DERBY DOUBLE: City set for blockbuster Christmas showdown

Christmas Derby locked in for blockbuster AAMI Park doubleheader.

One of the biggest fixtures on the Ninja A-League Women calendar is locked in, with Melbourne City set to face cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory in a blockbuster Christmas Derby at AAMI Park.

City’s reigning Premiers and Champions will host Victory in Match Week 8 on Saturday 19 December, kicking off at 5:00pm as part of a huge Melbourne Derby doubleheader.

It will be a special return to AAMI Park for City, with the Christmas Derby marking the team’s first match at the venue since last season’s unforgettable Grand Final triumph.

The last time City stepped out at AAMI Park, the night ended with silverware as a 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix saw us crowned 2025/26 Champions, completing a memorable Premiership-Championship double.

There’ll also be plenty of new faces for City fans to see in action at AAMI Park, headlined by star Matildas attacker Cortnee Vine, who will get her first taste of the venue in City colours.

The Derby will also see the return of Melina Ayres to AAMI Park in City blue, adding even more excitement to what is already shaping up as one of the biggest dates on the calendar.

And what better way to mark the occasion than against one of our fiercest rivals?

City and Victory have produced some memorable encounters over the years, and another big occasion is set for December as Melbourne’s two rivals go head-to-head with bragging rights on the line.

And the action won’t stop at the final whistle.

City’s Men’s team will also host Melbourne Victory in the traditional Christmas Derby later that evening, kicking off at 7:40pm under Saturday night lights.

It means fans will be treated to two Melbourne Derbies on one huge night at AAMI Park, beginning with our reigning Ninja A-League Women Premiers and Champions at a family-friendly 5:00pm kick-off.

After a winter that saw football fans across the country captivated by the world’s biggest stage, the Christmas Derby will be a chance to experience the action much closer to home.