A-League Women Melbourne City FC once again wrote itself into the history of Australian women’s football. In the Ninja A-League Women Grand Final played at AAMI Park, the Melbourne side defeated Wellington Phoenix 3-1, winning their fifth Australian championship and completing a prestigious domestic double — triumphing in both the regular season and the play off phase.
The match was watched by 7,174 fans from the stands. It was one of the highest attendances in the history of A-League Women finals. The atmosphere in Melbourne resembled a major football celebration from the opening minutes, and the hosts quickly took control of events on the pitch.
Holly McNamara the heroine of the final
For the first half hour, City dominated possession and regularly pinned Wellington back in their own half, but lacked a cutting edge in front of Victoria Esson’s goal. The breakthrough finally came towards the end of the first half, and that was when Holly McNamara took centre stage.
The 23 year old Australian international striker, who finished the season as the league’s top scorer, opened the scoring in the 41st minute. After combining with Aideen Keane, McNamara unleashed an excellent curling strike from the edge of the penalty area, giving the Wellington goalkeeper no chance.
Before Phoenix could recover, McNamara struck again. Two minutes later, Shelby McMahon delivered a superb through ball, allowing the City forward to burst into the penalty area and calmly finish to make it 2-0.
Knockout after the break
After the restart, the hosts showed no intention of slowing down. In the 49th minute, Leticia McKenna produced one of the goals of the season. The Melbourne City midfielder unleashed a powerful left footed strike from distance, with the ball bouncing off the post and into the top corner, virtually sealing the championship.
Wellington Phoenix responded immediately. In the 52nd minute, Makala Woods reacted quickest inside the penalty area and successfully converted the rebound from an earlier save, scoring a consolation goal for the New Zealand side.
Phoenix continued to push until the final whistle. Bev Priestman’s side threw numbers forward and created several dangerous opportunities, but Melbourne City’s defence withstood the pressure. The experience and organisation of the Australian champions once again proved decisive.
Historic success for Melbourne City
The final whistle sparked huge celebrations at AAMI Park. Melbourne City claimed the Championship title for the first time since 2020 and at the same time equalled Sydney FC’s record. Both clubs now have five Australian championships.
For City, it was also confirmation of their dominance in recent seasons. The club secured a third consecutive Premiership and the second domestic double in its history, strengthening its position as one of the leading forces in women’s football in the region.
There was also no doubt over the Player of the Match award. Holly McNamara received the Liberty Player of the Match honour after an outstanding performance capped with two goals.
A historic season for Wellington Phoenix
Although Wellington Phoenix returns to New Zealand without a trophy, the season marked a breakthrough for the club. Phoenix reached the Grand Final for the first time in its five year history in the A-League Women, demonstrating the rapid development of women’s football across the Tasman.
Under former Canada national team head coach Bev Priestman, the team finished second in the regular season and showed it can compete with the best sides in the league.
Their road to the final was equally impressive. Melbourne City eliminated local rivals Melbourne Victory, while Wellington sensationally knocked out Brisbane Roar. As a result, the final featured the two best teams of the season.
Ambitions extend to Asia
After the match, head coach Michael Matricciani praised the character of his team and the importance of securing the domestic double, while stressing that the squad still has ambitious goals for the remainder of the season.
Melbourne City will now turn its attention to the AFC Women’s Champions League semi final against Tokyo Verdy Beleza, aiming for another historic achievement on the international stage.
Despite the defeat, Wellington Phoenix can look to the future with optimism. The A-League Women Grand Final showed that women’s football in Australia and New Zealand is reaching an increasingly higher level, both on and off the pitch.
