While most footballers are currently out of action due to the covid-19 pandemic, Football Ferns defender Rebekah Stott is priming herself for ones of the biggest games of her career.

The 26-year-old has been in fine form for Melbourne City, starring at the heart of a defence that has conceded just five goals in 13 games and picking up several player of the month nominations.

She has also been named in the team of the round four times on the way to helping her team to the Australian W-League final.

That match is set to take place under unusual circumstances, with City meeting Sydney FC at AAMI Park on Saturday behind closed doors due to the impact of covid-19.

Aside from being in such fine form throughout the season, Stott played a direct role in getting City to the final by finding the net in the semi-final, in which the Victorians outclassed Western Sydney Wanderers 5-1.

City blew the play-off debutants off the park with a commanding first-half display, Stott finding the net as her side went 3-0 up by the break.

A loose ball broke to the Papamoa-born Kiwi in the box and she unleashed an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net to place one foot in the final.

If Stott and co can complete the job by lifting the trophy on Saturday, it would be her fourth W-League title in a career that has also taken in stints in Germany, America and Norway. 

Despite being such a key player this season, humble Stott is quick to pay tribute to the quality of her team mates. 

“I think as a team we’ve been playing very well together,” she says. 

“It’s easy for me to perform when I’m surrounded by the players that I’m surrounded by, and the professionalism of the club. I think that has helped me a lot.”

New Zealand-based football fans will be able to watch the final of the W-League live on Sky Sport.

Match Details

Melbourne City vs Sydney FC
Saturday 21 March, 3.30pm (5.30pm NZT) 
AAMI Park, Melbourne
#WLeagueGF
Live on Sky Sport 

Article added: Thursday 19 March 2020