Alamein FC have completed a massive double swoop, completing the signings of W-League Young Player of the Year recipient Larissa Crummer, and Box Hill United winger Cristina Cardaci.
The attacking duo made their debut’s in the 3-0 victory against Box Hill this afternoon, Crummer starting and assisting the first goal, with Cardaci – her replacement at half-time – also putting in a vibrant display.
Crummer didn’t register a shot on goal in the game, which was in the end separated by a Melina Ayres hat-trick, but assisted her first after just two minutes with a well-weighted cross.
Cardaci similarly created headaches for the Box Hill defence on her return to Wembley Park, with her trademark turn of pace and darting runs making her a dangerous prospect.
The 18-year-old had a breakout season in 2015, where she established herself as one of the most explosive wingers in the competition with Box Hill.
She made her WPL debut in 2014 with South Melbourne WFC, before making the move to Wembley Park mid-season, scoring two goals for the season – one at each club.
Cardaci further improved in the 2015 season, as the pocket-rocket impressed onlookers with several good displays down the right flank, in a season where she grabbed two goals and a handful more assists.
Coach Sinisa Cohadzic has admitted his delight at snapping up the winger, praising her ability and giving an insight into what is needed to make the next step in her game.
“I always thought of Cristina as a big talent, in my opinion all she needs is confidence to get on the level of the top players,” Cohadzic said.
“She’s got the qualities, she’s a fast player, she’s good an immense turn of speed and at the end of the day all she needs is confidence.
“She’s going to bring great value to us as a team and I’m glad that I’ve got her, especially at the moment with us losing so many players [through injury].”
Reigning W-League Golden Boot winner Crummer joins from Melbourne City, in which she secured a return of 11 goals from 12 league appearances, having previously turned out for Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC, where she made her debut at 16 years of age.
The now 20-year-old has made nine appearances for the Matildas, netting once and also appearing twice in Australia’s 2015 World Cup campaign, showing plenty of promise as a striker capable of leading the lines for her country for years to come.
Cohadzic revealed how he he liaised with both Melbourne City and the National Team to secure the services of the star striker.
“In consultation with Joe Montemurro and the National Team, they wanted Larissa to get back to match fitness and she needed a club to play with,” he said.
“We were happy to accomodate that and help the national team to get her ready for the Olympics. It’s a bonus for us to have a quality player like that and she’ll help us immensely on the run back to the finals.”
Crummer’s signature is a massive coup for Cohadzic’s title-chasing side, who’ve recently lost international pair Hannah Keane and Megan Fish to serious injury.
While attacker Keane should be fine to return midway through the season, Fish is returning to the United States for surgery on her ankle, with fears she may have played her last game for Alamein.
“[Fish] has gone back overseas to recover. So now it’s a proposition of six-eight weeks.
“We’re hoping that it will be six weeks, if it is, we will see her back here.
“With Hannah Keane, she’s probably another three to four weeks off. She’s another great addition to get back for us.”
Feature Image: Graeme Furlong