By Ben Gilby
Matilda Böhm has been an integral part of the Azzurri defence for the last three seasons, and is having a stellar 2025 as part of the backline, which has by far the best defensive record in the NPLW WA.
The Perth defence has only conceded 10 goals in 17 league games and for the Germany-born defender, it’s down to two important facets.
“Experience and the trust between us. We cover for each other and know each other’s strengths and how to work as a unit rather than as individuals. Kim (McCartney), Epril (Nossent) and myself have been playing in the backline together since last season which does add stability and confidence. Probably also the fact that we are one of the older players in the team adds to the success.
“I feel like we have a great mix of qualities at the back with everyone bringing something different. Whether this is composure on the ball, timing tackles, one-v-one strength, or communicating, we balance each other out.
“Playing centre back with Kim has been great. She reads the game so well, bringing so much calmness and experience to the game. We complement each other well. Having Epril and Violet (Longmore) as a full backs that have the aggressiveness and confidence in going forward really changes the game and has created enormous amounts of chances and goals for us already.
“Violet’s work rate up and down the line, her pace and long throw ins always impress me. And Epril, being one of the captains this season, leads us on and off the field. Her communication helps us stay organised and she always delivers quality balls into the box.
“Keeping clean sheets is something we take a lot of pride in as defenders and we obviously want to continue with that for the last games and the Top Four Cup.”
Böhm’s footballing career has encompassed three countries, and she’s had some major top level experience along the way, making her the calm and level headed player she is today.
“I started my footballing journey at a very young age in Germany, where I played throughout my school years. Most memorable was winning titles in the under 17 Bundesliga before going to University in Poland.
“There, I played in the Polish top tier for six years, which was very demanding and competitive, especially whilst studying alongside it. I moved to Perth in 2022 and joined Perth SC where I have played since then.
“The NPLW WA is different to the leagues I was part of in Germany and Poland, but in a good way. In my experience, the clubs in Europe focus a lot on tactical play and structure, whereas in the NPLW there is a lot more physicality and freedom of playing.
“However, it is rather hard to compare as I used to have training twice a day which does make a big difference to your game and the functioning as a team. All in all, I am glad for the experiences I gained which I can bring to the game here.”
As Perth’s season approaches its climax, there is the prospect of both NPLW WA and Top Four Cup silverware up for grabs. Böhm believes that whoever comes out on top will have to be arguably the best team that the league has seen to date.
“It’s definitely the most competitive it’s been, with teams having raised their standards and the top four being closer to each other in terms of points than in the last few years.
“The other teams have become fitter and tactically sharper, making it more challenging this year. This makes every game so important because you can’t switch off against any of them. It is great for personal development and also for the future of the league.”
The Azzurri certainly cannot afford to switch off as they will play the other sides in the top four in successive matches over the last three weeks of the season, which makes for a thrilling, if challenging conclusion of the regular season.
“We need to stay disciplined and remind ourselves of how far we have come. I have no doubt in our abilities. If we stay focused, back ourselves and play the football that has gotten us here, there’s no reason why we can’t bring silverware to Dorrien Gardens this year.”