The Ninja A-League 2025-26 season continues this weekend and aleagues.com.au has everything you need to know ahead of Round 12.
Read on for a game-by-game preview ahead of Round 13.
Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets
Friday, January 16 – AAMI Park – 4:50pm AEDT
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Current table position
Melbourne City: 1st
Newcastle Jets: 6th
Round 12 result
Melbourne City: 2-1 win over Wellington Phoenix (A)
Newcastle Jets: 2-1 win over Sydney FC (A)
Melbourne City were professional in their win away to Wellington, scoring two goals early and putting in a defensive shift to earn the three points.
Leticia McKenna was crucial in City’s win, scoring the first goal of the match before then shining in more of a defensive role to help steer her side to victory.
Newcastle scored a late, late winner against Sydney FC to earn their first win in exactly a month.
The Jets had created a number of quality chances, only to be repeatedly denied by Sydney keeper Heather Hinz. New Zealand international Charlotte Lancaster finally able to find a way through with a powerful finish from long range.
City will be looking to increase their lead on top of the table with games in hand, though if Newcastle cause an upset, they can bring themselves right into the battle for a top four place.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Brisbane Roar
Friday January 16 – Wanderers Football Park – 7:00pm AEDT
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Current table position
Western Sydney Wanderers: 11th
Brisbane Roar: 7th
Round 12 result
Western Sydney Wanderers: 3-1 loss to Perth Glory (A)
Brisbane Roar: 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory (A)
Western Sydney had a lot more of the ball, but struggled to find ways through the Perth Glory defence in their 3-1 loss. Meanwhile, young Daisy Brown’s first Ninja A-League goal earned Brisbane the win over Melbourne Victory.
The Wanderers’ Chinese international Yuan Cong looked positive off the bench, taking four shots on target and scoring her first goal for Western Sydney in her 30 minute spell.
Brisbane weathered an attacking onslaught from Victory, with centre-back pairing Momo Hayashi and Leia Varley combining for six tackles, four blocks, 17 clearances and four interceptions.
When these teams met in round 3, Western Sydney earned a 1-0 victory with the goal coming from Olivia Price.
Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory
Saturday January 17 – Coopers Stadium – 4:50pm AEDT
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Current table position
Adelaide United: 9th
Melbourne Victory: 4th
Round 12 result
Adelaide United: 0-0 draw with Sydney FC
Melbourne Victory: 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar (H)
Adelaide dominated possession in the first half of their 0-0 draw against Sydney before momentum swung away from them, forcing them to defend more in the second half.
Melbourne Victory threw everything at Brisbane Roar, but couldn’t find a goal in what was their first goalless performance since November 23rd.
Fiona Worts only played 27 minutes against Sydney, but she was key in re-establishing a forward presence for Adelaide, creating two chances late on.
Victory will be looking for a better showing from their attackers against Adelaide, their best chance against the Roar coming from defender and captain Kayla Morrison when she had her close range shot well saved.
Canberra United v Wellington Phoenix
Saturday January 17 – McKellar Park – 5:30pm AEDT
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Current table position
Canberra United: 2nd
Wellington Phoenix: 8th
Round 12 result
Canberra United: Bye
Wellington Phoenix: 2-1 loss to Melbourne City (H)
Canberra have the chance to keep league leaders Melbourne City within reach if they can snag a win over Wellington, while a Wellington victory can take them into the top six.
Canberra central defender Liz Anton continued her fine season, scoring her first goal for the campaign against Western Sydney in their last match before the bye.
Wellington have found their replacement for Nepalese striker Sabitra “Samba” Bhandari, in new signing Makala Woods.
The American forward was introduced to the match against Melbourne City at half time and immediately set about making a nuisance of herself in the penalty area. Her persistence was eventually rewarded with a stoppage time goal.
Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory
Sunday January 18 – polytec Stadium – 5:00pm AEDT
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Current table position
Central Coast Mariners: 3rd
Perth Glory: 5th
Round 12 result
Central Coast Mariners: 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets (A)
Perth Glory: 3-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers (H)
Central Coast came from behind to win the F3 derby last time out, with young forwards Peta Trimis and Annalise Rasmussen starring.
Trimis was the best player on the park with a goal, an assist and five chances created, while Rasmussen took herself to the outright lead of the goalscorers table.
The Perth Glory defence absorbed almost everything Western Sydney tried, with goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey making eight saves in their 3-1 win.
American midfielder Emma Tovar was impressive, scoring the opening goal and contributing five tackles without conceding a foul.
A win for the Mariners will keep them in the top three and the fight for the premiership, while a Perth win will see them into the top four.
