Melbourne Victory have missed out on the fairytale ending to the 2024/25 season they were hoping for, falling to the Central Coast Mariners in the Ninja A-League Women’s Grand Final.
Despite the loss, it was a record-breaking season for Victory, going 15 matches unbeaten and securing 11 clean sheets. With fan-packed stands and unwavering support throughout the season, it was a historic campaign full of positives.
With legendary coach Jeff Hopkins at the helm in his ninth season with the Club, the emotional Head Coach said he was extraordinarily proud of his side’s determination and dedication, which had been on display since Round One.
“I’m really proud of the team,” Hopkins said. “Looking back over the season, I am extremely proud of the effort, how the team’s progressed, how individuals have progressed, and how some of the younger players have developed.
“It’s very disappointing to lose in that manner, but it kind of shows what we’re all about as well.
“We started to take the game to them and got back into the contest. We spoke about what we wanted to do in extra time.
“We wanted to go for it, and I was really proud of the way we tried to win the game. What I’m feeling now is more pride in the team and how they reacted.”
Having made their third Grand Final appearance in five seasons, veteran striker Emily Gielnik said that despite missing out on silverware, it was still a season to be proud of.
“It’s a brutal way to finish,” Gielnik said. “To be honest, I was feeling really good. Sometimes it’s just not your day. I’m pretty gutted — I felt confident we were going to lift that trophy.
“I came to Melbourne Victory to win more silverware and hopefully get myself back there. I’ll just go back to the drawing board and do it all again. I’m not afraid of hard work and grafting to get myself back in there.”
Melbourne Victory thanks our incredible members and fans for their support throughout the 2024/25 season.
Click here to read the full match report and here to watch the post-match press conference.
