Sydney FC midfielder Mackenzie Hawkesby has stated that she’s looking forward to last season’s Grand Final rematch in the upcoming Unite Round encounter with Western United at Allianz Stadium this Sunday.
Sydney will host the inaugural A-Leagues Unite Round by bringing together all 24 teams across the Isuzu UTE A-League and Liberty A-League to play 12 matches across three stadiums over three days.
Sydney FC will play against Western United on the Sunday at Allianz Stadium, a repeat of last season’s two top teams who are both contenders for this season’s title, and for Hawkesby this is an exciting prospect.
“It’s going to be really good, it’s a Grand Final rematch and I am really excited to play Western United,” she said.
“I want to play the top teams in the league, and they are coming off a good win, [but] we have the best defensive record in the league and that’s something that’s huge for us.”
The combative midfielder, who made her return to the Sky Blues after a stint with Women Super League side (WSL), Brighton Hove and Albion, added that she’s delighted with her first team opportunities after featuring three times in the previous week.
“I love playing in the A-League and I love this team, we have won a lot with these players,” she said.
“I have come back, and I want to win trophies with this team because we have such a good squad.
“Now I have played three games in a week, I am just enjoying playing [and] being back with the team.”
Hawkesby praised the club’s “culture” after being faced with major injury setbacks to influential first team players but stated the rest of the squad is raring to go for the upcoming fixtures.
“It going to be really good, we have a couple of girls [making returns], and we will be firing and ready to go at Allianz,” she said.
“We’re in a pretty good position to be honest.
“We are sitting fourth now with a game in hand, so there are lots of positives…and we have a really good culture. Ante [Juric] is doing well with all of us.”
Match Details
Western United v Sydney FC
Liberty A-League Round 12
Sunday 14th January 2024
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 5:00pm AEDT
Gates Open: 4:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Bold
Tickets: Click Here
