By Ben Gilby
Kim McCartney is a key part of the Azzurri backline that has only conceded nine league goals in 2025, and also continues to pop up with some sensational long-range free-kicks to add to the team’s offensive tally too.
When it comes to her abilities as a serial scorer of set-pieces, McCartney believes it’s all down to a mixture of studying her opponents and good fortune.
“I try to focus on technique and consistency with free kicks. Sometimes it’s about reading the goalkeeper’s habits and positioning to take the right opportunity and, of course, sometimes there’s a bit of luck!”
That mix of defensive and attacking prowess can be put down to her earliest days, as she takes up the story.
“I grew up in Australind, in the southwest region, playing as a winger and striker, and eventually progressed through the NTC program. From there, I moved into the Premier League in my late teens, playing with Northern Redbacks and Balcatta. The past two seasons, I’ve been with Perth SC.
Over time, McCartney has become a defender of real repute, and with those alongside her this season, has formed such a formidable barrier. Their achievements so far have been hugely impressive with the group knowing each other well and having the all-important ability to read the game well.
“There’s a good mix of experience, which really helps with communication and staying organised,” McCartney explained. “We all trust each other, understand our roles, and work hard as a group.”
Perth’s campaign to date has been extremely positive – a reward for a combination of a hard work ethic mixed with a close bond on and off the pitch.
“We put effort into connecting off the pitch as well as on it. Building those relationships away from football has really helped our team chemistry and made it easier to work together during games. Everyone’s bought into the team culture, and that’s made a big difference.
“As a group, I think we’ve come a long way and built strong chemistry over the first half of the season. Our understanding on the pitch has really improved, and I think that’s been reflected in our performances and results.”
One of the important reasons behind this powerful group identity at the club is head coach Tom Glavovic. McCartney emphasises what he has added to the club this season, saying: “He is passionate and promotes a style of freedom in our attacking play. He empowers the leaders in the group to step up, which has really helped me contribute more to the team.”
With the season soon to head into its final third, Perth have benefitted from a strong start to the campaign to have positioned themselves well for a concerted push for silverware. It’s something that McCartney believes the players are prepared for in a bid to bring a first NPLW title to Dorrien Gardens.
“The league has been really competitive this season, with each week feels like a battle as teams push hard for every result. It’s great to see the overall quality improving and teams showing strong tactical awareness. Fremantle, in particular, have been a real underdog that we’ve struggled against as they’re well-drilled opponents who never make things easy.
“To bring that silverware back this season, we need to trust our group and stay supportive through the ups and downs of the season. It’s important we stay focused in the crucial moments and back each other fully on and off the pitch. If we keep that mind set, I believe we can go all the way.”