Alanna Kennedy described Melbourne City’s impressive 3-0 win over Perth Glory as one of the best team performances of the season and insists her side are hitting their straps ahead of Sunday’s crunch Melbourne Derby at Epping Stadium.
A first-half blitz saw Ashley Hatch, Tyla-Jay Vlajnic and Yukari Kinga all find the back of the net as City bounced back into the Westfield W-League top four with a commanding 3-0 win over Perth Glory on Sunday.
The result sees City move three points clear of the fifth-placed Glory.
Following the match, Kennedy applauded her team’s ability to claim the three points in the must-win clash.
“We knew going into this game we needed to pick up some points and I wouldn’t say we’ve been playing badly but not to our potential,” Kennedy said.
“This game was the one that we needed and I think everyone on the field played well and right to the end as well. I’m really proud of the whole team.
“In the past few games it’s been a matter of our finishing in the final third. We’ve played good City football but weren’t able to finish off games in weeks prior. But against Perth we were able to finish the chances that we had.”
Sunday’s game was the first time this Westfield W-League season that Perth forward Sam Kerr has been kept goalless.
“Each player knows their role,” Kennedy said.
“Sam wasn’t a huge talking point for us but as a defender I know who I’m coming up against.
“As long as we all do our jobs and win our individual battles we’ll come out on top, and that’s what we did on Sunday.”
Speaking on her first season at Melbourne City FC, the Matildas defender praised the professionalism of the club and highlighted her ability to grow as a footballer.
“I think the professionalism here is that next level above the other clubs in the league,” Kennedy said.
“I love Melbourne as a city as well so I’m really enjoying my time here.
“I just enjoy being treated as a professional and I think the players that we have here like to train and act as professionals as well,” she added.
“It’s a really good environment to be a part of and it allows me to challenge myself and get better, which is what you want as an elite footballer.”
Patrick Kisnorbo’s side returns to W-League action on Sunday, when they face Melbourne Victory in the Melbourne Derby at Epping Stadium on January 14, kick-off 4:30pm.
