Ella Tonkin says Adelaide United are ready to reset and respond as they return home to face the Newcastle Jets at ServiceFM Stadium this Saturday.
After a demanding stretch of three matches in a week, the Reds fell short on the road against Canberra, but Tonkin believes the performance was shaped more by fatigue than anything else.
“I think the fatigue was definitely there,” Tonkin said.
“You could see a bit of heavy legs, and we just didn’t have that usual energy that we have – and that kind of cost us.”
Despite the result, Tonkin herself continues to lead with the armband- playing some of the most consistent football of her career. At just 23 years of age, the defender has already made 81 appearances for the Reds, and is the only player in the squad to have played every single minute of the 2025/26 Ninja A-League Women’s season so far.
Her importance to the group is reflected in her role within the leadership group, where she has proudly worn the captain’s armband for the majority of the campaign.
Now, with a full week to recover and prepare, Tonkin is confident the group can quickly return to its best.
“I think we’ll just take that extra rest that we get,” she said.
“We’ve got a full week of training now to refresh our mindset and refocus on the game to come.”
Even in a challenging performance, Tonkin highlighted the belief within the squad – particularly their ability to stay in games and respond.
“At halftime it was just about staying in it,” she said.
“We’ve come from behind before, and we know we’ve got players on the bench who can come on and change the game.”
That depth continues to be a strength for Adelaide, with contributions coming from across the squad throughout the season.
Now, with the finals race heating up, Tonkin says the focus is firmly on bouncing back in front of home fans.
“We’re still very much in this,” she said.
“It’s about resetting, bringing our energy back, and putting in a performance we know we’re capable of.”
With a refreshed group, a full training week, and a crucial home clash ahead, the Reds are determined to respond.
And with the support of the home crowd behind them, Tonkin is confident United can get back to winning ways.
🎟 Be there at ServiceFM Stadium this Saturday and get behind the Reds as they push towards finals.
