Melbourne Victory Women will face the Central Coast Mariners upon their return to the Home of the Matildas on Sunday, February 16.
Securing an important point in New Zealand against Wellington Phoenix, Victory arrives back in familiar territory to take on the Mariners.
Melbourne Victory:
After struggling to find control over the game in Porirua Park, a quick impact from Nicki Flannery off the bench brought Victory back level with a crucial equalising goal against the Phoenix.
Jeff Hopkins will take positives from the result, after falling behind early to the home side.
Victory showed great resilience and determination against a well-performing Wellington side, returning to Melbourne with a hard-fought point.
Courtney Newbon was a particular standout for Victory, making a crucial seven saves to keep her side in the game.
Alana Murphy will also come into Sunday’s game with her head held high, with the 19-year-old midfielder recently being named in the Matildas squad for the upcoming 2025 SheBelieves Cup in the United States.
All in all, Victory will aim to extend their five-game undefeated streak as they sit 2nd on the league table – eager to catch Melbourne City on top while cautious of Adelaide United in third who trail behind Victory on goal difference.
Round 16 Squad:
2. Ellie WILSON, 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, 23. Rachel LOWE, 24. Laura PICKETT, 27. Rosie CURTIS, 41. Jessica YOUNG, 50. Courtney NEWBON, 62. Geo CANDY, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI
Ins: Nil
Outs: Nil
Central Coast Mariners:
Upon returning to the Ninja A-League last season, the Central Coast Mariners have proven themselves to be a tough team to beat in the league.
Falling narrowly short in last season’s semi finals to Sydney FC – which included defeating Victory on penalties en route in the elimination final – the Mariners find themselves sitting sixth in the league after a relatively difficult start to the season.
The Mariners almost came out on top against Victory earlier this season in their Unite Round clash at Nestrata Jubilee Stadium, until a late Kayla Morrison equaliser salvaged a draw for the Navy Blues.
Central Coast are currently in the midst of a five-game undefeated streak, recording three wins in this period – while also recording just one away loss this season back in December against the Brisbane Roar.
