Melbourne City wrapped up the premiership title yesterday after winning their tenth match of the season, setting the record for the first team to win the league this early in the season. A hard fought 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar puts the W-League new comers eleven points clear of nearest rivals, Canberra United who sit in second place.
City have dominated this season, thanks in no small part to their British imports including Seattle Reign duo Kim Little and player-coach Jess Fishlock. The pair, who play internationally for Scotland and Wales respectively, are joined in Australia by Little's international teammate Jenny Beattie (on loan from Manchester City Women) and have helped their new team to wrap up the W-League Premiership with three matches of the regular season still remaining.
Little, Fishlock and Beattie are joined at Melbourne City by a number of high-profile Australian national team members. Captain Lisa De Vanna, Steph Catley and Laura Alleway are all established internationals and along with striker Larissa Crummer played for the Matildas at the recent Women's World Cup in Canada.
City won the premiership after winning all ten domestic matches so far this season, giving them an unassailable lead in the title race. The impressive record of 32 goals scored, and only three conceded, emphasises the type of football Joe Movntemurro’s side have been playing this season.
Melbourne City were already guaranteed a top two finish and home match in the play-off semi finals, but now continue their momentum towards the end of the regular season. They will now aim to become overall champions by winning the Grand Final, scheduled to be played on Sunday 31 January.
Teams
Brisbane Roar FC Women: Kopmeyer (GK), Chapman, Polkinghorne (C), Beard, Marzano (Vine 64), Gorry, Yallop (Norrie 78), Butt, O'Brien (Foote 85), Blackburn, Gielnik
Melbourne City FC Women: Davey (GK), Beattie, Luik, Catley, Little, Crummer (Alleway 90+2), Fishlock, De Vanna (C) (Chiciac 77), Stott, Jackson, Tabain (Goad 60)
Brisbane Roar FC Women: Kopmeyer (GK), Chapman, Polkinghorne (C), Beard, Marzano (Vine 64), Gorry, Yallop (Norrie 78), Butt, O'Brien (Foote 85), Blackburn, Gielnik
Melbourne City FC Women: Davey (GK), Beattie, Luik, Catley, Little, Crummer (Alleway 90+2), Fishlock, De Vanna (C) (Chiciac 77), Stott, Jackson, Tabain (Goad 60)