Goal-scoring sensation leads City's push for $2m trophy

West Australian

23-05-2025

One of the Matildas' most gifted prospects, Holly McNamara has the world at her feet and a bright future calling.
But first, she's ready to win the biggest club game of her career, and land Melbourne City a bumper $2 million pay day.
McNamara made a scintillating return from injury to charge to the golden boot with 15 goals and help City win the A-League Women premiership.
But she was concussed 10 minutes into the second leg of City's semi-final loss to Central Coast, and the club missed out on a treble.
Thankfully, she had something else to play for.
McNamara was excellent in Wednesday night's Women's Asian Champions League semi-final win over Incheon Red Angels, and is ready for Saturday's final against Wuhan Jiangda.
"There was so much heartbreak around that semi-final, the way it went down. But I'm so glad we regathered ourselves," McNamara told AAP.
"That was a big thing for us, that we knew we had this competition.
"This is such a good feeling now to be in this final - it's hard to put into words."
If City win at Wuhan Sports Centre Stadium, they will earn a $2 million prize packet.
Each player will receive around $47,000 if they win, or $23,000 if they lose.
"In terms of prize money for women's football, it's amazing," McNamara said.
"We're so glad and happy that we can push for that and then get some reward out of it at the end."
It would also be reward for a stellar individual season.
McNamara was shocked when coach Michael Matricciani told her she'd be a central striker, instead of a winger.
It has unlocked another level to her game.
"There's a lot more opportunities in front of goal to finish and obviously score goals," she said.
"It's a bit more direct, and hopefully I can stay there."
McNamara has also gained confidence from Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni starting her at No.9.
"I'm just really glad to be back out there," she said.
"That's what I'm doing at the moment: just trying to really enjoy it and put my best foot forward to hopefully impress, but just have fun."
City veteran and former Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri watched superstars Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord emerge as teenagers, and is now seeing McNamara flourish.
"She's better than they were," Barbieri told AAP.
"While Sammy and Caitlin Foord were already quite technically gifted with their dribbling and things, Holly's touch under pressure and her ability to snap-shot from anywhere, I get to see daily."
She believes McNamara's hard road, including overcoming three ACL tears, will benefit her long-term.
"She's been dealt quite a difficult hand, and the things that she's learned from that is probably going to put her in good stead," she said.
"She's got a good head on her shoulders and she's not about to let stardom get in the way of anything."
That includes a decision on her future after the upcoming Matildas camp.
McNamara, 22, is attracting attention from overseas and also has an offer from City.
"It's exciting to think about, but I'm really just focused on this next game and then going into (Matildas) camp after that," McNamara said.
"My ambition is to always go play in a league overseas, just not sure when that will be.
"I'd love to challenge myself eventually and whenever the right moment is at the right club then that'll come up."
First, McNamara wants to get that medal around her neck.
"Hopefully we can get it done and get the other trophy," she said.
"It'll just be unreal."