The Liberty A-League continues to breed a new crop of Aussie talent, many of which have played a starring role this season, including Victory’s own Alana Murphy.
The 18-year-old was the first graduate from Victory’s Elite Girls Program and has since been a standout talent in the squad, involved in their 2021/22 Championship run and also helped her side in their finals run last term.
Murphy has become a regular starter in the team this season and was heavily involved in Victory’s 2-0 win over Canberra United over the weekend, earning plaudits from Head Coach Jeff Hopkins.
However, the opportunity for a rising star to be mentored by an experienced international like 113-capped Matilda Elise Kellond-Knight shouldn’t be understated as her leadership both on and off the pitch is sure to have a lasting impact.
“(Kellond-Knight) has so much experience,” Lydia Williams said on Dub Zone.
“A number of World Cups under her belt, professionally overseas as well and to have her mentor the midfield, she just says it plainly how it is and how it can be better and what you strive to be and also having Emily Gielnik in there as well, she gives instruction on how strikers like to receive the ball and we have different players.
“We have (McKenzie) Weinert on the wing who loves the ball in behind and then we love Okino who loves the ball at her feet.
“It’s been really educational I think for the team this year of having those really experienced players and how you can kind of have open discussions that’s not coaching points, it’s actually players’ point of view of what do I like and how are you going to get the best out of me.”
The collaborative approach instilled by the experienced heads in the team has so far proven successful for Victory and they’ll be hoping to continue their incredible run next weekend as they face arch-rivals Melbourne City in a bid to close the gap on the ladder.
