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Not only will the Canadian international be looking to help Perth claim another victory in the Westfield W-League, Zadorsky will have her mother, Mary, watching from the stands for the first time this season.
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| L-to-r: Shelina Zadorsky, Bronwyn Studman and Gabe Marzano. Image provided by Football West. |
“She is my biggest supporter, my biggest fan and her positive attitude really helps me. She’s just a great presence to have around.”
Zadorsky has been a rock in defence this season and her partnership with fellow centre-back Alanna Kennedy is one of the reasons why the league leaders are currently seven points clear of their nearest rival, Sydney FC, with four rounds to play.
The pressure of being the only international signing on Perth’s roster is clearly not fazing the bubbly 22-year-old, who admitted her own surprise at how quickly the new faces in the team have adapted to coach Jamie Harnwell’s game plan.
“It is pretty surprising how quickly we’ve gelled together on the pitch and I think that has to do with the quality of the players and our communication,” Zadorsky said.
“I think everyone has performed their role and that’s the sign of a good team.”
Zadorsky has made the most of her time in Australia, attending major sporting events such as the National Rugby League grand final and exploring the surrounds of Perth with her teammates – and housemates – Gabrielle Marzano and Bronwyn Studman.
“I feel very fortunate to be here,” she said.
“It’s a beautiful place, the people are amazing and everyone has been really welcoming. All the girls have shown me some great spots so we’ve been able to have some fun off the pitch as well.”
Zadorsky, who has just one international cap to her name, will return home to Canada when the Australian season wraps next month.
But the Ottawa Fury captain is already eyeing off a return to the W-League next season as she looks to build a football career outside of her native country.
“When I graduated from the University of Michigan, I really wanted to try and play somewhere professionally and get some experience in an overseas league,” she said.
“This opportunity came up and I’ve loved every minute of it so if the opportunity’s there I would love to come back.”
Glory can secure a home final with a win over the Jets and if third-placed Canberra United fails to claim maximum points from Sunday’s match against Sydney.
The fourth-ranked Jets will enhance their finals chances if they upset Perth, but last season’s wooden spooners will head in to Saturday’s clash as rank outsiders.
Glory has won all four games at home this season and bounced back from a shock loss to Adelaide United a fortnight ago with an emphatic win over defending champions Melbourne Victory last weekend.
“We really just stepped it up as a team and I think every individual played well,” Zadorsky said.
“I was really impressed how we responded (to Victory scoring an early goal) and we just kept playing our game and we created so many chances.
“Credit to their goalkeeper (Cassandra Dimovski), who had an unbelievable game, but I’m just so proud that everyone kept pushing through for a goal. We really played an amazing game.”