Melbourne City secured their fifth A-League Women championship with a 3-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix on Saturday at AAMI Park, witnessed by 7,174 fans. The win ties the club with Sydney FC for the most titles in league history.
Match Summary
Holly McNamara scored two goals (41', 43') and Leticia McKenna added a third (49') for Melbourne City. Makala Woods scored for Wellington Phoenix in the 52nd minute. Holly McNamara was named player of the match.
Key Moments
- 5th minute: A penalty appeal by Melbourne City after Bryleeh Henry fell in the penalty area was not awarded. Video Assistant Referee (VAR), used in the A-League Women for the first time, confirmed the on-field decision.
- 30th minute: McKenna hit the crossbar with a free kick.
- 38th minute: A goal from McNamara was disallowed for offside.
- 41st minute: McNamara opened the scoring with a strike from outside the penalty area, following a combination with Danielle Turner and Aideen Keane.
- 43rd minute: McNamara scored her second goal, assisted by Shelby McMahon.
- 49th minute: McKenna scored from a free kick that struck the post.
- 52nd minute: Wood scored for Wellington, converting a rebound after City goalkeeper Malena Mieres saved a shot from Mackenzie Anthony.
- 56th minute: Mieres made a save on a header from Woods.
Season Context
Melbourne City finished the regular season six points ahead of second-placed Wellington Phoenix. The championship completes a domestic double for City, having previously won the premiership (regular season title). It is the club's first grand final win since the 2019-20 season.
Wellington Phoenix, under coach Bev Priestman, appeared in their first grand final in franchise history. The club entered the league in 2021 and had not qualified for the finals in its previous four seasons.
Upcoming Fixtures
Melbourne City is scheduled to travel to South Korea to face Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the Women's Asian Champions League semi-final on Wednesday. A victory in that competition would complete a treble for the season.