A-League women's action returns for round three, with three sides looking to gain an early hold on the competition, as the chasing pack strengthen, with further Commbank Matildas returning home
The matchday kicks off in Blacktown, as the Western Sydney Wanderers look for redemption after a bitterly disappointing defeat to cross-town rivals Sydney FC. Their opponents, Emily Van Egmond's Newcastle Jets, head down the M1 with a major spring in their step, after firing five past a young Wellington side.
It may have technically been another debut in gold for Van Egmond last weekend, but the Novocastrian veteran reminded football fans of the influence the midfielder possesses when given the keys to control her team. The Wanderers are also expected to welcome back Bryleeh Henry to their starting side, after slowly building the forward back to full fitness in the opening two rounds.
The early clash on Saturday afternoon may well see an additional Commonwealth Bank Matilda present, with Adelaide United announcing the return of Dylan Holmes during the week, just in time to face the league's most successful outfit Melbourne City.
Despite taking an early lead in the Melbourne derby last Sunday, Rado Vidisic's side were eventually run down, by a strong Victory performance. Emma Checker and the Cityzens expect success this season, with victory this weekend against Adelaide being the bare minimum.
Saturday night's match between league leaders Melbourne Victory and winless Brisbane Roar may well be closer in score than their ladder positions represent. Both sides a possess a plethora of international stars, with Victory's Australian trio of Kyra Cooney-Cross, Alex Chidiac, and Courtney Nevin now complimented by American superstar Lynn Williams.
On the other side, Brisbane Roar who are traditionally strong in the A-League Women, have been crueled by two devastating losses against Perth Glory to start the season, with late winners deciding both clashes. It will be up to experienced international Katrina Gorry to help steer the Queenslanders back on track, starting this weekend.
Sunday's Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix fixture may well see the third instalment of the 'Remi Siemsen' show, as the Sky Blues forward looks to improve her tally of three goals from two games. Victory's dominance has perhaps taken the shine off Sydney's fast start to the season, but two dominant displays from Commonwealth Bank Matildas Remi Siemsen, Jess Nash and Jada Whyman, has the team primed for another big season.