Ninja A-League Finals: Format, teams, key match-ups and everything you need to know | OneFootball

As the 2024/25 A-League Women season draws to a close, the top six teams are gearing up for a Finals Series that’s set to deliver high drama.

From dominant front-runners to clubs on the brink of uncertainty, this year’s Finals are more than just a title race, they’re a celebration of resilience and rivalry. To get you ready for the end-of-season action, we’ve broken down everything you need to know ahead of the A-League Finals.

Final standings: The top six

(Canberra beat Western United on goal difference.)

Finals format

Team profiles

Melbourne City FC

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Top of the table and crowned Premiers, Melbourne City have looked almost untouchable this season. Unbeaten across 22 rounds, their campaign has been defined by consistency, fluid football, and the return to form of key players. This includes Holly McNamara, who won the Golden Boot with 15 goals despite only playing 17 out of 22 games this season due to injury. After falling short in last year’s Grand Final, City are gunning for more than just redemption, they’re aiming for a treble: Premiership, Championship, and Asian Champions League qualification.

Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory have quietly put together one of their most solid seasons to date. They ended the regular season on a 13-game unbeaten run, including a seven-match win streak that rocketed them into second place. After a shock elimination early in last year’s Finals, this is a team with something to prove. With depth, form, and a point to make, Victory are in prime position to take it all the way, and possibly meet City in a blockbuster Melbourne Derby Grand Final.

Adelaide United

Adelaide United have pulled off one of the season’s biggest resurgences. From finishing bottom of the ladder in 2023/24 to securing third place this time around, the Reds are proving that a rebuild doesn’t have to take years. With Fiona Worts leading the charge in attack, this team has gone from afterthoughts to dark horses. In just their second ever Finals appearance, Adelaide are riding a wave of belief — and they’ll fancy their chances against a Western United side they beat 3–1 just a few weeks ago.

Central Coast Mariners

Back in the league after a long hiatus, the Mariners have wasted no time making their presence felt. Finishing fourth, they’ve shown that they’re serious contenders. Players like Annalise Rasmussen and Tiana Fuller have been central to their attacking game, and with a home elimination final on the cards, they’ll be looking to make a statement in their first finals appearance since the 2008–09 season.

Canberra United

Canberra United celebrating qualifying for finals (Image: Georgie Lewis)

It’s been a season of uncertainty off the pitch for Canberra United, with questions surrounding their future in the league due to ongoing ownership and funding issues. But on the pitch? They’ve made sure no one forgets them. Canberra secured fifth place on goal difference, powered by the ever-reliable Michelle Heyman, who continues to be the heart of the side. This marks their first Finals appearance since the 2020/21 season — a reminder that despite the chaos behind the scenes, this club continues to find a way. This Finals run might be more than just a shot at silverware, it could be a plea for survival, a campaign to prove just how essential this team is to the league.

Western United FC

Western United only joined the A-League Women two seasons ago, but they’ve already made back-to-back-to-back finals appearances. After making it all the way to the Grand Final in their debut year, this season has been a bit more turbulent, but they still snuck into sixth spot. While they haven’t quite hit the heights of 2023/24, Western United have experience and grit, and they’ll back themselves to knock off Adelaide and spark another deep Finals run.

Head-to-Head: What history tells us

Elimination Finals: Locked in match-ups

Adelaide United vs Western United

These two sides have already met twice this season. Adelaide took the upper hand in their most recent clash with a confident 3–1 win, showcasing their attacking firepower and tactical discipline. Earlier in the season, the teams played out a 2–2 draw — proof that Western can go toe-to-toe when they’re on their game. Momentum is on Adelaide’s side, but Western have Finals experience after last season’s run to the Grand Final.

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Central Coast Mariners vs Canberra United

This one is set to be tight. Their first meeting ended in a 1–1 draw, while Canberra edged the return fixture 2–1. Both sides have looked vulnerable at times but are capable of pulling off statement wins. Canberra’s experience might give them the edge — especially with an in-form defence — but the Mariners have been a revelation in their comeback season and will be hungry in front of a home crowd.

Semi-final possibilities: Who could face the top two?

If Adelaide win their elimination final, they’ll face Melbourne Victory in the semis, regardless of the other result. That would leave Melbourne City to take on the lower-ranked winner from Central Coast vs Canberra.

If Western United win instead, they’ll automatically be the lowest-ranked semi-finalist and go on to face Melbourne City. Victory would then play the winner of Central Coast vs Canberra.

In short:

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With Finals football around the corner, it’s not just about who wins, it’s about who wants it the most. Whether it’s legacy, redemption, revival or survival, every team has something to fight for. And that’s what makes this Finals Series one you won’t want to miss.

And for the first time in A-League Women history, there’ll be no Sydney FC in the finals. The Sky Blues — long-time powerhouses of the competition — missed the top six after a difficult season. Their absence marks a major shift in the league’s landscape, giving other clubs a chance to seize the spotlight.

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