The Socceroos and Matildas are calling on Victorian football fans to support women’s football this Sunday as Melbourne City FC tackle Taiwan’s Taichung Blue Whale in AFC Women’s Champions League. 

After a record-breaking A-League Women run – Melbourne City extended their unbeaten streak to 19 matches on the weekend – and are set to make history again. The A-League Women league leaders will become the first Australian women’s team to compete on home soil during the inaugural AWCL campaign. 

Former Melbourne City captain and Matildas defender Steph Catley, alongside national teammates Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy, Emily van Egmond and Charli Grant and Socceroos Jackson Irvine and Mat Ryan have all emphasised the significance of the match in the lead up to the knockout fixture on social media. 

“We have had some enormous moments in Australian football, and this is another one,” Catley said. “It truly deserves a crowd to match the occasion.” 

Melbourne City FC captain Rebekah Stott recently spoke about the importance of the fixture for the team and Australian football. 

“I grew up watching the UEFA Champions League, and back then, there wasn’t a women’s side of that,” Stott said. 

“To be able to have our own continental [AFC] Champions League is special, and something I didn’t know was possible. To have little girls be able to watch us play in that competition, I think it’s cool and gives them something to strive towards.” 

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said that the match was a significant moment to celebrate Australian women’s club football. 

“Hosting a match in the Asian Women’s Champions League for the first time is a testament to the growth of the game in Australia, and our continued connection and club development in Asia,” Busch said. “We recognise the importance of this competition in elevating the professional women’s game and inspiring the next generation of players. 

“Like our Socceroos and Matildas, we encourage every football fan to get down, show their support and enjoy a great showcase of continental football.” 

With a win, City will join Sydney FC’s men’s team as Australian Semi-Finalists in AFC competitions this season, after the Sky Blues qualified for the penultimate round of the Asian Champions League 2 last Wednesday. 

The winner of the inaugural AWCL will take home at least USD $1.3 million (approximately AUD $1.95 million).