The goalkeeper has had two clean sheets and only conceded three goals in the opening five games of the Women’s National League.
She played a big role — along with her defensive lineout the front — in keeping Wellington United at bay to secure a 1-0 win last week.
"Last weekend’s game we were up and it was just really important that we stayed up, because we didn’t want to give them that goal and kind of let them get back in the game mentally," Simmers said.
"I had a few important moments where they could have scored, but I prevented it by coming out and being brave, or ‘quiet aggressive’, I think the commentators like to say."
Simmers, 20, has proven herself as the starting goalie this season, after joining the team when she moved to Dunedin in 2021.
Back then, Southern was considered a middle-of-the-table side, but went on a stunning run to win the South Central series — the national league replacement without Auckland teams because of Covid — and came fourth in the national league last year.
They sit third, and equal on points with second place Auckland United, and are in the hunt for a finals spot at the midway point of the season.
Simmers, who originally played for Central at home in New Plymouth, felt Southern’s preparation this season was strong and they clicked into gear to start on the front foot.
"It’s been pretty amazing how well the girls have come together.
"I think it’s also helped having the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.
"There’s a lot more awareness around the game.
"Our games are on Fifa Plus now and you go and you see the Fifa Women’s World Cup account sharing our next game. It’s pretty exciting."
They were also benefiting from the upgraded facilities throughout the city.
Southern are on a four-game winning streak, and while some teams did not expect that from them at the start, they were
now testing everyone in the league.
"People are probably getting a bit worried when they realise they have to come down and play us."
Simmers, who is in her third year studying medicine, knows Southern needed to remain connected for the rest of the season to push on further.
They are home today against South Island rivals Canterbury Pride.
Canterbury sit sixth on the table and are fresh off a 3-0 win against bottom-placed Ellerslie.
But Southern are ready for another challenge.
It was a case of continuing to do what they had been doing, she said.
"So long as we show up on the day, and we’re ready, and we’re going to work for each other, I think we can beat them."
