensational start to the season.
Scottish journalists are raving about the 26-year-old, with many declaring him the best right wing-back in the league outside of the ‘big two’ of Celtic and Rangers.
He only debuted for Australia last September and missed the World Cup, but the 26-year-old is arguably the most in-form Socceroo in the world right now.
Like Baccus, he also is in the final year of his contract, and St Mirren will make handing him a new deal a priority so as not to lose him for free at season’s end.
It looks like an all-Scottish league battle for Australia’s right back spot between Strain and Atkinson.Source: Getty Images
Martin Boyle, Jimmy Jeggo, Lewis Miller (Hibernian)
Martin Boyle is back! Earlier this month, the 30-year-old winger scored a brace in his first competitive fixture since October 2022, when he underwent surgery on an historical ACL injury. He had said days before that the team’s physios must “hate him,” given how hard he was pushing to return ahead of schedule. All up, he’s now had seven starts for three goals. He’s still not fully fit, but signs are promising that he’ll return to his best.
Jimmy Jeggo has been battling for a spot in the first team at Hibs, making two starts and five bench appearances so far this season. He joined the club in late January and played 17 times in all competitions last season, starting every single one of those games. But Hibernian signed 22-year-old Wales international Dylan Levitt in July, a former Manchester United academy player, and the pair look set to battle for starting duties in the coming weeks.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for Lewis Miller, the 22-year-old right back who hasn’t yet played for the Socceroos but has featured for the Under-23 Olyroos. Miller is in his second season with Hibernian, but looks set for far more game time this campaign.
However, he’ll have to improve his game after a torrid showing in Hibs’ 5-0 loss to Aston Villa in the first leg of their Europa Conference League playoff clash at Easter Road, where three of the goals came from Miller’s flank.
SERBIA
Milos Degenek (Red Star Belgrade)
Degenek is back for a third stint at his boyhood club, having spent 18 months in the US. With three starts, three wins, and three clean sheets – and the team not conceding after he came off the bench in the other league match – it’s been a perfect opening to the new campaign. The 29-year-old has fit right back in, and looks like he’s cemented himself as one of the first-choice options at the heart of defence. He’ll also get the chance to play in the Champions League once again.
Interestingly, six-time reigning champions Red Star are playing a three-man backline this campaign, which could give Arnold room to change up his Socceroos defensive structure.
Degenek is in good form at the start of the new season.Source: Getty Images
SINGAPORE
Bailey Wright (Lion City Sailors)
In a move that caught many by surprise, Bailey Wright left Sunderland a year early to join Singapore Premier League side Lion City Sailors.
The switch to Singapore brings and end to Wright’s time in England where he had played since 2010.
Wright confirmed he had received offers from clubs in England and even from the A-League, but turned it down in pursuit of a new challenge in Singapore.
Having made the Socceroos’ World Cup squad, the decision to move to Singapore is a curious one.
But the 30-year-old has earned the opportunity to pursue a switch for financial reasons and could still venture down to the A-League at some stage in the future.
SWITZERLAND
Awer Mabil (Grasshopper Club Zurich)
The pacy winger will play in a seventh European country this season after signing a deal at Swiss side Grasshoppers.
The team is the most successful in Swiss history, but haven’t won the league in two decades and have struggled in recent years – finishing eighth and seventh in the last two seasons after returning to the top flight after a couple of years in the second division.
They’ve started the new campaign poorly with just one win and one draw from their first four games, meaning Mabil has a great opportunity to cement a spot in the line-up.
It is a much-needed move for the Aussie with 32 international caps and nine goals to his name. Having struggled for game time at Cadiz in Spain’s La Liga (six appearances), he moved to Czechia for the latter half of last season with Sparta Prague, but 15 of his 16 appearances came off the bench. He scored twice (both penalties) and added three assists.
Ahead of his 28th birthday next month, he’ll hope for regular minutes to return to top form. The deal is for two years with an option for a third.
QATAR
Trent Sainsbury (Al Wakrah)
Having been left out of the Socceroos squad for the World Cup, many felt it was the end of the road in the national team for 31-year-old Trent Sainsbury.
Whether he can force his way back into contention remains to be seen, but starting for Qatari side Al Wakrah will give him the best chance possible for that.
Sainsbury started and kept a clean sheet in his side’s Qatar Stars League opener against Muaither SC as Al Wakrah ran out 3-0 winners.
But no matter how often he plays in Qatar, Sainsbury has plenty of bodies in front of him if he is to return to the heart of the Socceroos backline.
Sainsbury’s last Socceroos match in September 2022.Source: Getty Images
WHO ELSE?
Left-back Brad Smith is in the USA for Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo, where he’s scored two goals in 15 appearances (all comps). But he’s struggling to lock in a spot in the first team and a recall to the Socceroos looks unlikely.
Meanwhile, Tom Rogic is without a club after leaving West Brom in May after a difficult season. He turned down an optional one-season extension on his contract and has not yet found a new club. It mirrors what happened 12 months ago, when he left Celtic but didn’t find a new club – West Brom – until September. This time around, the 30-year-old might look for an easier challenge, including a possible return down under.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has finally arrived.
For the Matildas and the 31 other teams competing, it is the culmination of a four-year journey filled with plenty of trials and tribulations.
Tony Gustavsson’s side isn’t the favourite to win the World Cup, but with a nation behind them on home soil, they are expected to go deep into the tournament.
This Australian squad has undergone a major revamp from its last appearance at a World Cup when they exited in the Round of 16 in 2019.
One of the key issues four years ago was the glaring lack of depth, especially in the backline.
Thankfully, Gustavsson has rectified that issue not just on the defensive front but all over the park, with seven players set to make their World Cup debuts.
Talismanic skipper Sam Kerr will lead the line with the weight of a nation on her shoulders, but who else could play a starring role alongside her?
Foxsports.com.au breaks down every member of the 23-player Matildas World Cup squad, forecasts what role they will have throughout the tournament and predicts the starting line-up for the opener against Ireland on July 20!
Oddly enough, the goalkeeper position has long been one with strong stocks over the years for both the Socceroos and Matildas.
Although the men have often had a clear No.1 goalkeeper, the Matildas have often been blessed with riches between the sticks.
That is no more evident than the trio of goalkeepers in the Matildas squad for the World Cup.
Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah and Lydia Williams have all spent time as Gustavsson’s top option in goals throughout his tenure.
It has fluctuated over the four-year journey since the 2019 World Cup, but it appears we now have a clear front-runner for the role.
Regardless, the Matildas would be in safe hands no matter who ends up as the final line of defence.
Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham)
35 caps
Making her third Women’s World Cup squad (but having not yet featured on the pitch), Arnold is one of many veteran Matildas who have travelled around the world to take their game to the next level. From her hometown club Brisbane Roar to Norway, the US, and now England with West Ham, Arnold is in the peak of her powers and her exceptional club form has been repeated in the green and gold. In February, she was Player of the Tournament in the Cup of Nations after some commanding performances between the sticks.
Teagan Micah (FC Rosengard)
14 caps
The 25-year-old is widely viewed as the ‘next generation’ keeper to inherit the No.1 jersey from the veterans in Arnold and Williams, and her standout performances at the Tokyo Olympics saw her surge into genuine contention for the starting role.
But Micah endured a torrid six months after suffering a major concussion in a Champions League match in early December.
She could hardly leave bed for two months and continued to experience ongoing symptoms like severe headaches, nausea and dizziness for months afterwards. Her battle with concussion and the subsequent toll it took on her mental wellbeing was largely hidden from the public, with her club and the Matildas only stating she was injured. But just last month she returned to club action and will run out for the Aussies at her second World Cup.
Teagan Micah is back in action after dealing with the effects of a major concussion. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Lydia Williams (Brighton)
102 caps
Williams has made her fifth World Cup squad, the most for any Australian player (alongside a fellow Matilda, but more on the later).
The veteran goalkeeper made her debut in 2005 and has remained a constant presence for the Tillies ever since.
Although she was seen as the No. 1 option between the sticks in recent years, Williams has since been struggling for game time for her country with the recent rise of Micah and Arnold.
She’s also battled for minutes at club level too with stints at Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain largely spent on the bench, before a switch to Brighton helped her to some much-needed action on the park.
Whether Williams can nudge ahead of Arnold and Micah in the pecking order remains to be seen, but her experience and calming presence will prove critical for the Tillies.
DEFENDERS
At the 2019 World Cup, the Matildas’ worrying lack of depth in defence was brutally exposed.
Fast forward to today and one could argue it’s our deepest area on the park.
There’s strong competition for places with plenty of young faces breaking into the Matildas squad in recent years, but there’s also the reliable veteran faces of Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy and Clare Polkinghorne to name three.
Although Gustavsson is spoilt for choice in several areas across the back, he must make a number of harsh calls going into the World Cup opener against Ireland.
Ellie Carpenter (Lyon)
62 caps
Carpenter burst onto the international scene as a fresh-faced 15-year-old for the Matildas in an Olympic qualifier against Vietnam and has never looked back since.
The Cowra native, who plays as a right-back, is undeniably coach Gustavsson’s first choice in the position as she provides endless amounts of energy up and down the flank.
There were fears she could have missed a home World Cup when she ruptured her ACL during Lyon’s UWCL victory over Barcelona last year, but returned to action in February and is chomping at the bit.
Her overlapping runs and bursts of pace on the right are critical to how Gustavsson wants the Matildas to play, so expect to see Carpenter joining in with plenty of attacks only to see her racing back and putting in a crunching tackle.
Carpenter has battled her way back from a torn ACL. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)Source: AFP
Steph Catley (Arsenal)
110 caps
From featuring on the cover of FIFA16 to proving her credentials overseas, vice-captain Catley is one of the most recognisable faces in the Matildas line-up.
The 29-year-old is able to play anywhere across the back four, but is predominantly used as a left back or a left centre back.
The Arsenal star also has a wicked delivery from set pieces which, in tournament football, can be the difference between winning and losing, such are the fine margins.
Over the years Catley has been beset by a number of injuries and struck fear into the hearts of Matildas supporters when she was subbed on and then subbed off during Arsenal’s win over Leicester City in May.
She also missed the Matildas’ friendlies against Scotland and England in early April with a foot injury.
However, Catley was at her dependable best against France and will be a lock for the Ireland clash.
Charlotte Grant (Vittsjo GIK)
18 caps
Grant has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence for the Matildas ever since she made her international debut against Ireland in September 2021.
The young fullback, who specialises on the right flank, will enjoy her maiden World Cup appearance which is sure to be one of many throughout her budding career.
The South Australian began her career with Adelaide United before moving to Swedish outfit FC Rosengard and then Vittsjo GIK last year, where she counts fellow Matildas Clare Polkinghorne and Katrina Gorry as teammates.
Although she has been stuck behind Carpenter in the pecking order, her injury opened the door for Grant to earn a number of starting berths against the likes of Sweden, Spain and England.
Her first goal at international level and a player of the match award against the Lionesses proves Grant can more than hold her own and will push Carpenter all the way for the starting role.
Clare Hunt (Western Sydney Wanderers)
6 caps
With a dad who played one first grade match for the Canberra Raiders and a brother, Henry, who plays for the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL, Clare Hunt comes from a strong sporting background.
She made her debut against the Czech Republic during the Cup of Nations in February earlier this year and coach Gustavsson remarked how absurdly comfortable she seemed on the park for a debutant.
It has not been a straightforward journey to this point given she underwent seven different operations from 2018 to 2022 for a variety of injuries.
Hunt made the PFA A-League Women’s team of the season thanks to an outstanding campaign for the Wanderers and impressed once again against France after a shaky moment early on.
She’s made it extremely difficult for Gustavsson to drop her from the starting line-up, so expect Hunt to start the World Cup opener.
Clare Hunt has displayed a maturity beyond her six Matildas caps. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)Source: AFP
Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City)
109 caps
Kennedy has been a mainstay in the in the Matildas squad ever since she made her debut in June 2012 against New Zealand at age 17.
This World Cup will be the centre back’s third and her eighth major tournament for the national team.
Although she may have over 100 appearances for the Matildas under her belt, Kennedy has battled for game time at club level in recent seasons with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
This past season the 28-year-old dealt with a series of frustrating injuries that kept her to only four games across all competitions for City and hasn’t played since March.
Yet she slotted in at the back alongside Hunt in the France friendly and looked as if she’d missed no time at all, earning her a highly likely starting berth against Ireland.
Aivi Luik (BK Hacken)
49 caps
What a remarkable journey for Aivi Luik.
After retiring from international duty in August 2021, the 38-year-old was convinced to backflip on the decision by Gustavsson and is now headed to her second World Cup.
Luik’s versatility will be crucial to the Matildas, as she can play at left back, centre back and even in centre midfield very comfortably.
She may not have as many caps as one might expect, but having played in 10 countries throughout her career, Luik has plenty of experience in the bank that the youngsters of the squad can call on.
It’s highly unlikely Luik will be a starter, but she could certainly feature at some stage should Gustavsson need someone to help see out a game in the latter stages.
Courtney Nevin (Leicester City)
23 caps
Nevin is at her first World Cup having been handed her debut by Gustavsson as an 18-year-old against Denmark in 2021 before making the Tokyo Olympics squad.
The young full back then earned a move to Swedish side Hammarby IF in 2022 but came into her own during a loan spell at WSL side Leicester City.
Thanks to three assists and a clean sheet, Nevin was nominated for the WSL Player of the Month award in April as she played a key role in keeping the Foxes safe from relegation.
She’s since signed a permanent deal with Leicester and will no doubt come on in leaps and bounds over the years.
Nevin is unlikely to be a first choice option at fullback for the World Cup, but her quality will be critical to the Matildas’ depth should something happen to Carpenter or Catley.
Courtney Nevin (right) has proven to be a dependable option at left or right back when needed. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)Source: AFP
Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjo GIK)
157 caps
There’s a good reason as to why Sam Kerr described Clare Polkinghorne as the “mum” of the team at the press conference for the squad announcement.
Polkinghorne is headed to her fifth World Cup and holds the record for most caps in Matildas history with a staggering 156 to her name across a 17-year span with the national team.
Evidently the most experienced operator in the team, Polkinghorne is a cool head at centre back and a guaranteed starter provided she is 100 per cent fit, although she missed time in April for Swedish club Vittsjo GIK with a lower-leg injury.
The only worrying aspect of Polkinghorne’s inclusion is her lack of pace which can get exposed in Gustavsson’s high-press style of play, but her tactical nous should be more than enough to not get into such situations often.
She was left out of the starting line-up for the France clash but came on in the second half and did her job to keep a clean sheet.
A fully-fit Polkinghorne starts, but Hunt and Kennedy showed the team is still strong at the back without the veteran’s presence.
MIDFIELDERS
There’s a youthful exuberance about the midfield options but, like in defence, Gustavsson has named a number of experienced stars.
In Gustavsson’s current system, there’s just two central midfield positions up for grabs and we already have a good idea as to who will start in them for the World Cup.
However, the France friendly proved a number of these players can slot seamlessly anywhere else on the park and make an impact.
They also present as serious impact options off the bench and can flip a game on its head, an invaluable quality in tournament football.
Alex Chidiac (Racing Louisville)
27 caps
Chidiac has developed a cult following for her bubbly personality and humorous nature, but don’t think for a second she doesn’t flip the switch once it comes time to take the park.
The silky midfielder’s six goals in 13 games while on loan at Melbourne Victory in the 2022/23 A-League Women’s season earned her the Julie Dolan Medal, the league’s most prestigious honour.
She’s since returned to Racing Louisville in the NWSL and continues to impress.
The 24-year-old is not a guaranteed starter and will likely be used by Gustavsson as a fresh injection of guile, creativity and energy off the bench.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (Hammarby IF)
28 caps
Cooney-Cross looms as one of the most important players at the World Cup for the Matildas.
Having made her A-League Women’s debut for Melbourne Victory at age 15, Cooney-Cross has continued to impress with each passing year.
She’s also become a massive hit with fans of her Swedish club Hammarby after playing a starring role en route to the side winning the Swedish Cup and thus ending a 28-year trophy drought.
Cooney-Cross has developed a formidable partnership with Katrina Gorry in the heart of the Matildas midfield and looks set to reprise that role at what will be her first World Cup.
Cooney-Cross has made the centre midfield position her own. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)Source: AFP
Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo GIK)
94 caps
Gorry has been a mainstay of the Matildas over the course of 11 years and has become a vital player in Gustavsson’s high-octane style of play.
The pint-sized midfielder, affectionately known as ‘Mini’, is back in the Tillies set-up after giving birth to her daughter Harper.
She wasted no time in finding her feet on the park when she was named Player of the Match in her comeback game against New Zealand where the Matildas came from behind to win.
Gorry is expected to line up alongside Cooney-Cross in the midfield with the duo having played alongside one another in Australia’s five games played in 2023.
Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave)
128 caps
It’s hard to picture the Matildas in the modern era without Van Egmond running around in the No. 10 jersey.
She made her debut aged 16 in 2010 and scored her first Matildas goal the following year at the Women’s World Cup against Equatorial Guinea.
Since her debut in 2010, Van Egmond has failed to play 10 games or more in a calendar year just three times, highlighting her longevity and importance to the side.
However, the 29-year-old has been battling form and fitness issues in recent times and only recently returned to action for NWSL side San Diego Wave after a back injury.
If Gustavsson opts for a two-player central midfield, which looks likely, Van Egmond may be squeezed out of the starting line-up.
Van Egmond has been a mainstay in the Matildas team since debuting in 2010. Photo by Michael Klein.Source: News Corp Australia
Clare Wheeler (Everton)
13 caps
Another one of the several World Cup debutants in the Matildas’ ranks.
Wheeler logged plenty of minutes for Everton in the WSL this season so she will not be short of match fitness.
However, she isn’t exactly a guarantee to start in the midfield, especially if Gustavsson is to go with two centre mids instead of two holding midfielders and a No. 10.
She is a defensive midfielder by nature and relishes doing the dirty work of breaking up opposition attacks and, if games become stretched, Wheeler could be a vitally important option off the bench.
Tameka Yallop (SK Brann)
113 caps
This is Yallop’s fourth World Cup having made her tournament debut in 2011.
The 32-year-old is one of the most versatile members of this Matildas squad, an invaluable quality given how quickly a game can turn.
Yallop underwent ankle surgery late last year but returned to the Matildas fold for the 2023 Cup of Nations.
Yet she hurt her ankle again during Australia’s thrilling win over England, which leaves her under somewhat of an injury cloud going into the tournament.
An injury to her left knee against France will have everyone sweating nervously as they await the verdict of how severe it is.
She’s likely to feature in cameos off the bench throughout the World Cup.
FORWARDS
This is where the magic happens and the area with the most recognisable names.
Sam Kerr, our superstar striker, is the first name on the team sheet and will lead the Matildas’ attacking line for the tournament.
Gustavsson has toyed with different formations in the final third but looks to have settled on having two up top, one of which is Kerr.
But the versatility of all the forward options gives the Swede plenty of choices in which to slightly tweak things during a game if need be.
There’s also a clear theme when it comes to the key attributes of the wingers selected and it’s one that aligns perfectly with how Gustavsson wants his side to play.
Caitlin Foord (Arsenal)
109 caps
Although Sam Kerr may be the headline act in the Matildas’ attack, Caitlin Foord has become a superstar in her own right at the top end of the field.
Her World Cup debut in 2011 earned her the Best Young Player of the Tournament award and Foord has never looked back since, scoring 29 goals in her 108 games since.
But a run of 12 goals in her last 30 appearances proves she’s in outstanding goalscoring form for the Matildas in recent times.
Not only that, she’s been a phenom for Arsenal in the WSL this season.
Gustavsson has recently deployed Foord in a two-striker formation alongside Kerr, but don’t be surprised to see her out on the wing either.
Regardless, Foord is a nailed-on starter for the World Cup.
Foord has linked up well when paired with Kerr in a front two. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Mary Fowler (Manchester City)
37 caps
At just 16 years of age, Mary Fowler was a member of the 2019 World Cup squad but didn’t see any game time.
Four years on, she’s grown to be an integral part of this Matildas line-up under Gustavsson and will undoubtedly see more minutes.
An attacking midfielder who can also play along the front line with ease, Fowler can pick out a pass, drift past a player as if they’re a training cone or fire in a strike from range.
Her arsenal of weapons is sure to be critical to the Matildas’ hopes, although she fractured her back while playing for club side Manchester City in April and has been unable to play since.
Came on at half time against France and was quiet in the early stages, but once she moved into a more central role she thrived and scored the only goal.
More than good enough to start, but will likely have an impact role off the bench going into the World Cup opener against Ireland.
Sam Kerr (Chelsea)
121 caps
What more is there to say about Sam Kerr?
Captain fantastic. Australia’s record goal scorer. The first Australian to score a hat-trick at a World Cup.
Kerr scores goals for club and country like there’s no tomorrow and has been unlucky not to pick up the Ballon d’Or Feminin in recent years.
The Chelsea sharpshooter has also picked up two Golden Boots, four league titles and three Women’s FA Cup trophies along the way since moving to London from the Chicago Red Stars.
She’s the first name on the team sheet and her goals will be critical to the Matildas’ success.
As for the danger she poses to the opposition, Kerr put it best when she said rival defenders may pocket her for 89 minutes, she just needs that one chance to seal the deal.
Enough said.
Hayley Raso (Real Madrid)
71 caps
The rapid Hayley Raso is one of the most important outlets for the Matildas.
Her lightning-quick pace helps her leave opposition defenders in a spin and has a keen eye for goal too, showcasing that with a double in Australia’s Cup of Nations win over the Czech Republic earlier this year.
Raso’s impressive form for Manchester City this season also earned her a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and will look to carry the momentum into the World Cup where she aims to score her first goal in the tournament.
Instantly recognisable with her trademark bow, Raso’s attacking intent will be key and is a guaranteed starter.
Raso’s rapid pace gives defenders nightmares. (Photo by Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Kyah Simon (unattached)
111 caps
One of Australia’s great comeback stories, Simon has battled injuries time and again in her career, from a broken leg aged 15 to a syndemosmis injury in 2019 that ruled her out of the 2019 World Cup.
Always, the resilient star has fought back – making her debut aged 16 in 2007, or fighting back from that 2019 injury to play a key role in the Matildas’ best-ever Olympics result in Tokyo 2021.
In September last year, that injury curse struck again when playing for Tottenham, tearing her ACL, MCL and meniscus. Having already underwent multiple knee reconstructions in the past, as well as hefty shoulder and ankle surgeries, another comeback seemed out of reach.
But she worked tirelessly on physio and rehabilitation and is back in the squad for a third World Cup (after 2011, ‘15).
She said: “When I did my injury, straight away, my first thought was the World Cup. That was my sole motivation and focus every day … I’ve probably worked the hardest that I ever have in my career.”
Simon has a knack of goals in big games – the winning penalty at the 2010 Asian Cup, two goals against Norway at the 2011 World Cup to reach the knockouts, or her goal against Brazil in the 2015 tournament to hand Australia a first-ever knockout win.
The Anaiwan and Biripi woman is also the first Indigenous player to score at a World Cup and the first to reach 100 caps for the Matildas.
Sam Kerr said: “She’s kind of an X factor and she has been her whole career.”
Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC)
17 caps
One of just two A-League Women’s players in the Matildas World Cup squad, Cortnee Vine has more than earned her place.
Her remarkable speed is a major asset whether she starts or comes on as an impact substitution, especially against tired defenders.
Vine made her debut in January last year and has since made 16 caps, highlighting how impressed Gustavsson has been with the Sydney FC flyer.
Was handed a starting berth against France in a big show of faith from Gustavsson and although she couldn’t find her shooting boots, her pace was pivotal to the Matildas’ attacking play.
As the dust settles on the majority of European leagues, a raft of Aussies have enjoyed triumphant title celebrations, suffered the heartbreak of relegation and just about everything in-between.
Former Socceroos catapulted themselves back into the spotlight with several impressive performances while for others, they slowly crept further and further out of the national team picture.
Foxsports.com.au takes a look at how the Aussies abroad performed over the course of the season in the Roo Radar Season Wrap-Up!
We begin our end-of-season wrap in England, the nation where the majority of our Aussies abroad are based.
Harry Souttar ended our wait for an Australian player back in the Premier League when he moved from Championship side Stoke City to Leicester City for $26 million in the January window.
The towering defender saw plenty of gametime after his arrival as he started nine games in a row.
However, he was demoted to the Foxes’ bench for five games after a 3-1 loss to Manchester City on April 15.
Although he returned to help Leicester keep a clean sheet in their penultimate game of the season against Newcastle, he was an unused substitute on the final day as the Foxes were relegated.
With Caglar Soyuncu gone and Jannik Vestergaard likely to leave, there will be plenty of opportunities for Souttar to play next season and help his club secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
There was also a Premier League debut for Cam Peupion at Brighton.
The Sydney FC youth product was a constant presence on Brighton’s bench in the final six games of the season but got his first Premier League minutes in a 4-1 loss to Newcastle.
The 20-year-old midfielder came on for a five-minute cameo and here’s hoping there’s plenty more to come next season.
Souttar was relegated with Leicester back to the Championship. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Socceroos midfielder Alexander Robertson unfortunately did not receive any senior minutes for English giants Manchester City, but he made the matchday squads on a number of occasions.
A loan move for the talented City product could be on the cards next season as he looks to gain more experience in senior level football.
Dipping into the Championship and it was mixed fortunes for our Aussie contingent.
Tom Rogic joined West Bromwich Albion on a free deal in what seemed relatively good business at the time.
But Rogic started just four games from 26 and never really got going at the Hawthorns.
He has since been released by the Baggies as Aussies await his next move.
Riley McGree enjoyed a tremendous season under Middlesbrough coach Michael Carrick as a winger en route to a Play-Offs semi-final appearance.
The 24-year-old started 35 games and looks likely to continue flourishing under Carrick’s tutelage.
Goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic continued Australia’s proud history of goalkeepers shining overseas as the 20-year-old made six league appearances for Huddersfield Town.
Bilokapic even registered an assist in a 2-1 win for the Terries over Birmingham City in February.
Ange to coach first Spurs game in Aus | 01:58
Unfortunately Kenny Dougall was relegated to League One with Blackpool but with former boss Neil Critchley back at the helm, the all-action midfielder will look to bounce back.
In League One, Aussie duo Massimo Luongo and Cameron Burgess got to enjoy the sweet, sweet taste of promotion with Ipswich Town.
Burgess was a rock at the back for Ipswich who also had the best defensive record in the English third tier.
Luongo joined the Tractor Boys in January and proved to be an extremely influential member in the midfield.
Although the 30-year-old is now out of contract, there’s every chance he is asked to return to Portman Road for the upcoming Championship season and beyond.
Young goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer enjoyed a breakout season for Charlton Athletic and put his name into the conversation for Mat Ryan’s heir.
From November 19 onwards, Maynard-Brewer 26 of 28 games and kept five clean sheets with a string of impressive performances.
But the 23-year-old gloveman earned plenty of praise for his heroics in the Addicks’ EFL Cup fourth round clash against Brighton, with Maynard-Brewer coming up with a big stop in the penalty shootout.
Maynard-Brewer in action for Charlton. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
SCOTLAND
There were no less than 15 Aussie stars taking part in the Scottish top flight this season, but there were mixed fortunes involved for all.
At the top of the table was Aaron Mooy who moved to Celtic on a free transfer.
The midfield maestro scored seven goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions for the Hoops en route to a Scottish treble.
He enjoyed somewhat of a purple patch from December 24 to March 11, as Mooy had 14 goal involvements in 13 games.
The big question will be where he fits into the new manager’s plans after Ange Postecoglou departed for Spurs.
Cameron Devlin, Kye Rowles, Nathaniel Atkinson and Garang Kuol all played their part in helping Hearts to a fourth-place finish and a spot in next season’s Europa Conference League.
Kuol arrived in the January window to get his first taste of senior club football outside of Australia, but struggled to make his mark.
Devlin and Rowles, who moved to the club from the Central Coast Mariners last year, played 41 and 33 games respectively with the former scoring twice and notching seven assists.
Atkinson made 26 appearances in all competitions but was often injected into contests from the bench.
Mooy enjoyed a career resurgence at Celtic. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
One spot below Hearts on the Scottish Premiership ladder was their bitter Edinburgh rivals Hibernian, who boast an Aussie trio of their own in Martin Boyle, James Jeggo and Lewis Miller.
Boyle looked in strong form since he returned from Saudi Arabian club Al-Faisaly but had his season ended early thanks to a knee injury suffered on October 29.
Jeggo joined from Belgian side AS Eupen in January and started in each of his 17 appearances, while Miller featured in 16 games although 11 of those came off the bench.
At St Mirren, Keanu Baccus and Ryan Strain enjoyed breakout seasons.
Right-back Strain was a constant presence in St. Mirren’s lineup and started 39 of 42 games.
His four-goal haul included some stunning free kicks while he bagged five assists.
As for Baccus, who arrived at the club from Western Sydney Wanderers, his tough-tackling performances earned him a spot in the Socceroos World Cup squad and was handed a starting berth against eventual world champions Argentina.
Sadly for Dundee United duo Mark Birighitti and Aziz Behich, they were relegated in what was a dismal season for the Tangerines.
Celtic pay touching tribute to Ange | 02:23
NETHERLANDS
Socceroos skipper Mat Ryan secured a much-needed move away from Real Sociedad and found himself at Danish giants FC Copenhagen.
Although he enjoyed a bright start in the capital, a lingering battle with fellow Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara bubbled away in the background.
Ryan made 11 appearances for Copenhagen and kept five clean sheets, including one in a scoreless draw against Sevilla in the Champions League.
But once Grabara returned from injury, Ryan lost his starting spot.
Not willing to be stuck behind his rival, who took an unnecessary swipe at the Aussie star in the wake of the Socceroos’ loss to Argentina, Ryan found himself a new team: AZ Alkmaar.
Ryan played 25 times and recorded eight clean sheets as AZ finished fourth in the Eredivisie and were one game away from a Europa Conference League final.
With a contract until June 2024, let’s hope Ryan has found himself somewhat of a permanent home after years of turbulence.
Mat Ryan looks to have finally found a home. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
SPAIN/CZECH REPUBLIC
Well, there’s only one Aussie who fits this bill and that is winger Awer Mabil.
The 27-year-old moved to La Liga side Cadiz last summer but started just one game for the Spanish side as game time proved difficult to come by.
He moved to Czech heavyweights Sparta Prague in January and although he started once there too, he saw more time on the pitch as an impact sub.
Cadiz survived the wild final-day relegation shootout in La Liga to stay in the top flight for another season, but Mabil must get more game time if he is to play a continued role with the Socceroos.
FRANCE
After a horror run with injuries, midfielder Denis Genreau finally got to find some form with Ligue 1 side Toulouse.
Genreau saw limited minutes in the early stages of the season, but started in all but two of Toulouse’s final nine league games.
The 24-year-old also got to enjoy some silverware thanks to Toulouse’s stunning 5-1 thrashing of Nantes in the Coupe de France final.
Genreau’s regular starts in the back-end of the season should provide hope for increased game time going forward.
Also in France, 19-year-old forward Mohamed Toure made his Ligue 1 debut for Reims with three consecutive appearances off the bench in the latter stages of the season.
If Toure can kick on next season and gain some rare starts, he’ll no doubt have a strong claim for a Socceroos call-up.
Genreau (left) has returned to the Socceroos fold. (Photo by Nicolas TUCAT / AFP)Source: AFP
GERMANY
Alou Kuol can now say he has played in the Bundesliga, as the talented forward came off the bench for VfB Stuttgart against RB Leipzig on January 27.
Thanks to a 6-1 aggregate win over Hamburg in the relegation play-off to preserve their Bundesliga status, here’s hoping Kuol can make even more appearances in the German top flight next season.
In the 2. Bundesliga, Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe couldn’t quite lift St. Pauli to promotion.
Irvine finished as St. Pauli’s second-top goalscorer with eight, while Metcalfe scored three times in his first season with the club having moved from Melbourne City.
ITALY
Ajdin Hrustic moved to Serie A side Hellas Verona on deadline day last summer but endured a tough start to life in Italy as he started just two league games before undergoing ankle surgery in January.
The attacking midfielder returned to the bench for Verona’s final three games but didn’t see any game time as his side now faces a relegation play-off against Spezia to stay in Serie A.
Should the worst-case scenario occur and Verona go down to Serie B, Hrustic could seek an exit just one year into his deal.
Hrustic’s time in Italy has been hampered by ankle surgery. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
However, one player who made waves in Italy’s second tier was Alessandro Circati.
The highly-rated teenager, who recently earned a Socceroos call-up, enjoyed a solid season for Parma as they came agonisingly short of promotion.
The 19-year-old may have started just ten games, but he also enjoyed the second-highest points-per-game rating in the squad with 2.00 whenever he played.
With legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon behind him, Circati will have learned plenty from one of the greats of the game and will look to continue his development with Parma.
One Socceroo who must be on the move to save his international future is right back Fran Karacic, who was relegated from Serie B to Serie C with Brescia.
BELGIUM
Jason Davidson made his return to European football with Belgian side AS Eupen after joining from Melbourne Victory.
The defender started 30 from 33 games as Eupen finished 15th from 18 teams.
AUSTRIA
Veteran midfielder James Holland moved to Austria Vienna last summer and proved to be an important player as the Austrian side ultimately finished fifth in the league.
Celtic star Aaron Mooy has been ruled out of the Socceroos’ clash with Argentina in China next week, while fellow midfielder Ajdin Hrustic will be a late arrival in camp because of his Italian club’s battle to avoid relegation.
Australia’s squad for the clash against Lionel Messi’s world champions will be announced on Tuesday and it’s expected to feature a good mix of youth and experience.
A back injury has hampered Mooy in the closing stages of Celtic’s treble-winning campaign and he took no part in the Hoops’ 3-1 weekend Scottish Cup final over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Hrustic, who had ankle surgery in January, was an unused substitute in his club team Hellas Verona’s 3-1 loss to AC Milan on Monday morning (AEST).
The defeat condemned Verona to a relegation playoff against Spezia this weekend at a neutral venue, where the loser will be demoted to the second tier of Italian football.
Following the game, Hrustic will head to China to link with the Socceroos squad ahead of Thursday week’s battle with the Argentines.
Ajdin Hrustic will link up with the squad after a Serie A relegation play-off. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: The Australian
The squad is also expected to include uncapped 19-year-old defender Alessandro Circati, who has reportedly pledged his allegiance to Australia after representing Italy’s under-20 team.
Born in Italy, Circati moved to Perth with his family when he was one before returning to his nation of birth in 2021 to join second-tier club Parma.
Others set to be named in the Graham Arnold-coached squad are A-League grand final hero Jason Cummings, who scored a hat-trick in Central Coast Mariners’ 6-1 demolition of Melbourne City, and City trio Mathew Leckie, Aiden O’Neill and Jordan Bos, who will leave the club in the off-season to join Belgian outfit Westerlo.
However, Cummings’ Mariners teammate, the uncapped Sam Silvera, is understood to have missed selection despite his own impressive grand final performance.
Western Sydney Wanderers star Brandon Borrello and Adelaide United skipper Craig Goodwin, the Johnny Warren medallist, are set to be named.
But City’s Marco Tilio and former Mariners prodigy Garang Kuol, who were both members of Australia’s World Cup squad last year in Qatar, won’t be named on Tuesday due to their current commitments with the Tony Vidmar-coached Olyroos in Europe.
Neymar is set to be sidelined for the rest of the season after Paris Saint-Germain said on Monday the forward requires ankle surgery and will be out of action for three to four months.
The Brazilian, who injured his ankle on February 19 against Lille in Ligue 1, “has had several episodes of instability in his right ankle in recent years,” said the club, adding that its medical staff “recommended a ligament repair operation to avoid a major risk of recurrence”.
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Qatar-owned PSG said Neymar would go under the knife in Doha “in the next few days” and said it would take “three to four months before he can return to training with the team”.
That would appear to end any prospect of Neymar playing again this season, with the Ligue 1 season due to end on June 3 and the Champions League final, if PSG were to get there, a week later in Istanbul.
PSG, still waiting for a maiden Champions League title, will bid to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit in the last 16 against Bayern Munich in Germany on Wednesday.
Neymar, who has scored 18 goals in all competitions for his club this season, was in fine form for the French champions before the World Cup break.
But the 31-year-old has netted only three times in nine appearances since returning from Qatar, where he injured the same ankle playing for Brazil.
He came off with a sprain in his country’s 2-0 win over Serbia in their opening game and didn’t play again in the group stage.
The ex-Barcelona man returned in the knockout rounds but Brazil lost to Croatia on penalties in the quarter-finals, despite Neymar putting them ahead in extra time in that game.
Neymar’s fitness has regularly been a concern for PSG, ever since he signed from Barcelona for a world-record fee of 222 million euros ($264m) in 2017.
In his first season at PSG, a fractured metatarsal ruled him out of the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid, which they lost.
He didn’t play again for his club that season and faced a race against time to be fit to play for Brazil at that year’s World Cup in Russia.
The following year another metatarsal injury saw him miss the last-16 tie against Manchester United as they again went out in the first knockout round.
Neymar has scored 118 goals in 173 games for PSG, but has missed more than 100 games due either to injury or suspension.
PSG are also without Presnel Kimpembe against Bayern on Wednesday, with the France centre-back set to miss the rest of the season due to an achilles injury.
