ROUND 18 OF THE A-LEAGUE WOMEN COMPETITION AT A GLANCE:
THEY SAID IT: "Every game is tough, every season is tough, and this season is the toughest yet." - Sydney FC star Mackenzie Hawkesby reflects on the extended season as the defending champions closed on a return to the top two with victory over Western Sydney.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Hannah Keane is back to her brilliant best. The Western United striker bedevilled Canberra United with her first ALW hat-trick, proving the difference in a 4-2 rout.
KEY STAT: Keane's first goal arrived just 15 seconds into the match at City Vista Reserve - the second-fastest goal in ALW history. Kate Gill (13 seconds) holds that record, for Perth Glory in 2013.
BEAT THAT: Perhaps redefining the word 'multi-talented', Melbourne Victory's Beattie Goad took nine weeks off for a medical study break, then needed just 35 minutes to score two goals and create another against Wellington.
TALKING POINT: Should Wellington's horrific recent record in Australia be put down to physical or mental barriers? The Phoenix have lost eight straight games in Australia, yet have won five of seven games this season in New Zealand.
UNDER PRESSURE: Melbourne City are winless in five, have scored just once in their past three, and are in danger of dropping from the top two.
WHAT'S NEXT: Third-ranked Sydney FC host top side Western United on Saturday in what clearly shapes as match of the round. Perth and Wellington meet on Friday night for another 'distance derby', while Melbourne City and Newcastle finish off the round on Sunday. A stacked Saturday card has old rivals Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory squaring off, with Canberra to battle Western Sydney and Brisbane to host Central Coast.
