Round 3 saw a change at the top of the W-League table with Canberra United reminding everyone (including this writer) why they are the team to beat and Sydney FC demonstrating that they aren't close behind.  

Here are the talking points:

1.  Attack of the Defenders:  This week it appears that the defenders had enough of the strikers taking all the glory (which they do).  Three goals came from central defenders this week with Canberra United duo Caitlin Cooper and Ellie Brush and Melbourne Victory's Rebekah Stott, going perilously close to acquiring altitude sickness.  Cooper and Brush scored from set pieces while Stott somehow bundled the ball over the line.  Must have been nice to see the ball go in the back of the net and not groan!

2.  Western Sydney Wanderers:  Last week the blokes earned their first win and this week it was the women's turn.  Against the ladder leading Perth Glory, the Wanderers put on an improved display topped off by two goals from the live wire Trudy Camilleri.  

The ladies stepped up the tempo and with Servet Uzunlar and Camilleri controlling the midfield, the Western Sydney side got just reward.  And they needed to as a lose would have almost meant their season over with Canberra United and Brisbane Roar to come in the next fortnight.  

3.  ACLs: Okay, so this is more of a talking point for Round 2 but it is relevant all year round.  Round 2 saw three ACL injuries on one day with promising Matilda, and last year's W-League Young Player of the Year, Ashley Brown, Louisa Bisby and Jenna Kingsley all sustaining ruptures.

That takes it to a grand total of 11 (yes 11) ACLs in 18 months.  That can't be a coincedence and we need to find out fast what is cause so many long term serious knee injuries.  Best wishes to Ashley, Louisa and Jenna on their recovery.  

4.  Winging it:  Oh it was so good to see the wingers in full flight this weekend.  After the first two weeks saw much of the play going through the centre, last weekend we saw the return of the true wingers.  Pacy, skilful with probing crosses Marianna Tabain (Perth), Teigen Allen (Western Sydney), Steph Catley (Melbourne), Ashleigh Sykes (Canberra) demonstrated how much havoc a good winger can cause and how much space in the middle they can create.  

Top 5 players for Round 3

1.  Trudy Camilleri (Western Sydney Wanderers) played her part on more than the goal front.  Her early high pressure set the tone for the Wanderers and late tracking back relieved pressure.  It was the second week in succession Camilleri has been BOG for the Wanderers and this time she had the goals to prove it.  

2.  Stephanie Catley (Melbourne Victory) is fast becoming one of Australia's most exciting footballers.  Moved onto the left wing, the former striker is currently Melbourne's most destructive and influential player.  

3.  Ariane Hingst (Canberra United) has assumed the mantle of play maker in Sally Shipard's absence. Like Shipard, the German has had a hand in many of Canberra's goals this season and was again provider for two more last weekend.  

4.  Gema Simon (Newcastle Jets) has excelled in a team that has yet to register their first win of the season.  As we are coming to expect from our full backs, defensively Simon has been solid but it is in attack that she caused the Victory trepidation with her surging runs.  

5.  Hosima Kishi (Brisbane Roar) put in another good performance for the Roar despite them losing 3 - 1.  This is also recognition for her performances in the first three weeks of the season with the Japanese shot stopper pulling out some incredible saves already and would surely be a leader for Goalkeeper of the Year.  

*Are you wondering where the talking points for Round 2 are (and if you aren't, pretend you are)?  Well here is the thing, I had the Round 2 talking points almost ready to go and then received an email that changed last week.  More on that later in the week and I promise not to abandon it next time.