As 2023 comes to a close, we take a look at the 10 moments that defined our year.
Girls win Premiership
History was made in March when our Women’s team became the first side to complete an A-Leagues ‘threepeat’.
Skipper Nat Tobin lifted the trophy after Ante Juric’s team secured a third consecutive Premiers Plate.
A 4-0 win over Newcastle Jets ensured Sydney FC were the first team to lift silverware at the new Allianz Stadium.
Mackenzie Hawkesby fired the home side two goals in front with Cortnee Vine scoring twice in stoppage time to kick start the party.
Girls win Championship
The Sky Blue Women claimed the Double and a record equalling fourth Liberty A-League Women’s Championship in front of a record crowd of 9,519.
A brace from Player Of The Match Madison Haley set up a 4-0 victory over a strong Western United side at Commbank Stadium.
Goals from Tobin and Princess Ibini secured the title – the second time in the Sky Blues history they have completed the ‘Double’ by winning the Premiership and Championship in the same season.
The victory completed another successful season that saw the Sky Blues claim a ninth major domestic Women’s trophy.
Australia Cup win
Fabio Gomes announced his arrival at Sydney FC with two strikes as the Steve Corica’s side came from behind to lift the Australia Cup for a second time in the club’s history.
Robert Mak also netted in a 3-1 win over a Brisbane Roar side who were on top for the opening half.
But Joe Lolley became increasingly influential as he guided his team to a cup win and was rewarded with the Mark Viduka Medal for this performance.
Luke Brattan stepped up to lift the trophy on an raucous night at Allianz Stadium.
Alex Wilkinson and Teresa Polias join the Hall of Fame.
Teresa Polias was the first women to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Polias’ career was celebrated after 11 years as a player, during which time she won two Premierships and two Championships.
Her commitment and leadership skills as captain, combined with a humble nature was rightly recognised.
Alex Wilkinson retired at the end of last season as one of Australian football’s most decorated players, having won twelve major trophies at home and abroad and making over 600 appearances for club and country.
He commanded the respect of everyone at the club and it was no surprise that he moved into a role of Head of Football Operations this season.
Vine’s Matilda penalty
Who can forget that dramatic night when the nation watched through their fingers as Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine stepped up to become a World Cup star.
With 19 penalties already taken, Vine had the chance to send Australia through to a World Cup semi-final at the expense of France.
And she kept her nerve to slot home the spot kick and etch her name into the sporting folklore of a proud nation.
It was a standout moment in a tournament that saw Women’s football become a mainstream sport in Australia.
Alex Wilkinson’s Retirement
After a career spanning 21 years, 600 appearances, 12 major trophies and three World Cup appearances, Alex Wilkinson, arguably the A-League’s Greatest player called time on his career.
In typical unassuming Wilkinson fashion, the Sky Blues skipper quietly announced his retirement post-season in June and away from the limelight.
The 38-year old has won every thing there is to win in Australian football, plus the Asian Cup with the Socceroos, and is the only man to win five Premiers Plates. He also holds the record for most A-League Finals and Grand Final appearances.
Steve Corica Departs
After 19 years wearing Sky Blue, Hall of Fame inductee #1 Steve Corica left the club as Sydney FC’s most decorated servant with 13 trophies under his belt.
Corica was with the club since inception and had moved from player to Captain to Head Coach, but was relieved of his duties in November following a poor run of early season results.
Taking charge of 182 games Corica was Sydney FC’s longest serving Head Coach and made 139 playing appearances, scoring 31 goals.
Ufuk Talay Arrives
Double Sydney FC Championship winner Ufuk Talay was appointed the Sky Blues 10th Head Coach in the club’s history in November.
Talay left his post as Socceroos Assistant Coach where he had been since quitting as Wellington Phoenix Head Coach earlier in the year.
His exciting brand of football had won many plaudits while at the Nix, whom he helped to their best ever A-League finish.
The former Galatasaray midfielder started his Sydney FC reign in impressive form with a 5-1 win away to Adelaide, and has steadily set about changing the squad’s playing style.
New Chief Executive Officer Appointed
Mark Aubrey was appointed the club’s new Chief Executive Officer in October following the departure of Adam Santo.
Aubrey’s experience as a senior executive and strategic advisor in the gaming, entertainment, and technology sectors were key factors in his appointment.
He is skilled in engaging large fanbases and his commercial and marketing acumen were seen as crucial to lead Sydney FC through its next phase of growth.
Aubrey has a strong passion for football and has been a Sydney FC supporter since the first season of the A-League.
New A-Leagues Membership Record Attained
Sydney FC smashed the club’s Membership record reaching 20,000 Members for the very first time.
Helped by a huge spike in Women’s football interest following the Women’s World Cup, the Sky Blues increased Liberty A-League Memberships more than 800{3302a4a97df51ab71377f818b10857871066f471bffc8f5d55c900040a563c05}.
More than 10,000 junior players also signed up for a Sydney FC Liberty Pass and the club broke the A-League Women’s attendance record when a crowd of over 11,000 turned up for the opening game of the season at Allianz Stadium.
We can’t wait to bring in 2024 with you alongside for the journey.
