Sydney FC may have lost last weekend, but that hasn’t diminished the determination of Sarah Hunter and her squad to make the Grand Final.
Standing in their way is Melbourne Victory, the bogey team of the Sky Blues for the last two seasons inflicting Grand Final heart-break on Hunter.
This time around, despite having last week’s set-back, the Sydney FC midfielder believes that this can be their time to shine.
“It’s a different route this year but with that comes momentum. It’s going to be different to last year and hopefully we can get there,” she added.
“We need to learn from last week and go into this new game with different ideas, fresh ideas and new tactics.
“The pressure on this game and the circumstances of the game make it the biggest one of the season for us.”
“We’ve had set-backs the whole season with injuries, losses and poor performances and being able to bounce back is something we have done throughout the season.
“We’re not nervous, we’re not anxious, we are just going into it wanting to be a part of that Grand Final,” Hunter said.
Sydney FC dominated the Semi-Final against Western United last week but couldn’t find a way through HIllary Beale and now must take on Melbourne Victory with a place in the Grand Final on the line.
This will be the third meeting between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory this season and with the Sky Blues walking away victorious in both, the 19-year-old can take confidence from those performances.
“We’ve had some good games against Victory especially coming off the loss in the Grand Final last year.
“We have to translate that pressure moment into this game as well and put our best foot forward and capitalise on the chances and take advantage of our own circumstances,” Hunter said.
Despite all the outside noise from media and pressure around results, a determined mindset is the theme for Hunter and her side.
“Everyone’s just super determined and we know this is the big game for us to get to that Grand Final.
“Once you’re in a Grand Final, anything can happen so this is the one that you want to win 100%.
“We’re pretty pumped for this game, especially Victory as well who we have some history with, so yeah, this is going to be a good game,” the midfielder concluded.
Sarah and her team will be hoping to make Allianz Stadium a happy hunting ground on Saturday afternoon with 90 minutes or more required to book a spot in next week’s decider.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Liberty A-League Preliminary Final
Saturday 22nd April
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 3pm AEST
Gates Open: 2pm AEST
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Play
Tickets: Click Here
