Sports fans are set for a huge weekend, with action unfolding all over the country, including an NRL blockbuster, the Matildas in the Asian Cup final and a Tasmanian football first.
Matildas closing in on glory
Saturday night can’t come sooner for Australian soccer fans as the Matildas head into a home Women’s Asian Cup final against Japan.
They come into the final as underdogs after their 2-1 win over China, while Japan put 4 goals past South Korea in their semi-final.
Japan have only conceded one goal in all five of their matches throughout the tournament, while netting 28 themselves; including 11 against India and 7 against the Philippines.
Australian captain Sam Kerr urged fans to get behind them in her post match press conference.
“The home crowd helps us a lot, so I think it’s a perfect opportunity for us,” she said.
“I know that we’ve got an amazing team. We’ll stick together, like we always do, with that ‘Never Say Die’ Matildas attitude.”
The Aussies are looking for their first major trophy since 2010.
“We need you guys. Pack the stadium. Be loud. Wear your jerseys,” she said.
The final will take place in Sydney at Stadium Australia Saturday night 8pm. It will be a rematch of both the 2014 and 2018 finals, both won 1-0 by Japan.
Storm v Broncos blockbuster grand final rematch
The Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos will face off in a highly anticipated 2025 grand final rematch in Melbourne tonight.
The Storm, who have started the year undefeated, will look to continue their winning streak against a winless Broncos side.
Rising superstar Sua Fa’alogo, who missed the Storm’s grand final last year, has since replaced Ryan Papenhuyzen at fullback and is causing havoc for other teams defences. Fa’alogo has already scored five tries in two games, helping his side to score 52 and 46 in consecutive weeks.
Storm football manager Frank Ponissi has praised his upbeat and energetic personality.
“When you’re training and slogging away for 10 months a year, Sua is the upbeat, happy-go-lucky kid with a permanent smile just painted on his face,” he said.
“He brings our energy every day, and every team needs that.”
Grant Anderson will face his former side as he starts for the Broncos for the very first time at winger and Trent Loiero comes back from his two-game suspension handed to him from last year’s grand final.
The Storm head into the game as heavy favourites at their AAMI park fortress, facing a Broncos team who has not won in Melbourne since 2016.
Tasmanian Devils VFL debut historic first for the state
Three years after Tasmania was granted a licence to enter the AFL, the Devils will host Coburg in a monumental round one VFL match.
The state has produced some of the best footballing talent seen in the AFL, including Jack Riewoldt and three-time Brownlow medallist Ian Stewart, as new players hope to establish a Devils culture.
Jye Menzie, who will captain the side after joining from Essendon, wants to get out there and show the Tassie supporters what they can do.
“It’s going to be pretty special and definitely something I’ve dreamed about,” he said.
“We’ve touched on it a little bit, the history around the club.”
Tasmania did compete in the VFL from 2001-2008, however this will be their first game under the Devils brand.
“We’re so keen to get out there and show the Tassie faithful what we can do and put ourselves on the national map.”
The round one clash will take place at North Hobart Oval, 12:05pm with an expected crowd upwards of 11,000.
What else in on?
More upcoming sport this week includes the NBL game one grand final between the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers, the MotoGP Grand Prix of Brazil, the 2026 Golden Slipper horse race as well as multiple AFL and NRL matches.
Photo: By Gavin Anderson available HERE used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.
