Sydney FC defender Alex Wilkinson has eyes on the Hyundai A-League Premiers Plate ahead of this weekend’s massive #BigBlue at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
With the gap between the Sky Blues and Perth reduced to six points at the weekend, Wilkinson is determined to take maximum points in Saturday’s #BigBlue and stake a claim for a third successive title.
“Every win is important but it was nice to get back on track [on Friday night],” Wilkinson said.
“[Friday’s result] gives us a bit of confidence heading into this game against Melbourne. It’s going to be a good test for us, we’re still pushing for that top spot, Melbourne did us a bit of favour against Perth, so it’s all up for grabs.
“3 points on the weekend will push us a little bit closer.
“For us, it [Melbourne’s win] is a great result,” he continued.
“We still think we’re a chance of claiming the Premiers Plate and until it’s mathematically impossible we’ll keep going.
“We play Perth in a few weeks, so if we can win this week and get a couple more wins before we play Perth then it’s going to be all to play for in a few weeks’ time.”
The Sky Blues will contest the beyondblue Cup on Saturday at the SCG, and Wilkinson praised the efforts of Sydney FC’s Charity Partner in the lead up to the clash, with a number of joint activities planned throughout the week.
“It’s an annual thing now, we’ve been doing it for the last seven years [playing for the beyondblue Cup],” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness for beyondblue and mental health. It’s a huge issue not only in society but in sport as well.
“With us being professional sportsmen, it gives us that platform to raise awareness. It’s great that we’re continuing to partner with Melbourne and do that every year and the more that we can raise about mental health the better because it’s a serious issue.”
Looming ahead to the clash, Wilkinson said he was excited to be returning to the SCG and called for a massive Sky Blue showing at the iconic ground.
“We’ve had some great battles against Melbourne over the last two or three years and every time we play them It’s a fantastic atmosphere and a fantastic game,” he said.
“It’s one that we look forward to each year and this one will be no different. It’s great to be back at the SCG and hopefully we can get a big crowd out there to support us, get another three points and look to finish the season in a good way.”
Sydney FC take on Melbourne Victory at the SCG in the biggest of Big Blues on Saturday (kick off 7:50pm AEDT). Be there to back your Sky Blues and cheer the boys home.
