Captain Nat Tobin returns to action this weekend claiming the Sky Blues “are in the box seat now” as the race for the Premiers Plate heats up.
Tobin sat out the disappointing defeat against Wellington last week after recently picking up a contentious red card against Western United.
But she’s back for the trip to Melbourne City on Saturday with Sydney FC sitting at the top of the table – knowing a win in Victoria will further bolster their chances of silverware.
“We are in the box seat now. We are the ones who can determine our own destiny,” Tobin said.
“It seems this season that we get up for the bigger games and from here we are in a brilliant position.”
Tobin was not the only one who missed the Phoenix clash. The majority of the spine of the team including, Jada Whyman, Charlotte Mclean, Shay Hollman and Madison Haley were all absent.
Others got their chance to shine with the likes of Indiana Dos Santos becoming the youngest player to ever represent the club though.
“In a game where people weren’t at their best, Indi [Dos Santos] stood up and took charge which as a 15 year old is great to see.
“The starting team that we had hasn’t played together much and it showed as I believe we lacked cohesion. This week though we will have majority of our squad back apart from Charlotte which is great,” Tobin added.
After suffering a controversial red for the second time this season, Tobin is frustrated but ready to make amends against a good City team.
“Sometimes football is out of your control and these decisions have been, but I have moved on. I am very happy to be back and against City too.
“If we win we are in a great position for the premiership.”
If Sydney FC were to maintain their grip on first place, they would go down in history having clinched their third consecutive Premiers Plate, a feat never achieved previously.
“I can see what it means. We definitely want to win the Plate. I am finding myself motivating a lot of the younger girls as with experience you can see how valuable a Plate win is.
“If we can win it for the third year consecutively, it will be very, very special and I know that with the squad we have, we are more than capable.”
Before they get to that point, Tobin and her Sky Blue team-mates must navigate the challenge of Melbourne City in Melbourne, no easy feat.
“I believe that City are the next best in the league behind us. If they play well they can turn it on.
“Last season we lost down in Melbourne but we feel confident and know we need to be switched on from the first minute,” the captain said.
“They will be wary of us as last time out, they got their tactics wrong and you know they are going to change things up this time. The away game is going to be tough but bring it on.”
Sydney FC will make the afternoon trip to Victoria when they take on Melbourne City in a match that could have massive implications for the positions in the top half of the table.
Match Details
Melbourne City v Sydney FC
Liberty A-League Round 18
Saturday 18th March 2023
Kingston Heath, Melbourne, VIC
Kick Off: 1pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Play
Tickets: ENTRY IS FREE
