Adelaide United’s A-League Women’s side has wrapped up a productive five-day interstate pre-season camp at the Home of the Matildas, highlighted by two strong performances against Ninja A-League opposition and a series of team-building activities designed to strengthen connection and identity ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Reds continued their impressive preparation with a 1-0 win over Melbourne City and a 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory, showcasing their growing cohesion under new Head Coach Theo Tsiounis.
Off the field, the group took part in The People’s Session – a reflective activity that encouraged players and staff to share stories about the people who are most important in their lives. The session proved to be a powerful and emotional moment that brought the Club’s values to life, reminding everyone to see the person behind the player.
Match One: Melbourne City 0–1 Adelaide United
Thursday 16 October 2025 | Home of the Matildas
Played in hot and windy conditions, the match tested Adelaide United’s defensive organisation and transition play, highlighting the technical and tactical focus of their pre-season. The Reds began in a compact low block, absorbing early pressure from City, who struggled to create clear chances. Claudia Jenkins was outstanding in goal, producing a string of vital saves – including a remarkable one-handed stop from close range and another fingertip effort just before half-time – to keep the match goalless.
Head Coach Theo Tsiounis made four changes at the break, introducing Holly Murray, Gracen Blieschke, Zoe Tolland, and Matilda McNamara, which lifted the tempo as conditions eased. The breakthrough came soon after when Blieschke calmly chipped over veteran keeper Melissa Barbieri to give United a 1-0 lead. Jenkins continued her heroics with three saves in a chaotic goalmouth scramble, before being replaced late on by 16-year-old Amelie Millar, marking a special moment with a 29-year age gap between her and Barbieri.
Adelaide nearly doubled their advantage in stoppage time when Emilia Makris rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike in the final play of the game.
Starting XI: Jenkins (GK), Tonkin, Bramley*, I. Hodgson (C), E. Hodgson, Morgan, Dewey, Holmes, Makris, Rossi, Donsberg*
Substitutes: McNamara, Murray, Tolland, Blieschke*, Millar (GK)
Goal: Blieschke (Adelaide United)
*Denotes trialist or NTC top-up player
Match Two: Melbourne Victory 1–1 Adelaide United
Saturday 18 October 2025 | Home of the Matildas
In their second outing, Adelaide again demonstrated tactical discipline and relentless energy in the press, forcing Victory into turnovers and limiting their attacking threats.
Holmes opened the scoring with a remarkable olimpico – curling her corner kick directly into the net – before Victory equalised through a penalty converted by Lowe after former Red Jancevski was brought down in the box.
The match finished level at 1-1, rounding out a strong week for the squad.
Starting XI: Jenkins (GK), Tolland, Tonkin, McNamara, I. Hodgson (C), M. Taranto, Gooch, Condon, Healy, A. Taranto
Subs: E.Hodgson, Makris, Dewey, Morgan, Zois, Millar, Tolland, Rossi, Blieschke
Goals: Lowe (P) – Melbourne Victory; Holmes – Adelaide United
Reflecting on the camp, Head Coach Theo Tsiounis said:
“Our Melbourne camp was a really positive step for the group. It gave us time to connect, grow, and build our identity on and off the pitch,” Tsiounis said.
“We’re all thankful for the club’s continued investment and belief in the women’s program, which made this camp possible. The players showed great energy, care, and a real desire to improve, and I’m proud of how we’re coming together as a team.”
