Perth Glory’s American forward Rachel Hill has maintained the importance of focus going into Saturday’s W-League Grand Final against Sydney FC.
Hill re-joined the Glory after an impressive debut season in 2017-18, where she scored nine goals and gathered six assists, more than any other player in the competition.
The 23-year-old joined Evenings on FNR, and detailed her pleasure in playing alongside Matildas superstar Samantha Kerr up front for Perth.
“It is great, just getting to play beside her is awesome and we definitely have gained more of an understanding of how each other plays, so it’s been really easy to play with her,” Hill said.
“Last year I think we worked together well and this year even more. I feel like we’re connecting and understanding each other even better.”
Hill conceded that it is expected that Sydney will devise a plan to shut down the league’s top scorer in Kerr, but that it could also be an avenue for her and some of her other teammates to exploit.
“Any team would try and stop Sam, they’d be dumb not to try to,” Hill said
“It really just opens up the rest of our team and girls are there to step up and ready to go, so I have no doubt in my mind that we’ll be ready no matter what they throw at us.”
On the game itself, Hill emphasised the need for the team to remain focused in their approach and avoid any unnecessary nerves, but embrace the excitement of the occasion at the same time.
“It’s really exciting, looking forward to it,” Hill said.
“We’re feeling really good, really focused, and I think we’re just ready to get it started,
“Just keeping your mind focused, but not getting you know, overly anxious about it or anything like that,
“Obviously nerves can be good but also just stay composed and keep your mind focused and be ready to go.”
The grand final will kick off at 4.30pm AEDT at Jubilee Oval as the Glory search for their maiden W-League crown.
