WPW R2 vs Western Sydney Wanderers | Sun 22nd Oct | 7:45pm | Sky Sports 7

There is a lot to like how that team play. They look very confident on the ball, all the little one, two’s super positive attitude. This could be a fun season. Love it!

martinb

Where’s Fraser come from? Don’t remember much about her, in what was admittedly a very positive pre-season. 

My misso says she's an absolute nightmare to play against. Very skilled. She's been known around the welly scene for a wee bit.

martinb

Where’s Fraser come from? Don’t remember much about her, in what was admittedly a very positive pre-season. 

She was part of that incredible 2018 u-17 WC team that finished 3rd, just didn’t get a pro deal afterwards.

A wins a win,a comfortable one in the end thanks to poor wsw defending. But my that was a hard watch. Like last week, for me the shape is all wrong . Overloaded in midfield, not getting Breslin and  Main into it at all. I'm not sure if Knott coming on or Taylor going to left back was the catalyst for improvement, maybe both were. The squad looks good, Fraser and Elliott show great promise, but nonetheless we came out of that indebted to Barry and Van Der Meer,plus Fosters keeping.   I hope to see different structure next week.

‘a hard watch?’

John McEnroe’s famous quote immediately springs to mind.

Who are you comparing this team with? Japan or Spain from the World Cup?

Yes of course there were mistakes but it was a bloody good performance and an entertaining game.

In my very humble opinion,

Fenix

A wins a win,a comfortable one in the end thanks to poor wsw defending. But my that was a hard watch. Like last week, for me the shape is all wrong . Overloaded in midfield, not getting Breslin and  Main into it at all. I'm not sure if Knott coming on or Taylor going to left back was the catalyst for improvement, maybe both were. The squad looks good, Fraser and Elliott show great promise, but nonetheless we came out of that indebted to Barry and Van Der Meer,plus Fosters keeping.   I hope to see different structure next week.

Great win, so happy for the girls.  Actually final pass in the attacking third was quite poor, especially Elliot who despite her goal has missed all her passes.  Something to improve on next week.  Fraser, Barry, Breslin all really good, concerned about Davidson, her positioning was poor and at times seemed a bit unwilling to track and engage.  Lots of talents in the team and can only get better from here.  Bring on next week and it's gonna be a fun season ahead.

Not impressed by Davidson so far either. But I am by everyone else.

Davidson seemed to be getting really annoyed quickly when doing throw ins.  Hoping that isn't the sign of something toxic.

The defence also let some big gaps sneak in, but then some amazing desperate defence kept them out.

Plenty to work on.

Buuuuuut 3-0 baby!  Some excellent attack which is where we have lacked for 2 years!

Let's win this thing!  Sister City cup down, whole comp to go!

martinb

Where’s Fraser come from? Don’t remember much about her, in what was admittedly a very positive pre-season. 

Hard to believe Fraser was part of the last U20 World Cup but obviously Lewis and Lawerence didn’t rate her any minutes!

Friar Tuck

martinb

Where’s Fraser come from? Don’t remember much about her, in what was admittedly a very positive pre-season. 

She was part of that incredible 2018 u-17 WC team that finished 3rd, just didn’t get a pro deal afterwards.

https://theniche-cache.com/football/2023/8/18/here-are-six-future-football-ferns-to-help-solve-our-goal-scoring-issues

Five years ago, Macey Fraser was one of the stars of the NZ U17s team that earned that legendary third-placed finish. That was in 2018. Fraser was a common sight in that midfield, mostly swapping in and out with Maya Hahn for the second CM spot alongside Amelia Abbott. By the way, Hahn might’ve been on this list too had she not switched allegiances to Germany back in 2020 - in large part due to her frustration in the lack of opportunities around for a stylish player of her abilities within the NZF model. If only she’d been a couple years younger, aye?

It’s been a strange ride for Macey Fraser since that U17 WC. Hailing from Christchurch, Fraser did spend plenty of time with the Canterbury Pride team however her best National League season came when she switched to Southern United in search of more game time. That U17s midfield was there to work hard and play direct. As a team they only averaged 37% possession and had a tournament pass accuracy of 49% (per the Technical Report). They had a spectacular run but it wasn’t by playing smooth, intricate footy. Southern United weren’t exactly Barcelona but they did give Macey Fraser a chance to flex some creative control out there which was beautiful to see.

Better every loop (from the Futsal Ferns Macey Fraser) pic.twitter.com/stq17q1lzM

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) May 12, 2020

Fraser may be short in stature but she’s tenacious on the pitch with a touch like velvet and a willingness to progress the ball - check out her TikTok for all the juggling tricks and flicks. An unmistakable talent... she did do some Future Ferns Development Programme stuff for a bit but she rejected moving to Auckland permanently and instead joined Ole Academy in Wellington (following Maya Hahn’s example). Then she linked up with the Wellington Phoenix when they began their women’s academy. In fact she was one of the players present at the team’s original unveiling (along with Tui Dugan, also from the academy, and Annalie Longo, representing NZF). Now, finally, she’s been given a three-year contract with the Welly Nix senior team. The longest ever issued for a WP women’s player.

I was dreading us getting a draw or letting in a sucker punch goal. In the centre of midfield we are sometimes a bit careless with our short 3-6m passes, Taylor, Fraser gave away quite a few balls doing little cute passes. Obviously the goals paper over that today, but often it was in our own half where a better team or Hannah Keane could have done more damage.

Davidson was unveiled as a winger or attacking fullback. I think she loves breaking forward to get involved around the opposition goal box a lot more than defending 1:1. I’m not unhappy about that at all. Foster has been staying back a lot more so far in these two games, so good balance there. I like that Temple is not afraid to not start Knott or to take off his captain. I loved the energy of Knott today. 

First half we were poor at our final ball- Taylor often over hitting them particularly to Breslin- not seemingly on the right wave length. I like Breslin, Davidson and Speckmaier- their intensity and demands on their team-mates Davidson in particular getting frustrated with her team
Mates not moving enough for her on throw ins. It’s good to have high standards and have team mates hold you to them instead of it always being the coach. 

Riley Foster seems like a great experienced option that Edwards and Alfeld will learn a lot from in how she does things tactically. Eg going long from goal kicks, but playing short to keep possession, and needing to get treatment when we need a break or to calm things down. 

We have awesome depth now, and versatile players that have a good level of experience. 

We haven’t yet seen Robertson, Longo on the field at all this season and Whinham and McMeeken were not in the squad for this game. 

It won’t be too long before Elliot and Fraser are in Football Ferns camps. Just what we need. 

I think there’s a lot more to come from this team and we need to get more people to get behind them and witness this teams play.
Maybe play the women’s game first and if they’re lucky the fans might stick around for the men’s game. 

Forgetting about our team winning or losing, but just from a spectator standpoint: Maybe going to 3 WC matches and seeing some amazing football and amazing athletes has tainted my view a bit but…. I am really becoming a fan of Nix Women's Football. I liken  it a bit to my love of American football; I love the precision of NFL football but prefer to watch college football because there is more passion, more grit, more determination than the pro game, it is just so much more “real”. I make the same comparison (almost) with the Nix Women, some of the basic errors and poor passing were a bit infuriating to start but some of the other stuff was quite astounding, the players play with a real determination and with guts, I love that.

There are a couple of knowledgable posters re NZ women’s football here, can you folks provide some kind of view on my observations? Or is it just me that likes this?

A decent win like that should stir a bit of interest here for the team. Hopefully leads a good turnout at JC stadium in two weeks for our next home game.
Or are they back at Sky stadium

Ranix

A decent win like that should stir a bit of interest here for the team. Hopefully leads a good turnout at JC stadium in two weeks for our next home game.
Or are they back at Sky stadium

Back at Sky Stadium 🙄

RE: Double Headers

I don't think it matters what order you put them in, two games just makes for a really long day. A number of families with younger kids left after the men's game (shout out to the young fella that made it to half way in the Ladies match & was leading chants during it).

RR

RE: Double Headers

I don't think it matters what order you put them in, two games just makes for a really long day. A number of families with younger kids left after the men's game (shout out to the young fella that made it to half way in the Ladies match & was leading chants during it).

Yeah, a double header might be good value, but it's freaking draining. I know I'm ready to go home and charge the batteries after a single game.

I'll probably skip the men on the 4th. Unless there's some kind of discount for women's-only members, that is.

EDIT: Actually, how does that work? The women are going on first on the 4th. Apart from a strong moral compass, what's to stop someone with a women's-only membership just hanging around for the men's game?

oconnoclast

RR

RE: Double Headers

I don't think it matters what order you put them in, two games just makes for a really long day. A number of families with younger kids left after the men's game (shout out to the young fella that made it to half way in the Ladies match & was leading chants during it).

Yeah, a double header might be good value, but it's freaking draining. I know I'm ready to go home and charge the batteries after a single game.

I'll probably skip the men on the 4th. Unless there's some kind of discount for women's-only members, that is.

EDIT: Actually, how does that work? The women are going on first on the 4th. Apart from a strong moral compass, what's to stop someone with a women's-only membership just hanging around for the men's game?

Honestly don't think they'd care

I have a slight preference for double headers done well, but certainly there is a debate to be had. 

A lot of people talk about wanting a smaller/more intimate ground for better atmosphere/viewing but the facts are that those games are generally worse attended across the league. For whatever reason, casuals are more willing to come to a game at the stadium. Standalone games at the main stadium are okay for attendance but expensive to club. Double headers seem to be the best "value" for attendance and stadium use costs but then you get the annoying shark of 3/4 the stadium leaving after the mens game. I wonder how attendance stats compare across the league for having the womens game first vs having it second?

oconnoclast

RR

RE: Double Headers

I don't think it matters what order you put them in, two games just makes for a really long day. A number of families with younger kids left after the men's game (shout out to the young fella that made it to half way in the Ladies match & was leading chants during it).

Yeah, a double header might be good value, but it's freaking draining. I know I'm ready to go home and charge the batteries after a single game.

I'll probably skip the men on the 4th. Unless there's some kind of discount for women's-only members, that is.

EDIT: Actually, how does that work? The women are going on first on the 4th. Apart from a strong moral compass, what's to stop someone with a women's-only membership just hanging around for the men's game?

Womens membership gives you access to the double header games

I stand  by it being a hard watch. These are professionals,and good players. At half time I wasn't sure where we were gonna get a goal from,despite the direct running of Specmaier and the strikes from Fraser.  I just don't think our shape is getting the most out of Foster,  Davidson, Breslin or Main, in particular. 
WSW were pretty dire for most of the second half. I'm far more interested in the way we play rather than the result.
I've not seen any replays,but I watching live i thought Knott added plenty in the first game. If im not mistaken, we have scored all our goals when she's been on the pitch,and haven't conceded one. I'd start her for sure.
Did anyone else think we should have had a pen in the first half,they never showed a replay but I thought speckmaier was clattered from behind.
Anyhow, i think this team is well capable of doing well, and I look forward to watching it.

It's weird for a performance that generated a goal and assist, but I thought Elliot was really poor. Her decision making probably cost us another couple of goals and she butchered a few attacks, lucky we didn't need them. Not judging too much as I know it was her debut, but I haven't seen anyone else who thought that yet and was wondering if it was just me

RR

RE: Double Headers

I don't think it matters what order you put them in, two games just makes for a really long day. A number of families with younger kids left after the men's game (shout out to the young fella that made it to half way in the Ladies match & was leading chants during it).

Makes it about the same length as a day of cricket, which doesn't seem to have any issues retaining crowds for the most part.

Jazzy Jeff

It's weird for a performance that generated a goal and assist, but I thought Elliot was really poor. Her decision making probably cost us another couple of goals and she butchered a few attacks, lucky we didn't need them. Not judging too much as I know it was her debut, but I haven't seen anyone else who thought that yet and was wondering if it was just me

I think Elliot and possibly Fraser were guilty of trying to play in Speckmaier when a better, easier option was a pass to Breslin who was open on goal. Elliot's direct running was nice to see though.

Take it for what it was a 3-0 win, a clean sheet and a second half performance that was outstanding once they got that first goal. Very pleased for them. Now that they know they can produce that kind of game for real, the bench mark has been set. They have to keep pushing forward. 

Soooooo very very pleased for them. 

Fenix

I stand  by it being a hard watch. These are professionals,and good players. At half time I wasn't sure where we were gonna get a goal from,despite the direct running of Specmaier and the strikes from Fraser.  I just don't think our shape is getting the most out of Foster,  Davidson, Breslin or Main, in particular. 
WSW were pretty dire for most of the second half. I'm far more interested in the way we play rather than the result.
I've not seen any replays,but I watching live i thought Knott added plenty in the first game. If im not mistaken, we have scored all our goals when she's been on the pitch,and haven't conceded one. I'd start her for sure.
Did anyone else think we should have had a pen in the first half,they never showed a replay but I thought speckmaier was clattered from behind.
Anyhow, i think this team is well capable of doing well, and I look forward to watching it.

For our personnel we could have Foster and Davidson bombing forward to combine with Breslin and Main, but they mostly stayed back. I didn’t think that Breslin or Main got passed the ball that often to show what they can do. We didn’t keep the ball very long in the attacking third, Overhit passes and sometimes the wrong option- going yourself or not being on the same wavelength seems to be what is stopping us from clicking. Temple has only had 4 games of ALW level to try and work out his best team and formation. Having Longo back will hopefully make a further positive improvement too. 8 of the starters from Saturday were playing in different positions or not in the squad at the beginning of last season so it’s still early days. 
The best thing is that the technical skill of the squad is much higher than in the past and the strength and fitness work seems to be well structured now too, at a professional standard. 
Well done to the Nix. Starting to deliver on the potential. 

Macey Fraser is gifted. Technically so more advanced than the rest and her game sense is very good. Lock her in for a Ferns spot. Best player our country has produced in a very long time.

The game itself was bang average for long periods but a goal seems to deflate the opposition and we capitalised it was exactly what we needed to do.

League is very very poor this year, team who scores first so important as not man teams can play catch up.

better signs than last year so far

Showtime Nixie

Macey Fraser is gifted. Technically so more advanced than the rest and her game sense is very good. Lock her in for a Ferns spot. Best player our country has produced in a very long time.

The game itself was bang average for long periods but a goal seems to deflate the opposition and we capitalised it was exactly what we needed to do.

League is very very poor this year, team who scores first so important as not man teams can play catch up.

better signs than last year so far

I do agree that Macey Fraser had a fantastic game and is a star on the rise. And deserving of some positive attention. But give her time to settle into pro football and put in some consistent performances before you start calling for her to be drafted straight into the football ferns. 
Everytime a kiwi footballer does well everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon (media included) and promote them as the second coming. Alyssa Whinham (remember the similar attention she got) as an example, got that treatment and really didn't go well under the pressure of expectation. Give these young girls a chance to build some confidence first. 

Ranix

Showtime Nixie

Macey Fraser is gifted. Technically so more advanced than the rest and her game sense is very good. Lock her in for a Ferns spot. Best player our country has produced in a very long time.

The game itself was bang average for long periods but a goal seems to deflate the opposition and we capitalised it was exactly what we needed to do.

League is very very poor this year, team who scores first so important as not man teams can play catch up.

better signs than last year so far

I do agree that Macey Fraser had a fantastic game and is a star on the rise. And deserving of some positive attention. But give her time to settle into pro football and put in some consistent performances before you start calling for her to be drafted straight into the football ferns. 
Everytime a kiwi footballer does well everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon (media included) and promote them as the second coming. Alyssa Whinham (remember the similar attention she got) as an example, got that treatment and really didn't go well under the pressure of expectation. Give these young girls a chance to build some confidence first. 

Completely agree with this, was about to mention Alyssa before I saw you already had. Let's not do this thing of overhyping and pushing players so much and putting pressure on them. 

National team footy is a different level of scrutiny especially, just look at the difference in reaction when the Ferns lose a game compared to when Nix women lose a game. By the first int window of next year, 17 ALW rounds will have been played, so maybe then is a good time to bring in any new faces that have excelled at the Nix this year and get them into that squad for the experience, with 2024 Olympics later in the year. 

have you seen our ferns? they are miles off it. Macey is 21....one may question why she hasn't featured already or been held back? she strikes me as tough and strong minded too. 

others gone before her like Alyssa Whinham shouldnt be a marker for her. Ones troubles should not affect someone else's selection. Whinham and some of those others they werent up to it and still arent really. 

treat each individual on their own.

Fraser walks into Ferns squad.

Even off one game it's obvious Fraser is a talent. Strong futsal background. And yes get the impression she's made of tough stuff. Compared to many of her NZ U17 team mates, it's been a slow winding journey to get her first pro fooball gig.

But some of the WSW defending on the weekend was woeful. Almost comical. Just off that game it seems the ALW is a massive drop off in quality from the generally great women's football we saw during the WWC. There is a reason why the Matildas now pick almost their entire squad from outside the ALW.

Yipe see how Fraser & other young Kiwi talents in the ALW are going early 2024, before picking them for the Ferns. Go off a consistent body of work first. Oh & wonder if Miley Clegg is having 2nd thoughts about signing for the Wanderers.

I'm saying she's 21 and quality...yes its just been a couple of games but you know she is the real deal...she will keep producing. i know she has signed for 3 years....maybe she should've signed 1 and allowed for overseas interest...not sure they pay womens transfer fees? so looks like she will stay. Agree A-league quality is poor but some of our ferns overseas are poor too. Name an attacking midfielder in NZ womens football better than her??? a proper #10??  dare say you cannot.

Showtime Nixie

I'm saying she's 21 and quality...yes its just been a couple of games but you know she is the real deal...she will keep producing. i know she has signed for 3 years....maybe she should've signed 1 and allowed for overseas interest...not sure they pay womens transfer fees? so looks like she will stay. Agree A-league quality is poor but some of our ferns overseas are poor too. Name an attacking midfielder in NZ womens football better than her??? a proper #10??  dare say you cannot.

Olivia Chance is one

I'd put Annalie Longo in the conversation

Jazzy Jeff

It's weird for a performance that generated a goal and assist, but I thought Elliot was really poor. Her decision making probably cost us another couple of goals and she butchered a few attacks, lucky we didn't need them. Not judging too much as I know it was her debut, but I haven't seen anyone else who thought that yet and was wondering if it was just me

 I had the same observation but it was her first game.  If she could improve her decision making and keep her head up she could be a much better footballer.

Safire

Jazzy Jeff

It's weird for a performance that generated a goal and assist, but I thought Elliot was really poor. Her decision making probably cost us another couple of goals and she butchered a few attacks, lucky we didn't need them. Not judging too much as I know it was her debut, but I haven't seen anyone else who thought that yet and was wondering if it was just me

 I had the same observation but it was her first game.  If she could improve her decision making and keep her head up she could be a much better footballer.

Elliot and Breslin to a degree showed real willingness to dribble at defenders. But often turning the ball over. Elliot almost try's to bulldoze her way through defenders. I don't think you want to coach this out of players as it gives us variety. But agree head up a bit more will help the decision making. 
What I did really like from this team though was the positive intent and willingness to give things a go. As above didn't always come off, but when it did it was great to watch.

Wynham has stalled... hopefully she recaptured that love of the game. Her and Fraser could play some great footy together.

Big difference though is Fraser seems to enjoy the physical side of the game as well.

wynham wont last much longer. 

Longo more suitable 6 now on age and tired legs, think she will openly admit that. Very good player on her day.

Chance...in the conversation but some would say more left side in a three  or an 8 in a 3 person midfield. 

Probably with kiwis and it has been for years is that they can play too many positions so never fully learn the trade in one. Think Macey Fraser is all out 10 in behind.

If Fraiser plays the rest of the season the ways she's started then she'll be a must pick for the ferns. For me the big difference is that she's 21, thats not too young and certainly old enough to have a little bit of life experience. We aren't talking about a teenager getting  chucked in the deep end.

At the end of the day pressure is part of being a high performer in any aspect of life, those that have what it takes will thrive in that environment regardless of how protected they are.

But definitely agree we can't get too far ahead of ourselves, see how the season plays out.

I don't think it's anything more than frustration from Davidson that her players weren't moving for her throw ins. I don't blame her.

Bananas

Davidson seemed to be getting really annoyed quickly when doing throw ins.  Hoping that isn't the sign of something toxic.

The defence also let some big gaps sneak in, but then some amazing desperate defence kept them out.

Plenty to work on.

Buuuuuut 3-0 baby!  Some excellent attack which is where we have lacked for 2 years!

Let's win this thing!  Sister City cup down, whole comp to go!

Why wouldn't anyone pay women's transfer fees?

Showtime Nixie

I'm saying she's 21 and quality...yes its just been a couple of games but you know she is the real deal...she will keep producing. i know she has signed for 3 years....maybe she should've signed 1 and allowed for overseas interest...not sure they pay womens transfer fees? so looks like she will stay. Agree A-league quality is poor but some of our ferns overseas are poor too. Name an attacking midfielder in NZ womens football better than her??? a proper #10??  dare say you cannot.