The Ninja A-League 2025-26 season rolls on this weekend and aleagues.com.au has everything you need to know ahead of Round 9.
Read on for a game-by-game preview ahead of Round 9.
Adelaide United v Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday, December 27 – Coopers Stadium – 4:50pm AEDT
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Current table position
Adelaide United: 11th
Western Sydney Wanderers: 10th
Round 8 result
Adelaide United: 1-0 loss to Perth Glory (A)
Western Sydney Wanderers: Bye
After having their midweek clash against Melbourne City postponed due to an influenza outbreak through their squad, Adelaide recovered to travel to Perth for Sunday’s game.
Any lasting effects of illness weren’t clearly visible, as they had no trouble creating chances and testing the Perth defence early on. Unfortunately for them, they still weren’t able to find the back of the net in what became their second consecutive 1-0 defeat.
Adriana Taranto looked the most dangerous Red against Perth, with an early penalty shout and a stinging effort from range.
Western Sydney’s last match was a 2-1 loss to Central Coast Mariners. Young Talia Younis starred in the short time she was on the park, with a goal and three chances created in 24 minutes.
Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory
Saturday December 27 – polytec Stadium – 5:00pm AEDT
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Current table position
Central Coast Mariners: 4th
Melbourne Victory: 1st
Round 8 result
Central Coast Mariners: 1-1 draw with Canberra United (A)
Melbourne Victory: 3-1 win over Newcastle Jets (A)
It will be first versus fourth in a rematch of last season’s grand final when reigning premiers Central Coast Mariners host league leaders Melbourne Victory.
Conceding a stoppage time equaliser after two long electrical storm delays was a frustrating way for Central Coast to earn a point against Canberra last time out. Analise Rasmussen’s opening goal proving not enough.
Melbourne Victory had a much more conventional time of it against Newcastle. Three well taken goals highlighted by Rhianna Policina’s stretching volley.
A win for Central Coast will bring them within two points of Victory, while a win for Victory can extend their lead atop the table.
Newcastle Jets v Canberra United
Saturday December 27 – No.2 Sportsground – 6:00pm AEDT
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Current table position
Newcastle Jets: 4th
Canberra United: 2nd
Round 8 result
Newcastle Jets: 1-3 loss to Melbourne Victory (H)
Canberra United : 1-1 draw with Central Coast Mariners (H)
Both Newcastle and Canberra finished their last matches strongly. Newcastle with Lauren Allan’s late consolation goal against Melbourne Victory and Canberra with Sasha Grove’s 90th minute equaliser against Central Coast Mariners to take them to a five match unbeaten streak.
Amongst the bright sparks for Newcastle has been 19 year-old winger Josie Allan. The Newcastle local contributed her first assist of the season against Melbourne Victory.
Much of Canberra’s ability to dictate match pace has come from their midfield pairing Liz Anton and Emma Robers. Against Central Coast, Anton completed 42 passes at 75% efficiency, while Robers was undefeated in aerial duals for the match.
Melbourne City v Perth Glory
Sunday December 28 – AAMI Park – 4:15pm AEDT
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Current table position
Melbourne City: 3rd
Perth Glory: 6th
Round 8 result
Melbourne City: 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory (H)
Perth Glory: 1-0 win over Adelaide United (H)
With AFC Women’s Champions League matches already interrupting Melbourne City’s start to the Ninja A-League, Adelaide United being unable to travel for their midweek clash pulled them further behind.
However City do head into this game with a spring in their step after their midweek Christmas Derby clash against Melbourne Victory saw them come from behind to chalk up a 2-1 win at AAMI Park.
While some teams have played eight games, Melbourne City have still only played five but that midweek win was enough to move them into third on the ladder.
In those five matches Holly McNamara has been at her threatening best, scoring four goals and contributing two assists.
Perth’s win against Adelaide United was their second 1-0 win in a row. American striker Rola Badawiya scored to seal the victory.
Badawiya was lurking in the right place to pounce on a failed clearance and put it past the keeper, to send the Glory side home with plenty of cheer heading into the Christmas break.
