Winners of three titles, reigning back-to-back champions in Season 13 (2020-21) and 14 (2021-22) – Melbourne Victory are one of the major contenders for another title this season. While there’s little doubt Western United’s introduction will be a challenge, Victory has retained 11 of their championship-winning squad and also made some astute signings.
Last Season
Although finishing fourth on the ladder at the end of the regular season, Victory managed to overcome both Adelaide United (2-1) and Melbourne City (3-1) in the 2021-22 finals campaign before defeating Sydney FC 2-1 at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium (Kogarah Oval). Goalscorers Amy Jackson and Catherine Zimmerman both return to the club this season.
Despite being behind on key statistics such as possession and shots on target, Victory dug deep for the win.
“It’s about not being pretty, it’s about winning the game,” Hopkins said after the match.
Season 14 Grand Final Review
Key Facts
| Coach: | Jeff Hopkins |
| Last Season: | Champions (SYD 1-2 MVC) |
| Venue(s): | AAMI Park – 4 CB Smith Reserve – 3 TBC – 2 |
| Membership: | $50 |
Line-up
The Coach
Jeff Hopkins has been with the club since Season 9 (2016-2017), which was back in the days when US import Christine Nairn was captain, Sam Kerr won the Julie Dolan medal and Ashleigh Sykes won the Golden Boot.
It was the season when Victory was decimated with the arrival of Melbourne City and ‘won’ the wooden spoon in Hopkins’ first attempt as Victory head coach.
Hopkins presided over back-to-back wooden spoons before their fortunes improved, including winning two titles and finishing in the top 4 for the last four seasons. He is now the most successful coach in A-League Women’s history.
Ins & Outs
INS
| Miranda Templeman | Goalkeeper | Adelaide United |
| Anna Liacopoulos | Defender | Scholarship |
| Jessika Nash | Defender | Sydney FC |
| Gema Simon | Defender | Newcastle Jets |
| Natalie Tathem | Defender | Brisbane Roar |
| Ava Briedis | Midfielder | Scholarship |
| Rosie Curtis | Midfielder | Scholarship |
| Beattie Goad | Forward | UDG Tenerife (Spain) |
| Elise Kellond-Knight | Midfielder | Hammarby |
OUTS
| Melissa Maizels | Goalkeeper | not retained |
| Sophia Varley | Goalkeeper | not retained |
| Polly Doran | Defender | Crystal Palace |
| Brooke Hendrix | Defender | Reading |
| Courtney Nevin | Defender | Hammarby IF (Sweden) |
| Kyra Cooney-Cross | Midfielder | Hammarby IF (Sweden) |
| Francesca Iermano | Midfielder | Western United |
| Emma Robers | Midfielder | Western United |
| MelindaJ Barbieri | Forward | Adelaide United |
| Lynn Williams | Forward | loan stint ended |
| Harriet Withers | Forward | Western United |
Key Players
The introduction of youngsters Jessika Nash and Miranda Templeman is exciting for Victory fans and will be key to ensuring defensive stability and backup.
Player of the Match and Championship-winning goalkeeper Casey Dumont will likely have the starting position – surely there’s no one better for Templeman to learn from.
Jessika Nash, Gema Simon and Natalie Tathem are critical to replenish defensive losses with the departure of Courtney Nevin and Polly Doran.
Alex Chidiac – yes to that. In form via Racing Louisville, Chidiac perhaps has the biggest expectation on her shoulders and is key to Victory’s midfield domination.
There was also quite the coup for Melbourne Victory with the signing of Elise Kellond-Knight alongside Chidiac, and what a midfield this will be!
One To Watch
Beattie Goad is the most exciting signing for Victory this season. In fact, it’s a return for the versatile Goad, who started her ‘Dub’ career at Victory and was part of the championship-winning team that defeated Brisbane Roar at Lakeside Stadium in 2014.
Goad went on to win another championship with the undefeated Melbourne City the following season.
Most recently Goad played for UDG Tenerife in La Liga, has played for SV Meppen in the Bundesliga and also has three Matildas caps to her name.
Goad plays successfully at the back, but is also dangerous up forward and can score goals.
“The most growth you do is outside your comfort zone,” Beattie Goad.
Read More: Beattie Goad
Prediction
You’d be a fool to suggest anything other than seeing Victory in the finals. While they may have scraped in last season, they’ve proved anything can happen with their own brand of grit and determination.
Top 4 with a good chance to take out an impressive third successive title and fourth overall.
Fixture
Victory’s championship defence starts with a new derby against Dub debutants Western United.
| Date: | Saturday November 19th |
| Venue: | City Vista Recreation Reserve |
Full Melbourne Victory fixture
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