Extra Time: Hill reveals the chemistry behind her deadly strike partnership with Kerr and Mautz

They are the lethal attacking triumvirate, scaring opposition defences and igniting Perth Glory’s Westfield W-League title tilt with their goal-scoring prowess.

Rachel Hill, Alyssa Mautz and Sam Kerr have struck-up an impressive partnership in the early rounds of the 2018/19 Season, with Glory the competition’s leading scorers.

And it’s their deadly trio up front which are doing most of the damage.

PREVIEW: Adelaide United v Perth Glory
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While Glory’s attack has conquered all before them this season, they will face their stiffest test in Thursday night's blockbuster clash against Adelaide United, LIVE on Fox Sports.

The enticing encounter pits the Westfield W-League's best attack against the meanest defence, with the Lady Reds having conceded just one goal all season,  and that was a penalty against Melbourne City last weekend.

The contrast in styles sets up what is a must-see start to Round 6 of the Westfield W-League.

If any side will be confident of breaking down Adelaide's formidable rearguard it will be Glory.

Rachel Hill and Sam Kerr


Their strikeforce of Kerr (4 goals), Mautz (4) and Hill (3) have netted 11 of Glory's 13 goals this campaign, and have developed a near-telepathic connection.

“Obviously Sam and Mautz have played together before and I’ve played with Sam before so it’s just been easy to get on the same page with them,” Hill told www.w-league.com.au.

“I think we’re all similar players in a way, we just got to know each other really quickly and our style of play together really quickly.

“It’s fun playing with them and everything has just seemed too work out for us. Hopefully we can keep it up.”

If the early signs are anything to go by, then they are going to take some stopping.

Of course, Hill’s combination with Kerr began last season in what was the American’s first in the Westfield W-League.

While Glory missed the finals in 2017/18, the pair were a potent attacking force scoring 22 goals between them.

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“It’s amazing playing with Sam. She’s a really fun person to play with and look to combine with on the field.

“And she’s a fun person off the field as well. She’s just always enjoying herself, always having a good time and she is just a really good teammate.”

Both Perth and Adelaide head into Thursday's game equal on eight points from four games, five behind league-leaders Melbourne Victory who have the bye this weekend.

Interestingly, all three of the clubs at the top of the Westfield W-League, missed the Finals Series last season.

“That’s what is so good about this league, it’s so competitive and you really never know who might come out on top,” said Hill when asked about the closeness of the Westfield W-League.

Perth


“Every game you have to go into it with a good game-plan and wanting to win and being motivated.

“In any game you could win or lose, you never know which way it’s going to go.

“We’re going into [the Adelaide game] confident and prepared but know it’s going to be tough.

“We’ve been working on our combination play and working together as a group to try and break their backline, and when we do get our chances to make sure we put them away.”

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This article was originally published on the Westfield W-League website.
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