Ninja A-League: 2026 Finals Series confirmed as Sydney FC avoid Wooden Spoon

Ninja A-League: 2026 Finals Series confirmed as Sydney FC avoid Wooden Spoon

The final round of the regular Ninja A-League season has now been played. While Melbourne City wrapped up the Premiers Plate a few weeks ago, there was still the race to make the Finals and an all-Sydney affair to avoid the Wooden Spoon to be decided.

Western Sydney Wanderers had the bye this week, so their fate was out of their hands. They needed Central Coast Mariners to beat city rivals Sydney FC to avoid finishing bottom, below the Sky Blues.

Here’s how the final weekend played out.

Adelaide United 0-2 Wellington Phoenix

Wellington Phoenix rounded off an historic season with a win in Adelaide that guarantees them a place in the semi-finals.

Marisa van der Meer put the visitors ahead on the half hour as she met Brooke Nunn’s cross and powered her header past Claudia Jenkins. Nunn turned goalscorer just four minutes later. It was another header, this time from Manaia Elliott’s corner.

Adelaide nearly found a way back into the game when Grace Jale headed a corner towards her own net, but the Nix ran out comfortable winners for whom Nunn went close late on.

Perth Glory 0-1 Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory went into this game knowing only a win would keep their season alive.

Gabby Hollar thought she’d given the hosts an early lead with a sublime back heel only to see the goal ruled out by the offside flag.

It was Victory who struck first when Claudia Bunge nodded home Alana Jančevski’s corner at the back post.

The visitors should’ve doubled their advantage late on, but Sofia Sokalis was denied by alert goalkeeping from Teresa Morrisey. Jeff Hopkins’ side held on to sneak into the post-season.

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Central Coast Mariners 0-0 Sydney FC

Victory snuck in at the expense of last season’s Grand Final winners the Mariners, who were held to a goalless draw by Sydney FC.

Eliza Familton was the width of the post away from putting the Mariners ahead with 11 minutes gone.

In a game of few clear cut chances, Tori Tumeth had the pick of Sydney’s chances without ever worrying Annalee Grove in the Mariners goal.

Sydney nearly stole the win right at the end when Kirsty Fenton’s header squirmed through the hands of Grove. The Mariners keeper somehow redeemed herself to scramble the ball away as Sydney avoided the Wooden Spoon.

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Canberra United 1-2 Brisbane Roar

Brisbane were another team to benefit from that Mariners draw as they secured their spot in the Six with a win in the capital.

The Roar got the ideal start when Aimee Medwin nipped in to lift the ball over Sally James from close range with twenty minutes on the clock.

Into the second half, Michelle Heyman’s header drew the home side level, but six minutes later, Alicia Woods’ olimpico restored the Brisbane lead.

Canberra were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, but Chloe Lincoln denied Mary Stanić-Floyd superbly. That win guarantees Brisbane a home elimination Final.

Newcastle Jets 1-2 Melbourne City

Melbourne City rounded off their season with a win in Newcastle.

City should’ve taken the lead after 20 minutes, but Taylor Otto headed wide with the ball at her mercy after Leticia McKenna struck the bar with her freekick.

Shortly after the break, Melina Ayers put the Jets into the lead with eighth goal against City.

With 18 minutes left, Aideen Keane levelled things up as she slid to bundle home Karly Roestbakken’s cross. Deep into added on time, Danielle Turner’s first City goal gave them all three points and ensured a winning finish to the home and away season.

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The Finals

So, with everything wrapped up, we now know that Melbourne City and Wellington lie in wait for the two sides that make it through the Elimination Finals.

Canberra United (3rd) v Melbourne Victory (6th)

Brisbane Roar (4th) v Adelaide United (5th)

The lowest ranked side left will travel to take on Melbourne City with the highest ranked side facing a trip across the ditch in the Semi-Finals.

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