Sydney FC’s own Rhyan Grant will take the field tomorrow night with the club set to lock horns with 10th placed Melbourne City FC, a game that will solidify the talisman as one of the club’s greatest players as he makes his 400th appearance for the club at Allianz Stadium.
The skipper has been a stalwart of the club since 2008, when he came off the bench against Perth Glory in a 4–1 loss. Eighteen years later, he’s set to make history for the same club.
Earlier today at Sky Park, the humble defender reflected on his journey to 400 games, what it means to him, and if he thinks any of Sydney FC’s young guns will break his record.
Speaking on his record, Grant said, “It’s pretty awesome to get to 400, especially for a big club like Sydney FC.
“I know it’s a very clichéd thing to say, but growing up you sort of just want to become a professional athlete or a professional footballer.
“Back in 2008, or when I was 17, I was just pumped to get that one game and then to play a few that season.”
“You’re just a young kid trying to live his dream playing professional football, which I was lucky enough to do. And 18 years later now, to get to 400 and still be running around is, like I said, very lucky.”
Grant’s tenure at the club has lasted a total of 18 seasons and will reach a 19th with his contract that runs through to the end of the 2026/27 season.
He’s scored 23 goals for the Sky Blues and won four A-League Grand Finals, all whilst gaining 23 caps for the Socceroos and netting one goal.
Grant, on his time at the club, said: “Obviously I have had a bit of success here, but it’s probably hard to go past the Grand Final goals. I don’t score too many on the whole, so to get a couple in the Grand Final has been pretty cool.”
“Starting so young at the club meant a lot, and a lot of people looked after me, especially in those first years.”
When asked if he thought the record could be broken, the player stated, “Hopefully one day someone can beat it. Hopefully someone gets to feel what I feel, being able to play for this club for so long and represent the club, so hopefully one day.”
The defender’s achievement will be celebrated in a ceremony after the club’s top-of-the-table clash against Newcastle on Sunday, where he’ll be presented with a ceremonial jersey.
For now, Sydney’s rock in defence has his sights set on the club’s finals push and taking the A-League’s top spot.
