8-GOAL THRILLER | Final spots secured in DRAMATIC style | Round 22 | Ninja A-League Highlights Show
Welcome to Made With Mitre Moments, where aleagues.com.au delivers the key talking points from each round of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season.
Continue reading for the most significant highlights from Round 22, brought to you by Mitre.
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‘You’re welcome, Canberra!’
Western Sydney Wanderers’ forward Sophie Harding broke her goal drought in the Ninja A-League with her first goal since January 5.
This remarkable strike was not only a candidate for Goal of the Week but also a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser that guaranteed Canberra United’s place in the Finals Series.
As Western Sydney found themselves down 4-3 against Brisbane Roar in the dying moments of the match, Brisbane seemed poised to claim victory, which would have kept their Finals hopes alive.
However, Harding had different plans.
MATCH REPORT: 8 goals, 2 red cards, a hat-trick & a stoppage-time equaliser: Roar eliminated from finals contention in thrilling draw
SPECIAL MOMENT: Matildas star debuts a new surname in a heartwarming surprise: ‘A significant moment for me’
The reigning Julie Dolan Medalist unleashed a stunning left-foot strike, earning a point for the Wanderers in Brisbane, while ensuring that Canberra, who had recently triumphed over Wellington Phoenix at McKellar Park, secured their finals position, pulling four points clear of the Roar in seventh place.
“You’re welcome, Canberra!” Harding proclaimed after the match.
“I didn’t overthink it, which was nice. I took a touch, spotted the keeper, and shot with my left foot. I was quite pleased with that. As a striker, the best moments come when you just react naturally.”
Harding’s spectacular long-range goal capped off a thrilling 4-4 draw that had everything, including Momo Hayashi’s spectacular effort for Brisbane and Tameka Yallop’s hat-trick, bringing her just two goals shy of Holly McNamara at the top of the Golden Boot standings.
A fiery on-pitch clash saw Brisbane’s Laini Freier and Wanderers’ keeper Sham Khamis both dismissed shortly after exchanging punches.
“We were just saying this would have been an amazing match to watch from home,” Harding said.
“It had it all, from red cards to relentless action. It was exhilarating, no doubt! I was anxious going in, wanting to make an impact, but our team showed resilience, and I’m very proud of our effort.”
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Nominate your pick for the Isuzu UTE Goal of the Week for Round 22 Ninja A-League: Vote TODAY!
Legend celebrates 200 games on a ‘truly special day’
Canberra United and Ninja A-League legend Michelle Heyman made history on Sunday night by becoming the first player to reach 200 games in the league’s history. It was fitting that this milestone was underscored by a 1-0 victory over Wellington Phoenix, securing Canberra’s spot in the Finals Series.
MATCH REPORT: Michelle Heyman’s record-setting match concludes with Canberra United securing finals qualification
While the all-time leading goalscorer and appearance maker could not extend her career tally of 117 against the Phoenix, a 25th-minute goal from Madison Ayson ensured Canberra claimed all three points during Heyman’s landmark match.
In a heartwarming moment, the Canberra squad remained on the pitch at McKellar Park to witness the thrilling conclusion of Brisbane’s 4-4 draw with Western Sydney, celebrating as they realised they had secured a top-six finish.
Post-match, Heyman reflected on the significance of her 200th game, stating, “This is a truly special day.”
“To be here, to achieve this milestone at home – it’s something I never thought I would accomplish, especially given how long it’s taken me to get here.”
“Someone mentioned it took me 17 years to reach this point, so it’s a remarkable testament to the loyalty I’ve maintained towards this club and the league.”
When asked about the importance of securing a Finals Series position in such dramatic fashion, Heyman responded, “It means everything. This has been our goal since day one of pre-season.”
“We had a shaky start, but we’ve managed to maintain our winning momentum when it truly mattered to secure a Finals spot. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if you finish first or sixth; we’re in the finals, so our focus now is on continuing to win and building confidence.”
Dark horse ignites thrilling finale to Golden Boot race
Brisbane Roar and CommBank Matildas star Tameka Yallop edged closer to the top of the Golden Boot leaderboard on Sunday afternoon, achieving a hat-trick against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Out of the blue, Yallop tied with Melbourne Victory striker Emily Gielnik at 12 goals, trailing her international teammate Holly McNamara by just two goals, with McNamara increasing her lead with a brace against Newcastle Friday night.
Despite a standout performance and a late surge for the Golden Boot, Yallop and the Roar found their Finals aspirations dashed in a dramatic 4-4 draw with the Wanderers. Sharing her thoughts on the bittersweet day, Yallop reflected, “Honestly, I’m still trying to process everything that unfolded in those 90 minutes.”
“It probably won’t be until I have a moment to myself that I can truly reflect on the season. I’m devastated that we’re not advancing, but I’m here for the team and want to ensure we bring our best for the final game.”
With both Yallop and Gielnik locked on 12 goals, they are set to clash in the final round as Victory hosts the Roar at the Home of the Matildas.
Although she made strides in her pursuit of the Golden Boot, Yallop chose to focus on her team’s performance rather than individual accolades.
“Gielnik is capable of scoring some incredible goals,” Yallop mentioned when discussing her Matildas teammate. “Our main goal is to head into next week aiming for a clean sheet.”
“Honestly, I’m not too focused on personal achievements. What’s most important is for us to finish the season strongly.”
MATCH REPORT: 8 goals, 2 red cards, a hat-trick & a stoppage-time equaliser: Roar eliminated from finals contention in gripping draw
‘We went in blind’: Victory star shares team’s mentality in Premiership chase
A narrow 1-0 victory over Central Coast Mariners kept Melbourne Victory’s hopes for the Premiership alive on Friday night, following Melbourne City’s 4-1 win over the Newcastle Jets, which kept City ahead in the race for the Premiers Plate.
Had City drawn, Victory would have levelled on 52 points with the leaders, while a City defeat would have seen them leap to the top of the table with one round remaining.
MATCH REPORT: Victory keeps Premiership hopes alive heading into final day after thrilling win over Mariners
After the match, star defender and goalscorer Claudia Bunge revealed that head coach Jeff Hopkins opted not to inform the players of the City-Jets result prior to kick-off in Gosford, allowing the squad to concentrate on their own performance.
“We went in blind,” Bunge shared post-match.
“Someone just mentioned to me that there were two red cards – sounds like an eventful match; I’ll make sure to watch the highlights.”
“Our priority was to focus on our own game tonight, and it seems to have worked.”
Victory’s 1-0 triumph over the Mariners ensured that the Premiership race would continue into the season’s final round; City’s first match is in Round 23, where they can clinch the Premiers Plate with a win over Perth Glory in Fremantle on Friday night.
If City draws, they’d have a three-point lead with a goal difference of +30 compared to Victory’s +11, effectively securing the title.
Conversely, a major upset by Perth could allow Victory to seize top position in their Saturday clash against Brisbane Roar.
Bunge and Victory are eager for redemption after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Brisbane in Round 10.
“We’re definitely looking for some payback after our last encounter with them,” Bunge acknowledged.
“That was a challenging match for us, and we want to correct that.”
“While Friday’s win over Central Coast was a bit scrappy, we can definitely improve our ball control and on-field pressure. We’re keen to work on these aspects ahead of the Brisbane game.”
“Our focus, though, is primarily on our own performance. Tonight was about us; we wanted to avoid distractions regarding City, so we’ll carry that mindset into our upcoming matches and into the finals.”
‘Excitement and relief’ for Mariners captain as she returns after 460 days out
Central Coast Mariners are headed for the 2024-25 Finals Series, and the return of club captain Taren King from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a welcome boost for Emily Husband’s side as they chase the Ninja A-League Championship.
King sustained her ACL injury in January 2024, and after 460 days of rehabilitation, she finally made her much-anticipated comeback to the Ninja A-League on Friday night.
MATCH REPORT: Victory takes the Premiership race to the final day following nail-biting win over Mariners
King made her return by coming off the bench in the 86th minute of her team’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Melbourne Victory, and post-match, she expressed her thrill and relief after enduring such a long recovery.
“It’s a mix of excitement and relief to finally get back out there,” she said.
“This return has been highly anticipated, and I’m just overjoyed to finally be back.”
“There were so many emotions leading up to this moment – it’s simply fantastic. After a rollercoaster year of rehab, I’m just happy to lace my boots again and play without overthinking it.”
“I wouldn’t have returned unless I felt fully prepared and confident in my abilities. I’m now approaching this phase with a renewed sense of confidence compared to 12 months ago, and I’m feeling optimistic.”
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