DOBSON TELLS HOW CITY ATTRACTS TOP PLAYERS LIKE HERSELF

“For me, City does feels like home and I have very high expectations. The type of person that I am I have a winning mentality so for me being at City creates that atmosphere and that situation of you want to work hard together as individuals and get the best out of each other. 

“City as soon as I arrived it felt like home.”

Back in 2017 when Dobson didn’t know what her W-League plans would be, City approached her with an offer she could not turn down.

“I was going to have the summer off and they just said, look we want you here can you come here and I couldn’t say no to the biggest club in the competition. I have ended up staying because it is a second home. I haven’t looked at going anywhere else. It has been an amazing opportunity.”

 

KEY PLAYERS

Emily van Egmond

Perhaps the biggest signing of this season for the whole league was van Egmond. She has spent a majority of her career with her hometown club, the Newcastle Jets. Van Egmond was a staple in their lineup and on their stat sheet netting 16 goals. 

Her overall 20 goals for the W-League has her on the league’s all-time scoring list at number 20. She is one of the best players that Australia has had in their history and she will be a big asset for City.

And all of her accolades are from the midfield position. One of the top scorers plays both sides of the ball and she is a phenomenal facilitator and defender.

 

Steph Catley

Not only was Willimas key to City’s impressive goals against total, but a lot of that success can be attributed to their defensive line. One of those top defenders is Steph Catley who will be returning for this year. 

One of the most capped players in the W-League is also one of the best defenders. Often dealt with matching up against the opposing team’s top forward Catley proves to make their 90 minutes very difficult.

Known for her bruising tackles and blistering speed Catley will be a top player for City. 

 

Ellie Carpenter

Youth combined with experience describes Carpenter. At just 19 years old she already has 35 appearances for the Matildas including the Olympics and World Cup. Whenever Carpenter plays people often comment that they cannot believe she is so young because she plays with such poise.

This will be the first year she suits up for City and their defence will only get stronger. Imagine having to face both Catley and Carpenter when heading towards goal. 

Not only do international opponents of the Matildas have to face this, now opposing W-League opponents have that problem.

 

ONE TO WATCH

Claire Emslie 

A teammate of van Egmond on the Orlando Pride, City have signed Claire Emslie. The Scottish international joins the W-League for the first time having played in the FA Women’s Super League for three seasons.

Emslie was able to score Scotland’s first ever World Cup goal. Her goal scoring experience will help alleviate some pressure on the other forwards and give City a more  balanced attack.

If Emslie can carry over her attacking success from her previous clubs she could be a breakout star for Melbourne City.

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