Preparations for Saturday’s Ninja A-League Grand Final have entered their final stages, with Melbourne City’s squad now locked in for the decider at AAMI Park.
A blockbuster afternoon awaits as City takes on Wellington Phoenix with the Championship on the line, as Michael Matricciani’s side looks to complete the domestic double after securing a historic third consecutive Premiers Plate earlier this season.
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Saturday’s clash presents City with the opportunity to lift a fifth Women’s Championship trophy and the Club’s first since 2020, while Wellington will enter the contest carrying the hopes of a nation in what will be the first-ever A-League Grand Final appearance by a New Zealand side – in either the Men’s or Women’s competition.
Matricciani will again have the benefit of a settled squad heading into the decider, with City receiving a boost through the return of Danella Butrus.
The exciting winger has been added to the squad after missing the Semi Final tie while continuing her recovery from a concussion sustained on international duty with the Young Matildas last month.
Butrus had been pushing strongly for selection across both Semi Final legs, though a cautious approach was ultimately taken by the Club’s medical staff. Now fully fit and available, the 20-year-old shapes as another dangerous attacking option for City heading into Saturday’s decider.
The remainder of the squad remains unchanged from last weekend’s Semi Final Second Leg victory over Melbourne Victory.
Nigerian international Chinaza Uchendu will serve the final game of her suspension, while Junior Matildas trio Izabella Rako, Kaya Jugovic and Keira Sarris remain away on international duty.
ALW Grand Final Squad
2. Ellie WILSON, 3. Danielle TURNER, 5. Taylor OTTO, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 7. Danella BUTRUS, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 9. Holly McNAMARA, 11. Deven JACKSON, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 13. Rebekah STOTT, 14. Laura HUGHES, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 20. Caitlin KARIC, 21. Aideen KEANE, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 25. Ayana AOYAGI (GK).
In: 7. Danella BUTRUS (returns from injury).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 10. Izabella RAKO (international duty), 15. Chinaza UCHENDU (suspension), 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 19. Keira SARRIS (both international duty).
