The Grand Final stage is now set after an entertaining weekend of Semi Finals action, from which Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory emerged to progress to the Westfield W-League decider.
Victory finished the regular season in third, but romped to an emphatic 6-2 win over second-placed Brisbane Roar to book a spot in the Grand Final.
The Sky Blues, meanwhile, shut-out Canberra United to win 3-0 on Monday afternoon. The Green Machine were lacking firepower due to the absence of star striker Michelle Heyman and Sydney took full advantage to set up the chance to secure a Premiership/Championship double in 2020/21.
But overcoming Victory will be no easy feat for the Sky Blues after their impressive Semi Final form, with the likes of Lisa De Vanna, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Melina Ayres hitting their straps in a ruthless and impressive win on the road.
Read on to see the stars that made our Semi Final Team of the Week, presented by Bunnings Warehouse.
REPORT: Green stunner crushes Canberra as Sydney set up Grand Final with Victory
ANNOUNCEMENT: Sydney FC to host Melbourne Victory in the Westfield W-League 2021 Grand Final
Goalkeeper
Jada Whyman – Sydney FC
The Sky Blues shot-stopper was not called upon often but, when she was, the 21-year-old delivered some crucial saves to ensure the competition’s best defence advanced with a shut out.
There was no moment more important then when Nikki Flannery raced through on goal on the brink of half-time but Whyman narrowed the angles and made a superb reaction save to ensure Canberra were not able to get back into the game.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6246650334001
Defenders
Charlotte Mclean – Sydney FC
One of the breakout stars of Sydney’s Premiership-winning campaign produced again on the big stage when it mattered, with Mclean making an impact in defence and attack in the 3-0 Semi Final win over Canberra.
The Sky Blues’ right-back made three interceptions and won two duels to help keep the Green Machine at bay, and delivered a pin-point cross to set Clare Wheeler up to volley home Sydney’s second, the goal that essentially vanquished the away side’s hopes.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6246652546001
Natalie Tobin – Sydney FC
Sydney’s 24-year-old centre-back has not missed a minute of the 2020/21 campaign and she once again played a key role in locking down Canberra United’s attackers in the 3-0 win on Monday.
Tobin stuffed the stats sheet with three clearances and three interceptions, while winning seven of her eight duels and two of her four tackles in a near flawless exhibition of defending.
Claudia Bunge – Melbourne Victory
The New Zealander had been a rock at the heart of the Victory defence throughout the campaign and she produced another steely performance to help book their spot in the Grand Final, winning three of her four duels.
Bunge claimed three interceptions as the Navy Blue restricted the Queenslanders’ opportunities through most of the contest, and the 21-year-old almost made an impact at the other end when her looping header had to be parried over the crossbar.
Ally Green – Sydney FC
Green opened her Westfield W-League account in spectacular fashion with an unstoppable strike into the top corner of Canberra’s net from almost 30 yards, yet it was not only her impressive attacking output that earns her Team of the Week honours.
The 22-year-old left back posted a huge defensive display, winning a staggering 12 of 16 duels and four of her five tackles, as well as three clearances and six interceptions.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6246652574001
Midfielders
Kyra Cooney-Cross – Melbourne Victory
The 19-year-old took the game to the Roar from the off, controlling the tempo of Victory’s offence like a veteran while showing her energy off the ball as the Navy Blue stifled Brisbane for long periods at Lions Stadium.
Cooney-Cross claimed the crucial assist for Victory’s second goal on the cusp of half-time, while firing in four shots on goal and creating four chances. Her three interceptions and five duels won shows her contribution in defence.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6246513192001
Clare Wheeler – Sydney FC
Wheeler was perhaps the Sky Blues’ most important player in their 3-0 Semi Final triumph, playing a pivotal role as Sydney won the midfield battle while producing game-changing moments in front of goal.
Her outstanding delivery found Mackenzie Hawkesby lurking at the far post to fire the breakthrough and the she turned from provider to goalscorer to double the advantage, scoring her fourth career Westfield W-League goal. She also won six duels, two tackles and made two steals.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6246645220001
Olivia Chance – Brisbane Roar
Chance worked her socks off in the Roar midfield while providing some of their most dangerous moments, slamming a first-half effort wide under pressure and hitting the target with another before scoring with a sensational 30-yard rocket strike.
Brisbane were overwhelmed in the centre of the field for much of the game but New Zealand international midfielder Chance helped keep the hosts in the game, winning four duels and adding a clearance and a tackle won against a swarming Victory attack.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6246513473001
Mariel Hecher – Brisbane Roar
The Brazilian has come a long way in a short time and was one of the Roar’s brightest sparks in the first half, causing Victory problems on the Brisbane left as the Queenslanders counter-attacked to keep the away side on alert.
Hecher sent in seven crosses and created five chances, including a cutback for Tameka Yallop to cannon a shot that bounced off the bar and may have crossed the goal-line. She won two tackles, six of her nine duels and logged a clearance and an interception.
Forwards
Melina Ayres – Melbourne Victory
With Roar’s hopes slipping away, Ayres showed her poacher’s instinct to grab herself a Semi Final hat-trick with a trio of close-range finishes, including a double in the last few minutes to increase the score to 6-2.
The 21-year-old’s presence was a constant threat to the Queenslander’s makeshift backline. Ayres took six shots in total, with the other three going off target – including a missed retaken penalty after she originally scored.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6246512686001
Lisa De Vanna – Melbourne Victory
De Vanna rolled back the years with a vintage display to lead Victory to the Grand Final, scoring a pair of crucial goals with a rifled strike to open the scoring and a thunderbolt to extend the lead to 4-1.
The 36-year-old stepped up when it counted, hitting six shots and getting four on target, one of which resulting in Ayres scoring on a rebound, and winning 10 of 14 duels and three of three tackles in a game-changing performance.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6246513726001
REPORT: De Vanna and Ayres drive Victory past Roar to reach first Grand Final in seven years
REACTION: ‘It’s these games that matter’ – De Vanna shows big-game mentality to send Victory to Grand Final
