Capping off their third successive finals appearance with an elusive W-League championship, Melbourne Victory’s past five years represent a remarkable journey - one that should inspire those inside their own building.
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Teresa Polias netted with a superb strike just on the half-hour mark and Princess Ibini tucked home a penalty midway through the second half to virtually end the contest.
Victory gave the Sky Blues a late scare with a goal from Kyra Cooney-Cross deep into added time, but it was too little too late for the Melbourne side.
The 2-1 victory secured a first premiership in a decade for three-time champions Sydney FC.
The win pushed the Sky Blues three points clear at the summit at the end of a 12-match campaign and sets up an Easter weekend semi-final against Canberra United.
Melbourne and Canberra stumble in W-League finals race sbs.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sbs.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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Victory snatched the lead in Morwell when Ayres drove a cracking strike into the top corner in the 13th minute, then doubled their lead via New Zealand international Claudia Bunge s 41st-minute header.
Then, in the 42nd minute, Catherine Zimmerman slipped a clever ball through to Kyra Cooney-Cross, who drilled a low finish past Jets custodian Nicole Simonsen.
Jets star Tara Andrews pulled a goal back in the 48th minute, lashing home after Victory defender Kayla Morrison failed to clear an aerial ball.
Newcastle snared another in the 76th when Tessa Tamplin put a ball over the top for Rhianna Pollicina, who casually chipped Victory goalkeeper Gaby Garton.