Home

Princess Ibini eyes special derby weekend

Anna HarringtonAAP
Princess Ibini has started the W-League season in superb touch for Sydney FC.
Camera IconPrincess Ibini has started the W-League season in superb touch for Sydney FC.

The Sydney derby double-header shapes as a family affair for Princess Ibini.

Ibini will play for Sydney's W-League team against Western Sydney at Stadium Australia - just hours after older brother Bernie takes the field for the Wanderers in the same match-up in the A-League.

"It's actually the third weekend in a row that we've played one after another," she told AAP.

"So it's good for the family to be able to watch us play - so we're really happy about that.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

"No matter who he's playing for, I always want to see him play well and do his best."

The Game AFL 2024

While Bernie's move from Newcastle to Western Sydney attracted attention, Princess has started her W-League season with a bang.

The 20-year-old scored two superb goals against the Wanderers first-up and has been crucial to their opening two wins.

"I'm really happy with myself. I'm just getting into my own game and hopefully I can keep it going," Ibini said.

"(Coach Ante Juric) has talked to me about stepping up my game, especially since a lot of the girls have left.

"He's told me to be more involved in everything - so it's been good."

Following the departures of Caitlin Foord, Chloe Logarzo and Alanna Kennedy, Ibini, Rachel Lowe and Taylor Ray have taken centre stage at Sydney.

"We've been lucky enough to all play with each other one way or another before with Young Matildas," Ibini said.

"So we still have that chemistry and connection."

Ibini has played in the W-League since she was 15 and made her Matildas debut at 17.

She still aims to put her name up in lights before the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Most of all, she's relishing a season where young players have gone from bench-warmers to regular starters.

"It's definitely been a season for younger players, and you can see that," Ibini said.

"No-one's playing with any fear, really, the young players are just going out there and doing their thing."

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails