In a decisive clash that capped off the 2024/25 Ninja A-League Women season, Melbourne Victory secured a 2-0 victory over Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon. The match, which saw the Victory in control for substantial stretches, was marked by impressive performances from both teams, but ultimately, it was the home side that emerged triumphant.
The opening half was a tightly contested affair, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm early on. Melbourne Victory dominated possession, holding 55.6% compared to Brisbane's 44%, yet the Roar managed to create more scoring opportunities, registering six shots with only one on target. In contrast, Victory had two shots, both of which were on target, illustrating their efficiency.
After a series of near misses, the breakthrough finally came in the 43rd minute. Nikki Flannery, who had been a constant threat on the wing, curled a stunning shot from the right side into the top left corner of the net, leaving Roar goalkeeper Keeley Richards with no chance. This goal not only gave Victory a 1-0 lead heading into halftime but also set the tone for the second half.
Following the break, Victory wasted no time in extending their advantage. Just nine minutes into the second half, Alex Chidiac displayed remarkable skill by nutmegging Richards after capitalizing on a lobbed ball, doubling the lead to 2-0. This goal came as a result of a well-executed team play, showcasing Victory's attacking prowess.
As the match progressed, Brisbane Roar faced further challenges. In the 60th minute, Momo Hayashi was shown a straight red card for dissent, leaving the Roar down to ten players. To compound their difficulties, Leia Varley was forced off the field due to injury, further depleting Brisbane's options.
Despite being a player down, Brisbane attempted to rally and create scoring chances, yet they struggled to penetrate the well-organized Victory defense. The Roar's captain, Tameka Yallop, who had a stellar season, was unfortunately injured in the 89th minute, suffering a right hamstring injury that may jeopardize her participation in the upcoming Matildas friendlies against Argentina.
Victory's coach, Jeff Hopkins, took the opportunity to utilize his bench, bringing in young talents like Ella O'Grady and Paige Zois, who made her first appearance of the season after recovering from injury. The crowd at AAMI Park cheered as Zois took to the field, highlighting her importance to the team as they head into the finals.
With this victory, Melbourne Victory not only concluded the regular season on a high note but also extended their winning streak to eight games, maintaining a third consecutive clean sheet. The team finished second on the league table and will advance directly to the Semi-Finals, set to take place in early May against the winners of the Elimination Finals.
In contrast, Brisbane Roar will have to regroup and focus on the future after a disappointing end to their season. Despite the loss, Tameka Yallop's achievements this season, including becoming the second all-time goal-scorer in the league and the first player to record five hat tricks, highlight her significant contributions to the team.
The match statistics reflect the competitive nature of the game, with Victory's tactical discipline allowing them to capitalize on their chances while stifling the Roar's attacking efforts. As both teams look ahead, the Victory will aim to carry their momentum into the finals, while the Roar will seek to address their shortcomings in preparation for the next season.
Overall, this encounter served as a fitting finale to the regular season, showcasing the talent and determination of both squads. As the finals approach, fans can expect thrilling matchups and intense competition in the coming weeks.
