2023–24 A-League Women Explained

Competition:A-League Women
Season:2023–24
Dates:13 October 2023 – 4 May 2024
Winners:Sydney FC (5th title)
Premiers:Melbourne City (3rd title)
Matches:106
Total Goals:321
League Topscorer:Michelle Heyman (13)
Biggest Home Win:
(12 November 2023)

(10 December 2023)
Biggest Away Win:
(29 March 2024)
Highest Scoring:
(28 December 2023)

(3 March 2024)

(29 March 2024)
Longest Wins:6 matches
Western United
Longest Unbeaten:7 matches
Melbourne Victory
Longest Winless:9 matches
Perth Glory
Longest Losses:4 matches
Adelaide United
Wellington Phoenix
Highest Attendance:11,471

(14 October 2023)
Lowest Attendance:263

(18 February 2024)
Updated:8 March 2024
Prevseason:2022–23
Nextseason:2024–25

The 2023–24 A-League Women, known as the Liberty A-League for sponsorship reasons, was the sixteenth season of A-League Women, the Australian national women's soccer competition.

The season commenced on 14 October and had a full double round-robin regular season for the first time.[1] The Grand Final was contested on 4 May 2024.[2] [3]

Central Coast Mariners re-joined the competition, having played in the first two seasons before exiting due to financial reasons.[4] [5]

Sydney FC were the defending premiers and champions, and successfully defended their championship. The premiers were Sydney's defeated opponent in the Grand Final, Melbourne City FC.

Ahead of the season, a new collective bargaining agreement was agreed, including a 20 percent increase to the salary cap, removing the cap of New Zealand players for Wellington Phoenix, and expanding the foreign player spots from 4 to 5, in line with the A-League Men competition.[6]

With a total attendance of 284,551 as of 15 April 2024, the 2023–24 A-League Women season set the record for the most attended season of any women's sport in Australian history,[7] [8] [9] [10] with the season finishing with a final total attendance of 312,199.[11]

Clubs

Stadiums and locations

TeamLocationStadiumCapacity
Adelaide UnitedAdelaideCoopers Stadium
Marden Sports Complex
Brisbane RoarBrisbaneBallymore Stadium
Perry Park
Canberra UnitedCanberraMcKellar Park
Central Coast MarinersGosfordIndustree Group Stadium
Melbourne CityMelbourneAAMI Park
City Football Academy
Melbourne VictoryMelbourneAAMI Park
The Home of the Matildas
Newcastle JetsNewcastleNewcastle Number 2 Sports Ground
McDonald Jones Stadium
Perth GloryPerthMacedonia Park
HBF Park
Sydney FCSydneyJubilee Oval
Leichhardt Oval
Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre
Wellington PhoenixWellington
Porirua
Auckland		Sky Stadium
Jerry Collins Stadium
Go Media Mount Smart Stadium
Western Sydney WanderersSydneyMarconi Stadium
CommBank Stadium
Wanderers Football Park
Western UnitedWyndhamCity Vista Recreation Reserve

Personnel and kits

TeamManagerCaptainKit manufacturersKit sponsors
Adelaide United[12] UCAN[13] Kite[14]
Brisbane Roar[15] New Balance[16] Ausenco[17]
Canberra United[18] ISC Sport[19] University of Canberra[20] [21]
Central Coast Mariners[22] Cikers[23] DMC Conveyor Services[24]
Melbourne City (caretaker)[25] Puma[26] Etihad Airways
Melbourne Victory[27] Macron[28] MATE[29]
Newcastle Jets (caretaker)[30] Legend Sportswear[31] Port of Newcastle[32]
Perth Glory[33] Macron[34] Gold Valley[35]
Sydney FC[36]
Under Armour[37] Macquarie University[38]
Wellington Phoenix[39] Paladin Sports[40] Oppo[41]
Spark
Western Sydney Wanderers[42] Adidas[43] Intermain[44]
Western United
[45] 		KappaSharp[46]

Managerial changes

TeamOutgoing managerManner of departureDate of vacancyPosition on tableIncoming managerDate of appointment
Central Coast MarinersInaugural managerPre-season[47] 2 March 2023
Wellington PhoenixEnd of contract5 May 2023[48] [49] 7 May 2023
Western Sydney WanderersResigned4 October 2023[50] 4 October 2023
Brisbane RoarSacked13 November 2023[51] 4th[52] 14 November 2023
Western UnitedResigned1 December 20238th[53] 1 December 2023
Newcastle JetsSigned by Chinese Football Association15 January 20246th (caretaker)[54] 15 January 2024

Transfers

See main article: A-League Women transfers for 2023–24 season.

Foreign players

ClubVisa 1Visa 2Visa 3Visa 4Visa 5Non-Visa foreigner(s)Former player(s)
Adelaide United Nanako Sasaki Maruschka Waldus Hannah Blake Jenna Holtz Mariah Lee Rosetta TaylorA
Brisbane Roar Hannah Holgersen Mia Corbin Leah Scarpelli Mariel HecherB
Deborah-Anne De la HarpeA		 Jordan Silkowitz
Canberra United Deven Jackson Ruby Nathan Sarah Clark Cannon Clough Vesna MilivojevićA María José Rojas
Central Coast Mariners Wurigumula Faye Bryson Briana Woodall Rola Badawiya Jazmin Wardlow Bianca GalicA
Melbourne City Emina Ekic Bárbara Hannah Wilkinson Julia Grosso Taylor Otto Rebekah StottA Lysianne Proulx
Melbourne Victory Kurea Okino Geo Candy Sara D'Appolonia Tori Hansen Kayla MorrisonB McKenzie Weinert
Newcastle Jets Sarina Bolden Lorena Baumann Exaucée Kizinga
Rebecca Burrows
Perth Glory Millie Farrow Elizabeth Anton Grace Jale Jessika Cowart Quinley Quezada
Sydney FC Fiona Worts Shea Connors Jordan Thompson
Wellington Phoenix Rylee Foster Hope Breslin Isabel Cox Hailey Davidson Mariana Speckmaier
Western Sydney Wanderers Vicky Bruce Kaylie Collins Maliah Morris Milly Clegg
Western United Kathrine Larsen Keiwa Hieda Jaclyn Sawicki Hannah Keane Catherine Zimmerman Tyla-Jay VlajnicA Hillary Beall

Regular season

Results

Individual matches are collated at each club's season article. Some fixtures in the first round were moved to larger venues following the success of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.[55]

Finals series

The finals series used the same format as A-League Men; run over four weeks, and involving the top six teams from the regular season. In the first week of fixtures, the third-through-sixth ranked teams played a single-elimination match, with the two winners of those matches joining the first and second ranked teams in two-legged semi-final ties; this was the first season that the A-League Women held two-legged semi-finals.[56] The two winners of those matches met in the Grand Final.[57] The previous format, which saw Sydney hosting the Grand Final until the 2024–25 season, was overturned in October 2023, reverting back to the higher-ranked semi-final winner hosting the match.[58]

Bracket

Elimination-finals

Third-placed Western United, who qualified for successive finals series, played their first home finals match against sixth-placed Newcastle Jets (appearing in their first finals series since 2018).[59] Newcastle took the lead 11 minutes in through Sarina Bolden until Western equalised by Alana Cerne. Bolden scored a penalty for Newcastle to take the lead into half-time, as Catherine Zimmerman score a penalty for Western to equalize again. In extra-time, Newcastle scored two further goals through Melina Ayres and Sophie Haban to win the match.[60] ----Fourth-placed Melbourne Victory hosted a finals match for the first time since 2020, against fifth-placed Central Coast Mariners who had not played in a finals series since 2009.[61]

Semi-finals

Summary

|}

Matches

Melbourne City won 6–0 on aggregate.----Sydney FC won 2–1 on aggregate.

Grand final

See also: 2024 A-League Women grand final.

Regular season statistics

Top scorers

RankPlayerClubGoals
1 Michelle HeymanCanberra United17
2 Sarina BoldenNewcastle Jets12
Sophie HardingWestern Sydney Wanderers
Rachel LoweMelbourne Victory
5 Hannah KeaneWestern United10
Vesna MilivojevićCanberra United
Mariana SpeckmaierWellington Phoenix
Cortnee VineSydney FC
9 Chloe LogarzoWestern United9
Hannah WilkinsonMelbourne City

Hat-tricks

See main article: List of A-League Women hat-tricks.

Player For Against Result Date Ref.
Holly McNamaraMelbourne CityWestern Sydney Wanderers4–3 (H)[62]
Millie FarrowPerth GloryMelbourne City1–3 (A)[63]
Vesna MilivojevićCanberra UnitedBrisbane Roar5–1 (H)[64]
Emina EkicMelbourne CityBrisbane Roar5–3 (H)[65]
Daniela GalicMelbourne CityAdelaide United0–5 (A)[66]
Sarina BoldenNewcastle JetsBrisbane Roar3–0 (H)[67]
Hannah KeaneWestern UnitedCanberra United4–2 (H)[68]
Emily GielnikMelbourne VictoryAdelaide United4–1 (H)[69]
Key
  • (H) Home team
  • (A) Away team

End-of-season awards

The following awards were announced during half-time of the 2024 A-League Women grand final that took place on 4 May 2024.[70]

Club awards

[73]

Club Player of the Season
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See also

Notes and References

  1. Confirmed: Start dates for 2023–24 A-Leagues seasons, FA releases Domestic Match Calendar . 14 July 2023 . 14 July 2023 . Keep Up . Sacha . Pisani.
  2. Web site: A-Leagues announces full fixtures for season 2023-24 . Football Australia . 5 January 2024.
  3. Web site: Confirmed: Start dates for 2023–24 A-Leagues seasons, FA releases Domestic Match Calendar . 13 July 2023 .
  4. Web site: Football Australia welcomes return of Central Coast Mariners to Liberty A-League Women's competition. Football Australia. 17 October 2022.
  5. Web site: Central Coast Mariners set for A-League Women's return in 2023–24. ESPN. 17 October 2022.
  6. Web site: APL & PFA’s six big Liberty A-League updates as salary cap goes up 20%: full details. Matt. Comito. Keep Up. 11 August 2023.
  7. Web site: Tu . Jessie . Women’s A-League games most attended season of women’s sport in Australian history . Women's Agenda . 15 April 2024.
  8. Web site: History made! ⚽️ The most successful season in Liberty A-League history has set a new benchmark for women's sport in Australia. . Facebook . A-Leagues . 15 April 2024.
  9. Web site: Women’s A-League down to four contenders after first stage of finals series . Friends of Football . 15 April 2024.
  10. Web site: INVEST IN WOMEN'S SPORT. The Tillies effect In a record-breaking week one of the Finals Series, the A-League became the most attended season, of any women’s sport, in Australia ever. Surpassing the AFLW 2023 cumulative attendance total for the regular season + finals series. . Instagram . The Female Athlete Project . 15 April 2024.
  11. Web site: Thank you for making season 2023/24 of the Liberty A-League the biggest in the ❤️ A 127% increase on last year. Just incredible. . Facebook . A-Leagues . 9 May 2024.
  12. Web site: Adelaide United announce ALW leadership group. Adelaide United. 13 October 2023.
  13. Web site: Reds unveil majestic home kit for 2022/23. Adelaide United. 26 August 2022.
  14. Web site: United extends partnership with Kite Property. Adelaide United. 10 October 2023.
  15. Web site: Brisbane Roar’s captain Ayesha Norrie signs on for Liberty A-League 2023/24 season. Brisbane Roar. 11 August 2023.
  16. Web site: 6 August 2021 . New Balance to Bring The Roar as new Official Apparel Partner . Brisbane Roar.
  17. Web site: Brisbane Roar continues partnership with Ausenco for 2023/24 Liberty A-League season. Brisbane Roar. 27 July 2023.
  18. News: A-League Women: Canberra United looking to fill half of squad with season looming. Cameron. Mee. The Canberra Times. 28 August 2023. While skipper Michelle Heyman is back for her 12th season with Canberra United....
  19. Web site: 10 September 2021 . Canberra United & ISC Sport announce new apparel partnership . Canberra United.
  20. Web site: United reveal 22/23 home kit. Canberra United. 26 September 2022.
  21. Web site: Striking new away kit for United. Canberra United. 28 October 2022.
  22. Web site: Taren King named Central Coast Mariners A-League Women's captain. Central Coast Mariners. 11 October 2023.
  23. Web site: Central Coast Mariners announce club record apparel partnership with Cikers Australia alongside launch of 2023 Australia Cup kit. Central Coast Mariners. 20 July 2023.
  24. Web site: Long term partner DMC Conveyor Services becomes Mariners A-League Women's front of shirt sponsor. Central Coast Mariners. 19 September 2023.
  25. Web site: Rebekah Stott named Melbourne City Women’s Captain. Melbourne City. 9 October 2023.
  26. Web site: 28 February 2019 . Manchester City replaces Nike with Puma in kit deal . BBC News.
  27. Web site: Melbourne Victory announce Men's and Women's Captains. Melbourne Victory. 10 October 2023.
  28. Web site: 30 July 2021 . Victory joins forces with Macron . Melbourne Victory.
  29. Web site: 15 November 2022 . Melbourne Victory and MATE extend their partnership. Melbourne Victory.
  30. News: A-League soccer, 2023: Jets name captains for 2023-24 A-League assault. James. Gardiner. The Newcastle Herald. 11 October 2023.
  31. Web site: Newcastle Jets launch new season kit with Legend Sportswear. Newcastle Jets. 16 September 2022.
  32. Web site: 23 September 2022 . Port of Newcastle renews major partnership with Newcastle Jets . Newcastle Jets.
  33. Web site: Glory captains confirmed at glittering Season Launch. Gareth. Morgan. Perth Glory. 11 October 2023.
  34. Web site: Morgan . Gareth . 15 January 2021 . Glory confirms four-year extension to Macron partnership . Perth Glory.
  35. Web site: Gold Valley is the Principal Partner of the Perth Glory Women's Team. Gold Valley. 30 November 2022.
  36. Web site: Tobin ready to lead once again. Sydney FC. 12 October 2023.
  37. Web site: 1 July 2019 . Sydney FC In Australian First Partnership With Under Armour . Sydney FC.
  38. Web site: Sydney FC announce five year principal partnership with Macquarie University. Sydney FC. 6 October 2023.
  39. Web site: Longo to lead new-look Phoenix. Wellington Phoenix. 11 October 2023.
  40. Web site: Paladin to keep kitting out the Nix. Wellington Phoenix. 2 August 2022.
  41. Web site: Spark and OPPO double their support for the Phoenix. Wellington Phoenix. 22 September 2022.
  42. Web site: Harrison named Liberty A-Leagues captain. Western Sydney Wanderers. 11 October 2023.
  43. Web site: Three stripes for three years: Wanderers announce three-year partnership with Adidas. Western Sydney Wanderers. 4 July 2023.
  44. Web site: 26 September 2019 . Wanderers announce Westfield W-League major partnership with Intermain . Western Sydney Wanderers.
  45. Web site: Sawicki and Logarzo to lead Western United Women in season two. Nick. Hughes. Western United. 13 October 2023.
  46. Web site: Western United drops bold 2023/24 kits inspired by the West. Nick. Hughes. Western United. 5 October 2023.
  47. Web site: Emily Husband appointed Mariners A-League Women's head coach. Central Coast Mariners. 2 March 2023.
  48. Web site: Lawrence decides to move on. Wellington Phoenix. 5 May 2023.
  49. Web site: Academy technical director to take charge of the Nix. Wellington Phoenix. 7 May 2023.
  50. Web site: Wanderers Liberty A-League coaching update. Western Sydney Wanderers. 7 May 2023.
  51. Web site: Brisbane Roar sack ALW coach Garrath McPherson. Joel. Gould. The Women's Game. 13 November 2023.
  52. News: Alex Smith to replace sacked Garrath McPherson as coach of Brisbane Roar women’s team. Marco. Monteverde. news.com.au. 14 November 2023.
  53. Web site: Torcaso quits Western Utd to focus on Philippines. Joey. Lynch. ESPN. 1 December 2023.
  54. Web site: Gary van Egmond to depart the club. Newcastle Jets. 15 January 2024.
  55. Web site: Major stadiums announced for blockbuster opening round to 2023-24 Liberty A-League season. Matt. Comito. Keep Up. 22 August 2023.
  56. News: Complete guide to the Liberty A-League Finals series: Everything you need to know. Comito. Matt. A-Leagues. 8 April 2024.
  57. News: Liberty A-League Premiership & finals race comes down to LAST ROUND: Every situation explained. Sacha. Pisani. The A-Leagues. 28 March 2024. 28 March 2024.
  58. Web site: A-Leagues reverse controversial grand final deal with Destination NSW. 18 October 2023. 30 March 2024. Kemp, Emma. Sydney Morning Herald.
  59. Web site: Liberty A-League finalists assessed as key metric tips dark horse to come from nowhere. Harry. Carr. Football Australia. 10 April 2024 . 15 April 2024.
  60. Web site: Jets end 16-year wait for finals win in extra-time thriller as star adds to staggering record. Matt. Comito. Football Australia. 13 April 2024 . 15 April 2024.
  61. Web site: Victory legend haunts former team in heroic display as Mariners reach semis for first time. Sacha. Pisani. Football Australia. 14 April 2024 . 15 April 2024.
  62. News: McNamara’s star continues to rise as hat-trick leads City past Wanderers in seven-goal thriller. Comino. Matt . The A-Leagues . 12 November 2023 . 13 November 2023.
  63. News: A-League Women: Millie Farrow’s hat-trick leads Perth Glory to 3-1 win over Melbourne City. Ben. Smith. The West Australian. 9 December 2023.
  64. News: Milivojevic delivers Canberra's first win, Vine scores. Anna. Harrington. FTBL. 10 December 2023.
  65. News: City star’s hat-trick powers league leaders to victory over Brisbane in eight-goal thriller. Nick. D'Urbano. The A-Leagues. 28 December 2023. 31 December 2023.
  66. News: Teenage star scores stunning hat-trick as City run riot in Adelaide. James. Dodd. The A-Leagues. 6 January 2024. 6 January 2024.
  67. News: Bolden beautiful hat-trick takes Jets into ALW top six. Alex. Mitchell. Australian Associated Press. 17 February 2024. 17 February 2024.
  68. News: Western United ONE SECOND away from Liberty A-League history after defeating Canberra United. James. Dodd. The A-Leagues. 1 March 2024. 2 March 2024.
  69. News: Victory’s Matildas forward boosts chances of re-call with first hat-trick in 3 years. Sacha. Pisani. The A-Leagues. 10 March 2024. 11 March 2024.
  70. News: Every Liberty A-League award winner: Julie Dolan Medalist, Fan Player of the Year & more. A-Leagues. 4 May 2024.
  71. Web site: Melbourne City sensation named Boost Young Footballer of the Year. Sacha. Pisani. A-Leagues. 3 May 2024.
  72. Web site: Congratulations @melbournecity: Winners of the Liberty A-League Fair Play award for season 2023-24!. A-Leagues. Instagram. 29 April 2024.
  73. Web site: Every Liberty A-Leagues side’s end of season award winners as international star cleans up!. A-Leagues. 15 May 2024.
  74. AdelaideUnited. 1790718316082061763. Congratulations to Nanako Sasaki on being awarded the Di Alagich Medal. 15 May 2024.
  75. Web site: Brisbane Roar 2023/24 Season Awards Night at Emporium Hotel South Bank. Brisbane Roar. 23 April 2024.
  76. Web site: Heyman wins Canberra United Player of the Year. Canberra United. 3 April 2024.
  77. Web site: Historic award for Galic, Izzy & Nizzy dominate 2024 MMD. Central Coast Mariners. 30 April 2024.
  78. Web site: Player of the Year: Hughes takes out top honours. Melbourne City. 9 May 2024.
  79. Web site: Damien Da Silva and Kayla Morrison take out Victory Medal. Melbourne Victory. 29 April 2024.
  80. Web site: Bolden and Stamatelopoulos take out top awards. Newcastle Jets. 30 April 2024.
  81. Web site: Taggart and Lowry claim top honours at glittering MGP Awards event. Gareth. Morgan. Perth Glory. 6 May 2024.
  82. Web site: Lolley And McLean Take Out Top Season Awards. Sydney FC. 29 May 2024.
  83. Web site: Barry and Barbarouses crowned players of the year. Wellington Phoenix. 30 April 2024.
  84. Web site: Matos, Marcelo take out top honours at 2024 Wanderers Medal. Western Sydney Wanderers. 1 May 2024.
  85. News: Chloe Logarzo storms to Western United ALW Player of the Season win. Hughes. Nick. Western United. 8 May 2024.

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