Image: Matt Johnson
Football and Melissa Barbieri go hand in hand. When the decorated former Matilda suffered a devastating ACL tear towards the end of last season, many shook their heads in disbelief that, at 36 years old and with two children, the end of such a fruitful relationship seemed to be drawing near.
Of course, it was not to be. It’s been less than a year since Heidelberg United achieved one of the largest coups in NPLW history by landing the former Matildas captain. By announcing Barbieri the coach of their senior women’s side, the Bergers showed the Victorian football world they have no intention of resting on their laurels.
In March this year, Heidelberg had made headlines by signing Barbieri, Asian Cup winner and four-time World Cup veteran, for their 2016 campaign. In an announcement made yesterday afternoon, she signed on as first team coach for next season.
Despite embodying the humility to work side by side with her newfound teammates upon her arrival, the guidance the former Matildas captain imparted was obvious from the moment she appeared at Olympic Park.
In her sole season, Heidelberg crushed Bulleen Lions 4-0 in the Team App Cup final. Despite already succumbing to injury by then, it was clear from the beginning – and her presence on the day – that her passion and commitment was keenly felt across all aspects of the club.
Despite her unshakeable desire to continue playing, injuries finally took their toll on Barbieri. It is fitting then that she will begin a new chapter in her footballing career at the club where she made such an impression, and that impressed her so much in return.
“I saw the potential of the club and the love of the club that the girls have.” Barbieri says. “That sense of loyalty started to grow in me and even though I was only here for a season I formed relationships with the players.”
Although Barbieri claims there was no discussion when she arrived at the club about a future coaching position, on paper there seems few better equipped in both experience and tenacity to take on such a pivotal responsibility.
A natural leader on and off the pitch, upon signing for Heidelberg, Barbieri immediately began mentoring the club’s talent, young and old, spousing the need for the greater level of professionalism that had brought her so far in her own glittering career.
It’s a mandate she appears set to maintain in her new role.
“I want the best for the game and I want the best for female athletes. I won’t be tolerating anything but professionalism.“ Barbieri states, already pulling no punches.
“I won’t be tolerating anything but a great demonstration of the pinnacle of what female athletes should be getting and giving to the game.”
It’s certainly a do-or-die attitude that her teammates at Heidelberg have become accustomed to.
The fiery temperament that Barbieri has become renowned for during her career (many a referee has born the brunt of her infamous vocal capacity) should suit her well in her new position. She is certainly not the kind to make excuses should she not achieve her goals.
“I think where we finished last season is a good platform to go into finals next year.” Barbieri says.
“You can’t go in to a season without saying to the team we want to make finals, but missing out on them by a few points this year really burned for us. We know we can do it, we just have to be consistent every week.”
Valorous attitudes aside, by implementing someone with no coaching experience, the Heidelberg board and Barbieri herself are all too aware there will be substantial obstacles between the Bergers and finals next season.
“I think the squad we have is very strong, I just feel we have to bolster the side in a couple of positions.” Barbieri says, reflecting on the challenges of NPLW football.
“Many girls are at an age now where they may want to get married, start families and travel, some of the girls are missing their families if they’re here from overseas.”
“Right now, I’m going back to all the players to see where they’re at, and if they’re motivated to really take it forward into next season.”
It’s a thought that will immediately cast the minds of Bergers fans back to Leigh Gray, their American import and top scorer last season, who is unsure of whether she’ll return to Australia next year.
“We can’t say anything about Leigh Gray at the moment because there’s a lot of things going on for her.” Barbieri admits. “She was key in us being able to get anywhere near finals last season and we know that.”
“I just think it’s a critical period now where we loosen the reigns a bit, let her have some family time and get things sorted. If she comes back, we’ll welcome her with open arms.”
While Heidelberg fans will have to continue sweating over the possibility of losing their star striker, for Barbieri there are more important things to focus on. Not for the first time in her career, she is now on the cusp of becoming a pioneer for women’s football. Coaching, however, is a whole new ball game.
There has always been a concerning lack of female coaches across the round ball game. Long gone are the days females were seen as ill equipped for the discipline and rigour of a male dominated profession.
When regarding someone as aspirational as Barbieri, it will come as no surprise that making history is firmly within her sights. “Heidelberg understands the NPL is there for a reason, to go on to bigger and better places.” Barbieri says. “They would love for me to one day go on and coach Australia.”
“This is where you start, the name of the game is to keep changing, keep evolving and keep growing. When I’ve met the challenges of an NPL club I would like to broaden my horizons. For now, the challenge is hard enough with the NPL.”
Despite her self-assuredness, experience has taught Barbieri the unfortunate burden too often worn by females seeking to change attitudes in sporting society. If she succeeds, she will again pave the path for females across Australia to follow. If she fails, naysayers will be all too quick to use her as an example.
“Not only on the pitch, but off the pitch and how we conduct ourselves as a club I feel is going to be where my name is either made or broken.” Barbieri claims. “I know we can grow from last season, we’re building a culture where our club will be the pinnacle of the WNPL across Australia.
It must feel strange for a legend of Australian sport to need to prove herself all over again. Unwavering, Barbieri is clear with what she wants, and is as blunt as she is determined in accomplishing what she sets out to.
Her mental resilience could be as much a factor behind Heidelberg’s willingness to take a risk on Barbieri, as is her accomplished record as a footballer. “I have a loud mouth.” She confesses, without a hint of humour. “It’s an underdog mentality.”
One can understand her serious nature. Barbieri has been proving doubters wrong ever since they said a 5’6 teenager couldn’t make it as a world-class goalkeeper.
After all, if it’s a mentality that’s brought her this far, it would take a brave observer to say it won’t take her all the way. In the meantime, it’s an attitude that should be an attractive prospect for the next generation of female footballers, seeking to recreate her success.
For those who wish to learn from her experience, Barbieri has one simple, yet essential requirement “If you’re going to be motivated to do the hard yards, then I want you in my team.”