A Holly McNamara masterclass ensured Melbourne City would close out 2025 in perfect fashion, with a composed and convincing 3-1 victory over Perth Glory at AAMI Park on Sunday evening.
City’s number nine was simply unstoppable, netting the fourth hat-trick of her young professional career in a performance full of composure, movement and clinical finishing. She was superbly supported by Leah Davidson, who collected an assist for each of McNamara’s three goals in a dominant attacking display.
Team News
Coming into the clash full of momentum after a dramatic come-from-behind Christmas Derby win earlier in the week, Michael Matricciani opted to reward consistency, naming an unchanged starting XI for City’s final fixture of the year.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 3. Danielle TURNER, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 9. Holly MCNAMARA, 21. Aideen KEANE, 7. Danella BUTRUS, 15. Chinaza UCHENDU.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 2. Ellie WILSON, 10. Izabella RAKO, 11. Deven JACKSON, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC.
What happened?
It was Perth Glory who made the brighter start, pressing high from kick-off and enjoying an unusual share of early possession. The visitors looked organised and purposeful, creating a handful of early moments that forced City to settle into the contest rather than dictate it from the outset.
City’s opening stages were slightly below our usual standards, but Uchendu’s ability to hold the ball up and bring teammates into play proved crucial in relieving pressure and allowing the midfield to gain a foothold. As the half progressed, City began to find rhythm, and once we did, the quality told.
Somewhat against the run of play, City struck the opening goal in the 23rd minute. Davidson picked up the ball centrally and produced a moment of pure class, lifting a perfectly weighted pass through two defenders. McNamara timed her run to perfection, took a steadying touch, and finished calmly across the goalkeeper to give City the lead.
The opener injected confidence into the home side, as we began to control possession and territory with far greater authority. That growing dominance was rewarded again just before the interval.
Outstanding pressing from Uchendu high up the pitch forced a turnover, and the ball was quickly worked to Davidson, who once more slid McNamara in behind the defence. The striker made no mistake, doubling City’s advantage and sending us into the break with a deserved two-goal cushion.
Perth responded early in the second half, capitalising on a rare lapse at the back to pull a goal back in the 50th minute and briefly inject some tension into the contest. City, however, remained composed and continued to play on the front foot.
McNamara went close to creating another soon after, teeing up Butrus in the 60th minute, though the young winger’s effort was straight at the goalkeeper. City kept pushing, moving the ball sharply and forcing Glory deeper as the half wore on.
The moment everyone inside AAMI Park was waiting for arrived in the 71st minute. A flowing team move, starting from deep in City’s own half, sliced through the Glory defence, with Davidson once again providing the decisive final pass. McNamara raced through, took a touch and delicately dinked her finish over goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey to complete a memorable hattrick.
From there, City professionally managed the remainder of the contest, controlling possession and denying Perth any late opportunities as we comfortably saw out a well-earned three points.
What’s next?
City will now enjoy a brief break before returning to action in the new year. Our first fixture of 2026 sees us return to ctrl:cyber Pitch to host Sydney FC on Sunday 4 January. Click here to secure your tickets and start the new year with City.
