Both teams had a positive start last week, with Victory drawing in a nail-biter against Adelaide and Newcastle Jets narrowly losing to favourites Melbourne City.

However, a quick barrage of goals from a capable and cohesive Jets side saw them seal the game with Victory unable to recover.

Melbourne Victory – key players and plays

As far as Victory’s attacking chances went, the first half saw them rest heavily on the shoulders of Dowie. The Jets defence anticipated this, working carefully to block her out of the game.

Additionally, Dowie was able to receive the ball on numerous occasions in the final third, only to lack support from the flanks.

“Tats Dowie is very well known in this league and people are going to man mark her. You have Megan Oyster who is one of the best defenders in this league and the American league. Tats is going to have her chances and she’s going to put them away but we have to help her out with that. It’s not all on her to score.” – Christine Nairn

This pattern was disrupted in the second half with Dowie dropping back and working more as an anchor able to receive and support. This lead to the largest collective gasp of the game, as she flicked it through to Privitelli who hit the cross bar.  Laura Spiranovic was substituted on, proving her skills in the forward line with a good presence on the ball.

Defensively, Victory were shaky, unable to play the ball out of the backline meaningfully.

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Adriana Taranto and Captain Christine Nairn pushed hard in the middle to regain possession and link to the front line, but their assistance in defending meant there was a huge gap once Victory were on the attack, which the Jets wasted no time in utilising.

However, for both sides, the return of the Young Matildas brought new breadth to the field.  For Victory, this meant the tricky footwork and high energy of Melindaj Barbieri, whilst Annabel Martin resided as a staple and durable full back.

Newcastle Jets – key players and plays

Jets were able to sit back from the start and interrupt Victory’s possession, before quickly shifting the play forwards with cohesive formations.

An imposing free kick from Megan Oyster started off the Jets goal streak for the game.

“I have been working a little bit at practice with [Craig Deans] and the girls – about placement and just asking a couple of questions because I don’t usually get to take free kicks. I just wanted to put it away and with power” – Megan Oyster

Young Matilda Sophie Nenadovic proved to be essential.  Her well weighted corner (one of many) in the 15th minute soared to the far post, headed into goal by Arin Gilliland, bringing the score to 2-0.

Nenadovic served her role as a full back well, consistently locking out Victory striker whilst serving as a component of the Jets strong attack.  Gilliland was a consistent threat throughout, highlighting that her standout performance may just be an indicator of a very good player – and one who will lead the Jets’ attack further into the season.

Following her excellent performance last week against City, Emma Stanbury was also able to secure a goal this round.

A sloppy back pass to Victory keeper Bianca Henninger saw her pressure, steal the ball and slot it home with ease.  Jenna Kingsley was another stand out upfront, unrelenting for the entire game. A slick through ball from Rhali Dobson saw her secure the final goal with seconds to go.

Up next

Next Sunday, Victory will return to Lakeside to meet Sydney FC, who are riding high on a win over Western Sydney Wanderers. Kick off at 4pm AEDT.

Newcastle Jets will play their first home game of the season on Sunday at Hunter Stadium, meeting Perth Glory. The game will kick off at 2.30 AEDT, televised on ABC and Fox Sports.

Match Details

Melbourne Victory 0

Newcastle Jets 4 (Oyster 7’, Gilliland 15’, Stanbury 23’, Kingsbury 90+1’)

Sunday 13th November

Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne

Kick-off: 4pm

Referee: Rachel Mitchenson

Melbourne Victory: Bianca Henninger (GK), Alexandra Natoli, Alexandra Cheal, Annabel Martin, Lia Privitelli, Ayesha Norrie (Melindaj Barbieri 43’), Natasha Dowie, Christine Nairn, Adriana Taranto, Samantha Johnson (Gulcan Koca 45’), Rachel Alonso (Laura Spiranovic 69’)

Unused substitutes: Bethany Mason-Jones (GK)

Newcastle Jets: Kelsey Wys (GK), Sophie Nenadovic, Elizabeth O’Reilly, Megan Oyster, Arin Gilliland, Cassidy Davis, Gema Simon, Emma Stanbury, Jennifer Hoy (Rhali Dobson 63’), Jenna Kingsley, Clare Wheeler (Brodigan 78’)

Unused substitutes: Brooke Miller, Clare Coelho (GK)

Cautions: Sophie Nenadovic 54’