By Ben Gilby
Young Azzurri midfielder Hannah Collins describes the team’s first ever NPLW WA championship win as a “surreal feeling” – but one that she is immensely proud of as a product of the club’s junior sides.
For Collins, this season’s achievements have been even sweeter because of the fact she began her footballing journey at Perth SC “playing alongside the boys up until the U15s, while also being involved with NTC as an associate.
“Playing with the boys really helped shape the player I am today. I loved the intensity and challenge it brought. I eventually transitioned to NTC permanently, but unfortunately tore my ACL at the start of the season, which was a devastating setback.
“It was my first serious injury and happened during my first season playing with girls, which made it even harder. But my determination to get back on the pitch was what kept me going. I pushed through and played two more seasons with them before aging out and making my return to Perth.
“Returning to Perth felt natural. Even during my time at NTC, I always knew I’d come back as I couldn’t see myself playing for any other club. The atmosphere, the culture, it’s always felt like home to me.”
Collins was part of the NTC side who played Top Four Cup football and also won the State Cup Final against Murdoch University Melville at the Sam Kerr Football Centre. It was her fondest memory of her time as part of that set up.
“It was the first piece of silverware for both NTC and myself, which made it incredibly special. I truly cherished my time at NTC. It felt like a privilege to be part of something so meaningful, surrounded by an amazing group of people.”
The young midfielder describes herself as “not typically the one scoring goals, but I love putting in a solid tackle or setting up my teammates. That’s where I feel I contribute the most to the team.”
That she most certainly has done, being a hugely impressive presence in the middle of the park, both denying opponents time on the ball to break through, and playing telling passes on to team mates positioned ahead of her.
This presence on the field was one of the reasons for Collins being elevated to the team’s leadership group for the season, something that was a challenge initially as a new member of the senior squad for 2025, but one that she has definitely risen to.
“It’s been a learning curve, especially being less experienced than the other leaders,” she admitted, “but I’ve embraced the responsibility and worked hard to set an example. Joining a new environment with an already established team was both exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but the girls were so welcoming.
“We quickly built a strong bond, and that connection was clear both on and off the pitch. The coaching staff have also been incredible – we couldn’t have achieved what we did this season without their support.”
The Azzurri clinched their first NPLW WA title last Wednesday following an impressive 3-1 win at Balcatta Etna in a game played in horrific conditions. For Collins, everything about the game and the performance summed up the team’s season.
“We all knew it was going to be a tough one. They were the only team we had lost to all season, and the weather conditions were far from ideal. Both teams had a lot to prove, and Balcatta had some very close chances. But I’m incredibly proud of the girls we knew how important this game was, not just for us but for the whole club. Everyone gave it everything, and we fought hard to bring home the title.
“Winning the league has been such a surreal feeling. And the group are differently going to celebrate this achievement, then our focus will shift, we’re determined to carry that momentum into the Top Four Cup. It won’t be easy, but if we stay true to our style of football and continue to work hard, we’re ready to take on the challenge.”