Above: Melbourne Victory celebrates in last year’s semi-final against Adelaide. Image: A-Leagues.
By Isabelle Campbell (15/01/26)
With the Pride Cup returning this weekend, the stage is set for another chapter in one of the A-League Women’s most compelling rivalries, as Melbourne Victory travel to face Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.
The fixture carries weight on multiple fronts: a long-standing rivalry, a crucial opportunity to reset momentum, and the significance of a match that celebrates inclusion across the league.
Defender Claudia Bunge says the group is embracing the moment.
“Really motivated. We’ve had a big week of training. The games against Adelaide, there always is a bit of extra rivalry there, and it’s usually pretty close. Usually one goal, two goals in it. So the girls are really excited and really motivated.”
Victory head into the Pride Cup following a home loss to Brisbane Roar, with the focus now shifting firmly to the next challenge. Bunge says the group has spent the week on the training track working through areas identified from that performance as they prepare for Adelaide.
“I think we made moves against Brisbane. I think collectively, we played better than what we had previous weeks, to concede off a corner is always really hard, but it’s just those finer margins. I think that’s something we’ve struggled with this year, is just tightening up around transition moments and the finer details. So that’s something we’ve been working on, and something we’re going to look at going into against Adelaide.”
Despite an inconsistent run of results, both players and staff believe the group is close to unlocking its full potential. Bunge pointed to the squad’s internal accountability and belief.
“Everyone’s really transparent and is looking inwards, individual things that we can do as players to carry the team forward. I think we did see some positive signs against Brisbane. It was unfortunate to concede, pretty sure it was almost straight off the corner. So those ones do sting a little, but it doesn’t change anything that we do. I think we’ve got a great squad. We’ve got great depth. The club’s really supportive of us, our staff are amazing. So we’re just gonna keep to our guns, keep to our processes. And I’m hoping that it can land on the pitch.”
For Victory, the Pride Cup adds another layer of meaning. The fixture has become a significant moment on the calendar, particularly for the women’s program.
“It’s massive for our team and for women’s football in general. I think women’s football is really encouraging and really open and inclusive, which is great, and we’re really proud as a team to get a chance to embrace that. We’re really looking forward to the pride cup. It’s always a big occasion each year. And matched with playing Adelaide, we’re really excited. Looking forward to playing it against the Reds.”
Head coach Jeff Hopkins echoed that sentiment, reinforcing that the Pride Cup is not just a one-off occasion, but something embedded in the club’s identity.
“It’s a game that we look forward to. We’re 100% behind the pride Cup and the concept. In terms of this week, it’s great to highlight a few things. We’re having educational sessions this week, our staff, our players, and we kind of embrace those. But also, I think in the bigger picture, it’s important that we show that we are an inclusive team, an inclusive club. And we get out there every week, and we kind of live that rather than just think about being about this week. I think the thing I love about this club is the fact that it is welcoming and inclusive to everyone, and I hope that our team just shows that as well.”
Reflecting on the Brisbane loss, Hopkins felt the performance showed how close Victory are to turning results around.
“It was a pretty scrappy game that came down to a mistake in an area where we’re normally very, very strong. The game could have gone either way. I thought we actually controlled periods of the game without really creating enough to actually win the game.”
“We’re not far away. It’s just that little, magic ingredient that we’re missing, that we’re searching for as well, and when we find it, and we’re getting close, well good luck to the team that’s playing us that weekend.”
That belief is matched by confidence heading into a venue where Victory have historically performed well.
“It’s always a great game against them. They’re a quality side, and we love playing at Coopers. It’s a great surface, a great stadium, great atmosphere. Always a decent crowd there, and with the double header this weekend, should be even better.”
With rivalry, Pride Cup significance, and season-shaping stakes all colliding, Victory face an opportunity in Adelaide to reset their campaign on a night that carries weight well beyond the result.
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