3 minute read

A snapshot of the final round of the A-League Women season where Sydney FC claimed the Premiers Plate.

THEY SAID IT: "Things need to change here at the Wanderers. Each year we're finishing at the bottom of the table and it's just not good enough" - Western Sydney's Caitlin Cooper doesn't pull any punches in her assessment of her club's performances this season. The Wanderers avoided the wooden spoon on goal difference.

WOMEN OF THE WEEK: The players from Wellington and Perth deserve immense credit for the way they have continued to turn up week after week despite being away from home all season. Wellington picked up the wooden spoon but there is a lot of potential in Gemma Lewis' side in their debut season, while Perth went within whisker of a top-four spot under the watch of Alex Epakis.

BEAT THAT: Brisbane's Anna Margraf made a darting run, rounded the keeper and showed incredible calmness and precision to finish from a title angle in the Roar's opener in their 5-1 win over Newcastle.

STAT ATTACK: Newcastle's Cass Davis celebrated her 110th back-to-back A-League Women game in the Jets' loss to Brisbane Roar on Friday. No player, male or female has put together so many consecutive appearances.

TALKING POINT: It was a shame the games involving the two teams competing for the Premiers Plate weren't scheduled for the same time on Sunday. Melbourne City beat Western Sydney earlier in the day before league leaders Sydney FC faced Adelaide later in the day. Knowing they needed a draw to secure, Sydney were coasting against Adelaide, who were happy to go through the motions. Imagine the drama if both games were played simultaneously and Adelaide had scored early.

UNDER PRESSURE: Melbourne Victory have stumbled into the finals and are winless in their last five. Jeff Hopkins' side haven't set the world alight in recent weeks and in a congested schedule and it feels like they may just be making up the numbers after securing the final spot in the top four.

UP NEXT: Sydney and Melbourne City meet to try to book their spot in the grand final while the loser will face the winner of Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United in the preliminary final.