Melbourne City secure double glory with A-League Women’s Grand Final triumph
Melbourne City secure double glory with A-League Women’s Grand Final triumph Melbourne City are crowned champions of Australia once again after overcoming Wellington Phoenix in the A-League Women’s Grand Final. City, who also secured a third straight Premiers Plate this season, were powered to a first Championship since 2020 by Holly McNamara’s first half brace. The Premiers saw huge appeals for a fourth minute penalty waved away by the referee.
Bryleeh Henry looked to have rounded Nix goalkeeper Victoria Esson on the edge of the box. The Football Ferns shot-stopper reached back to try and tip the ball away. As the two players tangled, the City contingent’s calls for a spot-kick fell on deaf ears.
Wellington’s first look on goal came through Lucía León. Brooke Nunn intercepted the ball in midfield and drove forward. León was there in support, but her shot from a narrow angle flew high over the bar.
Leticia McKenna’s free-kick hit the bar on the half hour as City continued to ramp up the pressure on the Wellington goal. They thought they’d broken the deadlock with ten minutes of the first half left, but McNamara’s glancing header was ruled out for offside. However, the Matildas’ striker wouldn’t have to wait long for her goal.
Her shot from the corner of the box looped in over Esson. Remarkably, it was her first goal since February. And she wouldn’t have to wait long for a second either.