Melbourne Victory Women aim to extend hot form at the Home of the Matildas up against Canberra United on Sunday, March 9.
Victory have enjoyed a strong record over their upcoming opponents in recent history, notably undefeated against Canberra United in over eight years.
Melbourne Victory:
Running away as 2-1 victors in the Westgate Derby at Ironbark Fields, Jeff Hopkins’ side recorded an important win in their pursuit of the Ninja A-League’s top spot.
Youngster Holly Furphy opened the scoring early in her first start for the club, while captain Kayla Morrison’s stunning header from Alana Jancevski’s corner in the second half ensured Victory claimed all three points out west.
Yet another resolute defensive performance was central to the result, with Victory enjoying the tied fewest goals conceded in the league this season.
Returning from the SheBelieves Cup that saw her receive her Matildas debut, young midfielder Alana Murphy will certainly be welcomed back into the squad after making two appearances against the USA and Colombia respectively.
Currently on a seven-game undefeated streak and winning their last three games at the Home of the Matildas, confidence will be high for Victory who will strive to keep their momentum flowing into their last six fixtures of the regular season.
Facing off against her former side once more, Nicki Flannery will certainly be a key player for Victory after a standout display in Canberra where she scored her first goal in Navy Blue.
Round 18 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, 18. Kayla MORRISON, 22. Ava BRIEDIS, 23. Rachel LOWE, 24. Laura PICKETT, 27. Rosie CURTIS, 41. Jessica YOUNG, 50. Courtney NEWBON, 62. Geo CANDY, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI
Ins: 8. Alana MURPHY
Outs: Nil
Canberra United:
Following their home defeat at the hands of Victory that saw Canberra suffering five losses after seven games, Antoni Jagarinec’s side has since recorded just a single loss as they push towards the top six.
Canberra remain undefeated in their last six games, notably recording a 1-1 draw against league-leaders Melbourne City last week thanks to a late Aideen Keane equaliser.
While her 2024/25 campaign has been relatively poor for her high standards in recent seasons, experienced striker and the league’s all-time top goalscorer Michelle Heyman will be a key player for the visiting side – fresh off scoring against the USA for the Matildas.
