Emily Condon says missing out on a maiden finals appearance in agonising fashion despite a record-breaking season will certainly serve as an additional incentive heading into the new A-League Women 2021/22 campaign.
“Obviously it was a bit disappointing and heart-breaking to miss out by one goal,” Condon said at the Club’s Flinders Fans’ Day at Coopers Stadium.
“Last season was our best season yet, so obviously we’re looking to build on that again this year and it’s going to be a massive motivating factor for us.”
Condon penned a new two-year contract extension in August as she enters her ninth season with the Reds since debuting in 2013/14.
The attacking midfielder comes into the new season off the back of a superb year with local outfit Salisbury Inter where she completed a historic treble, winning the championship, minor premiership and WNPL and WSL Cup.
Indeed, Condon played an instrumental role in the successful campaign, scoring 14 goals in 22 appearances for Inter.
United’s joint all-time games leader will look to hit the ground running when they commence their season against Melbourne Victory Women in early December as she harbours ambitions of returning to the Matildas setup.
The 23-year-old has one senior cap to her name, recorded back in 2018, and with the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 being played on home soil, there is little need for extra motivation.
“It’s always a goal and a dream of mine,” she said.
“I think for many athletes it’s always a dream to play for their national team and represent their country.
“It’s something I’m always going to push for and hopefully one day I can achieve that, but for now it’s all about playing my best football here week in, week out and just helping the team as much as I can.”
Condon, who scored a career-high four goals last A-League Women season, said the squad is tracking well, but still waiting on the arrival of several girls who remain in quarantine.
It has been a busy offseason for the Reds with a host of new signings moving to the Club.
“We’re still waiting for a couple of players to arrive but we’ve been back for a couple of weeks now so we’re just trying to gel as a team and get as much practice in together before the season starts,” she said.
Condon also discussed how much she liked taking part in the joint training session with the Isuzu UTE A-League side.
“It’s always good to join both teams together and also to have the fans here today,” she continued.
“I think it really just unites the Club and that’s what we’re all about so it was a really good day.”
Match details:
Sunday, 5 December vs Melbourne Victory Women
A-League Women 2021/22 – Round 1
Kick-off 3.35pm ACDT
Venue: AAMI Park
Stream: Paramount+
