Phoenix leaders heartbroken but proud after historic decider appearance

by Alyce Collett (18/5/26)

Above: The Wellington Phoenix ahead of the 2025/26 A-League Women’s Grand Final. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

For every Grand Final champion there is a vanquished team on the other side of the equation, and unfortunately for the Wellington Phoenix it was them on Saturday afternoon after they lost the 2025/26 A-League Women’s Grand Final to Melbourne City.

But for both the Phoenix captain Mackenzie Barry and coach Bev Priestman, there was an overwhelming feeling of pride post match despite the obvious hurt on their faces.

“I think it was a tough way to end the season, especially since it was so positive for us” Barry said.

“We’ve improved so much. I think we were a super competitive team this season, and just to end on a loss is tough. But I do think Melbourne City were the better team tonight. So to finish second, we’re still really happy with how we performed.”

“I think we didn’t give the best account of ourselves in the first half, and I think when you’re not at your best, a team like City can punish you” Priestman reflected.

“They’ve got the players. I think some of them goals were great goals. But you know what, what I am proud of is I think the second half, we gave a much better account of ourselves. We never gave up, which I think is important.

“But yeah it wasn’t our best night, and I think to beat City with their experience in a grand final, you have to be at your best and, and we weren’t.

“But what I would say is it doesn’t define our season. I think that’s the most important thing. I think we, the players, the staff, have to hold their heads high.”

The question was posed to Priestman about whether her side had gotten overawed in the first half because it was their first Grand Final, and she said that there was “lot of things” at play that affected how her side played.

“I thought we looked tired. [The] extra time last week, the travel, you don’t know these things, right? You’ll only ever know when you unpick it a little bit after the game.

“But, it was a big occasion. I listened to that New Zealand anthem, and players are in tears in that because that’s what it means. They know [what] the bigger purpose was, there’s some Kiwis in that team. You could just see the moment right? So yeah, it may be the occasion, but like I say, I’m super proud. I couldn’t be any prouder of them, and we will be better for this moment.”

Another thing that Priestman agreed on was that she had strong belief that her team would come back hungrier and ambitious to go one step further next season.

“I’ve seen people be at their best when they’re hungry, and I think this leaves a little bit on us, and in many ways it might help us next year, right? To push to another level.” Priestman proposed.

“I’ve got an ambitious club. [The chatter] is about improving for next season.

“I’m at my best in these moments. The hunger, the desire to push forward. I think everybody will channel that now. When we turn up in preseason for next season, we all know what could have been right? And I think what you learn about people in difficult moments is those who then grab it by the scruff of the neck and push forward.

“So I think I’ve got a very dedicated, humble group of players who all wanted the best for the club that they put the shirt on. It wasn’t through a lack of effort, it was just on the day we weren’t at our best, and that’s finals football.”

Barry also said that there was a feeling of hunger amongst the playing group to go even further next season.

“Yeah definitely. We already want to play Melbourne City again and step it up again, because we know that, as you saw in the second half, that we can beat them and create good chances” Barry said.

“It was a slow start, I think, in the first half, and unfortunately they capitalised on our mistakes. But we just want to play them again and have a more consistent performance, and I think we can beat them in the future.”

Barry is one of a few Phoenix players that have been at the club since they joined the competition, and agreed that she had seen “huge amount” of growth in the side since that first season.

“When I first started, it was hard to score a goal or even win a game, so we’ve grown so much” Barry said.

“This season has been amazing for me. I’ve enjoyed it very much. We’ve just gone from strength to strength.

“Even though we’ve had setbacks with injuries, we’ve just overcome them and scored a lot of goals, which is so exciting. In previous seasons, we’ve really struggled to do that.

“We’re an exciting team to watch, and I think that’s great for us.”

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Victors reflect on trophy that was a long time coming

by Alyce Collett (17/5/26)

Above: Melbourne City celebrate after winning the 2025/26 A-League Women’s Grand Final. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

There were plenty of smiling faces wearing light blue in the corridors of AAMI Park last night as the Melbourne City players celebrated winning an A-League Women’s Championship for the first time after defeating the Wellington Phoenix 3-1 in yesterday’s Grand Final.

When speaking to some of the stars of the team last night – including Holly McNamara, Leticia McKenna, Shelby McMahon and captain Rebekah Stott – they all reflected on the journey that the club has been over the past six years, and how much the team has transformed since that title win in 2020.

“Six years is a long time” Stott said.

“So to win this, to get the premiership as well was so special and I’m just really proud.”

McKenna shared similar sentiments about her own journey at the club, as one of the young players brought in as the club was transitioning from a squad full of big name internationals to the one it has now.

“It’s so special” she said.

“I think my first season or maybe two, I spent a lot of time on the bench, and for me that was obviously hard, but I think that’s what’s helped me now is just that personal development.

“The trainings were unbelievable, and I think it’s just helped me now get to a stage where I’m a bit older and a bit more experienced, and we’re always constantly learning and growing in different styles and everything.”

Even for the younger members of the squad like McMahon, having the experience of losing a Grand Final a few seasons ago and having been around the mark but never going all the way for a few seasons now adds to the emotion of this Grand Final win.

“It’s pretty amazing. I mean, the girls deserve it. It’s been three years now where we’ve been really, really close, obviously dominating all season, so I feel like it’s well deserved” McMahon said.

There were extra emotions for McNamara after the win, who could not partake in City’s last Grand Final appearance because of injury.  

“I think this morning I actually realized it was my first Grand Final” McNamara explained.

“Obviously watching the last one was kind of heartbreaking.

“I remember shedding a few tears after that loss because you kind of feel helpless. So I think I just wanted to put my best foot forward today in probably one of our biggest games of the year.”

One name that was never far from the mind of the City players was Rado Vidošić, City’s former manager who took the team to its last title win in 2020 and unfortunately passed away earlier this year.

“ When Rado kind of brought us in, he nurtured us a lot” McNamara said.

“I’m reflecting a bit on that today. Bubs [Melissa Barbieri] and I had a little conversation about Rado and kind of everything that he did for us, and that was kind of for him today.”

 “Rado was so special for this club, and for this team especially” Stott said.

“So to have his input and to have a lot of players who have been coached by him in the squad, I think he was a massive impact on us and we miss him a lot.”

McKenna agreed that he had had a “massive” influence on the group, saying that “when you had that first Zoom call with him, I can still remember parts of the conversation and just how excited I was to be under him and work with him.

“I’ve learnt so much, and still to this day, some of those things he would shout out to me still are in the back of my head, I’m like, ‘Oh, yep, got to get into the pocket kind of thing.’”

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Arsenal dispatch Liverpool at Anfield

Liverpool 1-3 Arsenal

By Damion Arnold (16/5/26)

Above: Alessia Russo (right) and Victoria Pelova (left) celebrating the third Arsenal goal. Photo: Arsenal Website

First-half goals from Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey saw Arsenal hold onto all three points against Liverpool. The possibility of a late comeback seemed doable as Liverpool’s Zara Shaw got one back with 15 minutes left to play.

The first 20 minutes saw Arsenal dominate a large percentage of possession with Liverpool doing well to keep the score level.

However, after a lapse in concentration, the Gunners took the lead in the 21st minute. Russo’s cross into the box sailed through a sea of bodies and found the Liverpool net.

Five minutes later, Stina Blackstenius saw her effort saved well by Jennifer Falk.

In the 31st minute, Falk was forced to produce another save after Russo took a shot from the edge of the box.

That save resulted in a corner, which led to Arsenal scoring their second goal. After a one-two with Katie McCabe, Caldentey ran towards the Liverpool goal at an angle. With space given to her, she struck the ball into the top left corner from close range.

Russo scored her second goal of the game in the 37th minute. Victoria Pelova’s cross found Russo in the box. Her first-time shot beat Falk and nestled into the top right corner.

Not a great deal happened between the 46th minute and the 70th minute. Liverpool was defending deep and allowing Arsenal the ball.

This defensive discipline was awarded as Liverpool scored in the 74th minute. A corner ball into the box was not cleared well and a scramble occurred around the six-yard box. With a flurry of legs flying about, the ball flew into the Arsenal goal with Shaw being credited with the final touch.

With their clean sheet gone, Arsenal retained control of the game as they had some brilliant chances, but they were unable to convert any.

This loss for Liverpool means they finished 11th in the Women’s Super League with 17 points. As for the Gunners, they finished second on 51 points securing themselves a Champions League Qualification spot.

Lineups: Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Falk, Enderby, Clark, Fisk, Bernabe, Nagano, MacLean, Josendal, O’Sullivan, Bergstrom, Olsson. SUBS: Bonner, Csillag, Evans, Holland, Kapocs, Kirby, Shaw, Shimizu, Trueman.

Yellow cards: N/A

Goalscorers: Shaw 74’

Arsenal (4-4-2): van Domselaar, Fox, Wubben-Moy, Codina, McCabe, Caldentey, Pelova, Mead, Blackstenius, Foord, Russo. SUBS: Borbe, Catley, Hinds, Holmberg, Kelly, Maanum, Little, Smith, Williamson.

Yellow cards: Wubben-Moy 40’

Goalscorers: Russo 21’ 37’, Caldentey  32’

Referee: Emily Heaslip

Attendance: TBC

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Premiers become Champions as City win decider

Melbourne City 3-1 Wellington Phoenix

by Alyce Collett (16/5/26)

Above: Melbourne City celebrate after one of Holly McNamara’s two first half goals that helped propel them to winning the 2025/26 A-League Women’s Grand Final. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

Melbourne City have won the 2025/26 A-League Women’s Grand Final after defeating Wellington Phoenix 3-1.

City ultimately showed their class to take the title, with a first half brace from Holly McNamara and a second half goal from Leticia McKenna getting the job done on the scoreboard. Makala Woods did score a goal after City’s three goals to breathe some life back into the game, but the Phoenix could not find any more than that.

McNamara was also named a worthy Player of the Match.

City were on the front foot early and had a strong chance at goal in only the fifth minute of the match, ultimately to be denied by some well timed keeping from Victoria Esson. Leah Davidson also had a strong chance at goal in the 16th minute but her shot ultimately went wide.

Bryleeh Henry was giving the Phoenix defenders plenty of headaches early. She had a canny knack for being able to sneak past the last line of defenders and get herself into some really dangerous positions to either shoot or to cross to someone in a better position to shoot.

The Phoenix had their first proper chance at goal about 20 minutes into the match through Lucia Leon.

She had received the ball from Brooke Nunn after she had gone on an impressive run through the heart of the City formation. Unfortunately for the Phoenix though, Leon’s shot ultimately sailed over the crossbar.

City went agonisingly close to opening the scoring at about the half an hour mark, but an almost perfectly placed Leticia McKenna free kick ultimately smacked straight into the crossbar and then over the top of the net.

Both sides had plenty of time in their attacking final thirds throughout the first half, but just could not tune their shooting radars well enough to find the back of the net.

City thought they had the opener in the 37th minute through McNamara, but it was ruled invalid after it was determined Karly Roestbakken was offside.

McNamara did not have to wait much longer to get a valid goal though, when she scored an absolute banger from outside the 18 yard box about three minutes later.

She had a brace literally two minutes later when she was fed through the ball on the opposite wing by Shelby McMahon, and then curled the ball perfectly around Esson in the Phoenix net.

This three minute window totally flipped the game on its head, and gave the home side a very comfortable buffer heading into half time.

City found a third mere minutes into the second half when McKenna joined in on the long distance goal scoring fun, also scoring a goal from outside the 18 yard box.

After being on the back foot for much of the match thus far, the Phoenix managed to breathe some life minutes after McKenna goal, when Woods tapped home a goal after a scramble in the box.

This goal started a good run of attacking time for Wellington, but some superb goal keeping from Malena Mires saved City on a number of occasions.

The Phoenix kept fighting hard and did have plenty of chances to cull more of the deficit, but couldn’t make any of them count and ultimately ran out of time to score any more goals.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (3-4-1-2): Mires, Turner, Otto, McKenna, McNamara, McMahon, Stott, Roestbakken, Davidson, Keane, Henry. Substitutes: Wilson, Butrus, Apostolakis, Jackson, Hughes, Karic, Barbieri.

Scorers: McNamara 41’, 43’, McKenna 49’

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-4-2): Esson,Barry, Walker, Jale, Elliott, Leon, van der Meer, Nunn, Vlok, Woods, Pijenburg. Substitutes: Jaber, Fraser, Brazendale, Wall, Benson, Anthony, Danieli.

Scorers: Woods 51’,

Referee: Isabella Mossin.

Attendance: 7,174.

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Coaches’ Corner: A-League Women’s Grand Final 2026

by Alyce Collett (16/5/26)

Above: Michael Matricciani (left) and Bev Priestman (right) are preparing to lead their sides into this afternoon’s A-League Women’s Grand Final. Photo: via A-Leagues.

Today is the day, the biggest day on the A-League Women’s calendar – Grand Final day.

This afternoon we will see a new champion of the A-League Women’s, but will it be perennial title contenders Melbourne City or will it be first time Grand Finalists the Wellington Phoenix?

“I think, you know, this club deserves this moment” Bev Priestman said to the media earlier this week, acknowledging how momentous it is for the Phoenix to have finally made the Grand Final.

“[It’s] five years in the making. I’m really excited to see the club and the players, you someone particularly like a Mac [Mackenzie Barry] who’s been pushing for five years to get to this point.

“I think for us, we have to go in and enjoy the moment, but not enjoy it too much. I think we have to stick to the process, stick to the things that have got us here. But at the same time, I think when we enjoy ourselves, we play our best football.

“So I think it’ll be a case of managing moments, which is what I think finals are about. It’s the team that can manage the moments the best. But I also think let the team take in the moment, enjoy the moment, and hopefully we can deliver on our 100th game something really, really special for this club.”

On the flipside, City have plenty of big game experience, having been perennial title contenders for a few seasons now.

“I think it’s the same, to be honest” City coach Michael Matricciani explained to the media earlier this week about how the past week has gone.

“Obviously there’s a bit more excitement, a bit more media. But otherwise, I think we’re in a situation where we take it one game at a time. There’s been a slightly little distraction of that we need to leave the next morning to go to South Korea [for the Women’s Asian Champions League Semi Final]. So I think that’s been a nice distraction to start planning and getting things ready for that as well.

“But we’ve had four training sessions, and we’ve worked on a lot of things that we still feel we can improve on, and then there’s some things that we think that we can exploit Wellington on.”

It may be Wellington’s first Grand Final but it is certainly not Priestman’s, with the Englishwoman having taken Canada to Olympic gold when she was head coach of their women’s national team.

She explained that “I think belief is a big part” of the secret to winning one-off big games.

“I think the group coming off last week and the season has high confidence.”

Thinking back to the gold medal winning tournament she coached at the Tokyo Olympics five years ago, Priestman said that “a real togetherness was a key part of that gold medal. But I also think you’ve got to get your energy and you’ve got to manage the energy.

“I think a big sort of watch-out for me this week, a little bit like the gold medal where you beat US for the first time in 19 years, it was 19 years in the making the last semifinal [last weekend]. So I think we’ve got to be careful that that wasn’t our final, and that actually get your energy back. We go again. “

“This is why we’re here, and we’re here not just to take part in a Grand Final. I believe, if we show up and we catch ourselves on a good day and we get Melbourne City maybe on a bad day, it’s, it’s there for the taking.”

Meanwhile for the home side, their coach has a clear plan for how to come away with the title this afternoon.

“They’re a very good side” Matricciani said about the Phoenix.

“I think when we played them in round six or round seven when they came to Casey [Fields], I think they were in our face. They went person-on-person pressing on us, and we weren’t expecting that, so I think they were better on that day. They had three or four good moments, and we scored right at the end on a set piece, so they were better on that match.

“Since then, I’ve been putting a lot of things in place to practice and get better when teams play like that. Canberra did that against us, Adelaide and Brisbane a little bit to a degree did that as well.

“So we’ve had a lot of practice on, so if they want to press us again, then I think we’re going to be ready for that.”

Some may paint the Phoenix as the underdogs heading into this afternoon, but Priestman certainly is not complaining.

“I love being the underdog” Priestman said.

“I’ve been the underdog most of my career.

“I think this team have been underdogs, and I think it helps you. I think it lets you come out and swing a little bit.

“So listen, they’re a great side… They’ve got a rich history in this league that I think we definitely respect. I mean yes we brought it to them in the last away game, they brought it to us at home. So I’m sure for anybody watching it’s going to be a really special grand final.”

Meanwhile this painting of the Phoenix as the underdogs does “not really” apply extra pressure to City according to their coach.

“I think when I first stepped foot into this club, we had high expectations” Matricciani said.

“That made it very clear to me from management and from the playing group that we want to win every single match that’s there to be won, and last year we played for three trophies, got one. We’ve won one already [this season], and we’ve got two more to go.”

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Who will win the A-League Women Grand Final and why?

By Kieran Yap and Ryan Imray 14/5/26

Above: Wellington Phoenix celebrate their semi final win. Photo: Wellington Phoenix

Impetus writers discuss the cases for Melbourne City and Wellington Phoenix to lift the championship trophy in the A-League Women Grand Final

Why Melbourne City will win

Melbourne City will win the A-League Women Grand Final because there are no obvious weaknesses in this team. City have depth, tactical flexibility and winning has become a habit for them, while it is still a rush for their opposition.

Wellington will no be beaten easily. Bev Priestman’s side have weapons in the form of Makalya Woods and the prodigious Pia Vlok, while Brooke Nunn has continued to be a revelation in this league. However, Melbourne City are a squad stacked with past, current and future Matildas, and although they have the league Golden Boot winner in Holly McNamara, they do not rely on her and can win the game through the likes of Leticia McKenna, Shelby McMahon, Bryleeh Henry and Aideen Keane, who is possibly the best out and out winger in the league.

City have a winning mentality. What that means in practice is that they do not need to play perfectly, to get the result. They can win pretty, and have the talent to entertain, but if this games turns into an arm wrestle, they have players who will relish that too.

Lead from the back by Rebekah Stott and Taylor Otto, they can also draw on the experience and consistency of Danielle Turner and Karly Roestbakken.

One of the interesting things about this game is that City have conceded more goals than Wellington over the season, and scored less yet finished above them. This underlines the point that City have just gotten the job done this season.

One of the things that goes against Melbourne City is the weight of recent history. Despite being the most consistent side of the past three seasons, they have faltered in finals. They lost to underdogs Central Coast in last season’s semi final, had the Asian Champions’ League taken from them by a harsh refereeing decision and were sucker punches by Sydney FC in 2024’s decider.

This is largely the same group, it feels like this is finally their time. Under Michael Matricianni they are a slightly more direct side than the one Dario Vidisoci lead to the Grand Final. Possession matters, but we are more likely to see surging runs from Henry, Keane of Danella Butrus than the death by a thousand passes method of previous eras.

The suspension of Chinazu Uchendu means that Holly McNamara is their only real number nine for this game and she needs to perform to her potential against the likes of Mackenzie Barry. But the two wins over Melbourne Victory show that even if the Matildas striker is contained, there are players who can step in and score.

McKenna and McMahon are both goal scoring midfielders, capable of long range rockets or working their way into the box. Currently , both are in contention as the best attacking midfielders in the country.

If this game turns into a tactical battle, all they need is a set piece or half an opening inside of 40 yards to change the game.

Wellington are in form, but City’s ruthless consistency over this season still make the Phoenix the underdog.

Whether this game turns into checker or chess, The championship is likely to reside in Melbourne.

Why Wellington Phoenix will win

While Melbourne City will be the favourites playing at home, defeating the Wellington Phoenix twice during the regular season and never tasting defeat against their opponents, the Wellington Phoenix will go into the game knowing they are in for a real chance of adding a trophy to their luggage for the flight home.

Not only do they deserve to be there after such a historic season already, but there are also so many reasons why the Wellington Phoenix and their fans can go into this game feeling excited and optimistic.

Having a gold medal winning coach in Bev Priestman at the helm is certainly a factor. Her wealth of experience on the big stage will come in handy as well as the belief she instils in each individual player and knowing what to say when it matters the most.

Makala Woods and Brooke Nunn, two import players bought in by Bev Priestman, on blistering form will play a huge role in getting the Phoenix that maiden trophy. Makala Woods made her Wellington Phoenix debut against Melbourne City back in January and even though they didn’t win the game, her debut goal in the last-minute game will give her the confidence knowing she can score against them. While not many of the Phoenix squad will have played a game of this scale before, we can’t forget that Brooke Nunn already has Grand Final experience after winning the 2024-2025 season with the Central Coast Mariners.

You then have the sentimental side of this occasion. Captain Mackenzie Barry and Player of the Year Grace Jale, two players who have been consistently brilliant all season will have an extra fire in their belly. Friday 3rd December 2021, the Wellington Phoenix played their first ever game in a 0-0 draw against Western Sydney Wanderers. Mackenzie and Grace both started that game, so to be playing in a Grand Final five years later for the same side will mean that little bit more.

If you believe in fate, destiny and stars aligning, then something you can’t look past is that this game will be the Wellington Phoenix Women’s 100th game. A first ever Grand Final for the 100th game in front of a strong contingent of travelling fans and fans based in Melbourne, the fairytale ending to this season is possible.

It is easy to go into detail about each individual player and just what they bring to the squad but there is one major factor that this team has that stands out above the rest. Something that Bev Priestman has talked about a lot through the season – Togetherness. The togetherness of this team, the bond they all have and the connection between them all feels unbreakable and genuine. A saying that gets used a lot in football is “playing for each other”. Sometimes when you hear that, it feels like a media trained sentence but with the Wellington Phoenix this season, it feels real.

With a combination of skill, passion, togetherness, knowledge, dedication and belief off the back of a semi final 2nd leg in front of a club record crow of 5,923, the Wellington Phoenix Women can well and truly be crowned 2025/2026 Nina A-League Champions.

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NPLW Vic R12: Maja wins the Markovski derby and its always Summer in Alamein

By Kieran Yap 13/5/26

Above: Summer Laskey and Emma Runnalls celebrate a goal for Alamein. Photo: Passion Creations

The 2026 season is almost halfway over, and remains just as unpredictable as when it kicked off. South Melbourne secured a win over City and boosted their goal difference. Alamein FC ended Victory’s winning streak and Bulleen stay in first place for another week.

Bulleen Lions defeated Spring Hills FC 1-0 in a tight contest on Friday night. It was the first “Markovski Derby”  with Golden Boot contender Maja leading the attack for Bulleen and coach Tom in charge of Spring Hills.

Bulleen controlled the match early, and created numerous chances, but were matched by a determined Spring Hills defence. Jenna Ibrahim was outstanding with probably the best goalkeeping performance of the round and Aubrie Labno put in several well-timed blocked to prevent the home side going behind.

Bulleen’s attack was looking dangerous, with Markovski missing a few chances she would usually put away.  Ash Jordan and Olivia Bomford’s runs from deep were causing problems. At the back, Claudia Mihocic was unpassable for the visitors whenever Spring Hills launched and attack. Tiffany Eliadis was mobile and busy, as she continues to grow in strength the longer this season goes on.

Maja Markovsi’s 48th minute goal was all that separated the teams. Eliadis’s flick put the striker into space and she was able to finally beat Ibrahim with a well placed into the bottom corner. The win keeps Bulleen on top of the ladder, but only separated from Box Hill United by a single goal and equal on points.

Spring Hills FC drop for 11th and will start to feel the pressure of Keilor Park behind them.

Box Hill United won 2-0 at home against Keilor Park SC in Friday night’s other game. Sydney Minarik gave the home side the lead in just the second minute, and Kiara Bercelli doubled the advantage in the 19th. It was a comfortable win for the home side, even if the floodgates never quite opened. Goal difference will count for a lot at season’s end, and this might feel like a missed opportunity for one of the league’s pace-setters.

Erin Keyt’s brilliant form continued. Her low cross set up Minarik for her second goal of the season, and Bercelli has become one of the real stars of the competition this season. Keilor Park deserve credit for making life difficult for Box Hill, but did not threaten to take points off the reigning champions.

Saturday’s games saw some interesting results. Alamein FC defeated Melbourne Victory 3-0 at Dorothy Laver Reserve. The scoreline was one that was at once well deserved but also not entirely reflective of the 90 minutes.

Victory had the early momentum and created the best early chances, but Alamein’s experience and clinical finishing won the day. Summer Laskey continues to shine for the home side. Her pace and strength helped her get behind Mia Bulic, and she put a classy finish over Chloe Mckenzie.

It felt against the run of play, but Alamein took their chance well and were able to build on that. A first half penalty kick by Neve Duston gave the home side a crucial cushion that they were able to maintain for the rest of the game despite Victory’s relentless attack as they chased the game.

Fiorina Iaria was brilliant for the visitors. The Victory winger was tireless and creative on the left flank. Victory’s efforts deserved a goal, but Alamein were clinical when it mattered and are still only a few points away from top spot.

Heidelberg United welcomed Essendon Royals to Olympic Village and the two played out a 1-1 draw. Essendon established the early momentum and were rewarded with a 38th minute goal. Kelli McGroarty’s dummy opened up space for Bronte Peel to slot the ball home.

Heidelberg’s in-form striker Ji Youn Seo equalised in the second half. A rapid counter-attack ended with Irena Razumic. Her looping cross was met by Ji’s excellent volley.

The draw sees Essendon in fourth place behind a rampant South Melbourne.

South enjoyed their biggest win of the season with a 9-2 win over Melbourne City

Emily Roach stole the headlines with a hatrick including an Olimpico, and Heidi Dalton added three of her own.

The onslaught started early. Dalton opened the scoring in the fifth minute with an emphatic finish from Francesca Iermano’s cutback.

Roach scored her first  in the ninth minute after making  the most of a City turnover deep in defence. Anastasia Kyriacou did well to save from the initial free-kick, but could do little to stop Roach in so much space directly infront of goal after City tried a square pass in the backline.

Iermano got in on the act in the 18th minute. Her curling effort from long range was unstoppable in its placement and power.

Roach’s corner was nodded in by Tyla Jay Vlajnic in the 22nd minute and she set up Dalton for her own brace with a cutback into the six yard box.

City pulled one back through a moment of quality from Ellie Kirkby. Her aerial back-heel set up a one-two that put her in space. Her shot from 20 yards out was struck well enough to beat Geo Candy and make it 5-1.

Roach had another before half time. Tyla Jay Vlajnic’s cross caused havoc in the City box, and the ball eventually fell to Roach for a relatively easy finish.

Dalton’s hatrick arrived in the 41st minute with a venomously struck effort from 18 yards, and it was 7-1 to South Melbourne.

Emily Roach scored another belter of a long range goal in the 48th minute as South continued to take advantage of the midfield space.

Jami Marandola scored City’s second of the day with an opportunistic strike in the 64th minute. City had grown into the contest, but it was too late and South still had time for Raquel Derales to add a ninth after another turnover in playing out from the back.

Melbourne City are dedicated to trying to pass the ball through attacking presses and when it works it looks great, but teams are expecting it at this point in the season, and looking to take advantage with high pressure and early shots.

City are a talented squad but are conceding in the same way most matches and it may be time for a tactical rethink while climbing up the ladder is still a possibility.

The Bentleigh Greens dared to dream when they took the lead away against Preston Lions but the home side rallied and eventually ran out 5-3 winners  in one of the most entertaining games of the weekend.

Kate Bennett opened the scoring for Bentleigh after they won the ball back and patiently moved it across the attack until the opportunity was revealed. The finish was spectacular, crashing in off the crossbar from the corner of the box.

Preston made it 1-1 before half time. Erika Di Tella pounced on a loose ball from a corner kick to finish emphatically for her first goal at her new club.

Another corner gave the Lionesses the lead. Hollie Massey scrambled the ball over the line just moments after the restart.

Massey was a standout for the home side. She was creative and mobile, full of running and attacking intent. Her goal was well deserved particularly after an excellent individual first half.

Dragana Kljajic’s set pieces were creating havoc for Bentleight’s defence and another set piece delivered the third goal. This time is was Mizuho Yamada in the second phase of attack.

Natalie Olsen’s clever turn in the 61st minute put her one-on-one with Ruby Samild and the finish was well placed to beat the advancing goalkeeper. Preston were 4-1 up and firmly in control, but Bentleigh weren’t finished and pulled one back through Candela Ferreyra Bas’s fantastic finish across goal.

Yuka Sato’s 73rd minute strike brought Bentleigh back into the contest, but Preston were able to find a steadying goal in the 86th minute to finally kill off the contest.

In the final game of the round, Avondale FC defeated Boroondara Eagles 2-1 away.

An intriguing battle between Avondale’s Asuka Miyata and Eagle’s maestro Emma Vane was one of the defining features of this game. both excelled in the midfield and their contrasting styles was a joy to watch.

Sarah Brunner’s gave Boroondara the lead in the 36th minute, but Hannah Wilkinson responded for the visitors in the second half. Miyata won the game in style for Avondale with a brilliant, long range solo goal. She caught Mia Mossman and every spectator by surprise with a nesrly unstoppable, dipping rocket. In a stacked field, that might be goal of the round.

The result sees Avondale remain in mid table, but Boroondara drop to fifth on the ladder. It makes it three consecutive losses for the early season standard setters, and after a Nike Cup meeting with Box Hill midweek, they can try and recover their league form with a trip to Keilor Park.

In Appreciation of Santi Escudero

Following the weekend’s games, Melbourne Victory announced that head coach Santiago Escudero will depart the club for an overseas opportunity. It will be a loss for the league as Escudero has helped develop some of the stars of Victorian football over the past couple of years.

During his time at FV Academy and in half a season at Victory, Escudero has coached teams that have been a delight to watch. His football is attacking, versatile, and adaptable. Victory’s mission this season has been to develop players to be ready for the A-League Women, results were secondary and education was the priority. Time will tell how successful he has been, but Victory’s U23’s have been impressive, brave and entertaining under Escudero.

From the outside it appears that Escudero can prompt rapid improvement in his players and at both clubs, they have looked confident in moving past harsh losses and setting their sights immediately on improvement.

FV Academy suffered some big losses last season, particularly against South Melbourne in the early rounds, but responded positively to eventually draw 0-0 with that same opponent in a rematch they were unlucky not to win.

Under Escudero, Victory have looked like a team full of potential, but they looked like a real chance to win most games they played in. Jasmine Miller, Fiorina Iaria and Mila Bulic come immediately to mind as players who have shown huge improvement over the past 12 weeks, while players like Poppy O’Keeffe and Jade Tam repaid the trust put in them by the Spaniard.

Aeryn Tarrant has enhanced her already sparkling reputation and Alice Francou has emerged as a consistent threat in front of goal, but for all the talent, they also have steel, and a professionalism to see out tough contests like the win over Boroondara or the Round One success away to Bulleen.

Escudero clearly prized possession but was not afraid of a long pass to beat the press or entrusting the likes of Iaria or Emily Rutkowski to power down the wing to attack or relieve pressure. He was willing to change approach without compromising his ideas of what made good football.

He will leave big shoes to fill, but luckily Victory have a good candidate. A-League Women championship wineer Jeff Hopkins will take charge of the U23’s for the interim.

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Woods brace fires Wellington into historic Grand Final

Wellington Phoenix 2-0 Brisbane Roar (AET)

Wellington Phoenix win 2-1 on aggregate.

by Alice de Koster-Kitto (10/5/26).

Above: Wellington Phoenix’s two goal hero Makala Woods celebrates after the club make their first ever A-League Women Grand Final. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

For the first time in the club’s history, Wellington Phoenix have secured a place in the Ninja A-League Final as they came back from last week’s 1-0 deficit to overcome Brisbane Roar at Porirua Park.

Pia Vlok got the action started early in favour of Wellington Phoenix with a good run towards goal, which was intercepted by the Brisbane Roar defence. The Nix came in firing, making things difficult for Roar, who were ahead by goal on aggregate, as they hosted the first Ninja A-League semi-final on New Zealand soil. 

It was the visitors who presented the first real danger of the match, with Tish Woods getting a shot from outside the box in the seventh minute, which would have sent the Nix into a further deficit if the ball had not fallen just wide. 

Josie Studer made an expert interception just in time as Mania Elliot made a threatening run in a dangerous area, giving Wellington a real chance at opening the scoring. 

A Daisy Brown shot from distance presented danger for Nix keeper Victoria Esson, but the ball was only just wide. Brown’s efforts continued, getting an incredible chance in front of goal just moments later,  with a powerful strike landing straight to the hands of Esson. 

The match’s intensity only rose, and a break in play came at the 30th minute as Grace Jale was taken down following a tough challenge by Momo Hyashi. 

It was the home side who opened the scoring with a thrilling strike from Makala Woods, hitting the back of the net. The goal closed the deficit and put Wellington back in the running to make the 2026 final. 

Brisbane responded quickly, looking to restore their aggregate lead; however Wellingtons defence was too tough for the Roar attack, leaving the Nix in the lead, and semi-final hopes in anyone’s hands. 

The drama continued into the second half, as Wellington had an excellent chance to further their lead following a delivery from Brooke Nunn to Makala Woods, which caused a scramble in the box, but couldn’t quite result in a goal, unnerving Roar’s defence. 

Josie Studer was shown the first yellow card of the match after a tricky challenge on Vlok in order to win the ball in the 61st minute. 

As stoppage time approached, there was no lack of action. However, neither side could find a promising opportunity to find the back of the net, as it seemed increasingly likely the match would go into extra time. 

Esson was forced to scramble in the box following a chance from Daisy Brown, which took down both Brown and Tameka Yallop, causing momentary concern for the visitors, before both of these crucial Roar players made their way back to their feet. 

A wide shot from Makala Woods got agonisingly close to sealing the win for Wellington in the 87th minute. 

Both sides desperately searched for a winner during six minutes of added time. Despite their best efforts, a goal was not to be during regulation, and the match entered extra time. 

The hosts maintained their attacking power at the top of extra time, and it looked as though the match would eventually fall in their favour. However, Brisbane was not making it easy, with an expert defence holding off a dangerous and desperate frontline. 

The 100th minute saw Yallop taken off with injury, making way for Kiera Meyers, and handing the captain’s armband to Angie Beard, a concern for the visiting side, as Yallop’s impact since coming on during the second half allowed final hope for the Roar.  

The efforts of the hosts finally paid off in the 101st minute, as a mistake from Beard allowed Woods to send the ball flying past Lincoln to the back of the net, leaving the hosts with the advantage. 

Brisbane looked desperately for an equaliser during the second half of extra time, and a Tish Woods corner looked to be their best chance, before the ball was deflected inside the box. 

After 120 minutes of fiery semi-final football, Brisbane Roar’s final hopes were left behind in Wellington, and they were not able to find the back of the net, ending their 2025/26 campaign. 

Wellington Phoenix made history as the first New Zealand team to make an A-League final, and will head to AAMI Park to face reigning premiers Melbourne City next weekend.

Check out our Instagram feed – @ImpetusFootball – later today for exclusive photos from the game from Impetus’ Ryan Imray.

To read an Impetus’ Ben Gilby’s exclusive interview with Wellington Phoenix’s Makala Woods from March, visit: https://impetusfootball.org/2026/03/19/makala-woods-exclusive-interview/

WELLINGTON PHOENIX  (4-4-2): Esson, Walker, Barry, van der Meer, Elliott, Nunn, Pijenburg, Jale, Leon, Woods, Vlok. Substitutes: Wall, Anthony, Fraser, Benson, Brazendale, Jaber, Danieli.

Scorers: Woods 42’, 101’.

BRISBANE ROAR (3-4-3): Lincoln, Studer, Jansen, Beard, Stephenson, Hayashi, Woods, Seidl. Miller, Brown, Medwin. Substitutes: Kruger, Benson, Meyers, Kinsella, Franco, Piazza, Yallop.

Referee: Caitlin Williams 

Attendance: 5,923.

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City repeat performance to avenge past and make decider

Melbourne City 1-0 Melbourne Victory [2-0 on aggregate]

by Alyce Collett (9/5/26)

Above: Bryleeh Henry (left) fights hard with Alana Jancevski (right) during this afternoon’s second leg of the Melbourne Derby semi final. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

Melbourne City have avenged the demons of last year’s finals series and are through to another A-League Women’s Grand Final after another 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory in the second leg of their semi final.

It another pretty even 90 minutes of action between the fierce rivals, but a well struck first half goal from Shelby McMahon was enough to make the comeback challenge too hard for Victory.

It was Victory who got the first meaningful shot on goal of the match through Kennedy White, but the striker could not get enough power on her shot to make much of an impact.

City also had a few chances in front of goal in the first 20 or so minutes, with Aideen Keane among the ones to go close but not quite convert.

Both sides had plenty of time in front of goal in the opening half of the first half, but just could not find their forwards in enough space for them to shoot properly.

There was a lot of back and forth play up and down the pitch between the two sides, but the question remained of if and/or when the first goal of the afternoon was going to come.

Eventually that opening goal came off the boot of McMahon just over the half hour mark when the young star collected a bobbling ball and struck the ball into the back of the net with some pace. The shot also came from just outside the top of the 18 yard box, adding to the impressiveness of the goal.

Despite their challenge doubling in difficulty, Victory kept fighting hard to get back in the tie, with Holly Furphy livening up in the later stages of the first half.

Although they were the chasers, Victory started on the front foot in the second half, racking up the attempts on goal. However, as hard as they tried, they just could not get the ball into the back of the net.

Victory still held the majority of possession, so needed to change something up if they wanted to have any hope of getting back into the tie.

City were not without chances of their own to extend their lead, but as the half progressed and Victory’s time to get back into the match continued to drop, pressure eased on City and the fact they could not extend their lead was no longer City’s biggest priority.

The visitors continued to push hard into the final minutes of regulation time and into stoppage time, but just could not manufacture enough dangerous chances or convert any of the half chances, ultimately ending their season one match earlier than last season’s campaign.

Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Mieres, Otto, Stott, Turner, Davidson, Mckenna, Henry, Roestbakken, Keane, McMahon, McNamara. Substitutes: Aoyagi, Apostolakis, Barbieri, Hughes, Jackson, Karic, Wilson.

Scorers: McMahon 34’

MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-1-2): Newbon, Morrison, Bunge, Pickett, O’Grady, Ray, Maher, Furphy, Lowe, Jancevski, White, Pollicina. Substitutes: Blissett, Techera, Curtis, Woodward, Sakalis, Saveska, Flannery.

Referee: Mikayla Ryan.

Attendance: 1,607.

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“We’ve got nothing to lose” Rachel Lowe ahead of City semi-final

By Isabelle Campbell 9/5/26

Above: Rachel Lowe. Photo: Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory heads into today’s second-leg semi-final against Melbourne City needing to overturn a 1-0 aggregate deficit, with midfielder Rachel Lowe outlining a focus on a more direct and purposeful approach for the return fixture.

Lowe, who was recognised with the club’s 2026 Victory Medal earlier this week, noted the group had used the short turnaround to reset and sharpen its focus after the opening-leg defeat.

“I think that’s what we focused on this week.

“They have a one nil lead, and we don’t really need to think about the way that they’re going to attack the game, because for us, we have to go and win the game, that’s just the reality.

“We just kind of tweaked a few things, and I think it’ll hopefully help us with sending numbers forward because we need to score goals at some point.”

With the tie to be decided today, Lowe pointed to a need for Victory to start on the front foot while relying on squad depth to manage the intensity across the full match.

“Our mentality going into the game is to take it to them from the start.

“We have a great bench, and we’ve got depth that we can bring on if we need in different scenarios.

“So I think from the first whistle, we’re going to be going at the game like it is our grand final, because we don’t want our season to end.

“Putting pressure on them from the start, it’s going to set us up for a good finish to the game.”

Victory comes into the match having produced a strong elimination-final win over Canberra earlier in the finals series, though Lowe acknowledged City present a very different level of challenge.

“I think our Canberra game was a really good platform for us to set for finals.

“But City are a different kettle of fish, and we know that we’ve got to be on our absolute A game to get a result.

“So I think we’ve just been focusing on that, trying to take in positives that we did with Canberra, but obviously adjust it to the quality of what City have.”

Attention turned to Victory’s ability to play with more intent in possession and take greater risks in key attacking moments following the first leg.

“They obviously are really dominant with the ball.

“And I think after the game, we just kind of came together as a group and said, ‘We need to be a lot braver in terms of going forward, and we’ve got nothing to lose now.’

“So I think just really taking the game by the scruff of the neck and to go forward and win.

“Last week, we were a little bit tentative, and gave them a bit too much respect.”

While today’s match carries the added weight of a derby semi-final, Lowe stressed the importance of keeping attention on the task of overturning the deficit.

“The City team has obviously been really successful this year.

“They’ve got the Champions League coming up. So there’s no doubt that they’re a talented team.

“But I think that it didn’t matter who the team was really, it’s a semi final, and we’re just going to try and treat it like that and not put too much emotion of a derby into it.

“But it obviously plays in the back of our minds that it is a big game for us, and we always want to play the best team, so I think if we win this, it puts us in a really good spot moving forward.”

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