Melbourne City has etched its name further into the history books, securing a record-breaking third consecutive Ninja A-League Women’s Premiers Plate as part of a remarkable day for the Club.
City’s Premiership was secured on Sunday, before the team’s 2-1 AFC Women’s Champions League Quarter Final win over PFC Nasaf capped a memorable afternoon at the Home of the Matildas, booking a place in the Semi Finals of Asia’s premier club competition.
The achievement marks a significant milestone, with City becoming the first women’s side to win three straight Premiers Plates in a full home-and-away era.
It also continues a golden period of success for the Club, with Melbourne City now boasting six consecutive A-Leagues Premierships across its Men’s and Women’s teams, following the men’s historic three-peat between 2020 and 2023, and the women’s run from 2023 to 2026.
Head Coach Michael Matricciani has now delivered back-to-back Premiers Plates since taking the reins, building on the foundation laid by Dario Vidošić, who led City to the first of the three titles.
The latest triumph also brings City’s total to five Premiers Plates in just 11 seasons in the competition, a testament to the Club’s sustained excellence at the top of Australian football.
Club captain Rebekah Stott, the only player to have featured in all five Premiership-winning campaigns, said the achievement reflected the standards and culture that continue to drive the group forward.
“It’s incredibly special. To be part of all five is something I’m really proud of, but what stands out most is how every group has found its own way to succeed,” Stott said post-match.
“This season has been no different, there’s been resilience, belief and a real togetherness. To make history with three in a row, in a full home-and-away season, is something we’ll look back on for a long time.”
“But we’re not done yet. There’s still so much to play for, both here and in Asia, and this group is hungry to keep pushing.”
Sunday’s success also carries continental significance, with City becoming the first club in to secure qualification for the AFC Women’s Champions League in three consecutive seasons since the competition’s inception.
That opportunity remains alive this campaign, with City progressing to the Semi Finals following a dramatic late win over Nasaf.
After Holly McNamara gave City the lead in the first half, the visitors responded before the break to set up a tense finish. City continued to press throughout the second half, and were rewarded in the 89th minute when Chinaza Uchendu struck the decisive goal to send the home crowd into celebration.
The win confirmed City’s place in the final four, where a Semi Final clash with Japan’s Tokyo Verdy Beleza awaits in a centralised hub following the domestic season.
With silverware secured and ambitions still burning on multiple fronts, Melbourne City’s history-making season is far from over.
