This Saturday Shea Connors will be looking to find the net in what will be her 50th Ninja A-League match and her first experience in the Sydney Derby at home.
The American has settled into life in Sky Blue and has started both of the opening two rounds against Central Coast and Brisbane after a broken foot derailed all consistency in her first campaign with the club.
Looking ahead to this match, she is excited to play in front of the Sky Blue faithful once more.
“It’s been a rough first two weeks but being home and with it being the Sydney Derby, there’s a lot of excitement.
“We’re really keen to be at home with our fans because even in the Grand Final we felt weird celebrating with very few of our fans there,” she said.
“We’re desperate for a bit of home advantage and I think we will definitely use it to the best of our ability this weekend because we want Sydney to still be Sky Blue and we have a good history in this fixture.
“The three points are absolutely crucial this week and at this point of the season so this is definitely exciting on all counts.”
Connors’ season was derailed prior to scoring the winning goal in the Grand Final and the striker revealed that that period was a time for growth and healing.
“The last year was a difficult one for me and it was a year of personal growth both on and off the field.
“There were some really hard times and being hurt for so long with a bone injury, it just really get better quicker and there’s nothing you can do to speed it up,” she said.
“To come through that and to win the Grand Final, it ended up being a year that I am proud of in a lot of ways and now I am happy to be back.”
The Sky Blues will be hoping for a strong vocal crowd to cheer them on in the Derby and they will be looking to continue their recent form at the eighth wonder of the world, Leichhardt Oval.
“I love everything about Leichhardt.
“It feels like they’re so close and I feel like were able to develop more connection with the fans and the signs they make.
“It honestly was really special, especially when I was coming back from injury and I feel like it’s really great to get those personal connections with fans and see the same people each week because they’re so close.
It’s going to be extra special to be back at home.”
