Melbourne City will open our 2025/26 Ninja A-League Women’s season with a blockbuster away clash against a familiar rival, Sydney FC, on Saturday afternoon.
The match marks City’s first competitive outing of the new campaign following a big pre-season under Head Coach Michael Matricciani. With several exciting new additions complementing a core of familiar faces from last season’s back-to-back Premiership-winning side, the team will be eager to start on the right note at Leichhardt Oval.
Starting on a strong note
City will be looking to begin the new campaign just as we did last season – in blistering form. Nine wins from the opening 11 matches across all competitions in 2024/25 laid the platform for another dominant year that saw the team challenge for silverware on every front.
With two domestic fixtures ahead before departing for Vietnam and the AFC Women’s Champions League Group Stage hub, Matricciani will be hoping to see his side hit the ground running and build early-season momentum.
Saturday’s opponent won’t make it easy though. Sydney FC will be out to make a statement after a frustrating 2024/25 campaign that fell short of expectations. The Sky Blues have refreshed their squad with several key signings and will no doubt prove a strong early test for City in Round 1.
New faces to watch
While plenty of City’s fan favourites are back for another season, several new arrivals will be looking to make their mark in the opening rounds.
Experienced English defender Dan Turner, who arrives from Aston Villa, is expected to slot in seamlessly at left-back, adding leadership and composure to the back line.
Fellow newcomers Aideen Keane, an Australian U23 representative, and Chinaza Uchendu, a Nigerian international, will inject fresh energy into City’s attack – providing creativity and a clinical edge in the final third.
There’s also a wave of young talent waiting in the wings. Promising youngsters Izabella Rako, Danella Butrus and Keira Sarris are a few who will be pushing for senior opportunities this season, reflecting the Club’s continued commitment to developing the next generation of Australian footballers.
Back for more
After back-to-back Premiers Plate triumphs, City enters 2025/26 with its sights set on a third consecutive title – which would equal the all-time ALW record.
Last season ended in heartbreak on two fronts: a dramatic extra-time defeat in the Semi-Finals brought an end to the domestic campaign, before the team narrowly missed out on continental glory a couple of weeks later, falling in a penalty shootout in the AFC Women’s Champions League Final.
Those moments have only fuelled City’s determination heading into the new season. With a talented, balanced squad and a clear hunger for redemption, Matricciani’s side will once again be aiming to challenge for all three major honours – both at home and in Asia.
Fixture Details
Ninja A-League: Round 1
Sydney FC v Melbourne City FC
Saturday 1 November, 2:15 pm KO
Leichhardt Oval
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