Jenna McCormick has juggled the pressure of two teams this season, but her performances hardly show it
For Jenna McCormick, the off-season essentially encompasses a flight from Canberra to Adelaide at the end of the W-League season.
The Adelaide-born defender has started and finished every Canberra United match this season, despite some very physical encounters and is an anchor at the heart of the United backline.
If she was anyone else, McCormick would be lining up for the Adelaide Crows Women against the GWS Giants Women in Round 1 of the inaugural AFL Women’s competition this weekend.
But instead, the dual-code superstar will be playing in an enormous Westfield W-League semi-final at Gio Stadium on Sunday, and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Coming off a 5-1 victory last weekend to claim the W-League Premiership, McCormick said that excitement is high amongst the team this week.
“We’ve all been really excited to get back into training, obviously for semi-finals week,” she said.
“So the excitement is there within the girls as well. I think we’re all just ready to work hard this week and hopefully we’ll see it all out on the field on Sunday!”
As the Crows 3rd pick, and 23rd overall in the AFL Women’s draft, one could have forgiven the Adelaide side for been a bit protective of McCormick, but she says that the club have been fantastic across the W-League season, more than happy for her to see out her commitments in the capital.
“With AFL on the side, it’s a little bit distracting but I’ve been focusing purely on Soccer,” Jenna said this week.
“That’s what I’m here for and that’s what I’ve committed too.
“And the Adelaide Crows have been so supportive in my commitments with soccer, and I’m so excited to head over there when my season concludes here.”
“Hopefully when we win the Grand Final, it will be straight over to the Crows for some AFL.”
Making her 50th W-League appearance in the semi-final makes this an even bigger occasion for McCormick, but after last weekend’s big win over Melbourne Victory, confidence is high for the defender.
“When we play well and score goals we feel really good, she said.
“We’re all pretty pumped and excited, and believe in ourselves that we can win this weekend.”
“And being premiers, the way that it turned out, was fortunate for us but we’re all stoked that we came first and get that home semi-final.”
Kicking off at GIO Stadium at 8pm, the match is sure to be a blockbuster, and fans can purchase tickets here.
Make sure you are bright, vocal and out in force to support Canberra United, but don’t forget to stay safe and hydrated in the hot weather. We can’t wait to #CUinGreen!
