After making her starting debut in round one of the Westfield W-League 2014 season Natalie Tobin hasn’t taken a backward step, as she continues to command a starting position in Head Coach Alen Stajcic’s squad.
The 17 year old midfielder has built on her previous two seasons at the club to more than double her minutes played so far and she credits the whole squad for helping get her to where she is today.
“Starting for the first time was quite overwhelming,” she said.
“Each week I feel like I am getting more and more confident as the nerves start to ease a bit and I am finding it easier to play my natural game.
“The girls have been really supportive and our captain T [Teresa Polias] has been great. She has helped me settle into the midfield role and always provides me with encouragement before the games.”
Tobin has set her sights on building on last season’s semi-final exit and still harbours thoughts about progressing with the national team.
“My personal aim this season is to ensure I train and play well enough to start each week for Sydney and get some experience under my belt,” Tobin said.
“With the Young Matilda’s looking to qualify this year I am working hard to make the final squad and travel over to Vietnam in late October and as a team, Sydney will obviously be aiming to win each game and go one better than last year and hopefully make the grand final.”
Sydney FC are undefeated this season, having dispatched the Western Sydney Wanderers at the weekend, however Tobin knows they face stern opposition when they take on Melbourne Victory at Lambert Park on Monday 6 October (kick off 5pm).
“The season has been great so far, especially getting three wins from three,” she said.
“After Melbourne beat Canberra on the weekend 4-2 I think they’ll come out confident and therefore it’ll be vital for us to be on our game.
“They have threats up front that we’ll have to be wary of although hopefully if we just keep playing the way we have over the past three rounds we can make it four from four.”
Come and meet the Sydney FC Westfield W-League team this Saturday 4 October, before seeing the girls take on the Melbourne Victory in a semi-final rematch at Lambert Park on Monday 6 October (kick off 5pm).
BECOME A W-LEAGUE MEMBER TODAY! – Sydney FC’s W-League squad would love your support again as they strive to regain the W-League Championship. See the girls play for just $75 or for the discounted price of $45 if you’re a current A-League Member.
To purchase, simply call 1300 4 SYD FC (79 332) or fill out and return an application form.
