Melbourne City is set to close out 2025 with both squads in action one final time this year, as we host Perth Glory in a Sunday doubleheader at AAMI Park.
It marks the second time in just five days that City’s Men’s and Women’s teams will take to the same stage, following a busy midweek outing on Tuesday night that produced contrasting results across the two fixtures. With a short break over Christmas now complete, preparations are final as both extended squads have been confirmed for the final games of the calendar year.
City’s Women head into Sunday full of confidence after producing a memorable come-from-behind Christmas Derby win earlier this week.
Trailing at the break against Melbourne Victory, Michael Matricciani’s side showed trademark resilience in the second half. Aideen Keane proved pivotal after forcing an own goal to restore parity, before Holly McNamara struck the decisive blow late on from a beautifully executed set piece, with Leticia McKenna’s delivery laying the foundations.
The squad remains largely unchanged from Tuesday night, with Kaya Jugovic promoted into the extended group.
Later in the evening, City’s Men will look to respond after being forced to settle for a point against Macarthur midweek. Aurelio Vidmar’s side controlled large periods of that contest, with captain Aziz Behich opening the scoring via a stunning free kick, but were ultimately unable to find a second breakthrough against a resilient Bulls outfit.
Despite the frustration of a draw, City will take confidence from the performance as we prepare to round out 2025 in front of our home supporters.
There is positive news on the selection front for the Men, with Kavian Rahmani returning after clearing concussion protocols following his absence over the past couple of games. The young attacker had been in excellent form prior to his setback and adds further attacking options for Vidmar.
Samuel Souprayen has also been named as a potential inclusion after missing recent matches with a minor achilles issue, providing another experienced option in defence.
Round 9 ALW Squad
2. Ellie WILSON, 3. Danielle TURNER, 5. Taylor OTTO, 6. Leticia MCKENNA, 7. Danella BUTRUS, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 9. Holly MCNAMARA, 10. Izabella RAKO, 11. Deven JACKSON, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 15. Chinaza UCHENDU, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 19. Keira SARRIS, 21. Aideen KEANE, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 24. Malena MIERES (GK).
In: 17. Kaya JUGOVIC (promoted).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 12. Shelby McMAHON (knee), 14. Laura HUGHES (knee), 20. Caitlin KARIC (knee), 22. Bryleeh HENRY (back).
Round 10 ALM Squad
1. Patrick BEACH (GK), 4. Liam BONETIG, 10. Takeshi KANAMORI, 11. Elbasan RASHANI, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 15. Andrew NABBOUT, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 17. Max CAPUTO, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 27. Kai TREWIN, 30. Andreas KUEN, 33. Dakota OCHSENHAM (GK), 35. Medin MEMETI, 37. Peter ANTONIOU, 38. Beckham BAKER, 39. Emin DURAKOVIC, 44. Besian KUTLESHI, 47. Kavian RAHMANI.
In: 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 47. Kavian RAHMANI (both return from injury).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 7. Mathew LECKIE (hip), 20. Ben MAZZEO (quad), 21. Alessandro LOPANE (ankle), 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN (ACL), 41. Lawrence WONG (MCL).
