Adelaide’s ‘devastating’ finals narrative: ‘Fingers crossed they do it for her’

Adelaide United is poised to enter the Ninja A-League Finals Series without emerging defender Zoe Tolland, who sustained what appears to be a hamstring injury during the last round of the regular season.

Tolland is among only two players from Adelaide to have logged over 2,000 minutes of play during the 2024-25 season, with Ella Tonkin being the only player to surpass her minute tally.

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In her third year with the club, Tolland featured in all 23 of Adelaide’s regular season matches, doubling her appearance count in the Ninja A-League. Unfortunately, during the clash with Sydney FC in Round 23, disaster struck as the 22-year-old was forced off in the second half due to a suspected hamstring injury.

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In this week’s Dub Zone episode, A-Leagues commentator Teo Pellizzeri and Sydney FC icon Teresa Polias shared their reaction to the “heartbreaking” scenes at Coopers Stadium, which threaten to deprive Adelaide of one of their most reliable contributors as they gear up for the Finals Series, starting with Sunday’s home Elimination Final against Western United.

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“This is really tough for Tolland,” Pellizzeri noted. “She missed out on the finals a couple of years ago but has steadily made her way into the squad, accumulating 2,037 minutes of play. Had she not been substituted off, only Ella Tonkin would have outplayed her in minutes at Adelaide, with a tally of 2,070. Both are the only players on the side to have exceeded 2,000 minutes.”

“It’s a real setback for a young talent. Adrian Stenta mentioned at the season’s onset that Tolland had to work hard just to secure her spot on the team – now, having played over 2,000 minutes in the A-League Women’s season, she’s facing the prospect of missing this final and could be uncertain for the remainder of the season, which is truly disheartening.”

“Such scenes are devastating for a player who has invested so much into Adelaide’s campaign this season.”

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“It’s disappointing,” Polias added. “Her reaction says it all – but I can also see her teammates rallying around her. She has had an outstanding season, and while it’s unclear whether she’ll be absent beyond this Elimination Final, I hope the team can secure a win for her and she can make a swift return. It’s a real letdown for her.”

As a vital component of a back three alongside Matilda McNamara and Ella Tonkin, Tolland’s anticipated absence poses a selection challenge for head coach Adrian Stenta, who may need to tweak the line-up to fill the void left by the 22-year-old.

Tiarna Karambasis may step in to fill Tolland’s position in the back three, while Izzy Hodgson and Lucía León, typically employed in wide roles, might also be reconfigured for a central defensive role in the Sunday showdown with Western United at Coopers Stadium.

“It’s a tricky situation,” Polias said. “Lucía León has been in great form moving forward, yet she brings valuable experience to the back line.”

“Stenta has options to consider. I think he will assess everyone throughout the week, but it’s crucial to remember that Elimination Finals can go to extra time, so having flexibility during the match is a significant advantage.”

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As for Western United, they’re arriving in Adelaide with hopes that their captain Chloe Berryhill (formerly Logarzo) will be fit to play following a heavy clash with Wellington Phoenix in their last match of the season.

Injuries have kept Berryhill from participating in a Finals Series for Western, despite being part of the squad during their inaugural two Ninja A-League seasons.

A two-time Ninja A-League Champion with Sydney FC, clinching titles in 2012-13 and 2018-19, Berryhill’s presence on Sunday could be pivotal for Western’s ambitions of pulling off an upset in Adelaide and advancing to the Semi-Finals, where they would face Premiers Melbourne City in a two-legged tie.

“Western has indicated it’s just a cork injury and that she should be fine,” Pellizzeri stated. “Her leadership presence, combined with her ability to score, makes you wonder what was going through Chloe’s mind during that injury.”

“Athletes know their bodies, but missing the last two finals series must weigh heavily knowing this was the last home and away game.”

“This stage is significant, and Western United has sorely missed her across the past two seasons.”

“Absolutely,” Polias responded. “Statistically, they are a stronger side with her on the pitch. She tends to rise to the occasion in crucial matches, so they will be hoping she is back to full fitness for this encounter.”