Central Coast Mariners win A-League Women’s title in dramatic shootout

Mariners beat Melbourne Victory 5-4 on penalties to clinch historic first A-League Women’s championship.

Bianca Galic of the Mariners (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring the decisive penalty in a shoot-out during the A-League Women’s Grand Final between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory at Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne on May 18, 2025. Photo by William West/AFP

By Widya Putri and Randy Ahmad

The Central Coast Mariners win A-League Women’s title for the first time in their history, emerging victorious in a nail-biting 5-4 penalty shootout against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Sunday. The grand final showdown, which ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, was decided by the narrowest of margins in the first penalty shootout in the history of the A-League Women’s championship.

This title win is a monumental moment for the Mariners, a club that was forced out of the competition in 2010 due to financial struggles and only made their return two years ago. Their success underscores an extraordinary comeback story—one defined by resilience, smart leadership, and rising talent.

Tense final ends in penalty drama

The grand final began with both sides cautiously assessing each other, resulting in a goalless first half. But just moments into the second period, the underdog Mariners stunned the crowd. Matildas squad member Isabel Gomez broke the deadlock in the 46th minute, silencing the largely pro-Victory crowd at AAMI Park. It was a composed strike that showcased the Mariners’ intent and self-belief.

Trailing by a goal, Melbourne Victory threw everything forward, desperate to become the first side since Sydney FC in 2009 to come from behind and win a grand final. Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when New Zealand international Claudia Bunge rose highest to head past Mariners goalkeeper Sarah Langman, bringing the score to 1-1.

With neither team able to find a winner in the remaining minutes or during extra time, the final was sent to a historic penalty shootout—the first ever in an A-League Women’s grand final.

Mariners hold their nerve in shootout

Melbourne Victory’s Alana Jancevski stepped up first but sent her shot crashing off the crossbar, setting the tone for the drama that followed. In contrast, the Mariners remained ice-cold under pressure, converting all five of their penalties with clinical precision.

Mariners goalkeeper Sarah Langman, who had been a rock at the back throughout the match, called the result a mix of luck and preparation.

“We were very lucky to win and they were unlucky to lose,” she said. “We were ready for the penalty shootout and knew we could do it.”

Her words reflected the tight nature of the contest and the fine margins that defined the championship decider.

A historic victory for a once-excluded club

The Central Coast Mariners win A-League Women’s title in just their second season back in the competition, making their achievement all the more remarkable. Once excluded from the league due to financial difficulties, the Mariners have rebuilt their women's program with patience, community support, and an emphasis on youth development.

Led by head coach Emily Husband—one of just two women managing in the 12-team competition—the Mariners finished the regular season in fourth place. Their tactical discipline and fighting spirit carried them to an upset victory over Melbourne City in the semi-finals, setting the stage for Sunday’s epic finale.

Husband’s leadership and the squad’s unity were on full display during the post-match celebrations, as players embraced, sang, and lifted the trophy in front of their traveling supporters.

Mariners women join the men in title success

The Mariners’ victory in the women’s competition adds to what has been a golden era for the Central Coast franchise. The men’s team, who recently secured back-to-back A-League titles, will compete in their grand final on May 31, raising the prospect of a double championship season for the club.

This shared success across both teams points to a thriving club culture that values development, inclusion, and results. The women’s side in particular has defied the odds—overcoming their outsider status and smaller resources to conquer the A-League’s biggest stage.

A new era for the Mariners

With the Central Coast Mariners win A-League Women’s title now in the record books, attention will turn to what comes next for this resilient group. Their victory is likely to inspire a new generation of footballers from the Central Coast region and could be a turning point for investment and support in women’s football in smaller markets across Australia.

Fans, too, are hopeful. Online tributes poured in from across the country, celebrating not just the result but what it represents—determination, belief, and a love for the game that refused to be extinguished even in the face of exclusion.

In a league increasingly dominated by big-city clubs, the Mariners have proven that heart and hunger can still prevail. Their fairytale journey to the top is not just a story of sporting triumph, but of redemption and resilience.

For now, though, the players and staff will bask in the glory of their first A-League Women’s title, a moment that will live long in the memory of Central Coast fans—and in the history books of Australian football.