Round 4 saw the two leaders, Canberra United and Sydney FC, unexpectedly drop some points while Perth Glory returned to the summit courtesy of the biggest win in their history. 

1. Fresh blood: Round 4 of the W-League saw some new players enter the competition for the first time.  Some were familiar faces, others new but all made an impact in their matches.  Lisa De Vanna hassled and tormented the Newcastle Jets' defence, Elise Kellond-Knight mastered and controlled the Brisbane midfield and the European contingent displayed their guile and skill to comfortably slip into their respective squads. 

2.  European invasion: Speaking of the Europeans, this year, more than any other, European players have headed to Australia . We have had players from England and Denmark before but  this year the W-League has players from new countries including Sweden, Wales and even Iceland.  

European players are important for the development of the young players in the league.  What the World Cup demonstrated was that, while playing in the AFC has advanced us technically, Australia struggled against physically dominant teams (the Europeans and the Americans).  Any exposure to that type of game (as well as their tactical insight) is great for all-round development.  

3.  Dead Ball Specialists: Caitlin Munoz, Collette McCallum and Steph Catley provided another three stunners this weekend in a season that has seen a marked increase in the number of goals from dead ball situations.  It's not just the frequency that has increased but also the quality and the distance. Defenders, midfielders, strikers; from 18, 20, 25 or even 30 yards out, the ladies are all giving it a shot with some spectacular goals resulting…Goalkeepers beware!

4.  Tactical Battle: What's also noticeable is the number and variety of formations throughout the competition and this week more so. While in previous seasons many coaches stuck to the FFA approved 4-3-3 formation, this year we are seeing a real tactical battle play out. 

Adelaide United set up to play on the counter (with some success) while Brisbane looked to control possession (with total success).  Perth had the more conventional 4-3-3 with Gill as pivot and De Vanna and D'Ovidio flanking (well, you saw the results) up against Newcastle's midfield packed 4-5-1. 

The Wanderers and Canberra United negated one another in a midfield battle at Campbelltown Stadium and, in arguably the most exciting battle of the round, Sydney FC's heavy artillery (Kete, Kerr, Simon, Kennedy, Polias) took aim at Melbourne's unusual three central defender backline (with help from the hard running wing backs).  For formation geeks (myself included), this weekend was a fun game of cat and mouse at all four matches.  

Top 5 Players of the Week (no particular order)

1.  Lisa De Vanna (Perth Glory) demonstrated in what good nick she is in by scoring in her first five minutes of W-League football.  Even with two or three players surrounding her, the striker was no match for the Jets defence creating chances, providing and scoring. 

2.  Abby Erceg (Adelaide United) was again a rock for Adelaide against Brisbane on the weekend.  Defenders don't always get the credit they deserve but Erceg's positioning, recovery, tackling and leadership all deserves to be praised and recognised.    

3.  Louise Fors and Servet Uzunlar (Western Sydney) were an important pairing for Sydney against a Canberra midfield which generally controls the game.  So I am cheating a little, but I couldn't separate the two and neither could Canberra.  One anchored, the other created and vice versa.  The end result was the Wanderers had their fair share of chances to win the game. 

4.  Sian McLaren (Sydney FC) kept Sydney in the game time and again when Melbourne threatened to pile on the goals.  At full stretch, with her feet, commanding the area, McLaren appears to be finally believing she is Sydney's Number 1. 

5.  Stephanie Catley (Melbourne Victory) receives back-to-back nominations.  Finally seeing her in action re-enforces just how good a footballer she is developing into.  Captain for the day, Catley let by example in the wing back position for Melbourne. Barrelling forward, tracking back, dribbling in the midfield she was everywhere.  And to top it all off, a goal.