Chelsie Dawber is in sensational form, netting six goals in her last six outings, and shows no indication of easing up.
Meanwhile, Adelaide United are enjoying an impressive unbeaten run spanning nine matches, with Dawber’s electrifying performances at the forefront playing a pivotal role in the club’s record-setting streak.
Fiona Worts kicked off the season strongly, quickly climbing to the top of the Golden Boot leaderboard with six goals in her initial five matches. However, Dawber has since taken over the reins, propelling Adelaide into contention for the finals.
After struggling with just one goal in her opening six matches this season, Dawber has now found her scoring touch, adding six goals in the last six matches. Adelaide, once last season’s wooden spooners, is now vying for second place and hoping to secure a finals spot for only the second time in the club’s history.
This week’s episode of Dub Zone featured host Amy Duggan alongside Sydney FC legend Teresa Polias and A-Leagues commentator Teo Pellizzeri. The trio discussed Dawber’s remarkable form at Adelaide, her prospects for winning the Golden Boot, and the qualities that make the 25-year-old striker a prime candidate for selection in the CommBank Matildas.
“It’s the profile of a striker,” Pellizzeri remarked.
“Gielnik and Dawber distinguish themselves from the crowd in the Golden Boot race, which mostly comprises attacking midfielders, wingers, and wide forwards, while Chelsie Dawber embodies the traditional centre-forward. She had stints in the United States and Sweden that didn’t pan out, but now she’s back in Australia.”
“I’d argue she’s returned to her comfort zone.”
Dawber’s seven goals this season puts her just one behind Emily Gielnik, who leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
Like Gielnik, Dawber was left out of this month’s SheBelieves Cup in the United States; the Matildas squad features fellow A-League stars such as Michelle Heyman, Tameka Yallop, Tash Prior, Laini Freier, Chloe Lincoln, Alana Murphy, and Holly McNamara to take on Japan, host nation United States, and Colombia in the tournament.
Nonetheless, Pellizzeri is confident that Dawber, at 25, should be on the radar of interim Matildas head coach Tom Sermanni, thanks to her striking abilities and age being well-suited for the role.
“With so many players recently receiving Matildas caps or call-ups, it’s evident that striker is a position we need to strengthen. Chelsie Dawber has a clear pathway given our current scarcity of players in that role,” Pellizzeri noted.
“If she can continue to challenge Em Gielnik and vie for the Golden Boot, who knows what could be in store?”
“She undoubtedly needs to be on the radar,” Polias responded. “Her season has been phenomenal, scoring almost every week. Surely she’s got to be on that radar by now.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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