Kyah Simon made her return to competitive football on the weekend, coming off the bench for the Central Coast Mariners 480 days after rupturing her ACL for Tottenham Hotspur in October 2022.
Meanwhile, Tameka Yallop scored one goal and assisted another as Brisbane secured their fourth win of the season.
Read our review of all of the action below.
On Thursday evening, Western United continued their tremendous record against Melbourne teams, defeating Melbourne City 3-1. Last season’s golden boot winner Hannah Keane scored her first brace of the season while Young Matilda Kahli Johnson – coming off the bench in the second half on her return from injury – made it three.
Chloe Logarzo played the full match and was heavily involved in the action, including assisting Keane’s second goal.
The Big Blue between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC ended in a 1-1 stalemate, an early goal to 16-year-old Maddie Caspers cancelled out by a first-half Rachel Lowe penalty. Sydney FC dominated the chances – despite having only 39% possession – but were not able to make it count.
Jada Whyman and Cortnee Vine started the match for Sydney and both played the full 90 minutes. It is particularly encouraging for Vine, who looks to now be back at full fitness after struggling with injury this season.
Courtney Newbon again took the gloves for Victory as Lydia Williams was ruled out with a continuing ankle injury. Elise Kellond-Knight and Alex Chidiac started in midfield for the home side, while Emily Gielnik came off the bench at half-time.
Western Sydney Wanderers’ four-game winning streak came to a grinding halt on Saturday, as the Brisbane Roar defeated them 3-1 at Marconi Stadium. Despite early Wanderers pressure the Roar struck first, a wonderful through ball from Tameka Yallop finding Kijah Stephenson, who calmly slotted it home.
Holly Caspers equalised before half-time but goals to Yallop – who started the match, and was substituted in second-half stoppage time - and American striker Mia Corbin after the break sealed the result for Brisbane.
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Adelaide United came from behind to defeat Perth Glory 2-1 on Saturday afternoon. The Glory struck first after a nice volley from Hana Lowry, but Perth otherwise struggled to create opportunities. It allowed the Reds back into the game, and goals to Isabel Hodgson – repurposed in the last few games a centre-forward – and Nanako Sasaki either side of the break was enough for the home side to secure three points.
The Wellington Phoenix found themselves back in the winners circle after overcoming Canberra United 2-0. A brace to Mariana Speckmaier gave the home side a two-goal advantage early in the second half. Canberra had an opportunity to get back in the game after Phoenix goalkeeper Rylee Foster was sent off in the 66th minute. However, substitute Brianna Edwards saved the ensuring penalty with her first touch, and Wellington held on to the clean sheet with ten players.
Kyah Simon made her first appearance of the season – and played her first competitive football since October 2022 – as the Central Coast Mariners were 2-0 victors in the F3 Derby against the Newcastle Jets. Chinese international Wurigumula struck early before Paige Hayward made sure of the result late in the second half. Simon was introduced in the 83rd minute to warm applause from the crowd and will be hoping to increase her involvement in coming weeks.
