“She Could Definitely Be The Player” | Nikki Flannery Poised for Finals Success | Dub Zone Ep.20
Perth Glory defender Natalie Tathem has voiced her heartbreak after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which has ruled her out of representing Australia in futsal at next month’s Asian Cup.
The sorrowful tale emerging from Round 21 of the Ninja A-League unfolded during Perth Glory’s home match against Canberra United, when the seasoned defender Tathem sustained an injury that has now been confirmed as an ACL rupture.
At 29, Tathem, who is deeply committed to her club duties with Perth Glory, was also diligently preparing for the 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup in May, where she was considered a frontrunner for selection in the Australian Women’s National Futsal Team.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE NINJA A-LEAGUE!
DUB ZONE DISCUSSION: Has a coaching ‘masterstroke’ unveiled Victory’s finals ace? ‘The game-changer’
MATILDAS CONVERSATION: Coach challenged to include A-Leagues talent for Korea friendly series: ‘She deserves it’
In this week’s episode of Dub Zone, Sydney FC icon Teresa Polias and A-Leagues commentator Teo Pellizzeri shared their thoughts on Tathem’s season-ending injury, as the double setback of the ACL tear hindered her aspirations to represent Australia at next month’s Asian Cup.
“Tathem has endured an ACL injury before, so this is particularly heartbreaking,” Pellizzeri remarked on Dub Zone.
“She’s also part of the futsal Matildas squad, so if this turns out to be a lengthy recovery, it’s a double whammy for her.”
“Absolutely devastating for Tathem,” Polias added. “It’s always tough to see players suffer injuries like this. She’s such a vital component of the Perth team, and this is a significant loss for them.”
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE NINJA A-LEAGUE!
A top-three finish at the Futsal Asian Cup would secure Australia’s spot at the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup scheduled for November-December this year. Tathem aimed to participate in both tournaments, but having experienced her second ACL injury, the Glory defender took to social media to convey her despair.
“Devastated doesn’t even begin to cover it,” Tathem expressed.
“This familiar story has hit me again—another complete ACL rupture. I find myself questioning everything at this moment. The Nat smile will be dimmed for a while. Another year of rehabilitation ahead, learning to walk, to run, and to feel ‘normal’ once more.”
“Just four weeks away from my first-ever Asian Cup representing Australia, and it’s all gone in an instant. These times are challenging, but I’m grateful to everyone who has reached out. I’ll see you in 2026.”
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE NINJA A-LEAGUE!
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
