Ella Mastrantonio is immensely proud of her 100 game milestone in the Westfield W-League, but the Wanderers midfielder has thoughts only for helping the team bounce back to winning form against Perth Glory at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday.
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Ever the professional, Mastrantonio said she and her teammates are still hurting after their shock 4-0 loss to Brisbane Roar last week – the Red & Black’s first defeat of the season.
While the game against the struggling Glory will be a great opportunity to make amends for the Wanderers, it will also mark Mastrantonio’s century mark in her 11th year in the national competition.
And she says she could not think of a better way to celebrate the achievement than being with the Red & Black.
“I think it is definitely a huge thing and I couldn’t think of a better club to do it with than the Wanderers,” said Mastrantonio.
“But, for me, it will be like just any other game. We need to bounce back after our loss to Brisbane last week which has hurt us quite a bit.
“I’ll be raring to go against Perth, but, just the same, very proud of my achievement.”
The 27-year-old admitted she has had her ups and downs as a professional player.
Born and raised in Fremantle, Mastrantonio started her senior career with her home club Perth Glory in 2008 then went back and forth between Glory and Melbourne Victory over the next nine seasons, racking up 92 games in the process.
Mastrantonio made the move to the Wanderers at the start of the season and hasn’t looked back.
The midfielder has played in all seven games and been integral part of the club’s emergence as a serious title contender.
“It’s been a journey. I have grown and as person and as a player over the years,” said Mastrantonio.
“I am very proud of my achievement and hope to get a win and celebrate just the way I want it.”
Mastrantonio said she has been blown away by what the Wanderers have done for the Westfield W-League side with the signing of so many quality players, the excellent coaching staff and the stunning facilities.
“When I signed with the club I knew they mean business, we all meant business with the squad we have assembled with the coaching staff, the backing of the club,” Mastrantonio said.
“The goals are still to go as high as possible and win everything we can.
“I think we are doing pretty well so far but it is only halfway. It only counts at the end of the season and hopefully, we will have a couple of trophies in the cabinet.
“We just need to bounce back against Perth, who we will not underestimate.
“Last week was just one of those games. We had multiple chances to score before Brisbane did.
“Now we just need to pressure ourselves and challenge ourselves to bounce back in a special way because it will be huge and help set us for rest of season to come home strongly.”
