Melbourne City have named their travelling squad for the inaugural 2024-25 AFC Women’s Champions League group stage.
City’s new head coach Michael Matricciani announced a 21-player squad ahead of Sunday’s Group B opener against Bam Khatoon FC in Thailand, with all games available to watch LIVE via YouTube.
Recruits Mariana Speckmaier, Malena Mieres, Lourdes Bosch, Alexia Apostolakis and Emilia Murray could make their debuts in the historic Champions League campaign, while Holly McNamara and Sophia Varley remain in Melbourne to continue their rehab with the Ninja A-League premiers.
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The continental tournament is the first of its kind for women’s football in the AFC, established for the 2024-25 campaign in August, 2023 as part of a revamped approach to the confederation’s elite club competitions.
The first Women’s Champions League campaign comes after three editions of the Women’s Club Championship – the AFC’s “pilot” program.
Ninja A-League champions Sydney FC took part in the 2023 tournament after finishing the 2022-23 domestic season as Premiers; now, for the inaugural Women’s Champions League campaign, reigning Ninja A-League premiers Melbourne City will represent Australia alongside 21 rival clubs from 21 different Asian nations.
NINJA A-LEAGUE WOMEN 2024-25 FIXTURE DETAILS
FULL FIXTURE: Every match here
TALKING POINTS: More free-to-air games, a New Year’s Eve party & more
DERBY DAYS & KEY DATES: The biggest Ninja A-League Women matches to put in your diary
FINALS SERIES: 2024-25 Ninja A-League Women finals structure and dates
Melbourne City’s travelling squad
GOALKEEPERS: 23. Melissa BARBIERI, 24. Malena MIERES, 30. Anastasia KYRIACOU
DEFENDERS: 21. Isabella ACCARDO, 8. Alexia APOSTALAKIS, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 5. Taylor OTTO, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC
MIDFIELDERS: 19. Lourdes BOSCH, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 14. Laura HUGHES, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 31. Carina ROSSI, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA
ATTACKERS: 20. Caitlin KARIC, 15. Kiera MEYERS, 11. Emilia MURRAY, 17. Mariana SPECKMAIER
ABSENT: 9. Holly MCNAMARA (Knee), 1. Sophia VARLEY (Ankle).
Fixture details
| MD | DATE | TEAM A | TEAM B | VENUE | KO* |
| MD1 | Sunday, 6 October | Melbourne City | Bam Khatoon FC | BG Pathum Stadium | 8:00pm (AEST) |
| MD2 | Wednesday, 9 October | College of Asian Scholars | Melbourne City | BG Pathum Stadium | 12:00am (AEST) |
| MD3 | Saturday, 12 October | Melbourne City | Kaya FC – Iloilo | BG Pathum Stadium | 8:00pm (AEST) |
