Avondale starting XI: Bennett (GK), Claridge, Nishihara, Genitsaris, Lamaj, Nogueira, Kellond-Knight, Kenny, Lines, Steiner, Okino

Goals: Lamaj 29’, Steiner 50’ 69’ 90+10’

For Galaxy, the plan worked early. Despite Avondale dominating possession and mounting attack after attack, Geelong took the lead from a corner that wasn’t cleared properly as their striker bundled it home to make it 1-0.

It was the first goal our squad had conceded all season, but there was no panic - only belief that a response would come.

And it did, in the 29th minute. A pinpoint corner from Saphri Lines found 19-year-old rising star Liliana Lamaj, who powered her header past Galaxy keeper Liliana Berg to level the score at 1-1.

Avondale continued to control proceedings but were hit with a sucker punch just before halftime. In the 41st minute, Geelong’s Colombian forward Fresneda capitalised on a rare chance, lobbing Brooke Bennett to put the home side ahead 2-1 going into the break.

In the sheds, Head Coach Del Donnelly kept things calm, reminding the group that this was the kind of test that would strengthen us as a squad. The response? Pure class.

The Avengers came out firing in the second half, looking to break down Geelong’s resilient back line - and the breakthrough came.

Saki Nishihara was brought down in the box and awarded a penalty. While her spot-kick was saved, Addison Steiner was quickest to react, burying the rebound for her seventh goal of the season and bringing the score to 2-2.

With belief surging and Geelong beginning to show signs of fatigue, the go-ahead goal arrived in the 69th minute. Lines slid a perfect ball in behind for Steiner, whose initial effort was saved, but she calmly followed up to complete her brace and make it 3-2.

Justice was sealed in stoppage time. In the 100th minute, Brooke Bennett launched a long ball forward which was expertly flicked on by Kurea Okino. Chasing her own touch, Okino drove into the box and unselfishly squared it back for Steiner, who tapped home to complete her hat-trick - her third of the season and 10th goal in just three games.

A gritty but dominant display from the squad, showing resilience, composure and clinical edge to maintain our perfect start.