Finals football is here, and Melbourne City’s push towards the 2025 Ninja A-League Women’s Grand Final begins this Saturday afternoon in Gosford.
After completing a remarkable invincible regular season and sealing back-to-back Premiers Plates, Michael Matricciani’s squad is now firmly focused on adding more silverware to the trophy cabinet.
The first steps comes by way of a tricky two-legged Semi-Final tie against Central Coast Mariners.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the first leg at Industree Group Stadium:
Freshened up and ready
City hasn’t taken to the pitch since our 5-1 win over Perth Glory on April 18 – a performance that not only sealed the Premiership but showed off the attacking firepower this team has become known for.

Taylor Otto and Bryleeh Henry struck early in that clash, before Otto netted her second and both Holly McNamara and Leticia McKenna added their names to the scoresheet in a dominant display.
With more than two weeks between matches, City will have enjoyed the rare opportunity to rest, reset and recover. The extended break has no doubt helped the group prepare physically and mentally for the challenge of Finals football.
On the other side of the ledger, the Mariners have had little time to recover. Just five days separate their dramatic Elimination Final win over Canberra United and Saturday’s Semi-Final.
After falling behind early, a Jade Pennock double ensured their progression with a gritty 2-1 comeback victory.
Looking to start strong
With the return leg to be played in Melbourne next weekend, City will be eager to start the tie strongly and put one foot in the Grand Final.
Many in the current squad know exactly what that looks like, having been part of last season’s Semi-Final tie against Newcastle.
On that occasion, City blew the Jets away in the first leg with a 3-0 win away from home before backing it up with another 3-0 victory at home to seal a dominant 6-0 aggregate triumph.

A similar outcome would no doubt be welcomed by Matricciani – who takes charge of his first Finals fixture – and City fans alike.
A tricky opponent
City has been almost flawless throughout the 2024/25 season, but the Mariners are the only team we’re yet to defeat.
The teams drew 2-2 in Round 3 at the ctrl:cyber Pitch, before a frustrating scoreless draw followed on New Year’s Eve in Gosford — a game in which City missed two penalties and created numerous chances to break the deadlock.

While Central Coast may have proven difficult to break down this season, they’re a team we’ve never lost to – splitting our only two other meetings last season a win and a draw apiece.
Now, with everything on the line, City will be determined to produce our best performance yet.
Fixture Details
A-League Women: Semi-Final Leg 1
Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne City FC
Saturday 3 May, 2:15pm KO
Industree Group Stadium
Live on 10Bold, 10Play and Paramount+