The Strikers girls were no match for the reigning W-League champions, but coach Laura Brady said it was an under-strength squad that took the park, with opportunities given to development league and junior players.

“I’m actually really happy with the discipline the girls showed. They kept trying to play football throughout and tried to launch attacks and tried to keep possession,” Brady said.

Former Ballarat women’s player Kyra Cooney-Cross won the award as City’s best player on the day, while Erin Plucke was named the Strikers’ standout performer.

While the Football Federation Victoria women’s state league one season has recently finished for the Strikers, Melbourne City is preparing for its 2016-17 W-League title defence.

The City girls will open their campaign with a game against Newcastle Jets on November 6.