Round Ball Australia 
Michelle Heyman during warm-ups for Canberra United at Unite Round in the 2023/24 season. Photo: Poletti/Round Ball Australia
Each week during the A-League Women season, Round Ball Australia hands out a report card for the competition based on how the teams performed across the weekend’s fixtures.
Note: With Round Nine being a mid-week split round across several weeks, the grades for those games without a review of the match will be featured in the next Report Card to be written following those matches.
Western United vs Newcastle Jets (2-0)
Western United: C+
Far from clinical, far from convincing and almost entirely carried by Kahli Johnson.
Western United left a lot of questions despite two goals and three points against an underwhelming Newcastle side.
A brace from Golden Boot candidate Johnson carried the Victorian outfit, and they were fortunate to maintain a clean sheet, more so thanks to the Jets impotent finishing.
If Western want to be a contender they will need to build on this and operate with a whole eleven gelling together not just relying on performances from key players like Johnson & Chloe Logarzo.
Kat Smith still has a job to do to turn this side into a genuine finals contender, and this win does little to paper over the concerning cracks. They will have the perfect opportunity next up against fellow inconsistent performers Canberra United.
Newcastle Jets: D+
The Jets had the better of the first half but an inability to execute on goal saw them level at the break on the road in an all too familiar tale.
In the early stages of the second half some last line defending from Matilda Natasha Prior saw Newcastle cling to a 0-0 deadlock, however it was not to last.
Newcastle could very easily feel hard done by as the opening goal appeared to be preceded immediately by a foul on keeper Tiahna Robertson which was waved away by the officials and it was then downhill from there as Newcastle unravelled.
A second conceded goal in the 78th minute was another nail in the coffin for Newcastle.
Things fully unravelled for Newcastle when Prior was given a straight red card for committing the offence of “use of offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures”.
Both Prior and the club have said it was in response to an alleged offensive slur from a crowd member, with the club saying on Monday they have lodged a complaint with Football Australia about the incident.
The Jets, who will be without Prior for two matches, are now in danger of rapidly finding their way from a game short of last year’s Grand Final to a non event in 2024/25.
Chris Macpherson
Wellington Phoenix vs Perth Glory (2-0)
Wellington Phoenix: B+
With both centre-backs on a yellow card less than 20 minutes into the game, it required everyone else to step up and perform defensively to help “protect” Mackenzie Barry and Tiana Jaber from situations that could have resulted in a second card.
And it worked. Wellington took this game to the Glory from the get go, putting pressure on their back-line in and out of possession, and creating turnovers in the midfield to prevent Perth from generating high-danger chances.
With four wins and a draw in their last six games, the Phoenix are building every week under Paul Temple and looking good while doing it. Some slightly more accurate shooting, which seems unbelievable to say when they had 16 shots with eight on target, and this game could have ended 3-0 or 4-0.
Currently inside the top six on goal difference, a couple of good weeks in a tight middle of the table could see Wellington in the box seat for its inaugural finals berth.
Perth Glory: D
When you can create a situation where two of the opposition back four are on yellow cards within 20 minutes, and a third by the 60th minute, as a team you are doing something right.
Unfortunately for the Glory, there was not a lot to celebrate otherwise in their second consecutive defeat following a tough loss to the Mariners last week.
The Distance Derby always marks a tough challenge for the away side with the travel involved, and Stephen Peters’ side looked like they showed every bit of it and were unable to keep up with the Phoenix for large portions of the match.
The good news is that Perth return home to play their next game against Sydney FC, which is a very winnable game for the Glory and could kick-start their mid-season revival, only being five points out of a finals spot.
The bad news is that Sydney FC are starting to become rather restless and in a desperate need of points and will feel like they have a point to prove following their draw with Melbourne City.
Poletti
Central Coast Mariners vs Adelaide United (0-1)
Central Coast Mariners: C
The Mariners had some quality attacking chances in this match, particularly as the game wore on, but were unable to capitalise to rescue a point after conceding less than 10 minutes into the match.
Despite the result, there are plenty of positives to take out of this game for the Mariners.
Attacking opportunities were being created from players you would not expect to be contributing on attack during open play, such as Annabel Martin who came incredibly close to an equaliser.
Former Young Matilda Greta Kraszula played her first minutes in the A-League Women after having spent the last four years in the USA, while the youth development pipeline continued to get minutes and impress with Leia Puxty, Tiana Fuller, and Peta Trimis all coming off the bench, which helped to spark the Mariners attempt at a comeback.
The loss sees them fall out of the top six on goal difference, but do not be surprised if they are back in it by next week.
Adelaide United: B-
A first goal in nearly eight years for Emily Hodgson, and just her second overall in the A-League Women, was enough for Adelaide to secure all three points in part because of Hodgson’s, and indeed the entire back four and Claudia Jenkins’, efforts in defence to shut down the Mariners attacking prowess.
Adelaide would have liked a lot more out of their forward trio of Fiona Worts, Chelsie Dawber, and Lucía León, but three points is three points as Adrian Stenta’s side create a little space as the best of the teams in a tight middle of the table race, and indeed keep pace with the three sides above them who all dropped points this week.
A mid-week trip to Newcastle before a home clash against the high-flying Wellington Phoenix could see the Reds begin to break away from the middle third of the table and solidify themselves as a finals contender.
Poletti
Brisbane Roar vs Canberra United (1-2)
Brisbane Roar: B
Everything except the scoreboard said Brisbane should have continued their winning run at home against Canberra. Canberra United scoring twice late including an 88th minute goal to Michelle Heyman that appeared controlled off her arm before shooting.
Whilst the result was far from covering the sunshine state team in glory, it was only a momentary lapse and a second goal with an asterisk that they would rue.
All of the key statistics were in Brisbane’s favour, shots (13 to 6), shots on target (6 to 3) & possession (62% to 38%) but as is so often the case it is only the opportunities taken and the bounce of the ball that count.
One clear positive was Laini Freier continuing her goalscoring run with 7 in 3 games since making her way into the starting eleven.
Alex Smith will undoubtedly be telling his troops to disregard the result as they shape for a big few days headlined by a clash with third placed Melbourne Victory at home mid week before a top two clash with ladder leaders Melbourne City on Saturday at AAMI Park.
Canberra United: C+
You would think even the most ardent Canberran would be questioning how their side was outplayed by the form side of the competition, yet not only kept Brisbane to one goal, but left Perry Park with three points.
All of the key bounces went Canberra’s way late, as their game plan of hit it long and hope for a break worked out as first Emma Robers caught Olivia Sekany off-guard with what appeared to be unsighted on a soft strike at goal.
A long ball from Sally James then set up Michelle Heyman who finished in the bottom corner beyond Sekany, and was awarded a goal despite it appearing that she had controlled the ball with her arm.
After finding ways to give away points in recent weeks some may say it is footballs wonderful karmic effect that Canberra had this game break their way.
You just have to hope that as losing points was becoming a habit, converting them becomes a new habit for the team from the capital.
Chris Macpherson
Sydney FC vs Melbourne City (1-1)
Sydney FC: B
After a slow start, Sydney FC began to look like they had finally clicked into gear in season 2024/25, with some scintillating attacking runs that have been missing all season, before Lucy Johnson scored a goal of the season contender with a massive strike from nearly 30 yards out to give Sydney a first-half lead.
Unfortunately for the Sky Blues, a goalkeeping error in the second half meant they had to settle for a point, and are still in last place on the ladder. It is the second time this season a goalkeeping error has cost Ante Juric’s side all three points against the league leaders, with Juric saying that he was a little disappointed with the result, but backed his players despite the errors which led to the dropped points.
A tough trip to Perth awaits, who themselves will be looking to rebound after two consecutive defeats, and a win for Sydney FC would see them jump off the bottom of the table.
Melbourne City: C+
All it took for Melbourne City to gain a point after giving up the lead was a moment of brilliance from Holly McNamara barely two minutes after entering the contest.
The forward positioned herself perfectly to capitalise on a failed clearance from Tahlia Franco, being first to the loose ball and picking out the perfect pass for her team-mate, rather than falling for the temptation to shoot herself or sending it towards the offside team-mate.
Her inclusion allows City to play at a different level in attack, with her skillset and talent opening up the front line in a way that is not able to be replicated by the other players.
With Brisbane’s loss, Michael Matricciani’s side missed a chance to create a six-point buffer ahead of their top of the table clash on Saturday, and a first loss of the season against the Roar could change the complexity of the Premiership race as we edge closer to the half-way point of the season.
Poletti
Melbourne Victory vs Western Sydney Wanderers (4-4)
Melbourne Victory: D+
It feels harsh to grade a side which scored four goals and is missing one of their best players because of a mid-season retirement so low, but when you score in the 87th minute to make the game 4-2, there is no universe in which a side should be leaving the game with anything other than all three points.
And yet Jeff Hopkins will be asking exactly how the defence conceded two goals so late in the match and dropping two points in a week when the two sides above them on the table also dropped points.
Is it as simple as putting it down to the loss of Beattie Goad and trying to fill the gap she leaves on the field, or is this all part of some master plan for Hopkins to ensure his side peaks in April and May for finals football, as they have been so effective at doing in previous seasons?
On attack however, having three different players score, two of which were defenders, as well as a drought-breaking goal for Alex Chidiac, should fill Hopkins with confidence that even when his forwards are not scoring, other players can step up.
Western Sydney Wanderers: C+
With less than 10 minutes to go, this was looking like it was going to be a D- grade for the visiting side at the Home of the Matildas, but when you are able to rescue a point from two goals down in such a position, it changes the lens through which you view the performance.
The defensive efforts have left a lot to be desired, having now conceded four goals for the second time this season, with goalkeeper Sham Khamis, who is having a spectacular season, unable to stop everything by herself.
The Wanderers are a side that have been through the ringer already this season with their results and on-field performance, and despite this result, it will not get easier.
Days before the game, there was news that coach Robbie Hooker was not going to travel to Melbourne due to personal reasons despite no official announcement from the club. It was then announced on Tuesday morning Hooker’s contract was being mutually terminated due to personal reasons.
Geoff Abrahams, who was on the sideline for this game in place of Hooker, and is the clubs Women’s Academy Technical Director, will take over the side in an interim capacity.
On attack, the pieces are there which was shown both in this performance, and the 5-1 win over Western United. If Abrahams can get the attack clicking with the right game plan, the Western Sydney Wanderers could be a side who can outscore their defensive issues and possibly compete for that fifth or sixth spot on the ladder.
Whatever the case may be, it will make their games a must-see going forward.
Poletti
Round Nine: Central Coast Mariners vs Melbourne City (0-0)
Central Coast Mariners: C
Melbourne City: C