Semi-Final Updates: Two-Time Champion Makes Comeback for Victory, City Star Left Out Again

The squads have been announced as we gear up for the first legs of the Semi-Finals in the 2024-25 Ninja A-League Finals Series.

On Sunday afternoon, Melbourne Victory will make the trip to face off against Adelaide United in a highly anticipated Original Rivalry Semi-Final. Victory’s head coach, Jeff Hopkins, has included veteran midfielder Lia Privitelli in the 19-player squad, marking her potential return for the first match of the 2024-25 season.

A two-time Champion with Victory, Privitelli had ankle surgery back in February, and while she hasn’t made her appearance yet this season, she is eager to make her comeback this weekend.

As for Adelaide, they are bringing an unchanged squad into this clash, keen to capitalise on their historic first-ever Finals Series triumph over Western United during the first leg against Victory.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Finals Series draw, the Central Coast Mariners will host Premiers Melbourne City at Industree Group Stadium this Saturday afternoon.

Mariners coach Emily Husband has included the adaptable midfielder Taylor Ray in the squad set to challenge the Premiers, despite concerns over an ankle injury sustained late in Monday’s Elimination Final victory against Canberra United.

City return to the pitch this weekend, boasting a robust roster under head coach Michael Matricciani. However, Venezuelan international Mariana Speckmaier will miss the first leg due to an ankle injury that hasn’t healed in time.

LUCÍA LEÓN: I was supposed to represent Spain. Instead, I captain the World No. 101 – and it’s transformed my life.
DUB ZONE TALKING POINTS: Adelaide duo in contention for Matildas selection amid finals fairytale: ‘They deserve a chance’

Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne City

Saturday, May 3 – Industree Group Stadium – 2:15pm AEST

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Central Coast Mariners squad: 1 Sarah LANGMAN, 4. Jessika NASH, 5. Annabel MARTIN, 6. Isabel GOMEZ, 7. Jade PENNOCK, 8. Bianca GALIC, 10. Taylor RAY, 11. Annalise RASMUSSEN, 12. Tiana FULLER, 13. Sarah ROWE, 14. Greta KRASZULA, 16. Tess QUILLIGAN, 18. Taren KING, 19. Leia PUXTY, 20. Chloe CARMICHAEL, 21. Brooke NUNN, 22. Peta TRIMIS, 23. Lily McMAHON, 24. Shay EVANS

(Two players to be omitted)

Ins: 16. Tess QUILLIGAN, 23. Lily McMAHON

Outs: Nil

Melbourne City squad: 5. Taylor OTTO, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 7. Kathryn HARVEY, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 9. Holly McNAMARA, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 11. Emilia MURRAY, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 14. Laura HUGHES, 15. Kiera MEYERS, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 19. Lourdes BOSCH, 20. Caitlin KARIC, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC

(Two players to be omitted)

Ins: 7. Kathryn HARVEY, 20. Caitlin KARIC, 15. Kiera MEYERS (all promoted)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 17. Mariana SPECKMAIER (ankle)

Adelaide United vs Melbourne Victory

Sunday, May 4 – Coopers Stadium – 4pm AEST

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Adelaide United squad: 2. Emily HODGSON, 3. Meleri MULLAN, 4. Matilda MCNAMARA, 5. Sarah MORGAN, 6. Tiarna KARAMBASIS, 7. Abby CLARKE, 8. Emily CONDON, 10. Chelsie DAWBER, 11. Isabel HODGSON, 12. Nanako SASAKI, 13. Ella TONKIN, 14. Lucía LEÓN, 16. Dylan HOLMES, 19. Katie BOWLER, 21. Claudia JENKINS, 22. Erin HEALY, 23. Fiona WORTS, 27. Sian DEWEY, 30. Ilona MELEGH

(Two players to be omitted)

Ins: 3. Meleri MULLAN, 7. Abby CLARKE

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 17. Zoe TOLLAND (hamstring)

LUCÍA LEÓN: I was meant to represent Spain. Instead, I captain the World No. 101 – and it’s transformed my life.
DUB ZONE TALKING POINTS: Adelaide duo in contention for Matildas selection amid finals fairytale: ‘They deserve a chance’

Melbourne Victory squad: 3. Claudia BUNGE, 4. Sara D’APPOLONIA, 5. Sofia SAKALIS, 7. Ella O’GRADY, 8. Alana MURPHY, 9. Holly FURPHY, 10. Alex CHIDIAC, 11. Nicki FLANNERY, 15. Emily GIELNIK, 16. Paige ZOIS, 18. Kayla MORRISON, 19. Lia PRIVITELLI, 23. Rachel LOWE, 24. Laura PICKETT, 27. Rosie CURTIS, 41. Jessica YOUNG, 50. Courtney NEWBON, 62. Geo CANDY, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI

(Two players to be omitted)

Ins: 16. Paige ZOIS, 19. Lia PRIVITELLI

Outs: 22. Ava BRIEDIS

Unavailable: Nil

LOCKED IN: All the essential information you need ahead of this weekend’s semi-finals.