'I wish it never stops': Vidosic's joy at maiden Westfield W-League Championship

Melbourne City head coach Rado Vidosic has revealed his joy at winning his first ever Championship title, but insists all the credit belongs to his dedicated playing group.

The 58-year-old Vidosic rode every kick and every tackle on Saturday as his City side saw off Sydney FC 1-0 at AAMI Park in the Westfield W-League Grand Final to wrap up an astounding Premiership-Championship double.

Steph Catley’s first-half strike proved decisive for City as they became the first team to become four-time Champions of the Westfield W-League, and just the second team in competition history to go without defeat through an entire season.

After serving as assistant coach to Brisbane Roar’s Ange Postecoglou during the ‘Roarcelona’ era in the Hyundai A-League, Vidosic said it was an exceptional feeling to see his team prevail in the end-of-season showcase as a head coach.

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“It is reward for all the years you work in this industry,” Vidosic explained.

“[Whether] it is winning something with W-League or winning something with A-League, it is always difficult and not many people can say they have won things.

“So I am happy and I wish it never stops.”

Also serving as the club’s Technical Director, Vidosic is in just his second season as a Westfield W-League coach and explained that squad management was key to his side’s historic run to both titles this season.

“Last year it was a bit difficult because a lot of players were injured and we were missing players in key games,” he explained.

“This year, from our preparation point of view, we nailed it. We didn’t really miss any players to any injuries.”

Westfield Matilda Steph Catley netted the winning goal for City a quarter hour into the contest, and Vidosic had nothing but praise for his captain’s role throughout the season.

“Steph is the ultimate leader. She is as professional a player that I have seen in the A-League or the W-League that I have been involved [with]."

However, Vidosic was also quick to underscore the commitment of every member of his side throughout the season.

“I would like to look at it as a reward for six months of hard work [and] sacrifice,” he said.

“I think at the end we deserve both the Premiership and Championship. I am happy for the girls, I am happy for the club, I am happy for everyone involved.”

While his side were unable to replicate their Grand Final heroics of last year, Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric said he could find no fault with the effort of his charges.

“I’m super proud. Unfortunately we didn’t win but I can’t ask more than what the girls gave,” Juric explained.

“To lose when you’ve given everything – is no issue. We tried everything, we gave it everything and City kept us out so it’s a credit to them as well.”

Juric revealed that the disappointment in the dressing room post-match was evident, but that was to be expected after pushing one of the best teams in the competition’s history all the way in the decider.

"They are obviously emotional after losing,” he said.

“When you give it your all, that’s all you can do. You might lose to teams, but that’s OK.

"There’s no harm, or issue in that. If we didn’t play at our best or give everything then I’d be upset. That’s what I said: ‘you gave it everything.’"