Sydney FC’s 18-year-old midfielder Maddie Caspers has highlighted club Captain Nat Tobin as a key role model in her football journey, crediting the experienced defender for teaching her resilience and leadership during a challenging season for the Sky Blues.
“I look up to them as role models very much,” Caspers said of her senior teammates. “They’ve taught me about resilience and keeping up the fight.
“Nat [Tobin] has been here for a while and won so many Championships. I really admire her.”
This season has proven to be tough compared with Sydney FC Women’s dominance in previous years, but for Caspers, the adversity presents an opportunity for growth both personally and for the team.
“Last season was a great season for me, and I did come in when we were high,” she said.
“But I think these challenges are going to make me grow as a player. Seeing all the older girls, I think I can learn so much from them, and I’m excited to see where it takes us.”
Having recently completed her HSC, Caspers is ready to fully dedicate herself to helping the team find their stride.
“It was such a good feeling to finish school and clear my head,” she said. “Now, I can focus on football.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s match against ladder leaders Melbourne City at Leichhardt Oval, Caspers emphasized the importance of building on the team’s earlier performance against City, which was one of their strongest showings this season.
“The last time we played Melbourne City, it was probably the best performance of the season from the girls.
“It’s certainly not going to be an easy game, but I think we can build from that.”
Caspers expressed optimism that playing at Leichhardt Oval, where the Sky Blues secured their only win of the season against Western Sydney Wanderers, could provide the spark needed for a resurgence.
“Playing at Leichhardt will really help us, with the fans and everyone supporting us,” she said.
“That game was tough, but that home crowd was special and I think it’ll be a great game this weekend.
“We’re ready to give it everything.”
The Sky Blues return to their recent fortress home of Leichhardt Oval on Sunday evening at 5pm and tickets are available here.
