Melbourne Victory Women capped off the final game of the regular season with a strong 2-0 win over Brisbane Roar.
Jeff Hopkins made two changes to the XI that beat out the Central Coast Mariners, promoting youngsters Holly Furphy and Laura Picket into the starting squad.
It was a tight affair to kick off a big day at AAMI Park, with both sides slowly finding their way into the game.
Victory held the majority of possession and territory, but the Roar certainly had promising moments in attack.
Brisbane threatened from set-piece deliveries, but Victory’s defensive unit stood strong and kept the Roar out.
Holly Furphy had Victory’s best chance 20 minutes in, running at defenders and firing a shot on target that was held well by Keeley Richards.
20 minutes later, Victory seemingly found the opener after Rachel Lowe finished off a superb counter-attacking move, but the goal was quickly ruled out as offside.
However, the disappointment wouldn’t settle long for the Navy Blues who ended the half off with a bang.
Played in by Rachel Lowe, Nicki Flannery directed her effort on goal perfectly into the top corner to fire Victory 1-0 ahead heading into the break.
Remaining unchanged at the break, Victory quickly continued their momentum into the second half.
In the 54th minute, Holly Furphy’s shot took a wicked upward deflection that Alex Chidiac anticipated exceptionally well.
Sneaking into the box, Chidiac directed the ball through the legs of the Roar goalkeeper to double Victory’s lead.
It would quickly go from bad to worse for the visitors after Japanese midfielder Momo Hayashi was sent off on the hour mark for dissent.
Jeff Hopkins soon after went to his bench, bringing 20-year-old duo Ella O’Grady and Rosie Curtis into action.
Victory were largely in control over the second 45, limiting the impact of their opponents going forward.
Alana Murphy’s trademark corner deliveries caused problems for the Roar, almost causing a third goal.
As time ticked on, the substitutes received a loud cheer from the Victory faithful.
Brought along with Jessica Young, it was a heart-warming moment for Paige Zois who made her first appearance of the season after returning from injury.
Ella O’Grady almost bagged her second goal of the season after rattling the post with a powerful strike in the 90th minute as Victory continued to push for more.
In the end, the Navy Blues settled for an excellent 2-0 win to wrap up an excellent Ninja A-League 2024/25 regular season.
Victory enters the Finals series in top form, extending their record-breaking winning streak to eight games while keeping a third-straight clean sheet.
In finishing second on the table, Victory Women jump straight into the Semi-Finals, set to be played in early May against the winners of the Elimination Finals.
Match Details
Ninja A-League Round 23
Melbourne Victory 2 (Flannery 43′, Chidiac 54′)
Brisbane Roar 0
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 50. Courtney NEWBON (GK), 3. Claudia BUNGE, 8. Alana MURPHY, 9. Holly FURPHY, 10. Alex CHIDIAC, 11. Nicki FLANNERY, 13. Sara D’APPOLONIA, 18. Kayla MORRISON (C), 23. Rachel LOWE, 24. Laura PICKETT, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI
Substitutes: 20. Sienna TECHERA (GK), 7. Ella O’GRADY (62′), 16. Paige ZOIS (83′), 27. Rosie CURTIS (73′), 41. Jessica YOUNG (83′)
Brisbane Roar Starting XI: 1. Keeley RICHARDS (GK), 2. Leia VARLEY, 3. Deborah DE LA HARPE, 6. Holly McQUEEN, 7. Momo HAYASHI, 8. Mariel HECHER, 13. Tameka YALLOP (C), 14. Zara KRUGER, 16. Chelsea BLISSETT, 18. Emily PRINGLE, 32. Alicia WOODS
Substitutes: 99. Emma GIBBON (GK), 10. Grace KUILAMU, 20. Tanaye MORRIS (78′), 22. Ruby CUTHBERT (62′), 23. Isabela HOYOS (89′)
