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Victory's Ayres targets W-League derby win

3 minute read

Melina Ayres has three W-League goals for Melbourne Victory and they've all been long-range stunners.

MELINA AYRES of the Victory celebrates after scoring a goal during match between Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets at Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
MELINA AYRES of the Victory celebrates after scoring a goal during match between Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets at Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Friday night's W-League Melbourne derby might not feature Sam Kerr but it does have a forward whose goalscoring feats leave even the Matildas star in the shade.

Working away in the Victorian state league, Melina Ayres has quietly made a name for herself.

At the age of 19, she already has two NPL golden boots to her credit.

Last round in the W-League she helped Melbourne Victory overcome Newcastle Jets with a pile driver from 30 metres.

Scoring goals comes naturally to the hard-running attacker, who needed time to remember her historic goal tally for South Melbourne.

"This year, I think it was 43. And I think I got my 100th NPL goal this year," she said.

Ayres has a few in the W-League already - including two for this week's opponents Melbourne City before she joined Victory.

Last year in navy blue she scored against Brisbane Roar and City - the reigning champions - and both times from outside the box.

"I'm just happy to transfer the couple of goals I've scored in the NPL into the W-League," Ayres said.

"Happy to score that and open my account and ours from the season."

After two games, Victory are above City in the standings, joining Canberra United and Brisbane as one of three teams with four points.

There's a growing confidence that Victory could be in the title mix after three years out of the finals, including two wooden spoons.

Victory's forward line of England international Natasha Dowie and the Matildas' Emily Gielnik certainly inspires confidence.

Ayres said Victory's early-season form should make the AAMI Park clash with City one to remember.

"They're three-time champions, so it's hard to underestimate them. But we've been training hard and we're not feeling like the underdogs," she said.

"Anyone can beat anyone, it feels like that at this stage."

If the goals keep flying in for the uncapped Ayres, there's the small matter of a World Cup in France next year that she could contend for.

"That'd be pretty cool but I don't know about that," she said.

"I've just got to stick to what I do and if an opportunity came it'd be awesome.

"It's in the back of my mind but if you think about it too much, if you're thinking about that rather than the moment, it doesn't work."

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