Sydney FC stalwart fullback Rhyan Grant says lifting the Australia Cup 2023 is a good start to the 2023/24 campaign after a couple of barren seasons for the A-Leagues giants.
The Sky Blues found themselves a goal down at the break against Brisbane Roar on Saturday at Allianz Stadium, and Grant said coach Steve Corica made his feelings known on the first half. It inspired a much better showing from the side in the second period, seeing them turn it around and prevail 3-1.
It was the club’s first piece of silverware since the A-League Men’s Championship in 2020.
“Bimbi (Steve Corica) gave us a rocket at halftime, which I think was very deserved and I think we came out on the front foot – a lot more energy,” Grant said to Network 10 after the pulsating clash.
“Our press was a lot more on point. When we turned it over, the wingers that we have can get in behind and threaten, so we know if they can get the ball, we’re a big chance.”
Wideman Joe Lolley continued his fast start to the season, notching another assist, finding fellow winger Robert Mak for a tap-in at the back to make it 2-1. Grant noted the performances of Lolley in the 2023 edition of the Cup.
“Joe’s been unreal this Cup campaign, he’s telling everyone about it, but he’s got about six or seven assists now. He’s a great player, he’s great to play behind. I just give him the ball and run. He hardly passes it to me to be honest – I overlapped too many times, but I’ll let him dribble. He’s freakish, you can see what he can do tonight and what he’s done,” Grant said.
Debuting forward Fabio Gomes had a dream start to his career in Australia, scoring a match-winning brace after coming off the bench. Grant explained this reflected the impact of all of Sydney’s new signings this season.
“Big Fabs – good introduction, isn’t it? Straight in with a double in the final. All our new additions have been great. I think everyone’s pulling their weight and have done really well this Cup campaign,” he said.
After lingering away from the top places in the last two seasons, Grant saw the Cup victory as an opportunity to get back to the team’s usually successful ways.
“It’s been a couple of lean seasons for us. Where we’ve come the last 10 years, we’ve been very successful,” he said.
“Any silverware is very important to us at Sydney FC, so to get one is a great start.”
