Photo credit: Dan Ullman – Aptitude Photography
Eliza’s journey with the Northern Tigers is a story of loyalty, perseverance, and passion. Now a key player in the Women’s U23s, part of the Women’s Senior Squad, she’s been with the club for ten seasons – starting at just nine years old in the first ever Girls U10 team. From early injuries to big comebacks, Eliza has experienced the full spectrum of football life.
As the Senior Women’s squad builds on the momentum of last year’s Sapphire Cup triumph, she reflects on what drives the team’s success, what it means to be part of the Northern Tigers family, and her aspirations for the future – both personally and for the team.
The Northern Tigers Senior Women’s squad have had some great success over the past couple of years, including winning the Sapphire Cup last year. What do you put the success of the Women’s Senior Squad to and what aspirations do the team have for the season?
I aspire to win the grand final, of course. I know we can do it. The team is all-powerful and committed. The Senior Women’s squad has a winning mindset; we are all very competitive! And our coaches Danilo, Chris and Finn have something to do with that as well. The aspiration of the team for the season is to stay committed and have each other’s back the entire journey of the season.
What has your experience been like moving from Northern Tigers junior teams into the Women’s Senior Squad?
The senior squad is very welcoming. I moved to the U23s last year but injured my medial ligament in my knee early in the season. I had trained with Coach Pat Sullivan in the Youth League, and he was great. I knew majority of the players who moved to the Women’s Senior squad which was perfect. The football playing is different, we have Matt as the strength and conditioning coach which we didn’t have in youth, as well, the pace and determination in training is so big.
What position do you play, and how many goals have you scored, and assists made this season?
I am usually in midfield, attacking, and sometimes I play as a striker, however, towards the middle of this season I was playing as a joint 6 with one of my teammates. This season, I have scored 3 and assisted in multiple goals, I’m not too sure how many.
Where did your football journey begin?
My football journey began around kindergarten when I played on a mixed team with my primary school friends for the Highfield Family Football Club. The Highfield Family then merged with Lindfield, and I started playing for Lindfield Football Club in the boys’ team.
Please talk us through your football career before joining the Northern Tigers including where and how you started playing NPL football.
I started at Northern Tigers very young, so I didn’t have a football career beforehand. I played for the Highfield Family Football Club for around 2-3 years before it merged with Lindfield Football Club, where I played for the boys’ team until I moved to Northern Tigers at the age of 9 to join the first U10 girls’ team.
What attracted you to join the Northern Tigers?
Northern Tigers were beginning the girls’ SAP (now known as GJDL) program – so I was in the first group and have been at the Northern Tigers ever since.
What would completion of the Home of Football mean to the Northern Tigers Senior Women’s squad?
My pop and grandma like to come and watch me when I play at home. Pop tries to come every week, and sometimes Grandma won’t come because it’s too cold, now she’ll have no excuse. It would be great for the team having supporters coming and it would make an even bigger community.
What characteristics are Northern Tigers teams known for amongst their opponents?
The Northern Tigers teams are always seen as a threat and a challenge. And to also never count them out. Sometimes, the Northern Tigers have bad days, but they should never be underestimated. We are also seen as a very friendly club, welcoming. That could be the reason for lots of players moving to Northern Tigers at the end of a season.
What are your aspirations at the Northern Tigers and in football?
I have had a few injuries over the last few years – ischial tuberosity fracture, concussion and medial ligament – so I am happy to be on the field and playing football. I hope to continue playing high-level football and injury-free.
How important is the Northern Tigers as a pathway for local female aspiring players?
The Northern Tigers as a pathway is essential – I have been here for 10 years and had great opportunities. There is the Talent Support Program (TSP) through Football NSW, as well as participation in the Metro North team at various age levels. Northern Tigers give girls a chance to play at a very competitive skill level, and I have had opportunities to play in semi-finals and grand finals over the years. So, this is the highest level you can play at weekly in NSW – its importance should not be underestimated.
What do you like about the Northern Tigers?
My experience with Northern Tigers has been fantastic; they have listened to me and provided great opportunities. I like that they take their football seriously, but I can still have fun.