Sky Blues’ defender Ryan McGowan believes the switch has definitely been flicked ahead of Sunday’s Hyundai A-League 2020 Grand Final.
Entering the Semi-Finals on Wednesday, the Sky Blues’ were winless in their previous five games, however the performance against Perth Glory was a statement of what Sydney FC are capable of according to McGowan.
“It was important that we put the performances right, and the first half of the Semi-Final definitely showed everyone what we’re capable of,” he said.
“It’ll be a cracking game, it’s great it’s first v second, so hopefully we can put on a good show for the fans but get the win as well.
“A lot of us have played in big games before and I know a lot of the players here played in the Grand Final last year too.
“It’s only Joshy [Josh Brillante] for City that’s played in one so it can work in two ways but they’ll be right up for it, it’s their first Grand Final they’ve ever made.
“I really enjoyed playing at Bankwest in the Semi-Final and hopefully we can get a good crowd in and put on a spectacle for everyone.”
To feature in big games such as Sunday is why the towering defender joined the club, however it hasn’t been without sacrifice, with McGowan leaving a new-born daughter with his partner in Scotland in order to complete the season in Australia.
“It’s one of the reasons I joined the club, knowing the success they’ve had in recent times and playing in all the big games,” he said.
“I’m just thankful that the season has worked out how I hoped, and we can finish it off with a win on Sunday.
“I don’t know if it [winning the Grand Final] will make up for the time lost [with his daughter] but it’ll go a little way as something to show for the sacrifices I’ve made,” he continued.
“It’s not just myself but the whole league and everyone having to come to Sydney and be away from their families as well.”
Sydney FC face Melbourne City in the Hyundai A-League 2020 Grand Final at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday 30th August (kick off 6:30pm AEST).
View the Sky Blues’ pre-match show on Facebook from 5:50pm, then catch the match LIVE on Fox Sports and streamed on Kayo Sports and the My Football Live app. ABC ME are showing a delayed broadcast of the game at 8:25pm.