ALW SF Leg 2 Preview: City v Newcastle

After a big win in the first leg, Melbourne City return home against the Newcastle Jets with eyes squarely on a place in the Grand Final.

After a 3-0 win thanks to goals from young stars Daniela Galic and Shelby McMahon, plus a sensational all-round performance from Emina Ekic, all eyes now turn to AAMI Park on Sunday as we look to secure a home Grand Final for the first time since 2020!

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Catch up on all the key talking points before the game.

Young stars continuing to shine?

While City is blessed with stars all over the pitch, age is all but irrelevant when it comes to who steps up in the big moments.

There’s been plenty of focus on 17-year-old Daniela Galic throughout the season, but in recent weeks she’s had to compete with super-sub Shelby McMahon for the spotlight. McMahon continued a nice run of form, her Premiership-sealer against Perth backed up with a time-stopping chip against Newcastle.

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Having only joined the team midway through the season, the Junior Matildas captain has more than made a stake to be our difference maker this Sunday (and in a potential Grand Final) off the bench and for seasons to come.

The usual young talents of Kiera Meyers (16), Tijan McKenna (19), Isabella Accardo (18) and Caitlin Karic (18) will all make a case to be included this week, with the former three returning to the extended squad after missing out in Leg 1.

Karic put in a strong shift off the bench against the Jets, making just her fourth appearance for the season after being held back by a disappointing run of injuries.

No walk in the park

Heading into Sunday with a healthy 3-0 advantage on aggregate, there’ll be an emphasis on being switched on from the get-go, with the Jets likely to go all-in in a desperate attempt to turn the tie around.

Down back, Rebekkah Stott and Taylor Otto will be working to ensure it’s a quiet day for Bárbara, while Ekic, Galic and Laura Hughes aim to continue a strong start to the tie.

Dario Vidosic’s troops will again be looking to keep the league’s second top scorer this season quiet, Philippines star Sarina Bolden’s 14 goals putting her behind only Michelle Heyman, while Bolden has also provided a league-leading 9 assists.

It was a strong defensive start last weekend and we’ll be looking for more of the same on Sunday as we eye a Grand Final spot.

A shake-up down back

Unfortunately, Dario Vidosic has confirmed that Karly Roestbakken won’t feature this Sunday after the ankle injury she picked up in the first leg ruled her out of the return matchup.

While targeting a potential Grand Final return, attention turns to who will step up in her absence.

The most likely change is Roestbakken’s replacement last week in Julia Grosso, who is seemingly well-placed for a return to the starting XI after featuring off the bench since returning from injury.

Naomi Chinnama, our Young Matildas representative defender, would likely be Grosso’s potential bench replacement if she isn’t preferred from the start, having filled in with other players out earlier this season on many an occasion.

With young stars and All-Stars, this won’t be one you’ll want to miss as part of a massive City doubleheader!