Match-by-Match Guide: Essential Insights for Round 17 of the Ninja A-League

The Ninja A-League returns this weekend, and aleagues.com.au has you covered with all the essential information for Round 17 of the 2024-25 season.

Keep reading for a detailed preview of each match set to unfold in Round 17.

Central Coast Mariners v Western Sydney Wanderers

Friday, February 28 – Industree Group Stadium – Kick-off 4:50pm AEDT

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The Central Coast Mariners commence Round 17 eager to recover from their recent 2-0 loss to Melbourne Victory in the Ninja A-League.

Sitting at the edge of the top six, Emily Husband’s Mariners understand that a victory over the Western Sydney Wanderers at Industree Group Stadium could elevate them to as high as fourth on the ladder, providing crucial distance from their competitors.

On the rise are Geoff Abrahams’ Wanderers, who return from the international break buoyed by two successive wins.

A 4-1 defeat of Newcastle Jets in Round 16 propelled the Wanderers to 10th place. Although finals football seems a steep hill to climb, they are keen to continue their upward momentum away from the last-placed Sydney FC.

Canberra United v Melbourne City

Saturday, March 1 – McKellar Park – Kick-off 4pm AEDT

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In seventh place and just a point off the top six, Canberra United will approach their clash with league leaders Melbourne City with a sense of confidence.

Despite suffering a single loss in their last eight matches—a 2-0 defeat against Sydney FC in an abandoned fixture—Antoni Jagarinec’s side has claimed five victories in that timeframe.

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After securing draws against Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners in their recent fixtures, Jagarinec faces some tactical challenges, notably with star striker Michelle Heyman currently at the SheBelieves Cup with the CommBank Matildas.

Facing them is Melbourne City, aiming to match a Ninja A-League record. They remain unbeaten and have triumphed in their last three matches, scoring nine goals while conceding just two.

With an impressive tally of 11 wins and six draws this season, Michael Matricciani’s side knows that a win over Canberra not only solidifies their lead but also matches the record of 18 unbeaten matches, shared with Brisbane Roar (2008-09), Canberra United (2011-12), and City themselves (2015-16).

Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory

Saturday, March 1 – No.2 Sportsground – Kick-off 4:30pm AEDT

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After suffering a 4-1 defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers, Newcastle Jets head coach Ryan Campbell will be eager to end a dismal streak of 10 matches without a win this weekend.

Currently positioned 11th on the ladder, the Jets have lost five out of their last six matches and find themselves just one point above reigning champions Sydney FC, who sit at the bottom.

With the leakiest defence in the league, having conceded 38 goals, the Jets face a challenging task keeping a clean sheet, especially with key defender Tash Prior on international duty with the Matildas at the SheBelieves Cup in the USA.

On the other side, Perth Glory, under Stephen Peters, have experienced a mixed bag of results recently but will look to exploit the Jets’ defensive issues when they visit No.2 Sportsground this weekend.

After narrowly edging Wellington Phoenix 2-1 in Round 16, Glory currently sit ninth and remain nine points shy of finals contention, but they are determined not to give up on their aspirations for a late-season surge.

Western United v Melbourne Victory

Saturday, March 1 – Ironbark Fields – Kick-off 6pm AEDT

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Entering Round 17, Western United finds itself in fourth place, gearing up for a local derby against Melbourne Victory.

With two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five encounters, Kat Smith’s team holds a slim lead over Brisbane Roar and occupies the crucial final top-four spot.

In significant news for Western, this match will mark a farewell for star forward Kahli Johnson, who is set to embark on a new chapter in Canada.

Traveling to Ironbark Fields, Melbourne Victory will undoubtedly test Western’s playoff ambitions.

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Located second on the ladder, albeit seven points adrift of runaway leaders Melbourne City, Jeff Hopkins’ side has secured four wins from their last six outings and aims to reclaim some ground on their rivals for the Premier’s Plate.

Victory will be without midfielder Alana Murphy on international duty, while Western will also miss goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln for the same reason.

Wellington Phoenix v Adelaide United

Sunday, March 2 – Porirua Park – Kick-off 2pm AEDT

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Though sitting eighth on the ladder, Wellington Phoenix has hopes of leveraging the support of their home crowd to secure a crucial win against Adelaide United this weekend.

The Nix are unbeaten in their last five home matches in New Zealand, having only suffered one loss at home this season—a 1-0 defeat to Canberra in Round 2. Only Melbourne City boasts a higher win percentage at home this season than Paul Temple’s squad.

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With just 19 goals conceded this season, only City, Melbourne Victory, and Central Coast Mariners have allowed fewer goals. Therefore, Wellington will need to stay on high alert this weekend.

Third-placed Adelaide United is breathing down the neck of second-placed Melbourne Victory, having secured three wins from their previous five outings.

They arrive in Wellington unbeaten in their last nine matches and triumphed in their last meeting against the Nix, earning a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Emily Condon and Chelsie Dawber, who has netted six times in her last six matches.

Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar

Sunday, March 2 – Leichhardt Oval – Kick-off 5pm AEDT

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With finals hopes all but extinguished, the reigning champions Sydney FC will now play for pride for the remainder of the Ninja A-League season.

Currently last on the ladder with only 10 points from 16 games, the Sky Blues head into their home match against Brisbane Roar following four consecutive defeats, having conceded nine goals in the process.

However, Ante Juric and his team may find hope in facing a Brisbane Roar squad that has encountered a rough patch recently.

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After a strong start to the season, the Queensland club has now slipped to fifth place due to a decline in form, with three losses in their last five matches.

To exacerbate matters, Alex Smith’s team will be without several key players for their trip to Sydney.

Sharn Freier is unavailable due to a season-ending injury, while Laini is away with the Matildas. Additionally, skipper Tameka Yallop is also with the national team at the SheBelieves Cup.