The A-League Women gets back underway this weekend, with current and aspiring CommBank Matildas taking the pitch for the first time this season.
Defending champions Central Coast Mariners, premiers Melbourne City, and runners-up Melbourne Victory will all be involved in what will be a blockbuster round one.
Read our preview of all the action below.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Perth Glory
Date: Friday, 31 October
Venue: Wanderers Football Park
Kickoff: 7pm
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
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The Western Sydney Wanderers will host the Perth Glory in the opening game of the season as two sides full of young talent showcase what they can do.
The Wanderers will need to get off to a good start if they are to make the finals for the first time since 2019/20, and will rely on their early home games to do so. Amy Harrison is shaping up to be a key player as she guides her young squad through the competition.
Perth Glory are in a similar boat, having not made the finals since 2018/19 when they fell just short in the Grand Final. An intriguing signing is Bronte Trew, who arrived from the Wanderers last year and is a pacy young attacker. They will start the season with several injuries, however, including CommBank Young Matildas Georgia Cassidy and Ella Abdul Massih.
Sydney FC v Melbourne City
Date: Saturday, 1 November
Venue: Leichhardt Oval
Kickoff: 2.15pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+, and 10Drama
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One of the competition’s biggest rivalries is reignited on Saturday when Sydney FC host Melbourne City.
Sydney missed out on finals for the first time in their history last season but will be determined to turn it around this time out, starting against the defending premiers. International signings like goalkeeper Heather Hinz, Jodi Ulkekul, Laurie-Ann Moise and Riley Tanner complement an impressive core of Australians, including the returning Sarah Hunter.
Melbourne City are coming off an incredible season by almost every measure, except one – missing out on the Championship trophy. Undefeated in the regular season, they will be hoping to continue that form against Sydney FC. Holly McNamara will be available for the defending premiers alongside Laura Hughes and Leah Davidson, while Bryleeh Henry and Karly Roestbakken are unavailable.
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory
Date: Saturday, 1 November
Venue: Spencer Park
Kickoff: 5pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
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Melbourne Victory travel to Brisbane, hoping to bounce back from their Grand Final defeat last season.
The Roar fell agonisingly short of the finals last season after thrilling in the middle of the year. They will be boosted by the return of Sharn Freier, on loan from Wolfsburg, while Tameka Yallop has been named in their extended squad to lead them out on the weekend.
Melbourne Victory, meanwhile, have lost a number of key players but has recruited well to replace them. Rhianna Pollicina joins from cross-town rivals City, while Taylor Ray, Sienna Saveska and Grace Maher have all been named in their extended squad.
Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United
Date: Sunday, 2 November
Venue: Polytec Stadium
Kickoff: 2.15pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
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Defending champions Central Coast Mariners take to the field for the first time in 2025/26 against the highly impressive Adelaide United.
The Mariners have had a number of huge players leave in the offseason, including the defensive duo of Taylor Ray and Jessika Nash, who were the centre of one of the sturdiest defences in the competition. However, with the likes of Izzy Gomez in the heart of midfield, they will be an incredibly challenging team to beat as they look to defend their title this season.
The Reds have been rocked by having two of their stars, forwards Chelsie Dawber and Fiona Worts, both unavailable for round one. However, American Erin Healy remains available alongside new signings Melissa and Adriana Taranto. They’ll hope to convert what looks like one of the best attacks in the competition on paper onto the pitch on Sunday.
Canberra United v Newcastle Jets
Date: Sunday, 2 November
Venue: McKellar Park
Kickoff: 4pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
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Football returns to Canberra in round one as United host the Newcastle Jets.
Canberra boast a mix of youth and experience as they look to improve on a promising season last time out. CommBank Young Matilda Sienna Dale is perhaps one of the most exciting rookies in the competition, and one of many who will be looking to pick the brain of veteran striker Michelle Heyman. Sally James continues in goals this season for Canberra.
The big headline for the Jets is the return of Melina Ayres to the front line. At her best, she is a golden boot contender, and she’ll be looking to hit the ground running after a season out of the competition. Elsewhere, Natasha Prior will lead the defence as they look to hold out the attacking threats of the home side.
