AFC Women’s Champions League Quarter Final presents an exciting opportunity for players and fans alike, according to Melbourne City FC CEO, Brad Rowse.
On Sunday 23 March, City will become the first domestic Women’s team to host an AFC Women’s Champions League fixture at home when they take on Taiwanese side Taichung Blue Whale at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
Melbourne City FC CEO Brad Rowse expressed the Club’s excitement about this unique opportunity: “On behalf of the Club, we’re just incredibly thrilled and excited that the women’s team have this opportunity.
“Obviously we play for the domestic trophies and go as far as we can, but these are incredible opportunities for players’ careers to play these international type tournaments.
“It’s the dream of any player to play internationally and to go as high as they can. Certainly for fans, it’s massive for us to give them a taste of success and be part of that journey with us.”
Beau Busch, Chief Executive of Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), echoed this sentiment: “I think, over the course of this year, we’ve seen how incredible the team is that Michael’s [Matricciani] put together.
“It’s a real opportunity for Australian football fans to see this team that’s doing incredibly well tested against the best in Asia.”
Busch also spoke about the broader impact of the game: “I think ultimately allows us to accelerate the growth more swiftly. It creates a point of difference to our rivals.”
“A lot of these players, I’m sure every single one of them, want to follow in the footsteps of Holly [McNamara] and others to become national team players, and this gives them a chance to be able to taste that.”
As City look to progress to the Semi Finals, a strong home crowd in the Quarter Finals will be key.
“The more people we can get, the more young girls, the more participants, more grassroots kids coming along to watch it, the better,” Rowse said. “We really want to create that home atmosphere.”
“It is exciting… to play in the first inaugural Women’s Champions League situation is great,” said Melbourne City Women’s Head Coach, Michael Matricciani.
“We’re going to give it our absolute best, and we hope to get good support from not only our fans, but fans from around Australia as well.”
MATCH DETAILS
AFC Women’s Champions League Quarter Final
Melbourne City FC v Taichung Blue Whale Women’s Football Team
Sunday 23 March 2025 | 3:00pm kick-off
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
Get your tickets here
