What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with some City football?
Two bumper clashes are ahead this weekend as our City Women kick things off in Adelaide on Friday night before Aurelio Vidmar’s men renew hostilities with Melbourne Victory for the annual Christmas Derby.
Michael Matricciani’s squad head into their away trip to the city of churches full of confidence after another win last weekend, now sitting a couple of points clear on top.
Earlier last Sunday it was an entertaining 2-2 draw against A-League Men’s ladder-leaders Auckland FC as we became the first team across the competition to earn a share of the points against the league’s new boys.
Vidmar will be hoping to turn one point into three on Saturday night for the second Men’s Melbourne Derby of the season, the City Head Coach now confirming his extended squad.
Harry Shillington and Lawrence Wong have both been promoted while there are no outs from the team that took to AAMI Park last weekend.
Socceroo’s Mathew Leckie and Marco Tilio are sadly no closer to returning, both suffering unfortunate setbacks and expected to be out for a few more weeks.
There’s better news on that front for our Women’s squad as both Rhianna Pollicina and Shelby McMahon return after being late outs due to illness last weekend.
Sophia Varley has also completed her rehabilitation from an ankle injury suffered in pre-season, with only Caitlin Karic (hamstring) currently unavailable for selection – although she’s expected to return in early 2025.
ALW Round 7 Squad
5. Taylor OTTO, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 7. Kathryn HARVEY, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 9. Holly McNAMARA, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 11. Emilia MURRAY, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 14. Laura HUGHES, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Mariana SPECKMAIER, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 19. Lourdes BOSCH, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC.
In: 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 12. Shelby McMAHON (both return from illness).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 20. Caitlin KARIC (hamstring).
ALM Round 9 Squad
1. Jamie YOUNG (GK), 2. Callum TALBOT, 6. Steven UGARKOVIC, 8. James JEGGO, 10. Yonatan COHEN, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 20. Arion SULEMANI, 22. Germán FERREYRA, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 27. Kai TREWIN, 30. Andreas KUEN, 33. Patrick BEACH (GK), 35. Medin MEMETI, 36. Harry SHILLINGTON, 38. Harry POLITIDIS, 41. Lawrence WONG, 46. Ben MAZZEO, 47. Kavian RAHMANI.
In: 36. Harry SHILLINGTON, 41. Lawrence WONG (both promoted).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 7. Mathew LECKIE (hamstring), 15. Andrew NABBOUT (knee), 17. Max CAPUTO (leg), 21. Alessandro LOPANE (knee), 23. Marco TILIO (hamstring), 34. Jayden NECOVSKI (knee).
