Glory Westfield W-League midfielder Elisa D’Ovidio believes a strong finish to last season and the experience gained throughout the inaugural campaign has Perth on the right path for success.
Glory Westfield W-League midfielder Elisa D’Ovidio believes a strong finish to last season and the experience gained throughout the inaugural campaign has Perth on the right path for success.
Speaking during the Perth Glory Women-s Primary School Cup, D’Ovidio declared that opposition clubs would not catch out the young and talented West Australian side this time around.
The 20-year-old midfielder is confident the players comprehend the intensity level required to compete in the national competition and can deliver from the outset in 2009.
“We are such a young team, we started off slowly because I don-t think we really knew what to expect,” D’Ovidio said.
“In the second half of the season we actually did quite well. We played some great games and got the results but couldn-t quite make up the ground from earlier in the season.”
After a tough start to their inaugural season the Glory women found their feet and registered several impressive results on the run home to remain in contention for a playoff position until the final round.
“We know we can compete and be one of the strong teams and be right up there. I think this year we will see more improvement and I can’t wait,” D’Ovidio said.
“If everyone sticks to their training and what they should be doing then I think we have a really good chance of getting into the top four this year.”
The Glory side can look to an strong list with Collette McCallum and Lisa De Vanna establish Matildas while youngsters Sam Kerr and Ella Mastrantonio are forcing their way into the national set-up through impressive performances.
Add to that list Dani Calautti and Mariana Tabain who have attend national training camps with Matildas’ coach Tom Sermanni, the Glory have a side that has the talent to challenge for the title.
With qualifiers for the 2011 Women-s World Cup starting next year, D’Ovidio said she would strive to put herself in the frame for Australian selection and is inspired by her team mate-s success.
“Every game I try my best and do what I can but I know there’s a lot of midfielders trying to get a spot in there (the Matildas),” D’Ovidio said.
“So I’m going to keep trying and see where I go. Hopefully in the future we can see if I can get up there.
“I think everyone has their own goals but once you keep getting higher and higher you just want to get right up there and achieve all the goals you want.”
“Of course everyone would want to be up there (at the World Cup) but I’m just trying my best to see where I go and if I get there that’s great,” she said.
