Perth will play in another W-League grand final, thanks in large part to a Samantha Kerr hat-trick, as the fourth-placed Glory have beaten the minor premier Melbourne Victory 4-2 after extra time.
Normally, a Kerr hat-trick would be the biggest talking point of the game, and while it was significant, this game was so much more than one person.
Melbourne took the lead through an early Christine Nairn mis-kick that flew in for a second-minute goal.
While it was an early blow for Perth, they never dropped their bundle, and had some luck gone their way in the first half, they may have had some scoreboard reward themselves.
The second half brought unheralded action, with Kerr scoring her first and setting up the second, for Rachel Hill to put away, in what looked like being the winner.
Late drama was to come though, as Melbourne drew level at 2-all through substitute Kyra Cooney-Cross with a late flick on, and extra-time beckoned.
The extra time, however, was all Perth, as firstly Kerr brought the lead back for Perth with a beautifully timed lob over Bethany Mason-Jones, and when Samantha Johnson saw red for a second yellow card (and lashing out at the referee in reaction), it was only going to be one outcome.
Kerr’s fourth brought the win for Perth, along with her patented cartwheel and backflip, to see the Glory home.
A thrilling game and brilliant advertisement for the game, Perth now await their grand final opponents, while for Melbourne Victory, a minor premiership means a successful season, but the ultimate prize will elude them this season.
Final score
Melbourne Victory 2
Perth Glory 4
The minor premier Melbourne Victory take on the Perth Glory, who themselves have a certain golden boot winner in their line-up, at AAMI Park in the first semi-final for the W-League 2018/19 season. Join The Roar from 2pm (AEDT) for live scores and updates of the game.
With the minor premiership wrapped up, it is now onto the finals for Melbourne Victory, as they look to put an exclamation point on their successful season to date.
Melbourne have been a somewhat dominant force this season, and their minor premiership has been built on the back of that age-old foundation of defence, the best in the league.
Melbourne’s defensive efforts have been no surprise this season, soundly directed by Matildas defender Laura Alleway.
The other story for Melbourne will be the appearance of Emily Gielnik, who has an opportunity to right some wrongs that went her way last season in that heartbreaking loss against Melbourne City, while playing for Brisbane.
For Perth, anything is possible, and when you have one of the top ten footballers on the planet in your line up in Sam Kerr, there is a certain confidence that comes with having that type of player who has already delivered 13 goals in 11 games.
It is an uphill battle for Perth, not only being the underdogs, but having not yet beaten Melbourne in either of their two encounters this season.
For Perth, it will very much be a case of hoping that they have saved the win over Victory for the occasion that truly matters: a W-League semi-final.
Prediction
Melbourne Victory have managed to beat Perth twice this season with the same scoreline, 2-1.
They say sometimes that you learn more from your losses than you do your victories, and those two losses were ultimately the difference between these two sides.
I am going with the upset, off the back of a rampaging Sam Kerr, and for Perth to take their place in the grand final.
Perth 2-1.
Join The Roar from 2pm (AEDT) for live scores and update of the game, and don’t forget to leave comments in the comments section below.
perry cox
Roar Guru
My pleasure Jordan - what a game. Enjoy the win mate.
perry cox
Roar Guru
Melbourne can be upset, but can't have any complaints Haydos - great game, could have gone either way, but ultimately, there is only one Sam Kerr that can take the field.
perry cox
Roar Guru
Full Time Perth Glory will play in another W-League grand final, thanks in large part to a Samantha Kerr hat-trick, as the fourth placed Perth Glory have beaten the minor premier Melbourne Victory 4-2, after extra time. Normally, a Kerr hat-trick would be the biggest talking point of the game, and while it was significant, this game was so much more than one person. Melbourne took the lead through an early Christine Nairn mis-kick that flew in for a 2nd minute goal. While it was an early blow for Perth, they never dropped their bundle, and had some luck gone their way in the first half, they may have had some scoreboard reward themselves. The second half brought unheralded action, with Kerr scoring her first and setting up the second, for Rachel Hill to put away, in what looked like being the winner. Late drama was to come though, as Melbourne drew level at 2-all through substitute Kyra Cooney-Cross with a late flick on, and extra-time beckoned. The extra time, however, was all Perth, as firstly Kerr brought the lead back for Perth with a beautifully timed lob over Bethany Mason-Jones, and when Samantha Johnson saw red for a second yellow card (and lashing out at the referee in reaction), it was only going to be one outcome. Kerr's fourth brought the win for Perth, along with her patented cartwheel and backflip, to see the Glory home. A thrilling game and brilliant advertisement for the game, Perth now await their grand final opponents, while for Melbourne Victory, a minor premiership means a successful season, but the ultimate prize will elude them this season. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
YESSSSSSS. We are off to the final. GO GLORY Thanks for the call Karlo.
Haydos
Guest
Well done Glory. Deserved to win that, Victory will be seething! ????
perry cox
Roar Guru
ET - 123' - Corner comes in, Kerr is there, but it's over her head, and there is the whistle. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
ET - 122' - Hill is through, but Beard doesn't let her past. Beard has stepped up this match, there is no doubt. Perth corner. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
ET - 121' - Gielnik, unsurprisingly, has not given up. Melbourne with one last attack, but the long shot is well off target from Ayres. Campbell will take all the time in the world to take this goal kick. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
ET - 121' - We will have 2 stoppage time minutes. Melbourne with 2 minutes to save their season again. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
ET - 120' - Perth try for a counter through the new girl Doeglas, Melbourne eventually clear. This should do it I reckon. What a game it has been. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
ET - 119' - Well, Kerr wants a fourth, and while she's offside, she goes for the spectacular. Up the other end, Melbourne with another corner. Is there late, late, late drama to come? Surely not. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
ET - 118' - Campbell blasts the ball up the field, and Kerr and Doeglas causing some havoc. The ball eventually in Mason-Jones' hands. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
Substitution ET - 117' - McKenna, the youngster, comes from the field, and she has been enormous today. Caitlin Doeglas with some time on the park. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
ET - 117' - Now Hill, up the other end, has a chance to bury this, she shoots past the keeper, oh no, that is wide! Suddenly, nobody wants to score. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
ET - 116' - Melbourne with the quick corner, and the delivery is in. DOWIE IS FREE - oh no, she's missed the target! She was on her own, had basically an empty net, Melbourne should have scored there!!!!! Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
ET - 116' - And Sam Kerr, still doing it at both ends, she chases back to defend a play for a corner. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
ET - 115' - And Campbell with the longest goal kick ever, doesn't get carded. That's astonishing. Perth on the attack though, just calmly passing it around, no real Melbourne pressure it has to be said. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
ET - 114' - Melbourne with a lazy long kick up the field, that harmlessly goes out for a Perth goal kick. You feel Melbourne have given it up perhaps. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
Substitution ET - 114' - Mautz makes way for Sarah Carroll. Mautz has been immense. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4
perry cox
Roar Guru
ET - 113' - Perth on the ball, Norton gives it away to Nairn though, who has left nothing in the tank, it has to be said. Melbourne Victory - 2 Perth Glory - 4