The A-League Women’s competition returns this weekend, with many former, current and future CommBank Matildas stars involved.
Read our preview of all of the Round 1 action below.
Western United v Wellington Phoenix
Date: Friday, 1 November
Kickoff: 7pm AEDT
Venue: Ironbark Fields, Tarneit
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketek
Two of the newest sides in the A-League Women’s competition return to kick off season 2024/25.
Western United have been consistently successful since making the final in 2023 in their inaugural season, and Chloe Logarzo will be central to their chances once more. If their 55-cap international can put together an entire season without major injury, she could lift Western to genuine title challengers.
The Wellington Phoenix are still seeking their first finals charge but with another season of experience behind them, this may finally be their year. They will be hoping to make a statement in the opening game on Friday night.
Central Coast Mariners v Sydney FC
Date: Saturday, 2 November
Kickoff: 2.15pm AEDT
Venue: Central Coast Stadium
Broadcast: 10Bold, 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketek
Last season’s semi-final rematch sees the Central Coast Mariners host defending champions Sydney FC.
The Mariners defied expectations last season to finish in the top four and look like serious title contenders. Some of their departures will hurt them, however, and fans will be hoping that a new-look side can continue to advance to greater heights this time around.
One of those departing players is Kyah Simon who has moved to Sydney FC. They have lost key players Jada Whyman, Cortnee Vine and Charlotte Mclean in the off-season and will be relying on a host of youngsters, as well as Simon herself, to step up and fill their boots.
Canberra United v Brisbane Roar
Date: Saturday, 2 November
Kickoff: 4pm AEDT
Venue: McKellar Park
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: TicketSearch
Three CommBank Matildas will battle it out in a battle of two teams hoping to regain former glory this season.
The home side Canberra United will feature a host of youngsters, as well as many players who have been in and around the A-League Women without really cracking it as a first-choice player. With Michelle Heyman leading the line as a spearhead, it could be a recipe for an exciting season.
Opposing them are a Brisbane Roar side featuring Sharn Freier and Tameka Yallop for the second season in a row. The Roar will look to play a possession style of football under Alex Smith and three points away from home in Round 1 will go a long way to lifting them to their top six goal this season.
Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory
Date: Saturday, 2 November
Kickoff: 5pm AEDT
Venue: ServiceFM Stadium
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketek
Round 1 sees an ‘Original Derby’ as Adelaide United host Melbourne Victory.
Adelaide finished last season in incredibly disappointing fashion, finishing bottom of the table, conceding the most goals and scoring the least. They’ll be hoping that the return of Fiona Worts and some new recruits including Matilda McNamara – a one-time CommBank Matilda – and American Erin Healy can elevate them up the table this time.
Melbourne Victory, meanwhile, have a squad that will be looking to be right up there at the end of the season. Alex Chidiac will be able to control the centre of midfield and be a creative force while Emily Gielnik up front is incredibly difficult to stop. They started slowly last season and will be hoping to reverse that trend this time out.
Melbourne City v Perth Glory
Date: Sunday, 3 November
Kickoff: 3pm AEDT
Venue: ctrl: cyber Pitch
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketbooth
Defending Premiers Melbourne City will face their first test against a new-look Perth Glory team.
City are looking a superb squad this season, fresh off topping their group in the AFC Women’s Champions League. Venezuelan international Mariana Speckmaier will lead the line while the likes of Rhianna Pollicina, Laura Hughes, seven-time CommBank Matilda Karly Roestbakken and Kiwi international Rebekah Stott will feature heavily.
Holly McNamara will be unavailable for the first part of the season as she rehabilitates from her ACL injury but her addition some time in 2025 could be the factor that lifts City to another premiership.
The Glory have had an almost total overhaul of their squad under new coach Stephen Peters. With a mix of NPL stars and West Australian youngsters, picking up three points against the likes of City would be the best possible start.
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Date: Sunday, 3 November
Kickoff: 4pm AEDT
Venue: Cessnock Sportsground
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Last season, the Wanderers narrowly missed out on the finals thanks to a late charge from the Newcastle Jets – they will have the opportunity to enact some measure of revenge in Round 1.
The Jets were one of the most exciting teams in the league last season when the likes of Sarina Bolden and Melina Ayres were scoring goals seemingly at will. Having lost both of those this time, they’ll be relying on new internationals, as well as exciting youngsters like CommBank Young Matilda Lara Gooch to elevate them to new levels.
The Western Sydney Wanderers had a lot of success last season with a transitional style spearheaded by the goals of Sophie Harding. With a full preseason under his built for the first time, Head Coach Robbie Hooker may be looking to evolve their style of play to something more consistent. Whatever the case, the Wanderers are always a team to look out for, with plenty of CommBank Junior and Young Matildas in their ranks.