Adelaide United Women midfielder, Emily Condon, is eagerly awaiting the beginning of the Westfield W-League 2020/21 season and believes the Reds are well-prepared for the new campaign.
Condon is entering her seventh season with Adelaide and has amassed 60 appearances.
“We’ve been in pre-season for quite some time,” she told AUFC Media.
“But as we’re getting closer I feel like the team is coming together a bit more now, we’re hopefully getting a couple more games under our belts – internals and against boys teams, so it’s all coming together well I guess.”
The Reds kick-off their season on New Year’s Day on the road at Newcastle Jets Women following an opening round bye.
Condon said it was important to make a good start to the new campaign.
“Myself and the team are really looking forward to just getting the season underway,” Condon said.
“Away to Newcastle first game is not too bad, I’m sure if we can go into that game and get our first win it will really set us up well for the rest of the season.
“I think we’ve got a pretty good draw, so hopefully if we get together well and start the season well I think we’ll be pretty good for the season.”
The 22-year-old was also thrilled to be returning to Coopers Stadium for a stand-alone fixture against Brisbane Roar Women in March.
“That’s obviously very exciting to get a game at Coopers Stadium,” she said.
“I was hoping there would be a couple more, but we’ll take the one we’ve got so hopefully we’ll make the most of that game and get the win there.”
The arrival of Joe Mullen as Adrian Stenta’s Assistant Coach has also been lauded by the players with Condon revealing he has brought a lot of knowledge and positivity to the squad.
Mullen, a decorated player with Adelaide City, guided local NPL SA outfit Campbelltown City to four championships between 2013 and 2019 among a range of other honours.
“I think Adrian (Stenta) and Joe (Mullen) work really well together,” she continued.
“I think they’ve known each other for quite a few years, so they’ll be good to bounce ideas off of each other.
“I think the majority of the girls really enjoy having Joe on board, he obviously has a lot of experience under his belt coaching and not just coaching a team but championship winning teams, so that’s good.
“He brings a lot of positivity which I think the girls really like and helps them lift their game up as well.
“He’s always looking for the positives in training and in games which is something really good.”
When Condon is not playing football, she is a personal trainer and launched her own brand, EC Advantage at Mitise Health & Fitness.
The new venture comprises of personal training, strength and conditioning as well as field sessions which are aimed at improving football skills for aspiring athletes in a one-on-one or group setting.
“I’ve been personal training for a bit over a year and then I decided to create my own brand,” Condon explained.
“Where it works on personal training, S&C (strength and conditioning) work in a gym setting, as well as developing soccer skills from the grassroots level up.
“I mean, I’ve been fortunate enough to play soccer at a very high level including making my debut for the Matildas.
“So now as well as working towards my own personal soccer goals, I’m also trying to give back to young female footballers that are striving to play soccer at a high level or just try and be the best player they can be.
“And I think doing so with soccer skills I think trying to educate young female soccer players or athletes in general the importance of S&C work at a young age.
“I know a lot of girls brush off going to the gym at a young age, but it’s something that I’m trying to promote and push.”
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