A couple of Australian women’s football veterans have praised Sarina Bolden’s impressive form for Newcastle Jets in the 2023-2024 A-League Women season.
Alicia Ferguson, who played for the Matildas from 1997 to 2007, lauded Bolden’s leadership on the pitch as the Jets are vying for a spot in the Grand Finals of the A-League.
Newcastle is currently in eighth place with 20 points behind a 6-2-7 win-draw-loss record.
“She’s slotted in so well. She’s had the experience of a World Cup, she’s slotted into Newcastle and she just looks like she’s enjoying her football and she’s driving the team on,” Ferguson said on A-League’s Dubzone.
The Filipinas’ lone goalscorer in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup last July, scored eight goals in 10 games and is currently tied for fourth place with England and Western Sydney Wanderers forward Sophie Harding, Bolden’s former teammate.
The 27-year-old Bolden was one of the goalscorers in the Jets’ 3-2 win over Wellington Phoenix FC last Sunday.
Sydney FC star Mackenzie Hawkesby, who played against Bolden twice this season, said playing against the Filipinas forward gave them a hard time due to her explosiveness whenever she rushes towards the goal.
Newcastle has yet to win over Sydney after a 0-1 loss last 10 December and a 1-2 defeat on 21 January.
“Honestly, I think she’s exceptional. When we played her, the intensity that she plays at is through the roof,” Hawkesby said.
“I think she brings everyone around her level up to be honest and I don’t know why that is. Whether it’s from the World Cup but she has an eye for goal, she’s scoring goals.”
“To me, she’s on another level and she’s unreal to play against.”
Bolden is set to play against her former club, Western Sydney Wanderers, on Friday as Newcastle attempts to climb up higher in the league table.
