The opening round of the A-League Women 2025/26 season brought exciting games, upsets, and goals from CommBank Matildas.
Read our review of the action below.
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 – 3 Perth Glory
Perth Glory got their season off to the perfect start, defeating the Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1.
The game may have had a kick-off delayed due to thunder and lightning activity in the area, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd and players. Gabby Hollar scored a brace while her American compatriot Rola Badawiya returned to the competition after a season away with a goal of her own. Ella Buchanan was the goal scorer for the home side.
Sydney FC 2 – 2 Melbourne City
Sydney FC and Melbourne City could not be separated on Saturday, drawing 2-2.
The Sky Blues took the lead after a corner before CommBank Young Matilda Shelby McMahon equalised just before half-time. City were forced to come back again after Mackenzie Hawkesby converted a penalty that she won, and managed to claw a late point via new signing Aideen Keane.
City had the vast majority of possession and created more expected goals, but will perhaps need to find more direct routes to the goal if they are to maintain their remarkable undefeated regular season record for another season.
Holly McNamara started and picked up an assist, completing the most dribbles, creating the most chances and winning the most fouls in the match. Laura Hughes, Leah Davidson and Alexia Apostolakis all started for City as well.
One-cap CommBank Matilda Sarah Hunter took the captain’s armband for Sydney FC on her return to the league after two seasons with Paris FC.
Brisbane Roar 3 – 2 Melbourne Victory
The Brisbane Roar caused a big upset to start the season, overcoming last season’s Grand Finalists, Melbourne Victory, 3-2.
In a game delayed – and then interrupted – by Queensland storms, the Roar scored first through Dutch national Bente Jansen. Victory took the lead before half-time, however, with new signings Rhianna Pollicina and American Kennedy White finding the back of the net before the break.
It was the Roar’s CommBank Matildas who would have the final say, however. Sharn Freier scored on her return to the club in the 64th minute before Tameka Yallop came off the bench to head home the winner at the back post.
Freier started and played the full match for the Roar while Yallop was a second-half substitute as she continues to recover from the ankle injury that made her unavailable for the previous international window. Grace Kuilamu also started for Brisbane, while Chloe Lincoln made her debut for Roar.
Central Coast Mariners 3 – 0 Adelaide United
Defending champions Central Coast Mariners proved that they have lost none of the qualities that saw them lift the trophy, defeating a strong Adelaide United side 3-0.
Peta Trimis and Jynaya Dos Santos were on the scoresheet in the first half before Isabel Gomez came off the bench in the second to seal the result. CommBank Young Matilda Trimis was arguably the best player on the park with a goal and an assist to her name.
Adriana Taranto debuted for Adelaide United alongside her sister Melissa.
Canberra United 1 – 2 Newcastle Jets
The Newcastle Jets came from behind to defeat Canberra United 2-1.
Michelle Heyman opened the scoring in the 14th minute, on the end of a fantastic through ball from Emma Robers. However, the Jets hit back.
Youngster Charlotte Lancaster scored her first goal in the competition three years after last taking the pitch with the Wellington Phoenix, before India Breier scored the winner – also her first goal in the league - in the final moments of regulation time.
Heyman started for Canberra while Tash Prior played the full game for the Jets in the heart of defence.
