Melbourne City opened the 2026/27 Ninja A-League season in dramatic fashion, coming from behind to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.
After a tightly contested first half, the hosts struck early in the second through Makala Woods, leaving Michael Matricciani’s side with work to do.
But City had other ideas.
A penalty from returning star Melina Ayres brought us level before Japanese midfielder Momo Hayashi produced a moment of magic from a late free kick to ensure all three points would be heading back to Melbourne.
Team News
It was a new-look City lineup named by Matricciani, with seven changes to the starting XI that featured in last season’s Grand Final.
Matildas Jessika Nash and Cortnee Vine were among four players making their City debuts, alongside Momo Hayashi and Taylor Ray.
There were also long-awaited returns for Aimee Medwin and Melina Ayres, who both began their professional careers at City before returning to the Club over the off-season.
With captain Rebekah Stott named among the substitutes after managing a minor niggle late in pre-season, Karly Roestbakken was handed the armband.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 5. Aimee MEDWIN, 4. Jessika NASH, 8. Momo HAYASHI, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN (C), 22. Taylor RAY, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 11. Deven JACKSON, 21. Aideen KEANE, 9. Cortnee VINE, 14. Melina AYRES.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 10. Avaani PRAKASH, 13. Rebekah STOTT, 15. Tully HEATLEY, 20. Kelli McGROARTY, 26. Izabella RAKO, 27. Chelsea BIGGS.
What happened?
City made a composed start in Wellington, enjoying plenty of possession in the opening stages as several new faces settled into their first competitive appearance together.
Cortnee Vine had our first sight at goal in the 11th minute, meeting a well-placed cross from the left on the half-volley but unable to get the connection required to trouble the goalkeeper.
At the other end, Malena Mieres was called into action just a minute later, producing a strong save to deny Grace Jale.
It was proving to be an evenly matched contest, with both sides enjoying spells on the ball as the first half progressed.
Wellington came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 31st minute when Makala Woods timed her run perfectly to get in behind the City defence.
Her lifted effort beat Mieres but struck the upright, allowing us to breathe a sigh of relief.
The hosts continued to apply pressure as the half wore on, but Matricciani’s side held firm to ensure the teams headed into the break locked at 0-0.
City made one change at half-time, with Rebekah Stott replacing Roestbakken.
Unfortunately though, it was Wellington who found the breakthrough shortly after the restart.
A loose ball inside the penalty area fell kindly for Woods in the 51st minute, and the Phoenix attacker reacted quickest to finish from close range and put the hosts ahead.
City continued to search for a way back into the contest, with Kelli McGroarty introduced in the 71st minute for her Ninja A-League debut.
And just seconds later, the game turned.
Taylor Ray was brought down inside the penalty area, leaving the referee with little hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Up stepped Ayres.
Making her first City appearance in almost a decade, the returning striker made no mistake from 12 yards, finding the back of the net despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to her effort.
It was a memorable moment for Ayres, scoring her first City goal since her initial stint at the Club and, more importantly, bringing us level at 1-1.
With momentum now firmly on our side, City pushed forward in search of a winner, with Vine going close shortly after the equaliser.
But Wellington were far from content with a point themselves.
Mieres was forced into a brilliant save in the 82nd minute, reacting superbly to deny an Abby Erceg header and keep City on level terms.
And that intervention would prove crucial.
In the 87th minute, McGroarty won a free kick just outside the penalty area, presenting Hayashi with the chance to produce something special.
The Japanese midfielder stepped up and unleashed an absolute rocket towards goal, with her powerful strike bursting through the goalkeeper’s fingertips and into the back of the net.
With the lead finally ours, Matricciani’s side showed plenty of composure to navigate the closing stages and secure a memorable comeback victory to begin our Premiership and Championship defence.
What’s next?
It’s another road trip for City next weekend, with a clash against Sydney FC awaiting on Sunday afternoon.
From there, our attention will turn to continental football as we head to Uzbekistan to begin our 2026/27 AFC Women’s Champions League campaign.
