Article: Jeremy Magan

From the Sykes twins to the Khamis siblings, sisters have played a huge part in Canberra United's rich history and now there is a new pair of siblings who want to create their share of history with the Westfield W-League side.

Impressive week in and week out in Capital Football’s NPLW, 17 years-old Annaliese and 15 years-old Sasha Grove have been making their mark with the Canberra United Academy. The sisters, who respectively play as a center-back and offensive midfielder, have a common goal: playing in the Westfield W-League.

Football is a family affair and the siblings were naturally drawn to it.

“My dad grew up playing football and my mum grew up around all of her brothers playing so it was only fitting once my older brother started playing in his U7’s team that I should play as well when I was old enough,” Annaliese remembers.

“I joined the Academy when I was about 10," Sasha said. "Getting the opportunity to showcase my skills and assets in a trial environment was both exciting and nerve-wracking."

While the opportunity to play in the NPLW alongside each other is not lost on the Grove sisters, they do admit it can be very a competitive rivalry.

“Playing with my sister truly is a privilege," Sasha said. "It offers a unique opportunity to share our own tips and tricks outside of the training environment and at the end of the day you know they will support you no matter what on and off the pitch.”

“We are fortunate in the fact that we can train outside of team practices together very easily,” Annaliese added. “Though, like in any sibling relationship, we do get very competitive sometimes!”

The Grove sisters are two of the capital's top talents, with their own set of skills. Sasha has the technique, accuracy, and decision making that would make any 10 jealous.

“I may not be the fastest in the league and as a smaller player, you need to be adept with your technical game as the height can put you at a major disadvantage,” she explains.

Annaliese demonstrated against the likes of Ashleigh Sykes and Grace Gill all her strength and ability to prevent strikers from expressing themselves freely.

Her composure and ability to read the game make her a top defender, but she is also very skilled ball to feet and brings the danger up in her opponents’ half on several occasions every game.

“I used to play as a wingback, so I have always enjoyed making overlapping runs and penetrating defensive lines offensively. I guess it’s always been a natural aspect of my game, and Scott (Coach O’Donell) encouraged me to break lines more creatively this season.”

Shining in NPLW is already a performance at such a young age, and if the siblings’ ambition does not stop there, they also know it will take hard work.

“I hope to make it into the W-League in the near future and eventually represent my country," Sasha said. "It is a definite goal of mine; however, I know I have a lot to work on both on and off the pitch.”

“Being in the Academy and having been around other women who now are W-League players such as Hayley (Taylor-Young), Laura (Hughes) and Karly (Roestbakken) has been a big motivator for that goal,” adds Annaliese.

“You have to prove yourself in the NPLW before you can earn the callup to Canberra United.”