Future of Matildas on show as young guns clash in final
IT is the clash of the young stars that could decide the W-League title — and shine a light on the future of the Matildas.
Of all the battles when Sydney FC hosts Melbourne Victory in Sunday’s W-League grand final, which of Remy Siemsen or Kyra Cooney-Cross emerges as the key player could go a long way to deciding the outcome.
At 21, Siemsen has been the W-League’s young player of the year and joint Golden Boot even before scoring seven goals in this campaign, while Torquay product Cooney-Cross has been dubbed as the Matildas’ “next superstar” at 19.
They are on the radar of new Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson, and former great Kathryn Gill — now joint CEO of the players’ association — said the clash of styles between Siemsen as a pure striker and CooneyCross’s all-round attacking game would be pivotal.
“Remy’s really good at getting in behind defences, hanging on the shoulder of the last defender — she can exploit space brilliantly,” Gill said.
“Her runs are really smart and she’s pretty clinical when she gets half a chance.”
Cooney-Cross has scored five goals this year and contributed four assists, underlining the talent that has Gill believing she is destined for the top.
“Kyra is the more complete player — she can play box to box, she has energy, but she drives into space really well,” she said. “She has a great change of pace with the ability to slow the ball down so the defender thinks they have a sniff, then accelerate away from them.
“Nor is she afraid to shoot when she finds herself in a good position.
“Kyra has an air of confidence about her beyond her years. She seems to know what to do, and be two steps ahead of those around her.”
Gill believes the Sky Blues have a narrow advantage.
“With their form and consistency, I think Sydney could just edge it,” she said.