The Dub is back at the newly named ctrl:cyber Pitch this weekend!
We begin our A-League Women’s season with a visit from Perth Glory for what will be Michael Matricciani’s first game at the helm on home soil.
Here’s what to look out for at the City Football Academy on Sunday!
BUILDING ON OUR AWCL FORM
Our 2024/25 campaign couldn’t have gotten off to a better start with three wins from three in Thailand for the AFC Women’s Champions League Group Stage.
Venezuelan international, Mariana Speckmaier, scored in every game, while fellow new recruit Lourdes Bosch netted three goals of her own.
The defence was rock solid conceding just once in three games, skipper Rebekah Stott a rock at the back as always, often partnered with Alexia Apostolakis who showed plenty of promising signs across her first outings in a City shirt.
The Group Stage couldn’t have come at a better time for Matricciani, getting a valuable look at his team across three competitive fixtures ahead of the domestic season.
Returning home for the first time under our new Head Coach, City fans will be hoping to see that winning momentum resume on Sunday.
WHICH POSITIONS ARE UP FOR GRABS?
Malena Mieres would appear likely to get first crack between the sticks but is certainly under plenty of pressure from Melissa Barbieri – who kept a clean sheet in her one and only AWCL appearance.
Little change would appear necessary in the full back ranks with Bryleeh Henry and Karly Roestbakken continuing on their form from last season across our Asian campaign.
It likely will come down to a decision between Apostolakis and Taylor Otto as to who partners the skipper in the heart of defence, while Laura Hughes, Leah Davidson and Rhianna Pollicina are close to certain starters in midfield.
Continuing further up the pitch, Speckmaier and Tyla-Jay Vlajnic may not be certain to start given their recent international duties, but Shelby McMahon, Kiera Meyers, Lourdes Bosch and new arrival, Kathryn Harvey, will all be pushing for inclusion somewhere in the final third.
STARTING STRONGLY
Undefeated in our first eight games (7W, 1D), the 2023/24 A-League Women’s season got off to an almost perfect start for us.
This foundation would prove absolutely pivotal in securing the Premiers Plate, allowing a mid-season dip in form where we only managed one win from seven matches (2D, 4L).
While Matricciani certainly won’t be forecasting a drop-off like that, he and his squad will be well aware of just how important it is to get off to a strong start – particularly at home.
A large contingent of the City squad will have fond memories of taking on Perth, our most recent meeting of course being the day we sealed the Premiers Plate on a dramatic final day of last season.
Pollicina eased the nerves with her 10th minute strike before McMahon’s first professional goal got celebrations underway late in the contest.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Ninja A-League: Round 1
Melbourne City FC v Perth Glory
ctrl:cyber Pitch, City Football Academy
Sunday 3 November, 3:00pm KO
