Never short of a trick on the pitch, Matildas captain Lisa De Vanna has proved to be just as effective at surprising the masses off it, as the Melbourne City forward made a shock Women’s Premier League debut for Bundoora United yesterday afternoon.
While there were whispers that the 104 time capped Matilda was looking at playing in the local Victorian competition in the build up to the W-League season, her appearance off the bench in Bundoora’s 2-0 win over Casey Comets was still a shock to the modest crowd who braved the wind at the northern suburbs club.
“It was a decision I made purely based on my body,” De Vanna said.
“I wasn’t too sure [how it’d hold up] after six intense months with the Matildas. After the World Cup, I had a lot of offers to go overseas and I made the decision not to go and just look after the body instead, as I was recovering from an ankle injury.
“While I was doing that, I thought ‘what was the best way to get fit?’ and then I made the decision on [playing in the WPL]. That way I can do my rehab with Melbourne City, train with the NPL boys and I can play with the WPL girls as well.
“But the decision to come to Bundoora [was a separate process]. I considered the Boroondara Eagles as well, but knowing [coach Mark Torcaso, players Enza Barilla, Gulcan Koca] and a couple of others, it made it more comfortable to be around people that I knew.”
The Australian legend signalled her desire to give back to the community who have backed her throughout an illustrious career, which has seen her play at some of the best clubs in England, Sweden and the United States.
“This is my break. For me to play in the WPL is to get back into things and give back to the community as well, because I haven’t really had the chance to stay and play at home,” she said.
“I’ve always sacrificed that for playing overseas and this was a good chance to have my month off [after the World Cup]. Slowly now, I get back into it and prepare for the W-League, because once that hits, Matildas stuff is going to be happening, it’s just going to be another hectic year.”
Her chance to impress came in the 52nd minute, where she took to the field in place of former Melbourne Victory teammate Jess Au.
De Vanna had a number of telling contributions in the contest, carrying the ball with confidence and displaying her usual dogged effort at the contest.
She was involved in the build up to Bundoora’s second goal of the afternoon, applying a backheel pass to Rachel Alonso who then picked out Stacey Papadopoulos for the securing goal.
Despite her impressive debut, De Vanna admitted that she still felt “rusty” after a month away from football; her last appearance coming in the 1-0 defeat against Japan in the Women’s World Cup Quarter-Final.
“I take that as a big complement because I feel rusty,” De Vanna said.
“I know my body, I can feel it. I haven’t done anything in a month, haven’t touched a ball so this was my first comeback from the Japan game.
“I don’t feel sharp, I feel like I’ve lost some mobility, but this is a stepping stone for me to get back [to my peak]. It’s a good competition to help get prepared for the W-League.
“I’m really looking forward [to the rest of the season]. It’s only a short stint but hopefully playing here, I can scout some players and hopefully recruit them.
“From a playing perspective, it’s good to be back but also from a long-term perspective, if I want to get into coaching, then I know where to start. So it’s been great.”
Photos: Adosinda Au