Francesca Iermano is relishing being a part of Western United’s inaugural Liberty A-League Women side, labelling the team culture “amazing” just two weeks into pre-season.
The 22-year-old believes the togetherness that already exists within the squad will hold the team in good stead heading into its first season.
“The team environment is awesome on and off the field, we’re having a lot of fun and we’ll just continue having a laugh, dancing in the gym and doing nutmegs 24/7 on the pitch,” she said.
“The team culture is amazing so I’m really proud of what we’ve got to so far.”
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Having starred at NPLW Victoria level for FV Emerging and South Melbourne, Iermano was handed her first professional opportunity last season when she signed an injury replacement deal with Melbourne Victory.
After making three appearances in the Liberty A-League, Iermano has now earned her first full contract at the top level and will use her experience to guide her this season with the Green and Black.
“Coming from Victory, I know how the A-League works. I think it’s more just about bringing what I already know from a game perspective into training,” she said.
“I still want to bring the leadership that I got a taste of from Victory. There’s a lot of people with their first year in the A-League, too, so it’s about getting them to register that this is how the league is going to be.”
One of Iermano’s biggest strengths is her versatility on the pitch, having played in a number of positions along her footballing journey.
While freely admitting that she would never be seen at centre-back, Iermano said her versatility will be a positive if it gives her more opportunities for match minutes.
“It has its pros and cons. You want to continue being in the same position, but I realise that a lot of the stuff playing in any position is just the same thing somewhere else on the pitch,” she said.
“I just love playing anywhere on the pitch. Playing anywhere and getting game time is a big win, and I just have to be switched on at all times.”
Iermano and her teammates will continue to build ahead of the Round 1 clash against Melbourne Victory at City Vista Pavilion and Sports Field on Saturday November 19.
