By Emma Burke
Heidelberg United defender Isabella Wallhead caught up with Emma Burke from HUFC Media to discuss all things Heidelberg, her experience with the Young Matildas and what her future is shaping up to look like with her new two-year contract with Perth Glory.
Wallhead was recently on the receiving end of a call-up to a Young Matildas training camp, which saw her travel to Blacktown in NSW for a five-day camp.
A new addition from the start of this campaign, Wallhead has played 11 games so far in the National Women’s Premier League here in Victoria and has also put pen to paper with her home A-League Women’s team, inking a two-year contract with Perth Glory.
“I’m really enjoying playing for Heidelberg, it’s been such a good experience already and we are only halfway through the season. My teammates are honestly amazing, the camaraderie is truly special, and I believe we will do very well this season,” Wallhead said.
“I haven’t been in and amongst the Young Matildas for a while, so getting the call up to attend a camp was quite exciting. I think making the move to Melbourne was a good decision as it’s put me out there more to be seen and all my efforts have been rewarded with the call up.
“I’ve really enjoyed the past three seasons with Glory and I’m wanting to continue improving and hopefully cement my position in the backline in the coming seasons.”
Alex Epakis, Wallhead’s head coach with Perth Glory, recently visited Melbourne to check in with his players amongst the NPLW and took a moment to attend one of Heidelberg’s recent training sessions.
When asked about Wallhead’s fresh contract extension, Epakis backed in the defender as a vital player for the future.
“She has all the attributes – I really believe in what she can do and what she can develop into, so having her for the next two years is important to me,” Epakis said.
“Especially as she’s a WA local, she’s someone who we want to have in the spine of the team going forward.”
Wallhead and the rest of the senior women’s outfit head into round 12 of the NPLW where they host South Melbourne FC. The derby is slated to kick off at 3pm on Saturday June 18.
The Bergers have lost their last two games and will be hungry to bounce back and find their form again.
“I’m very keen for the game this weekend, I think both teams are going to be pumped and fighting for the three points,” Wallhead added.