Sydney FC defender Rhyan Grant says Saturday’s clash with Brisbane Roar at Allianz Stadium shapes as another crucial test in the race at the top of the table.
With the competition tightening week by week, speaking to George Clarke from AAP, Grant admitted the Sky Blues are fully aware of the stakes.
“Massive,” Grant said.
“I think we’ve been saying it every week for the last couple that this game’s very important, and the next one’s even more important.
“If we get a win there, we stay in touching distance. As much as we don’t want to look at the ladder too much, we know where we’re at and we just want to keep winning games and let the rest take care of itself.
“It would be silly not to say we’re aware of how tight it is at the top. Three points this weekend are vital.”
A Fiery Match-Up Brewing
While the two sides are yet to meet in the league this season, there’s already feeling between the teams following a heated pre-season friendly that had to be abandoned before the 90 minutes had elapsed.
Grant didn’t shy away from the edge that could define Saturday night’s encounter.
“If everyone’s seen the way they’ve played this season, you can tell there’s a bit of feeling there,” he said.
“We played them in a trial game in pre-season and it ended the way you’ve seen a lot of their games go this year — quite fiery and aggressive.
“That’s the way they want to play and credit to them, it worked for them at the start of the season.”
Grant expects Brisbane to bring that same intensity to Allianz Stadium — and welcomes it.
“We know on Saturday they’ll be right up for it, the same way we are. We don’t really have a short memory — we remember what pre-season was like.
“It’s going to be a good fight. We’ll really want to match it and get stuck into it.”
Embracing the Battle
Known for his uncompromising style, Grant admits this kind of contest suits him.
“Yeah, I do,” he smiled.
The pre-season encounter featured the usual push and shove that accompanies high-tempo clashes, and with competition points now on the line, Grant expects the intensity to rise another level.
“It was handbags and push and shove like it always is, but there was plenty of feeling in it.
“When there’s points on the line, there’ll probably be even more.”
Eyes on the Prize
Despite the added edge, the focus for Sydney FC remains clear — keep winning and stay in the hunt.
With finals approaching and the ladder finely poised, Saturday’s showdown shapes as another defining moment in the Sky Blues’ campaign.
And if Grant’s tone is anything to go by, Sydney FC will be ready for whatever comes their way.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
Isuzu UTE A-League Round 18
Saturday 21st February 2026
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 5:00pm AEDT
Gates Open: 4:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: 10Drama & Paramount+
Tickets: Click Here
