(Picture Copyright Noe Llamas/SPP)

Within the first spherical of the 2022-23 A-League Ladies playoffs in mid-April, there have been two matches involving the highest 4 groups. On April 15, the Elimination Closing was a Melbourne derby between third-place Metropolis and fourth-place Victory, with the edges successful seven earlier Grand Finals between them (4 for Metropolis). Throughout the common season, Victory had tied Metropolis 2-2 and beat them 2-0. The latter was a part of Victory’s seven-game undefeated run to clinch the final playoff spot — however solely their second win in that stretch.

In a stellar Elimination Closing, Victory defeated Metropolis 4-1 on penalties after a 3-3 tie. Melina Ayers scored a second-half hat trick for the Victory to provide her aspect a 3-1 lead with 18 minutes left. Metropolis fought again behind objectives from Rhianna Policina (79’) and New Zealand worldwide and former College of Tennessee ahead Hannah Wilkinson (97’). Metropolis was eradicated from the playoffs whereas Victory moved on to play Sydney FC within the Preliminary Closing, a repeat of the final two Grand Finals.