The Ninja A-League 2025-26 season rolls on 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 12.
Sydney FC v Adelaide United
Friday, January 9 – Leichhardt Oval – 7:00pm AEDT
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Current table position
Sydney FC: 10th
Adelaide United: 9th
Round 11 result
Sydney FC: 1-0 loss to Melbourne City (A)
Adelaide United: 1-0 win over Central Coast Mariners (H)
Adelaide United pulled off something of an upset last weekend, defeating top four side Central Coast Mariners 1-0 at home. Winger Emily Condon scored the lone goal in what was Adelaide’s second consecutive win.
Sydney FC played some much better football than they’ve been able to in recent weeks against Melbourne City, but there was just no route to goal in their 1-0 loss.
Fullbacks Abby Lemon and Tori Tumeth were key in keeping City to just one goal, combining for 10 tackles and 17 clearances. They will be important once more, with Adelaide finding plenty of joy from their wide areas.
Four of Adelaide’s six goals In their last two matches, have come as a result of a pass coming in from wide.
Perth Glory v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday January 9 – Sam Kerr Football Centre – 10:00pm AEDT
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Current table position
Perth Glory: 5th
Western Sydney Wanderers: 11th
Round 11 result
Perth Glory: 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets (H)
Western Sydney Wanderers: 1-1 draw against Canberra United (H)
Both Perth Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers battled hard in the last round, with Perth Glory earning three points against Newcastle and Western Sydney coming from behind against league leaders Canberra United to hold them to a draw.
17-year-old Milly Bennett’s first ever Ninja A-League goal came at a very useful time for Western Sydney, drawing them back level with Canberra on the way to their first point since the draw against Sydney FC on December 7th
Perth Glory have scored one goal in each of their last four matches, three of which were 1-0 wins. In these matches, goalkeeper Teresa Morrisey has been in fine form.
Since returning from a back injury, Morrisey has played in four matches, keeping three clean sheets and making 14 saves.
Wellington Phoenix v Melbourne City
Saturday January 10 – Porirua Park – 2:00pm AEDT
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Current table position
Wellington Phoenix: 6th
Melbourne City: 2nd
Round 11 result
Wellington Phoenix: 2-2 draw against Brisbane Roar (A)
Melbourne City: 1-0 win over Sydney FC (H)
Melbourne City needed a player of the match performance from goalkeeper Malena Mieras to earn their win against Sydney FC last week, while Wellington needed a stoppage time equaliser from Brooke Nunn to nab a point away to Brisbane.
Wellington midfielder Grace Jale has been consistent in Wellington’s recent run of good form, playing a number of different roles. Jale has played a more defensive, screening role at times as well as being used as an attacking outlet on the left.
Melbourne City’s right flank saw plenty of the ball against Sydney with Alexia Apostolakis and Aideen Keane forming a dangerous partnership that saw three chances created.
When these teams played each other in Round 6, Melbourne City won 1-0 with Rebekah Stott scoring the late winner.
Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners
Saturday January 10 – No.2 Sportsground – 5:00pm AEDT
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Current table position
Newcastle Jets: 10th
Central Coast Mariners: 4th
Round 11 result
Newcastle Jets: 1-0 loss to Perth Glory (A)
Central Coast Mariners: 1-0 loss to Adelaide United (A)
The second F3 Derby of the Ninja A-League season sees Central Coast coming off their first loss in six matches and Newcastle winless in their last three.
The Jets conceded early against Perth Glory and were unable to find a way back against a strong defence. Midfielder Sophie Hoban was Newcastle’s main goal hope against the Glory, testing the keeper with two of her three shots.
The Mariners are going to need a midfield threat to step up in place of the suspended Isabel Gomez, and they may have found one in Avaani Prakash. The 19-year-old made her first start for the Mariners against Adelaide, creating two chances and drawing four fouls in an impressive performance.
Central Coast won the round 6 clash between these sides 4-1.
Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar
Sunday January 11 – Home of the Matildas – 5:00pm AEDT
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Current table position
Melbourne Victory: 3rd
Brisbane Roar: 8th
Round 11 result
Melbourne Victory: Bye
Brisbane Roar: 2-2 draw against Wellington Phoenix
Fresh off the bye, Melbourne Victory will be looking to get back into the top two. Meanwhile Brisbane, still reeling from conceding the late equaliser against Wellington, are trying to stay in touch with the top six.
Victory’s attack has been the strongest in the league, scoring 19 goals from 10 matches, and both Rhianna Policina and US striker Kennedy White are flying having scored six goals apiece.
Brisbane wing back Ashlyn Miller has been building into some form, first with an assist against Central Coast before scoring her first A-Leagues goal against Wellington. With Victory deploying their full backs in attack, there should be opportunity for Miller to add to her tally.
When these teams met in Round 1, Brisbane came from 2-1 down at the hour mark to win 3-2.
