THE SEASON SO FAR: CITY WOMEN GEAR UP FOR FINALS

As our City Women prepare for a blockbuster Preliminary Final against cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory, let’s take a look back at the key moments from our 2022/23 season.

In a season where City has had to overcome a coach change, scheduling pressures, injuries and multiple disruptions to the squad, City fans can be proud of their team’s efforts finishing in 3rd on the table.

How could we ever forget City’s hot start to the 2022/23 season, scoring a whopping 12 goals in the opening 3 games to quickly assert itself as one of the most dangerous outfits in the competition.

We spoiled Wellington’s party in the New Zealand-based outfit’s first game in the ALW competition, recording an emphatic 4-1 win across the ditch.

City would then record its first clean sheet of the season back in Melbourne with a 3-0 win over Brisbane Roar in Round 2 before scoring its most goals in a single game for the season the following week, recording a 5-1 win over the Newcastle Jets.

A brace from Rhianna Pollicina led the way in that opening match of the season while Bryleeh Henry and Maria Jose Rojas started the season in some serious goalscoring form, notching 3 goals in their opening 3 games.

City would go on to win 5 of its first six matches of the 2022/23 season, a feat that put them in good stead for the remainder of the season.

ne of City’s key assets is its strike power in the final third, boasting names like Hannah Wilkinson, Rhianna Pollicina, Holly McNamara and Maria Jose Rojas.

Add in the likes of Daniela Galic, Bryleeh Henry and also Emina Ekic in the earlier stages of the season, and City has been a formidable unit moving forward throughout the campaign.

We’ve shown this season that when Dario Vidosic has all the troops at his disposal, it can work like a well-oiled machine and with all the big names back and firing right before finals, City will be coming in with plenty of confidence in front of goal.

We also of course have to recognise a stalwart of the City side, Melissa Barbieri, who has played an instrumental role for City both on and off the pitch for many years now.

Bubs was able to celebrate her 100th appearance milestone in City’s match against Perth Glory just two weeks ago before then getting to celebrate the occasion once again, this time back at home, in City’s fixture against Canberra United.

Tickets are on sale for Saturday’s Preliminary Final via Ticketbooth, and all City Members go for free!