Melbourne City have been an awe-inspiring force since entering the Westfield W-League in 2015.
The acquisition of star talent from home and abroad has shaped a side capable of collecting trophies even after finishing fourth on the ladder.
City’s triumph of last term made it a hat-trick of Grand Final victories and, with just over three weeks until the new season is upon us, it’s a fitting time to relive each of those successes.
EXPLAINER: When does the Westfield W-League start?
THE GREATEST: Your Westfield W-League Grand Final heroes
2015/16: Too strong for Sydney FC
City began their debut campaign in spectacular style, romping to an incredible 6-0 victory over Sydney FC in the opening round.
An unstoppable run of wins took them to the Semi-Final where, after a tense shootout victory over Brisbane Roar, they booked a spot on the big stage.
Sydney FC were again the opponents; once more, Joe Montemurro’s team was simply too good.
Jennifer Beattie broke the deadlock just beyond the half-hour and Kim Little doubled the advantage with a sensational long-range free-kick in the 54th minute.
A scare did come when a foul on Alanna Kennedy allowed Kyah Simon to reduce the deficit from the spot.
But the hosts took command of a grandstand final 20 minutes thanks to Beattie Goad and Lisa De Vanna, the pair combining to crown a magnificent season with a 4-1 victory.
2017: Two goals and two on the trot
Though they took maximum points from their first four rounds, City’s sophomore season was to prove far more challenging.
An unexpected six-match winless run – which included four defeats – left the club limping into fourth.
Come the Finals Series, the star-studded group proved their mettle.
A 1-0 upset of table-toppers Canberra United instilled confidence for a gritty Grand Final defeat of a Sam Kerr-powered Perth Glory.
Ace midfielder Jess Fishlock became player-coach after Montemurro’s departure midway through the season and the Wales star stood tall when it mattered most.
An incisive move through the left teed up Fishlock for the vital opener in first-half stoppage time, and they were determined not to let the lead slip.
Glory fought hard until Beverly Yanez’s cross deceived goalkeeper Gabrielle Dal Busco and secured City a hard-earned 2-0 win at nib Stadium.
2018: Fishlock cements Grand Final greatness
There were no surprises in February when City again came from fourth to claim the ultimate prize.
After ousting Brisbane Roar in the Semi-Final as they did two years earlier, it was a case of deja vu with Sydney FC the last obstacle.
Same opposition, same result.
De Vanna, against her former employers, spurned an early opportunity for the hosts that proved costly.
Fishlock made them pay for that miss in the 35th minute, deftly chipping an advanced Aubrey Bledsoe to get the scoring underway.
Lydia Williams then showcased her importance with several smarts stops that were rewarded with a second goal through Jodie Taylor, the England striker tapping in at point-blank range after the influential Fishlock cracked a free-kick against the crossbar.
It was all City needed to complete the three-peat as they became the first club to win three Westfield W-League Grand Finals.
Relive the Westfield W-League Grand Final. To watch more from the WWL, click here – https://t.co/Ccaii3ekFH pic.twitter.com/GU6dsklIyK
— Westfield W-League (@WLeague) February 24, 2018
