One of the fresh faces who have made their way to our A-League Women’s team this season, is that of Lucy Johnson, a young midfielder who signed from NPL Victorian team, South Melbourne.
Johnson has now spent over three works training with her new team alongside league veterans like Gema Simon, Hannah Brewer and Cass Davis and is learning what’s required to perform at the top level.
This season marks the first time the 22-year-old has been part of a professional setup and it’s an opportunity she’s been striving towards for some time.
“Since I was a little kid, I’ve always looked up to the national league players,” Johnson said.
“It’s been something I’ve always been working towards.
“I had a bit of a heads up she [Ash Wilson] was going to contact, and straight away I was keen.
“I’ve moved around a fair bit throughout my life, and I thought ‘why not move to Newcastle?’ I thought it was going to challenge me as a player and a person.”
Although she’s inexperienced at the A-League level, she’s already journeyed across various top teams in her young career such as South Melbourne, Hobart Zebras and Olympia Warriors, and brings a wealth of talent and potential to a strong team.
Johnson said she’s been loving the challenge, and believes her offensive prowess will add to the team’s goals.
“I think I’ll bring a lot of attacking play,” she said.
“I love to play an attacking brand of football. Playing through balls and scoring are definitely what I’ve done throughout most my career.
“I want to become a better player. Hopefully I can get into the squad and be playing on a weekly basis.”
With three weeks, and a few trial matches, still to go before now and the start of the season, the Tasmanian-native is putting in the hard work alongside her new teammates to make sure they hit the ground running come Round One.
Johnson will be determined to be part of the squad to make her league debut and is enjoying learning from her team in order to make that happen.
“It’s nice and challenging playing with a strong group of players,” she said.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with them so far.
“I’m keen to see what I can do. I can’t wait for it.”
