ANNABEL Martin and the Central Coast Mariners seem like the perfect fit.
Both are on their own respective comeback trails, the Mildura soccer export from an injury-hit few years and the A League Women’s outfit rejoining the competition for the first time since 2009.
As the 24-year-old defender lined up in the right wing-back slot at her new home of the picturesque Industree Group Stadium in Gosford against F3 Derby rivals Newcastle Jets last week, she felt the excitement of a new era coursing through her.
More than 5000 home fans witnessed a tough encounter won by the Jets 1-0, compared to last season’s league average of 1,249, but Martin said it’s only the beginning for the squad.
“We obviously know the difficulties of starting from scratch this year, but we’re lucky most of know each other and Emily our coach has been my coach at Sydney Uni for the last two years as well so it is a small world,” she said.
“It was a tough game and very physical which we expected it to be. I think we were unlucky to concede late and it was tough to come away with no points, but it was also a lot of the girls’ first game in the A-League.
“We had a really good pre-season, it’s a great set up here and we’re just keen and willing to get going.
Martin is well aware of the challenges of starting from scratch in the top flight.
The former Young Matildas player burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old for Melbourne Victory, amassing 39 appearances as well as winning the Victory medal in just her third season of A-League Women’s football.
She was also a member of the inaugural Wellington Phoenix squad in 2021 following a stint with Newcastle, alongside a prolific NPL career with Sydney University, including first grade championships in 2019, 2020 and 2022, playing alongside Matildas penalty shootout hero Courtnee Vine.
Martin did admit it was a “weird feeling” being one of the more experienced players in the squad.
“It’s great to be back playing after a few really tough years with injuries so I’m not taking the opportunity for granted,” she said.
“I remember what it was like for me first coming through as a 15 or 16-year-old and the support I was given then, so I’m trying to do the same as much as I can.
“Considering we had six weeks of pre-season and coming together now this is already a really close group and I’m really excited for what we can do this year.”
That excitement will build even more when Matildas star Kyah Simon, who returned to the club from Tottenham Hotspur, makes her comeback from injury.
A member of the first Mariners squad, the attacker has more than 100 Matildas caps to her name and comes in as the marquee signing.
“I’ve played on her a few times and I’ll say it’s much nicer being on the same side as her,” Martin laughed.
“In video footage she picks up on plenty of stuff and can give really good feedback, and we’re really glad to have her as part of our team.
“She’s had some of her own injury issues so we can’t wait for her to join us on the pitch because we’ll only get better with her there.”
The success of the Matildas at the Women’s World Cup on home soil this year hasn’t been lost on Martin either, with the support seemingly carrying over into the new A League campaign.
“I think the World Cup was massive not only for women’s sport and for the sport, but for Australia in general,” she said.
“We were wondering what the support would be like for the season but the community has been so supportive and welcoming, not many of us are from there so we’re glad they have embraced us.”
The Mariners campaign continues when they face Adelaide United in South Australia on Friday night.
