Melbourne City’s outstanding 2024/25 A-League Women’s campaign has been recognised in the most highly respected of ways, with six players and Head Coach Michael Matricciani selected in the PFA Team of the Season.
Topping the list is star forward Holly McNamara, who was not only named in the starting XI but also voted Captain of the Team of the Season after receiving the highest number of votes among all players.
It’s a fitting reward for a remarkable individual campaign from the 22-year-old, who returned from a serious knee injury to lead City’s attack.
Despite a delayed start to her season, McNamara claimed the A-League Women Golden Boot with 15 goals from 18 appearances, playing a central role in City’s undefeated run to the Premiers Plate.
In defence, the quality and consistency of City’s backline was recognised with the inclusion of Rebekah Stott, Taylor Otto and Alexia Apostolakis in the starting XI.
For Stott, it marks a third appearance in the Team of the Season and a second consecutive selection in the starting side, reinforcing her reputation as one of the league’s most dependable leaders at the back.
Otto, who featured on the bench in last year’s squad, steps into the starting XI this time following a standout campaign in central defence.
Apostolakis rounds out the defensive trio with a richly deserved first appearance after an impressive debut season at City, quickly establishing herself as one of the league’s brightest young talents.
City’s midfield was also recognised with Laura Hughes selected in the XI and Leticia McKenna named among the substitutes. Both Hughes and McKenna were instrumental in the middle of the park throughout the season and have been rewarded with the recognition from their peers.
Rounding off City’s incredible representation is Head Coach Michael Matricciani, who was voted Coach of the Season in his first year at the helm.
Taking charge ahead of the 2024/25 season, Matricciani led the team to an extraordinary undefeated regular season campaign. His leadership, tactical understanding and ability to get the best out of his players have been central to one of the most dominant regular seasons in league history.
City led all clubs for representation, with more players named in the squad than any other team, a clear reflection of the dominance shown throughout their unbeaten campaign.
About the PFA Team of the Season
The inaugural PFA A-League Team of the Season was announced in 2009 and has been revealed annually in the A-Leagues Finals Series. Based on peer recognition, selection in the PFA Team of the Season remains one of the highest accolades a professional footballer can receive in Australia.
At the end of each season, PFA members from the A-Leagues are asked to vote on their best XI. The composition of the team is based on the number of votes tallied for each player in each position, with the substitutes bench comprising those players who finished below those in the starting XI positions. The player with the most votes is determined the Team of the Season’s captain.
