Welcome to the Mitre Moments, where aleagues.com.au provides you with a rundown of the key highlights from each round of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season.
Dive into the major themes from Round 23, all thanks to Mitre.
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‘One trophy down’ for record-breaking Melbourne City: ‘Words can’t convey the emotions’
Melbourne City’s head coach, Michael Matricciani, struggled to put into words the feelings surrounding his team’s capture of the Premiership on Friday night.
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The impressive 5-1 victory over Perth Glory not only marked their consecutive Premier’s Plate triumph but also crowned them as invincible for the 2023-24 Grand Finalists, with Holly McNamara securing the Golden Boot.
With 16 wins, seven draws, and no losses this season, City has now captured their fourth Premiership title in Ninja A-League history.
FINALS SERIES: Essential details as Ninja A-League fixtures are confirmed
Matricciani’s squad will face the lowest-placed Elimination Final winner, enjoying a well-deserved week off as premiers.
UNDEFEATED PREMIERS! City achieves back-to-back titles as goal extravaganza concludes an unforgettable season
“To be honest, words can’t capture the feelings coursing through me right now,” Matricciani expressed. “I am incredibly proud. From day one, the club has embraced me, and the players have genuinely made it a pleasure to coach them.
“One trophy down and achieving an undefeated season is something I never imagined possible. It’s a testament to the determination, quality, and focus of these players. All credit goes to them, and I’m just really excited.”
As the invincible team of 2024-25, they have become just the fourth squad in history to go through the regular season without a loss.
Ninja A-League unbeaten regular seasons:
- Canberra United (2011-12) – P10, W7, D3
- Melbourne City (2015-16) – P12, W12
- Melbourne City (2019-20) – P12, W11, D1
- Melbourne City (2024-25) – P23, W16, D7
“I never really thought about going undefeated,” he said. “We haven’t discussed it once.
“Of course, the media and fans are going to chatter about it, especially when we break records of 19, 20 games unbeaten. It does cross your mind. But as a manager and as a staff, we’ve never focused on the undefeated streak; we have always looked at what’s next.
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“Our attention has always been on how we can better ourselves. Even leading up to this match, the focus was on improvement. There’s still much football to be played, but it was vital to secure this victory. What a spectacular performance it was tonight.
“I’m thrilled, but after a season like this, we might take a moment to enjoy it, knowing there’s still a lot ahead.”
Adelaide completes remarkable turnaround as Elimination Final approaches
From finishing last in 2023-24 to claiming third place and reaching the Finals Series this season, Adelaide United’s transformation has been astounding.
A double from Fiona Worts propelled Adelaide to a 2-1 victory over two-time champions Sydney FC in the final round of the regular season.
MATCH REPORT: Magnificent Worts dazzles as Adelaide soars into finals
The high-flying Reds are now looking ahead to an Elimination Final against Western United at Coopers Stadium on Sunday, April 27, marking only their second appearance in the Finals Series.
“I’m incredibly grateful. Last year was challenging, but the club backed the players and coaching staff,” commented head coach Adrian Stenta.
“We made some changes, but most of the core players stayed, and they’ve displayed remarkable character in turning things around. I’m incredibly proud of this squad.”
Stenta remarked, “We’ve faced all the top eight teams recently and leaned on different players. The quality hasn’t diminished when we’ve made changes, which is crucial heading into the finals.
“We will be a tough challenge for anyone.”
It was also a noteworthy match for Adelaide’s star player, Dylan Holmes, who made her 100th appearance for the club.
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“Dylan embodies everything this club represents. She is a fantastic individual and was brilliant again today,” Stenta noted.
“I hope she stays with us for many more years – I’d love to see her reach another hundred games.”
Melbourne Victory brimming with confidence after ‘best season we’ve ever played’
Bring on the Finals! That’s the mood emanating from a confident Melbourne Victory after securing a 2-0 win against a 10-player Brisbane Roar.
Nickoletta Flannery’s stunning goal in the first half and Alex Chidiac’s impressive nutmeg in the second led Victory to a club-record 13 games unbeaten, including an exceptional run of eight consecutive victories.
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Although their hopes of the Premiership were dashed by Melbourne City on Friday night, the second-placed team rounded out the season with strong momentum.
“I’m immensely proud of the squad,” head coach Jeff Hopkins said. “This is the best season we’ve ever had. Achieving 53 points is remarkable for us, with seven consecutive wins and our 11th clean sheet of the season.”
“We are in fantastic shape and eagerly anticipate the finals series. I attribute our success to the playing group. They are a determined bunch.
“They excel technically but are also willing to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work to secure victories.
“Their desire to win this year has been pivotal for us. They have trained extremely hard, and even throughout every international break, they have shown remarkable fitness and commitment during training.”
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Mariners claim bragging rights in F3 Derby
Central Coast Mariners possess the iconic guardrail after their 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets on Saturday, setting them up for their Elimination Final on a high note.
Coming from behind, Central Coast secured bragging rights at Maitland Sports Ground, with substitute Tianna Fuller equalising in the 78th minute before Jade Pennock scored the winner just five minutes later.
MATCH REPORT: Central Coast completes the treble of F3 Derby wins with a comeback victory
The Mariners, enjoying three successive wins against Newcastle, got their hands on the unique F3 Derby trophy – a guardrail segment from the M1 motorway.
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“This victory was crucial for us,” stated Mariners midfielder Bianca Galic post-game, with Canberra United awaiting them in the Elimination Final.
“We wanted to enter this finals run on a promising note.”
“Coming back from a goal down showcased the fight within our team.”
Newcastle goalkeeper Danielle Krzyzaniak delivered an outstanding performance with numerous impressive saves, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win for the Jets.
“Kudos to Newcastle’s keeper tonight,” added Galic. “She made a number of stops that could have been frustrating for us.”
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Kiwi prodigy celebrates milestone goal for finals-bound Canberra
Canberra United bolstered their Elimination Final preparations with a landmark goal and an incredible strike.
New Zealand international Ruby Nathan netted her first A-Leagues goal in a 3-1 victory over bottom-placed Western Sydney Wanderers, which also featured an astonishing free-kick by Bethany Gordon at CommBank Stadium on Saturday night.
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MATCH REPORT: Stunning free-kick highlights Canberra United’s recent success as they gear up for finals
After Darcey Malone opened the scoring in the 25th minute, Gordon struck with a magical free-kick just five minutes into the second half.
Bronte Trew’s second goal in two games provided the Wanderers with hope, but Nathan’s goal secured Canberra’s third straight win, marking their return to the Finals Series for the first time since 2020-21.
“It felt absolutely amazing,” Nathan said to Paramount+. “I thought we performed really well as a team, and it was the cherry on top.
“This momentum is fantastic heading into our finals match next week.”
Canberra will head to Gosford to face Central Coast in the second Elimination Final on Sunday, April 27.
Nathan added: “We are thrilled to have made the finals. Our hard work this season has paid off.
“The effort we’ve put in at training has been significant, and we’re looking forward to the finals moment.”
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Wellington Phoenix signals the end of an era
A fresh chapter looms for Wellington Phoenix following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with finals-bound Western United.
Paul Temple oversaw his final match in charge, ensuring Wellington denied Western United the chance to secure a home Elimination Final, while also providing Annalie Longo with a surprising farewell.
MATCH REPORT: Phoenix stuns Western with a draw in a legend’s final match
In the lead-up to the match, the Phoenix chose not to extend Temple’s contract for a third season, and at Porirua Park, Wellington’s Emma Main equalised, cancelling out Sara Eggesvik’s second-half opener.
Temple strolled onto the pitch with his daughters and received a warm reception from the Yellow Fever.
“It was heartwarming to experience that,” he shared.
“We relocated from Auckland nine and a half years ago, so it symbolizes both them and me.”
Temple expressed: “Whoever steps in next has the opportunity to enhance the foundation we’ve built and continue progressing.
“I wish the club the very best. My time here at the club has been fantastic over the past nine and a half years, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”
Phoenix captain Longo also revealed her unexpected retirement from professional football.
“I didn’t want today to be all about me,” Longo said when speaking to club media following the match.
“I’m feeling quite emotional. I was subbed off, and then the team scored, so they clearly didn’t need me!
“I’ve always aimed to give everything I had while wearing the Phoenix jersey, and I believe I’ve done that.
“The future is uncertain, but this is my last professional game.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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