New Calder United co-captain Rachel Binning has admitted the fluidity of her side’s performance in the 2-0 win over Alamein United took her by surprise.
Hosting their first ever fixture against a team expected to contend heavily for the NPLW title, Binning and co. strung together a cohesive and steely 90 minute performance which saw them keep a clean sheet against the attacking talent of Sinisa Cohadzic’s line-up.
“It went better than we expected,” Binning said.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game against Alamein. We’ve heard a lot about them, but we pulled through really well, we stuck together as a team and did everything we’ve been training for through pre-season so it went pretty well.”
“The goal made us push ourselves, know that we could do it. It boosted us so much, we got the talk up and we put in a good effort. It was a good game all round.”
The towering centre-half was appointed captain by her teammates after making a pre-season move from Casey Comets, a period last year which she admits was difficult, as the Comets struggled for form.
Alongside former manager – and now Calder assistant coach – Ian Williamson, Binning believes the pace of the game being played with her new team is allowing her to develop her game further.
It helps justify the move to Calder, despite it being a two-hour round trip to get to games and training.
“I’m from Berwick so it takes about an hour to get here,” she said.
“But I heard that it was going to be a good team and I wanted a change up. I love it here, it’s like a family – definitely worth it and looking forward to the season.
“Playing last year [at Casey Comets] was a bit difficult with all the losses, but this year, it’s so much faster. We’re playing quickly and [it allows me to] look at my options before I play my ball.
“It’s teaching me so much. I think we learnt how quick we can be.”
She’s also being taught on-field by experienced heads such as Melbourne Victory utility Gulcan Koca, who started alongside Binning in the heart of defence.
Despite Koca’s W-League commitments, Binning feels as though their on-field relationship has blossomed naturally in a short amount of time.
“Me and G have only played two games together over the pre-season so to play like that, it was like we’d played together for years.
“We worked really well together.”
Photo: Sarah Vella/Calder United