Milestone Mastrantonio

Wanderer Ella Mastrantonio is set to play in her 100th Westfield W-League game this Sunday.

In what has been the strongest assembled squad in Wanderers Westfield W-League history signing the likes of US stars Lynn Williams, Kristen Hamilton, Sam Staab, Abby Smith and Irish legend Denise O’Sullivan, no stone has been left unturned in terms of recruitment at the Red & Black this season.

But one that has flown under the radar has been the signing of the ever-reliable and tenacious Ella Mastrantonio.

Mastrantonio, who will play her 100th game in the Westfield W-League against Perth Glory on Sunday, has flown under the radar in terms of what she has contributed towards the emergence of the Wanderers as a driving force in the Australian women’s football landscape.

The 27-year-old central midfielder has been pivotal in the club’s charge towards a history-making spot in the W-League Finals, though, outside of the confines of the club, you will rarely hear her name shouted from the rooftops.

But, make no mistake, while she does not get the attention she deserves from outside circles, Mastrantonio is regarded as one of the key components in head coach Dean Heffernan’s overall scheme of things.

That will be even more evident once O’Sullivan completes her eight-game guest stint with the club against Perth Glory at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday.

Combative and competitive, Mastrantonio will gladly take up the extra workload in the middle of the park in the absence of the Republic of Ireland superstar.

Mastrantonio is a tireless worker, who is prepared to put her body on the line in every tackle, while she loves nothing better than getting involved in the attack.

Mastrantonio and O’Sullivan have been a midfield rock for the Red & Black this season combining superbly and complementing each other’s game.

You would expect nothing less from the Fremantle-born and raised Mastrantonio, who has been a W-League ever-present since 2008 when she kicked off her senior career with Perth Glory.

It was during her time with the Glory that the pocket dynamo earned her first cap for the Matildas and has since gone on to earn another five caps.

Mastrantonio’s desire to play for her country still burns strong and, on the evidence of her form this season, a recall can’t be far away.

From then on she bounced back and forth between Perth and Melbourne Victory, logging up 92 appearances in the national competition.

Mastrantonio linked with the Wanderers at the start of this season and it has been no surprise she has been a regular starter for the Red & Black.

Her attitude and positivity around the group cannot be denied and there’s no doubt that Mastrantonio will be going all in Sunday’s match against Perth Glory not only making more history for the Wanderers but also some history for herself.