Hometown player Margaux Chauvet expects big things from Sydney FC when they play for the first time at Leichhardt Oval this season tomorrow night.
Chauvet hopes that a packed suburban venue will create a breathtaking atmosphere and she was confident that Sydney FC would play some of their best football describing the pitch as
‘amazing’.
She also expects a large personal support from family and friends as the ground is close to where she is from.
“I live in Newtown, so it’s fifteen minutes away, and I’ll probably get a few of my mates to come by as well.
“I’m so excited to play here. The pitch is amazing, and I’m excited to see the atmosphere that comes with it.”
Chauvet hopes to inspire younger generations of female football players through the intimacy of the ground which will allow for members to get up close to the players.
“It is the perfect opportunity to get the family down and around in the holidays.
There’s an amazing hill for the family to come down and watch some amazing football.
“I hope the local Inner West community comes around and supports women’s football; it would be amazing to see.”
Chauvet hopes to start her fifth game for the Sky Blues against the Brisbane Roar on Friday night, and it’s a ground she has played at against Sydney FC in the past.
The 21-year-old took to the field against for the Western Sydney Wanderers in a Christmas holiday clash two years ago.
Since the injury of Nat Tobin, the 21-year-old has taken on the centre-defender role and has played 90 minutes in all her matches, securing three clean sheets against A-League and Asian opponents.
She said: “To have an opportunity like this is amazing.
“I am taking it step-by-step and hopefully help the team in any way I can.”
Leichhardt Oval and Sydney FC Women’s history
The Sky Blues have a great history with the suburban oval, scoring 35 goals in their 17 appearances there.
Since their first game in 2009, Leichhardt Oval has also hosted some of Sydney FC’s most famous games, including three Sydney derbies and the W-League Semi-Final in the 2017/2018 season, where the women defeated the Newcastle Jets in a thrilling 3-2 match,
to secure us as grand finalists.
Leichhardt Oval includes the women’s biggest-ever victory, 11-0, to Perth Glory in 2011.
Sydney FC’s most recent match saw them play against the Brisbane Roar in 2022, where goals from Maria Rojas and Matildas player Charlize Rule secured the Sky Blues victory.
The Sky Blues’ game against Brisbane will not mark the only fixture at Leichhardt Oval for the Sky Blues this season.
Sydney FC will play seven additional games and these include:
Sydney FC vs Canberra United on January 3rd
Sydney FC vs Central Coast Mariners on January 17th
Sydney FC vs Newcastle Jets on January 21st
Sydney FC vs Perth Glory on February 3rd
Sydney FC vs Western United on March 9th
Sydney FC vs Adelaide United on March 24th
Sydney FC vs Melbourne Victory on March 31st
When talking about Leichardt Oval, Ante Juric explained:
“It’s a fantastic, intimate ground, and when our Members and fans come out in force, it gives us a real advantage.
“It’s where we’ll play the majority of our remaining games this season, so if we want to defend our titles, we’ll be putting in our best performances here.
“It’s going to be exciting and a nice home venue for us. Our aim is to make it a tough place to visit for opponents, putting in some great performances.”
For Sydney FC Women’s fans, you can purchase a Leichardt 5 Membership for just $75 for adults, including Friday’s clash with the Roar.
