Melbourne Victory powered their way into the A-League Women grand final after cruising past Adelaide 3-1 on the day and 6-2 on aggregate in their two-leg semi-final series.
Victory entered last Saturday’s second leg already holding all the cards after snaring a 3-1 win over Adelaide on enemy territory last week
Buoyed on by their adoring fans, Victory sealed the deal with another 3-1-win courtesy of a Rachel Lowe double and Sara D’Appolonia’s second-half strike.
Adelaide scored a consolation goal in the dying seconds via Isabel Hodgson.
Victory, who have now won their past 10 matches in a 15-game unbeaten run, will meet Central Coast in the grand final.
Emily Gielnik will be key for Victory in the decider. Narrowly missed out on winning another Golden Boot (13 goals), Gielnik kicked the opening goal in the first leg against the Reds.
Melbourne have a strong set of forwards, with Alex Chidiac (six assists and two goals this season) and Rachel Lowe (four goals and five assists in 25 matches).
It’s not just in attack that that Victory are a threat though, as defensive duo Kayla Morrison and Claudia Bunge have been key this season.
They’ve helped their side conceded the fewest goals in the league (21) but have also contributed in goals (four each).
The Mariners will take the gift of a controversial winning goal and ride their luck into their first grand final after stunning previously unbeaten 10-woman Melbourne City 1-0 in extra time of their semi-final.
Isabel Gomez was clearly offside when she scored the winner in the 121st minute, when the Mariners finally capitalised after more than 100 minutes of playing time with an extra player.
The Mariners – the only team not to lose to City this season having won 3-2 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw in their home leg.
Central Coast have been more of a collective unit this season but still have names to lookout for.
The hero from the semi-final win, Isabel Gomez has been huge for the Mariners this season, scoring six goals with three assists in 14 games.
English import Jade Pennock had the most goals in the regular season with seven while academy graduate and inaugural signing Annalise Rasmussen was just behind her with six goals.
Than there is goalkeeper Sarah Langman, who has made 103 saves (first in the league), that has helped her side concede the third-fewest goals.
Melbourne Victory host Central Coast Mariners at 3.15pm (AEST) on Sunday afternoon at AAMI Park.
