Mathew Leckie makes timely return to fitness in Melbourne City’s push for the A-League title

It has been a frustrating A-League season for Mathew Leckie, but the Socceroos stalwart can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

A wretched season may yet have a happy ending for Socceroos great Mathew Leckie, whose return to fitness has coincided with Melbourne City’s final push for the A-League title.

Barring a disaster in City’s semi-final second-leg clash against Western United at AAMI Park on Saturday night, Leckie’s team will reach the following weekend’s grand final.

City lead 3-0 after last Friday night’s first-leg, with Leckie among the goalscorers after coming off the bench in the 59th minute.

It was the 34-year-old veteran’s first A-League goal since December 2023.

“It’s very good to get that goalscoring feeling again,” Leckie admitted.

Mathew Leckie celebrates after scoring a goal for Melbourne City against Western United. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

However, with injuries having taken a toll on his body and limiting him to just five starts and 13 appearances overall this season, Leckie is now rarely used on the wing – the position in which he made a name for himself – by City, which limits his ability to get into scoring positions.

Instead, he is employed more often in a midfield role where he can put his power and strength to good use.

“It’s a role I feel comfortable in. I can take hold of a game and control the midfield,” he said. “A lot of games are won and lost in the midfield. Me being in there, with my physicality, I can win the ball back.

“That’s one of the reasons why I’m in there. Also having had these injuries and being 34 now, it’s not as easy to repeat high intensity sprints, so it’s a better-placed role for my body as well.”

Leckie is grateful to be able to play in any role needed after missing more than half of City’s 2024-25 campaign.

“I’m just fortunate and happy that I’m fit at the right moment, the most important time of the year,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity for me to have an input and try to help the team go all the way and play my part in what has been a really good season for the team.”

Melbourne City’s Mathew Leckie (left) battles with Western United’s Abel Walatee in an A-League semi-final first-leg clash at AAMI Park. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Capped 78 times for the Socceroos, Leckie hasn’t given up hope of going to a fourth FIFA World Cup should Australia qualify for next year’s edition of the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

“I’m not thinking too far ahead ... but the only thing I can do is try to stay healthy, try to do well for Melbourne City and then it’s ultimately up to (Socceroos coach) Tony Popovic,” said Leckie, who has made only two appearances for his nation since the 2022 World Cup.

“I’ll do my best to play my part in giving myself an opportunity to be selected. I have goals and aspirations to be part of the national team again, but I’ve just got to get my body right and them start playing more consistent football.”

Originally published as Mathew Leckie makes timely return to fitness in Melbourne City’s push for the A-League title