Above: Chelsea Blissett speaks to the media. Image: Melbourne Victory.
By Isabelle Campbell (24/04/2026)
Melbourne Victory defender Chelsea Blissett says the club has quickly shifted from relief to focus after securing finals football, with qualification only confirmed after results elsewhere went their way following Victory’s win over Perth Glory and the result between Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners. That result confirmed an elimination final against Canberra United after a tense end to the regular season.
The wait for confirmation played out while the squad travelled back to Melbourne, watching the deciding match unfold mid-flight.
“Let’s just say that was one anxious plane ride. We were all grouped together and watching the game on amazing Qantas Wifi, and once that whistle blew, everyone turned around and looked at us.”
Relief came quickly once the result confirmed finals football, but the mood shifted almost immediately.
“I think we celebrated in that moment, because it was a relief to know that we are in finals, but at the end of the day, there is that expectation that Victory is in finals, and that bit of celebratory excitement finished quite early.”
Attention turned straight to the task ahead, with the three-week break used to stay consistent rather than overhaul preparation.
“There wasn’t really a set focus. It was just coming together as a group, like we normally do, and just focusing on the areas that we really want to explore when it comes to Canberra.”
“We’re going to train hard, work together and make sure that we’ve put our best foot forward when it comes to playing on Saturday.”
Expectation at the club is constant, according to Blissett, and something players have to learn to manage quickly.
“I think we always carry the weight of expectation when it comes to playing at Victory. When you sign here, or you’ve been here for multiple years, you understand that there is that pressure, that expectation on you.”
The challenge is not letting that influence performance.
“At the end of the day, we can’t let that get to us. We need to keep calm, keep together, and just let the football do the talking.”
“You’re always going to feel an extra heaviness when it comes to a game like that. Any mistake can cost you a position moving forward and continuing your finals campaign.”
“If you let that get to you, well then you’re going to crumble.”
Trust within the group is also key to handling pressure.
“If you’re in a team where you know you’re going to get backed 100%, the stakes don’t feel as heavy. You’re able to go out there and play with a sense of freedom.”
That belief allows players to keep their identity intact in high stakes, knockout football.
“The pressure of finals football shouldn’t take away your ability to play football. Once you step on the field and the whistle goes, it just becomes like another game.”
A lifelong Melbourne Victory supporter, Blissett said reaching a finals campaign with the club carries extra meaning.
“I sometimes have little pinch myself moments that the club that I grew up supporting is a club that I’m now going into my first final campaign in two years with. To know that we could possibly lift silverware, and I could be lifting silverware with a bunch of girls who I love being around, for a club that I’ve supported since I can remember loving football, is super exciting.”
Still, the focus remains firmly on the immediate task.
“It is an elimination final. It’s one step at a time, and this week, the focus is making sure that we beat Canberra at McKellar Park.”
“It is a whole new ball game when it comes to finals. Victory are known for scraping in and doing well in finals.”
Looking at Canberra, she pointed to both their quality and the challenge of playing away.
“Canberra is a great side. They have great heart. Playing at McKellar is a tough place, especially when it’s a sold out crowd.”
“I think we let our football do the talking. If we can match their heart, I think that will be fine.”
Preparation has centred on key tactical areas.
“We’ve been working on a press, on how we can nullify Michelle Heyman. They’ve got a great midfield so we’ve got to make sure that we’re on the ball, and also making sure that we’re concentrating on ourselves and what we need to do to be able to win the game.”
There is also added emotion around the fixture given uncertainty surrounding Canberra’s future within the league, but Blissett said that cannot change the approach.
When asked whether there was room for sentimentality under the difficult circumstances Cnaberra found themselves in, she acknowledged the emotion attached to the game, but was clear about the competitive reality.
“Unfortunately, not. From the outside looking in, and from knowing some of these girls personally and playing against Canberra since I’ve been in the league, my first ever W league game, was going to watch Canberra play.”
“There is a bit of sentiment there. Obviously it’s devastating if they do fold. But at the end of the day, we have a job to do, and if we want to move forward, it is by making that their last home game, possibly.”
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