There’s something special about finals football.
No matter what transpires during the regular season, as soon as the Finals Series comes around the stakes rise, the intensity ramps up and the quality goes to another level.
That’s certainly been the case in the Westfield W-League over the years and we’re all set for another gripping Finals Series in 2019/20.
Ahead of this weekend’s Semi Finals in Melbourne, what better time to look back at some of the best semis we’ve seen in the Westfield W-League in recent years.
WATCH EVERY KICK: How to watch the Westfield W-League Semi Finals
2011 – Brisbane Roar 2-2 Canberra United aet – Roar win 4-2 on pens
Momentum swung numerous times in this Semi Final thriller, with visitors Canberra coming from behind twice in a gripping 120 minutes.
Roar took a lead through Tameka Yallop (then Butt), only for Caitlin Munoz’s equaliser for the Green Machine to force extra-time.
The home side looked to have stolen it when Kennya Cordner put them back in front, but Roar’s lead lasted barely a minute before Canberra’s Westfield Matilda Michelle Heyman levelled it up again.
While Roar’s Lauren Colthorpe missed the first penalty of the shootout, Ellie Brush and Ellyse Perry erred from the spot for Canberra to put Brisbane back in control and it was left to keeper Casey Dumont to net the winning penalty.
Roar would go on to upset Premiers Sydney FC in the decider, winning 2-1.
FEATURE: Four Finals Series upsets that show anything is possible in 2019/20
2013 – Brisbane Roar 2-3 Sydney FC
Roar were heavy favourites after romping to the Premiers’ Plate, while the Sky Blues only snuck into the top four after results went their way in the final round.
But any team featuring the likes of Kyah Simon and exciting youngsters Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr is always a dangerous opponent.
It seemed to be going to script for Brisbane when Emily Gielnik put the home side ahead but Sydney FC had other ideas, with an equaliser to Annalie Longo followed by a double to a 20-year-old Kerr.
Vedrana Popovic hit back late for Roar but the Premiers ran out of time to force extra-time, with the Sky Blues going on to win the decider 3-1 against Melbourne Victory.
MATCH PREVIEW: Melbourne City vs Western Sydney Wanderers
2014 – Sydney FC 2-3 Melbourne Victory
Sydney FC were left shell-shocked early on as Victory struck twice early on in the first-half.
Sam Kerr hit back just before the break for the Sky Blues, before scores were level early in the second-half as Leena Khamis silenced Victory with a goal.
But the match swung back in Victory’s favour as Lauren Barnes’ penalty proved to be the winner, giving the Navy Blues the impetus to go on and win the Grand Final 2-0 over Brisbane Roar the following week.
MATCH PREVIEW: Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC
2017 – Perth Glory 5-1 Sydney FC
You never would have guessed the final score in this one when Sydney FC took the lead midway through the first-half through Kyah Simon’s goal.
While Glory replied soon after through a Vanessa Di Bernardo penalty, scores stayed at 1-1 until just before the hour mark.
But when Sydney’s Alanna Kennedy scored an own goal on 58 minutes, Glory lifted in confidence, netting three more times through Di Bernardo, Rosie Sutton and Shawn Billam to advance to the Grand Final.
Unfortunately for the side from Perth, Melbourne City proved too strong in the decider winning 2-0.
SYDNEY FC: Road to the Westfield W-League Finals Series
2018 – Sydney FC 3-2 Newcastle Jets
This Semi Final had it all with five goals, a red card and late, late drama.
Sydney FC appeared to be cruising as they took a 2-0 lead to the break thanks to goals from Caitlin Foord and Kylie Ledbrook, while the Jets had been reduced to 10 players following Hannah Brewer’s red card.
The Sky Blues must have had one eye on next week’s decider as they allowed the Jets back into the contest, with Arin Gilliland pulling one back early in the second half, before Tara Andrews forced extra-time with a dramatic 92nd-minute strike.
But big players often deliver in key moments and that was the case for Sydney FC as import Emily Sonnett set up Lisa De Vanna to land the killer blow in the first half of extra-time.
MELBOURNE VICTORY: Road to the Westfield W-League Finals Series
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5730621751001
2019 – Melbourne Victory 2-4 Perth Glory aet
Victory were crowned Premiers after an outstanding regular season but missed out on the decider in dramatic style, with Sam Kerr the chief destroyer.
Jeff Hopkins’ side led inside two minutes through Christine Nairn’s goal and held that advantage until 18 minutes from time when Kerr equalised.
Glory then took the lead four minutes from the end through Rachel Hill but Grace Maher appeared to have saved Victory’s blushed with a 94th-minute equaliser.
That’s when Kerr stole the show, netting either side of the interval in extra-time to complete her hat-trick and book Glory’s Grand Final spot.
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS: Road to the Westfield W-League Semi Final
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6000434456001
MELBOURNE CITY: Road to the Westfield W-League Semi Final
Westfield W-League Semi Finals
Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Date: Saturday, 14 March 2020
Venue: Epping Stadium, Epping
Kick-off: 2:00pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: FOX Sports, ABC TV
Stream: ABC iview, Kayo Sports, MyFootball App
Melbourne City vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Date: Sunday, 15 March 2020
Venue: ABD Stadium, Broadmeadows
Kick-off: 1:30pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: FOX Sports, ABC TV
Stream: ABC iview, Kayo Sports, MyFootball App
