The recently nominated Footballer of the Year has seen a shift from super-sub to starting stalwart, and at just 19 years of age, the best is yet to come for this youngster.

Putting away four goals and an assist for Sydney FC this season, there is no doubt Ibini has grown as a player, with her newfound confidence playing an integral part in helping her team progress to the W-League finals.

“I definitely feel like I’ve matured and am playing a lot better this season,” she said.

“Being able to start for Sydney FC has really helped with my confidence, but what’s helped with my performance is the high quality and intensity of the W-League, along with the experience I’ve gained playing in the Future Matildas program.”

It was while Ibini was playing in the Future Matildas program, that people began to really take notice of the up and coming forward.

Although she missed the opener of the 2018/19 W-League season due to playing in the ACF U19 Women’s Championship qualifications, the teenager was still able to give Sky Blue fans an exciting taste of what was to come upon her return.

Driving home five goals for her country, the Condell Park local was crucial in the success of the first round of the Young Matildas campaign to qualify for the AFC U19 Women’s Championship, and will no doubt be just as essential in round two in April.

But for now, the big-ticket item on Ibini’s list is to help her team raise the W-League Championship trophy for the first time in almost a decade.

This will be no minor feat against a Perth Glory side, heavy with world-class superstars.

Coming up against lethal combinations like the all-time joint W-League and NWSL leading goal scorer, Sam Kerr along with the ever-dangerous Rachel Hill, is daunting for even the most experienced of players.