Tara Murray
Western United’s Emma Robers is keen to make her mark in the A-League Women’s competition this season.
Having been part of Melbourne Victory’s championship squad last season, Robers made the switch to United for its first season in search of a bigger role.
Robers and United have made an instant impact, with the side holding a perfect record after three rounds.
The third of those wins came in extra time, with Robers’ first A-League goal the winner in the dying seconds.
“I can’t really believe that game,” Robers said. “Those sorts of matches come around once in a blue moon.
“The team morale is pretty high right now. We’re on top of the table and you can’t ask for much more.”
Robers said United had taken in an underdog mentality in the season, with not many people expecting much from them.
The group themselves set high expectations and wanted to make a statement.
“The performances we’ve put out as a team so far we’re really stamping our mark in the competition,” Robers said.
“We’ve had a lot of girls playing in the NPL [National Premier League] and Calder [United] and people presumed we would not be competitive.
“We wanted to develop and show that we belong in the competition.”
While United is keen to make their mark in the competition this season, Robers also has that goal personally.
Robers played in eight games for Victory last year, but she was itching to play a more substantial role.
“It has been fantastic,” she said. “Changing clubs for me was a big decision to make.
“Where I wanted to be and challenging for more game time and that starting 11.”
The connection with coach Mark Torcaso also played a big role in Robers making the move to United.
Torcaso coached Robers at Calder United, where they tasted plenty of success.
Robers said that the winning mentality from Calder was flowing through into the Western United outfit.
“Calder I had been there about five years and all those girls are like sisters to me,” she said.
“To play with anyone in the Liberty A-League it would be those girls, I love them.
“We have a team [Western] full of big personalities, but we don’t have any egos in the team.
“We keep a handle and stay in the moment in every game… We keep pushing each other and that’s the definition of Calder and Western.”
Western United had a bye on the weekend. After a hectic three weeks, Robers said that it had come at a perfect time after issues with international clearances, postponed flights, lost passports and playing in 36 degree heat.
“We’re a brand new side and came in and made a statement in the first three weeks,” she said.
“We have to put the past behind us and prepare for what is ahead of us.
“It’s a chance to reset and get our minds and bodies right for Melbourne City.”
United faces Melbourne City next Saturday evening at 5pm at AAMI Park.
