The original rivals met again for the second time in the season, however, it was a complete turn-around compared to two months ago, when Victory completely devastated Adelaide.

There were no finals chances to fight for, but pride was on the line for both teams as they tried to nab three points and cap off their 2017/18 campaigns.

Adelaide United

Adelaide had the upper-hand for the majority of the game, bossing the ball around with high intensity and were able to penetrate through Victory’s defence plenty of times to create multiple chances.

Defensively they were sound as well, withstanding late pressure and effectively locking out the visitors during the dying minutes – something the side has been struggling with this season.

Head coach Ivan Karlovic was pleased with the result and the fight from the Adelaide players.

“I thought our hunger and intensity to win the ball during the game was exceptional,” Karlovic said.

“Our aggression was really good, and at the end, that desire and hunger to win the game in our own defensive half after we scored the second goal showed a lot of our character and will.”

A player who has often gone about their work quietly and does not get as much recognition is Georgia Campagnale.

She has solidified her position in Adelaide’s starting XI thanks to her incredible work rate and grit, and her performance this week has again proved that, as she was able to keep the likes of Annabel Martin and Lia Privitelli under control.

Melbourne Victory

Victory was without their strongest players, including defender Laura Alleway, and was also forced to prematurely substitute Natasha Dowie and Jeon Ga-eul due to injuries.

Despite this, they fought hard throughout the game and really turned up the intensity during the second half to try and claw back an equaliser.

This was evident as most of the play was confined in Victory’s attacking half in the last 15-20 minutes, and the Reds’ keeper Sarah Willacy was called on many times to make crucial saves.

“The fight of the girls was definitely there to be seen.” Natasha Dowie said.

“I really felt at times we dominated possession, and if we had our strongest team today, we would have won the game. But it is what it is, and that’s football.”

Season debrief

Adelaide has been handed the wooden spoons and again failed to make finals football, while Victory closed off their season at seventh spot on the table – two spots higher than last year.

Of course, there were glimpses of positivity for Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory, but both teams were punished by the lack of clinical finish on opportunities created and conceding poor goals, summarising the story of their seasons.

Strengthening the squad and building on the progress of the past few seasons are comments echoed from both sides, as they look to a long off-season to prepare for the 11th season of the W-League.

Match details

Adelaide United 2 (Doniak 17’, McCormick 57’)

Melbourne Victory 1 (Cooney-Cross 41’)