The likes of Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr grabbed attention in last season's W-League grand final.
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Now, the next crop of Sydney FC and Perth Glory talent is ready to take centre stage. And it's happening right in Figtree young gun Mackenzie Hawkesby's backyard.
While Foord has started training at Arsenal and Kerr continues to get comfortable at Chelsea, 19-year-old Hawkesby will pull on the sky blue jersey for Sydney FC's next clash at WIN Stadium this Saturday afternoon.
The former Illawarra Stingray will up against young Glory talent including Hana Lowry and Leticia McKenna.
Hawkesby says it is a dream come true to play in front of her friends and family in Wollongong. Surprisingly, it will be the first time she has played at WIN Stadium.
"I've always wanted to play here because it's such a beautiful field," she said.
"I've never really got the chance so hopefully I will this weekend. It looks so good, the grass is short, green and it's really big field. If I get selected, I'll come out and try do my best.
"I love it down here [in Wollongong], we're excited for this clash. We have a lot of sky blue fans down here and we're excited to get the win.
"The South Coast is so strong, you see a lot of strong teams and the kids that have a lot of talent. I think it's important that they come and support us, and they can follow in our footsteps."
Sydney FC is very familiar with Saturday's opponent.
The sky blues clinched last season's W-League trophy with a 4-2 win over Perth. In their last encounter in December, the sky blues took the honours again by 3-1.
With just two rounds remaining until finals, Saturday shapes as crucial game for Sydney FC. The side sits in second spot on the W-League ladder and a victory would all-but consolidate that position.
Perth holds on to seventh place and are out of finals contention. However, the Glory will be confident after bagging a 4-2 win over Brisbane at home last week.
"They're a really good team and they have shown they can get crucial wins," Hawkesby said.
"They beat Brisbane last week so we're expecting big things from them. We can't take the game lightly."
Hawkesby's journey to Sydney FC began as a junior with Figtree before she moved to the Illawarra Stingrays as a 12-year-old.
Fast-forward seven years and she is enjoying her first season with the sky blues.
Hawkesby has played four W-League games. Her best performance came last week in Sydney FC's 3-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
The speedy midfielder was injected from the bench in the 73rd minute.
With her side holding a 2-0 lead, Hawkesby's highlights including laying the platform for Sofia Huerta's late goal.
"The team is going so good, it was a phenomenal win. We really showed who we are, what we can do with important players missing like [former Sydney FC talent] Caitlin [Foord] and Chloe [Logarzo]," she said.
"I feel like this is what I've always wanted to do, it's the best feeling for me. Sydney's always been my dream club."
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