The Melbourne derby showed Liberty A-League finals football at its best – the grand final could top that, writes Angela Christian-Wilkes
Maybe we should have expected the first Melbourne derby final to deliver. Over the years, the two Melbourne teams have generated their own history and hype by way of a theatrical tug-of-war rivalry that has seesawed into the current season, and gave us a 90 minutes to remember on Sunday.
Neither expertise or form gave us a clear prediction of the outcome, which is what finals football should be. They even had a win apiece this season – but in the most important derby arguably ever, Victory secured their ticket to the big dance with a 3-1 win. Now we have the equally tantalising prospect of a grand final rematch, in the purest sense of the phrase.
The gamechangers
Victory’s starting eleven against City was their strongest team available, placed in their strongest individual positions. The only tweak made was the inclusion of Kyra Cooney-Cross, who returned from the sin bin. City had the obvious changeover of Sally James for Melissa Barbieri in goal, with Chelsea Blissett stepping in for Tyla Jay Vlajncic – a formidable group despite exclusions.
Melina Ayres was the wildcard Victory needed, providing a new prong to their attack that City had not yet encountered this year. It was her dogged determination, rather than pure skill, that gave her the edge this week. Three chances early on, produced through fast-paced build-up play, trundled wide of the right post, much to her own frustration. The opening goal was produced by capitalising on a turnover. She intercepted Emma Checker’s pass – sticking her foot out with an awkward backwards lunge – and streaked towards goal to slice it into the far corner.
Alex Chidiac impressed with her high work rate, displaying both intensity through the middle to build pressure and creativity as Victory’s most potent attacking fulcrum. Victory’s third goal stemmed from her sharp through ball for Catherine Zimmerman to run onto. Knocked in front of goal and then recycled back out, Chidiac once again made a decisive pass, this time to Privitelli who scored in similar fashion to last week.
Circumstances considered, goalkeeper Sally James had an excellent day out in her first start and first full game with City. Going down two goals in the first half – a preliminary final no less – would make most of us turn to the texture of wet papier mache, however James continued to organise her backline with the assertion of more tenured keeper. Her quality was reflected in both her aerobatic efforts and, perhaps more importantly, in her astute positioning which helped her stifle several one-on-one chances. This performance has primed the 19-year-old as one to watch next campaign.
The key moments
The first 20 minutes was a cluster of potential key moments, as a busy game of end-to-end football unfolded. Ayres and Rebekah Stott had the lion’s share for their respective teams, with Stott’s second shot forcing the first essential save from Casey Dumont.
In the 35th minute, still at 0-0, Zimmerman missed a sitter sent in by Lia Privitelli. It was a moment that could have shifted the balance, providing City with a moment of frustration they could exploit. Yet the disciplined play from Victory couldn’t be disrupted so easily – understandable given the resilience required of their hectic season – and they continued to plug away.
Tumeth’s 80th minute conversion at 3-0 down was a big moment. The debut goal is just reward for the defender, who has substantially improved her game this year and become a reliable contributor in City’s well-oiled defence. There was no time to celebrate, however, as she rallied her team back for the restart.
Grabbing a goal back triggered some chaos-mode football from City. This included a crucial free kick just outside the 18 yard, sent to the far post beautifully by Rhianna Pollicina. Wilkinson’s header went wide; had the ball hit the back of the net and brought the scoreline to 2-3, it’s anyone’s guess how the game would have ended.
Perhaps the most important moment of all was Rebekah Stott’s hitting her 100th ALW game. It is a demonstration of immense dedication and resilience for all those who reach it. Stott’s milestone is made more significant considering her recent battle with Hodgkins lymphoma and her notable contributions to recent City’s success. Stott is the heart of this team; a leader on and off the field, and a source of joy for both her teammates and those who have the pleasure of watching her compete. Congratulations on a huge achievement, Stotty!
Farewell to…
They cannot be faulted for effort, but the “what ifs” surrounding City’s exit will haunt the loss. The sharp disappointment felt is a testament to their own success in rebuilding. Last season, they uncharacteristically finished 7th. This year, they have played consistent and exciting football, nipping aggressively at Sydney FC’s heels in the race to the premiership.
A lack of depth off the bench has made them fallible, exposed following Holly McNamara’s injury and Hannah Wilkinson’s time on international duty. Furthermore, while historically Melbourne City have cruised through previous finals’ series, this current playing group lacks experience comparative to Sydney and Victory – Emma Checker, Rebekah Stott, Letitia McKenna and Winonah Heatley have all featured in finals, albeit at different clubs in different years.
Despite these limitations, City are on the cusp of being one of the competition’s dominant forces once more. As seen with both grand finalists, dominance in the current era of the A-League Women comes from depth built over time. Success seems to be shaped more by those who stick around rather than the talent who show up temporarily. If younger names like Blissett, Tori Tumeth and Leah Davidson stick around, City may well reclaim their former glory in a new form.
Next week…
It’s back to the future, as Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory once again meet at Kogarah Stadium for the grand final. The déjà vu will also be reflected in squad composition; eight of Sydney’s starting eleven from their semi-final also featured in last year’s big dance, with Victory listing five names on Sunday that played in their championship-winning team. Big names who shaped the last meeting include Sydney’s keeper Jada Mathyssen-Whyman and Victory’s Kyra Cooney-Cross – maybe it’s something to do with double-barrelled names? Spicy predicted matchups include Courtney Nevin against Cortnee Vine – two rising Matildas – and Alex Chidiac against Taylor Ray.
Both sides have a bigger claim on the line in securing the championship. The Sky Blue are gunning for the elusive Premiership and Championship combo after losing two successive grand finals. Victory look determined to prove their status as the best by winning back-to-back. The return of a great foe may be a huge motivator for Sydney as they seek to correct the wrongs of last year.
Premiers, home advantage, a week of rest behind them, and a frontline that will duly punish Victory if they repeat the scrappy defending seen in patches across the prelim – Sydney are the clear favourites. Victory will be hindered by the exclusion of left-back Polly Doran and, as mentioned in last week’s ALW Lessons, don’t boast the same quality on their bench as Sydney.
Yet Victory knocked out third place. They have now knocked out second place. Why not first place too? The extended finals format has provided them with additional opportunities to reinstate themselves. No matter what, this season will keep us guessing until the final whistle. Bring on the Big Blue!
