Melbourne City claimed their third A-League Women’s Premiership, as the title race went down to the final seconds of the regular season.
Heading into the final day, the equation was simple. If Sydney FC drop points against Melbourne Victory in the Big Blue, a win against Perth Glory would see City become Premiers for the first time since 2019/20.
As kick-off approached, news came through that Victory had defeated Sydney 4-0. Destiny was in City’s hands, and Head Coach, Dario Vidosic, and his team delivered with a 2-1 win.
Game on in WA
Rhianna Pollicina opened the scoring inside eight minutes with a beautiful strike from outside the area.
Karly Roestbakken found the midfielder, before she produced a delightful turn and shot.
Check out the pitch-side view of her strike.
City fan, @alpexmatefc, on Twitter said: “MINI WHAT A STRIKE, LET’S GO CITY!”, with @DPhimphisane labelling the goal as a “POLLICINA THUNDERBASTARD”
Cometh the moment
With the game in the balance at 1-0, up stepped City skipper, Rebekah Stott, with a heroic goal line clearance.
It was a huge moment in the 57th minute, as the New Zealand international cleared the ball off the line after a Perth corner looked certain to end up in the back of the net.
The 2023/24 Premiership is Stott’s seventh trophy win in City colours, having previously won two Premiers Plates and four Championship trophies for the Club.
Following her heroics, journalist Joey Lynch tweeted: “An absolutely gigantic footballer.” To which Talking City host, Matty Bonnici responded: “Greatest City player of all time across either side as far as I’m concerned.”
Young-Star
With one minute of regulation time to play, it was 15-year-old Shelby McMahon who sealed the Premiers Plate with a brilliant individual effort.
The youngster netted her first professional goal after turning her defender, cutting in and beating the ‘keeper for pace with her strike.
City fans reacted accordingly, with @simonmann72 calling her a “Rolls Royce” on Instagram.
Central defender, Taylor Otto, simply commented: “You’re so cool!”
Post-match reaction
It was absolute scenes of joy on the final whistle as we captured the moment from pitch-side.
Our Premiership-winning stars were full of voice, before showering Head Coach, Dario Vidosic, with the esky.
The skipper had a message for City fans before jetting off on international duty.
The team we’ll be presented with the Premiers Plate at AAMI Park on Sunday April 14 ahead of our A-League Men’s clash with Perth. Get your tickets now and don’t miss out on the celebration.
