To celebrate 10 seasons of the Westfield W-League, we chat with Adelaide United Women midfielder, Chelsie Dawber, about playing in her inaugural season and what she hopes to see happen in the future.
Chelsie Dawber insists growing up she was always determined to realise her dream and play for Adelaide United.
And this season that objective was achieved after signing a contract with AUFC Women and has since amassed seven appearances.
“From a young age I’ve always wanted to play for Adelaide United,” she said.
“It’s a goal I set out from maybe when I was twelve when I got into the state program and ever since then I’ve been wanting to play for Adelaide United.”
As one of the youngest players in the team, Dawber revealed she has noticed the difference in intensity compared to the local Women’s National Premier League (WNPL).
She said the imports across the league have improved the standard and specifically stated the four Americans in the Reds squad have brought a wealth of experience.
“Obviously it’s a big step up from the WNPL leagues that we have here,” she said.
“The Americans obviously have a lot of knowledge and bring the U.S. game to here and I think by each team having a couple of imports it brings the quality up.
“And each team obviously having some Matildas players I think the standard is quite good.”
Dawber also discussed what she would like to see occur in the Westfield W-League moving forward.
“From Adelaide United’s perspective I think it would be great if we have more double header games with the men like Brisbane Roar Women do,” she said.
“And I think obviously having more televised games, we only have four this year with only two of them at home games.
“Obviously that’s something for the FFA to look in to but other than that I think it’s pretty well run at the moment.”
Adelaide United host Brisbane Roar in Round 13 of the Westfield W-League 2017/18 season on Sunday, 28 January at Marden Sports Complex.
FFA, in consultation with all key stakeholders, has taken the decision to delay the kick-off due to the expected high temperatures forecast for Sunday in Adelaide. Kick-off is now 6pm.
