Since 2021, Rhianna Pollicina has been one of the stars of Melbourne City’s squad, but in recent weeks, the creative midfielder has been asked to play a bit-part role in the league leaders’ pursuit of the Premiers Plate.
The unexpected selection development raised eyebrows on this week’s episode of Dub Zone, as A-Leagues commentator Teo Pellizzeri and Sydney FC legend Teresa Polias questioned what has led to the change in Pollicina’s opportunities under head coach Michael Matricciani.
In City’s last five games, Pollicina has come on as a 70th-minute and 55th-minute substitute, before playing 80 minutes against Central Coast Mariners on New Year’s Eve. Against Sydney FC on January 5 and Western United on January 17, Pollicina was selected to start but withdrawn at half-time, and in the game in-between, was brought off the bench in the fourth minute of added time for a four-minute substitute cameo.
Last season, Pollicina made 23 starts and was used as a substitute on just one occasion.
In her 69 games as a City player, Pollicina has started 64 times.
“It’s an interesting one for such a quality player,” Polias said on Dub Zone.
“She’s not starting some games or being pulled off at half-time, so I’m not sure if there’s something happening there.
Pollicina is battling for minutes in City’s star-studded attacking unit. Leticia McKenna is scoring goals from midfield, while Lourdes Bosch, Mariana Speckmaier and Kathryn Harvey bring class to the squad as the club’s off-season international signings. CommBank Matildas winger Holly McNamara is gradually returning to fitness following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, while Bryleeh Henry is closing in on a return following a concussion.
“They’ve got a surplus of talent there,” Polias added. “And there must be a selection headache every week for the players.
