The wait is almost over as Melbourne City kicks off its 2026/27 Ninja A-League Women’s campaign this Sunday, travelling across the Tasman to face Wellington Phoenix.
It’s a blockbuster opening fixture for Michael Matricciani’s side, who will begin their Premiership and Championship defence against the very team they defeated in last season’s Grand Final.
With a refreshed squad, exciting new arrivals and another big season ahead, we preview the mouth-watering clash heading into Sunday’s opener at HNRY Stadium.
THE DOUBLE DEFENCE BEGINS
After a historic 2025/26 campaign, City enters the new season with a target firmly on its back.
City secured a remarkable third consecutive Premiership before going on to complete the double, defeating Wellington Phoenix 3-1 at AAMI Park to lift the Championship trophy.
It was another unforgettable season for Matricciani’s side, who continued to set the standard in the Ninja A-League Women’s competition.
Now, attention turns to doing it all again.
Despite significant changes to the squad over the off-season, City’s ambitions remain as high as ever, with City determined to challenge for more silverware.
Sunday presents the first opportunity to lay the foundations for another successful campaign.
NEW FACES IN CITY BLUE
It’s been a busy off-season at the City Football Academy, with a host of exciting new arrivals joining the squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Among the headline additions is Matildas star Cortnee Vine, who brings a wealth of experience and attacking quality to City’s frontline.
Fellow Aussies Melina Ayres, Jessika Nash, Taylor Ray, Aimee Medwin and Tully Heatley have also joined the Club, alongside Japanese midfielder Momo Hayashi and American Kelli McGroarty, who are all a chance to make their first appearances of the season during City’s opener.
With several key players departing following last season’s double-winning campaign, the new recruits will have an important role to play as City looks to build on its recent success.
Sunday’s season opener could provide City fans with their first glimpse of several new signings in competitive action, with plenty of excitement surrounding how Matricciani’s refreshed squad will come together.
A GRAND FINAL REMATCH ACROSS THE TASMAN
There’s certainly no easing into the new season for City, with a challenging trip to New Zealand awaiting in Matchweek 1.
Just five months after the two sides met in the 2026 Grand Final, City and Wellington Phoenix will renew their rivalry in what promises to be a fascinating opening-round encounter.
City came out on top on that occasion, with a 3-1 victory at AAMI Park securing the Club’s Championship.
However, Wellington proved to be one of the competition’s toughest opponents last season, making history with its first-ever Ninja A-League Women’s Grand Final appearance.
Now back on home soil, the Phoenix will be eager to turn the tables and begin their new campaign with a statement result.
For City, it’s an immediate test of its title credentials and an opportunity to start the season on the front foot against familiar opposition.
MATCH DETAILS
Ninja A-League Women: Matchweek 1
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne City FC
Sunday 18 October, 10:15am AEDT
HNRY Stadium, Wellington
Watch live on Paramount+
