The wait is almost over, with our City Women finally set to play in front of our home fans for the first time this season!
Almost a month after beginning our 2026/27 campaign, Michael Matricciani’s squad will return to ctrl:cyber Pitch this Saturday afternoon when Newcastle Jets come to town.
It’s been a busy opening few weeks for our reigning Premiers and Champions, who began their Ninja A-League title defence in impressive fashion with back-to-back away wins over Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC.
From there, attention turned to continental football, with City travelling to Uzbekistan for the AFC Women’s Champions League Group Stage.
Despite a disappointing opening result, Matricciani’s side responded brilliantly with consecutive victories over Kaya FC-Iloilo and Beijing Jingtan FC, securing a home Quarter Final for the third consecutive season.
Now, following a lengthy trip back to Melbourne, it’s time to turn our attention back to domestic football as we prepare to welcome our Champions home!
With preparations almost complete, Matricciani has confirmed his extended squad for Saturday’s clash.
There’s some welcome news on the selection front ahead of our Home Opener, with four players included in the extended squad.
Experienced defender Danielle Turner has been named after overcoming a foot injury that has kept her out of action so far this season, putting her in contention for her first competitive minutes of the campaign.
Princess Ibini has also been included in a Ninja A-League squad for the first time, as she continues to build towards her City debut.
Young midfielder Shelby McMahon is another welcome returnee, having missed our previous league fixture against Sydney FC due to a minor injury before featuring during our recent Champions League campaign.
Kaya Jugovic has also been promoted to the extended squad following her recent international commitments with the Junior Matildas at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
There is one unfortunate absence, with Matildas defender Jessika Nash unavailable after suffering an ankle injury during our Champions League campaign.
The good news is that Nash is only expected to miss a short period, with the defender potentially pushing to return for next weekend’s away trip to Brisbane.
With plenty of familiar faces and exciting new arrivals in contention, City will be looking to continue our unbeaten start to the Ninja A-League season in front of our home supporters.
ALW Matchweek 3 Squad v Newcastle Jets
3,. Danielle TURNER, 5. Aimee MEDWIN, 7. Princess IBINI, 8. Momo HAYASHI, 9. Cortnee VINE, 10. Avaani PRAKASH, 11. Deven JACKSON, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 14. Melina AYRES, 15. Tully HEATLEY, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 20. Kelli McGROARTY, 21. Aideen KEANE, 22. Taylor RAY, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 26. Izabella RAKO, 27. Chelsea BIGGS.
In: 3. Danielle TURNER (returns from injury), 7. Princess IBINI (promoted), 12. Shelby McMAHON (returns from injury), 17. Kaya JUGOVIC (promoted).
Out: 4. Jessika NASH (ankle), 29. Layla HABIB (omitted).
Unavailable: 4. Jessika NASH (ankle).
