Sydney FC will attempt to win a record third consecutive A-League Championship in Melbourne after the decider was confirmed as being played at Melbourne City’s home ground, AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon (5pm kick off).
The venue will operate at 50% capacity under COVID-19 restrictions, allowing for a crowd of up to 15,000 to attend the Grand Final.
It will be the second time the Sky Blues have played a Grand Final at the venue and the third time Sydney FC have be involved in the decider in the Victorian capital.
Only three teams have won the A-League Grand Final having travelled inter-state, including Sydney FC’s Championships in Melbourne in 2010 and Perth in 2019, however captain Alex Wilkinson is confident of creating more history.
“Playing in any Grand Final is always tough but we have the squad to be able to win any game,” he said.
“It’s good to know where we are playing and now we can get our heads down and focus on what we need to do.
“We’ve had a good week so far after our result on Saturday, and we are looking forward to a good crowd and having plenty of Sydney FC Members behind us.”
Sydney FC players and staff will fly into Melbourne this evening ahead of the Grand Final and spend four days training in the Victorian capital.
Last night Sydney FC moved nine players and staff into alternative accommodation before the Victorian government’s announcement that several Sydney suburbs (LGA’s) would be classified as red zones.
Sky Blues players Milos Ninkovic, Anthony Caceres, Luke Brattan, Paulo Retre, Kosta Barbarouses, Alex Baumjohann and Jordi Swibel, plus Football Manager Michael Swibel and Head of Sports Science Chris Pappas, were all relocated into green zones.
Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Danny Townsend said: “It was important to make a proactive decision and fly early as well as move our players and staff into areas where we wouldn’t be risking their travel to Melbourne.
“Our players, staff and their families have adapted to the situation brilliantly and their full focus is now making sure they are ready to play and win on Sunday.”
Details of ticketing for Sky Blues’ Members will be available shortly and sent via email within the next few hours, once on sale.
Members travelling to Melbourne MUST PLAN AHEAD as there are various restrictions and permits required when travelling from New South Wales.
Sky Blues fans are advised to visit THIS WEBSITE to obtain a permit and see what is required before booking flights and tickets.
Sydney FC stand on the verge of becoming the first team in A-League history to win three consecutive Championships and the first in Australian Men’s National League competition to complete a Championship ‘Threepeat’ since Sydney City in 1982.
Steve Corica could also be the first Head Coach in A-League history to win three A-League titles.
