Melbourne City have won their third W-League title, defeating Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on a sapping afternoon.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Sydney FC 0
Melbourne City 2
On TV
The W-League grand final will be televised both on free-to-air TV and via Foxtel. On free-to-air you can find it on SBS Viceland, on Foxtel you’ll be able to find it on Fox Sports 501.
Live stream
You can live stream SBS’ coverage for free via The World Game website. Alternatively, you can live stream Foxtel’s coverage via the Foxtel App or Foxtel Now.
With the minor premiers Brisbane Roar knocked off by Melbourne City and the high flying Newcastle Jets bundled out of the competition by Sydney FC, the W-League comes down to this game between two of the powerhouses of Australian women’s football.
Melbourne City took some time to start rolling this season but once they did, they improved with each match and have timed their run perfectly to culminate on the big day.
Sydney have been solid all season and built momentum late in the year, despite being tragically hit with injuries in recent times.
Without Amy Harrison and Caitlin Foord, this will be an enormous challenge for Sydney. City’s side is stacked full of international experience and seeking a third title in a row should be more than enough incentive to produce their best.
Sydney will channel their injured stars and dig deep to attempt to produce a stunning upset against considerable odds.
Sydney haven’t experienced defeat in ten matches and that run began with a win over City in Round 4.
Melbourne spluttered through the early part of the season yet now look more like the slick machine they have been over the last two seasons as they enter the final day of the season.
With everything on the line and quality across the park, this is one not to be missed.
Melbourne City will be too good on the day and run out comfortable winners.
Sydney FC 0, Melbourne City 3
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 5pm (AEDT).
Grobbelaar
Roar Guru
Well done City, 3 consecutive championships is something to celebrate. Also, attendance of 6,025 is a record attendance at any W-League game. I too believe the first goal should not have been allowed (posted this during the game), but Fishlock summed up the situation quickly and was skillful enough to get it over the scrambling keeper into the empty net from about 30m.
Cousin Claudio
Roar Guru
There are plenty of unused rectangular stadiums in Australia at this time of the year, particularly unused rugby grounds, so why did Victorian Rules throw their fiIthy AFLX money at Hindmarsh Stadium before an Adelaide A-League game and then Allianz Stadium the night before the A-League Womens' grand final? The Sydney Cricket Ground right next door, the Swans home ground, wasn't being used either.
Cousin Claudio
Roar Guru
The first goal the SFC goalkeeper was fouled and not given enough time to get back into her position. If the VAR reviewed it it would not have been given. The second goal shouldn't have been a free kick, she just ran into the SFC player and milked a free kick. Nicely taken by Fishlock and SFC defenders just ball watching. Sydney didn't take their chances and in the end MC were the better team.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Melbourne City have won their third W-League title, defeating Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on a sapping afternoon. The best team in W-League history did it the hard way, coming from fourth position on the ladder yet took all before them in the semi-final series with wins against the minor premiers Brisbane and the consistent Sydney, who had not been beaten in three months. Jess Fishlock was the key for the visitors with a goal in the first half after an error at the back from Sydney's defence where the keeper was caught off the line. Fishlock chipped expertly and City held the lead into the break. The lead was doubled in the second half from a free kick that Fishlock almost converted, only to see the Sydney keeper parry the ball onto the post. Jodie Taylor was nearby to convert the goal and the match was essentially over with the heat tiring the players and making expansive play difficult. City ground out the game well and stifled the attacks of Sydney, eventually creating a few late chances of their own. What a wonderful achievement for City, notching up three successive championships is an astonishing effort. Well played to Sydney who were gallant throughout the contest but 2018 belongs to Melbourne City FC. Final Score Sydney FC 0 Melbourne City 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Full Time 90' - Thanks for being on board for the call. The match report will follow in ten minutes. Thanks for supporting the Roar.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Full Time 94' - It is over and Melbourne City are the champions. Congratulations to City, a well deserved win away from home.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
94' - City win the title from fourth spot for the second season in a row.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
94' - Seconds remain as Sydney attack.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
93' - Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to call this one. Melbourne City are the three time W-League Champions. What a wonderful effort and Sydney go down with a wonderful fight.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
91' - Vlajnic on and Taylor off for City. She has been great today.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
91' - Four minutes of added time.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90' - City in control in the final minute of normal time.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Yellow Card 88' - Logarzo picks up a yellow trying to stop the run of City to protect her keeper who had come up in attack to try and pinch a late goal.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Yellow Card 88' - Jackson picks up a yellow after 2 minutes on the pitch.....I wonder what her role is? Great defender.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
88' - Ground announcement of a record crowd of over 6,000 fans for the Grand Final. Great effort.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
87' - Alanna Kennedy has been outstanding for City today and Polias has been tireless in mid-field for Sydney.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
86' - City happy to possess right now and run some time off the clock.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
84' - Jackson on and Hatch off for City. Vines on and Ibini off for Sydney.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
83' - Ice-baths all-round at the end of this one.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
81' - Lydia Williams is limping badly as City take a goal-kick.
Sydney FC: 0 Melbourne City: 2