Round 14 of the 2015-16 W-League saw the last ticket to the finals sold, so after 14 rounds, how did the power rankings end up?
1. Melbourne City (+1)
Probably their hardest win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Sydney. The first goal was an own goal against Alanna Kennedy before a late strike from Marianna Tabain gave City the perfect season. They now move to taking on Brisbane Roar on Monday before the men’s game at AAMI Park.
2. Canberra United (-1)
Canberra secured a draw against a super hungry Adelaide, with Veronica Perez converting a penalty after Ash Sykes had been brought down in the box. But Adelaide may have exposed a potential weakness for the girls in green, namely they are prone to turnovers in defence under pressure. Will be an interesting encounter this Sunday at McKellar Park against Sydney FC.
3. Sydney FC (+1)
Princess Ibini found the back of the net in a 1-2 loss to Melbourne City. It took until the 85th minute for City to close out the game, which is promising for the Sky Blue girls. They haven’t been able to beat Canberra this year, but a semi-final is a good place to start. Wouldn’t count them out until the final whistle blows.
4. Brisbane Roar (-1)
A 0-0 draw was enough to make the finals for Brisbane Roar. But the way they went about it, the team seemed to always be chasing the game and never looked in control. Katrina Gorry was very lucky to not see a second yellow for a bad tackle, which would have seen her rubbed out for the semi-final. But, they have done enough to make the finals, and now head to AAMI Park to take on City.
5. Newcastle Jets (+2)
The loss to Melbourne Victory a few weeks ago was the tipping point, and maximum points (and for/against) would have booked them a place in the finals. Instead, a scoreless draw against Brisbane Roar finishes the Jets’ season. On the shopping list will be a striker in the same class as Michelle Heyman.
6. Western Sydney Wanderers (+3)
Went down swinging, with two late goals to Erica Halloway and Hannah Beard giving the Wanderers a 2-0 win. Promising signs this season, but success is measured in premierships and championships; which means Wanderers have fallen short. But they have closed the gap from easy beats to a genuine competitive team, and one to watch in 2016-17.
7. Perth Glory (-2)
A 0-2 loss to Wanderers marked the end of a horrid season for the reigning premiers. They only have three wins to show for the campaign and a minus 13 goal difference – a massive difference from last season. Probably the biggest disappointment of 2015-16 season after you factor in the massive list changes the Victory encountered.
8. Adelaide United (-2)
Abigail Dahlkemper continued her form, finding the back of the net in Adelaide’s 1-1 draw against Canberra. It wasn’t enough to make finals, but promising signs from the Lady Reds after seasons of mediocrity. Next season might be the year they take the step up, as they showed plenty of good signs throughout the year.
9. Melbourne Victory (-3)
Their season finished last week, so not much to add. Draw a line under this season, and try to recruit some new players and work with the squad over the winter.
There we have it, Roarers, the rankings and the ladder end up near each other. If you are in the Canberra or Melbourne areas, try to head out to the games live or catch them on ABC or Fox Sports.
Both games should be crackers, and whoever makes it to the final definitely would have earned it.
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It will be a bumper occasion, there will not be a spare seat in the house and of course, Sydney FC could well produce a miracle with their backs against the wall.
