team strategy

Tom Sermanni’s final match as head coach of the Australian women’s national soccer team—the Matildas—was nothing short of a spectacle. Three decades after his inaugural appearance on a modest training ground in Canberra, Sermanni guided his team to a 4-1 friendly victory over Argentina before a record-breaking crowd at GIO Stadium. With incoming coach Joe Montemurro in attendance, the match underscored the remarkable evolution of the Matildas and women’s football in Australia. Amy Sayer’s brace, complemented by goals from Emily Van Egmond and Michelle Heyman, secured the fitting send-off for the 70-year-old veteran coach, while also setting a positive tone for the team’s future under Montemurro’s leadership.

Newcastle United continued their irresistible form with a commanding 5–0 victory over Crystal Palace at St. James’ Park, marking their sixth consecutive win across all competitions and climbing into third place in the Premier League.

Arsenal reignited their Women's Super League (WSL) title challenge with a dominant 5-1 victory over Leicester City, spearheaded by an electric performance from Australian forward Caitlin Foord. Her two goals and an assist helped the Gunners move to within three points of league leaders Chelsea with just three matches remaining.

The 2025 Super Netball season is barely two rounds in, but we’re already seeing a major shift in the power dynamics of the league. In a stunning turn of events, the Queensland Firebirds have surged to their best start since 2016, while the typically dominant West Coast Fever sit winless and bottom of the ladder.

South Sydney’s iconic coach Wayne Bennett has firmly ruled out pursuing Manly’s veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, arguing that the ongoing speculation over his potential departure from the Sea Eagles is a distraction that could damage the National Rugby League (NRL) season as a whole. Speaking on Wednesday, Bennett was unequivocal: South Sydney does not have the salary cap capacity to accommodate Cherry-Evans, and he urged clubs to work within established trade windows rather than engaging in last-minute, disruptive moves.

The much-anticipated final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to take place in Dubai, where India will face New Zealand in a high-stakes clash. India enters the final as the only unbeaten team in the tournament, whereas New Zealand, having played across all four venues, brings a well-rounded experience. This final marks a rematch of their group-stage encounter, where India emerged victorious. With both teams possessing strengths and weaknesses, the battle for the championship promises to be an exciting contest.

In a stunning performance on his Champions Trophy debut, Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI century guided South Africa to a commanding total of 315/6 against Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi. Rickelton, who had been in excellent form leading up to the tournament, showcased his ability with the bat, scoring 103 off 106 balls. His innings was pivotal as South Africa, despite a mid-innings wobble, managed to post a strong total in the face of a determined Afghanistan bowling attack.

The Sharks dominated the Raiders in a pre-season clash, winning 40-10 and showcasing standout performances from Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall. This decisive victory not only boosts the team's confidence but also emphasizes their strategic prowess ahead of the regular season. As they prepare for the season opener in Las Vegas, the Sharks are focused on building momentum and teamwork, promising an exciting year ahead for fans and players alike. Read on for a detailed analysis of the game, key performances, and what lies ahead for the Sharks as they embark on their new season.