It was just minutes after the 2018 Grand Final loss against Melbourne City that Sydney FC skipper Teresa Polias’ emotions came pouring out.
The diminutive midfielder was totally shattered and broke down in tears after the Sky Blues’ 2-0 loss to City in front of a big home crowd at Allianz Stadium.
Sydney FC went into the decider as favourites but were undone by a Jess Fishlock inspired City who claimed their third Championship in as many years.
“It’s really tough but I’m so proud of my team,” a distraught Polias told Fox Sports at the time.
“There’s a few people on the sideline we couldn’t do it for today…our fans and families, but I’m so incredibly proud of this team.”
GRAND FINAL PREVIEW: Melbourne City v Sydney FC
ROAD TO THE GRAND FINAL: Sydney FC
Fast forward two years and it’s again City standing between Polias’ Sky Blues and Westfield W-League glory.
Saturday’s decider will be the 29-year-old’s sixth Westfield W-League Grand Final, with three wins and two losses in her previous five appearances at the big dance.
Sydney FC head into the clash at AAMI Park on Saturday as defending Champions but very much underdogs against a City side that is undefeated and on a 12-game winning streak.
“I wouldn’t say [we] fear [City]. There’s definitely a lot of respect there and they’ve had an incredible season,” Polias said.
“I’ve approached it quite calmly this year, it’s a little bit of a different feel for me.
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“I’m not sure why whether it’s maturity…given the events happening around, we’re just not trying to take it for granted and trying to enjoy the week.
“I feel quite honoured and privileged enough to be playing in another Grand Final.”
In the only meeting between Sydney FC and City this season it was Rado Vidosic’s side that prevailed in a tight affair, with Milica Mijatovic’s second-half goal given them a 2-1 win at Cromer Park in December.
It’s been an up-and-down campaign for the Sky Blues since then, mixing some outstanding performances with a few disappointing results.
But they produced a typically professional display in last weekend’s 1-0 Semi Final win over Melbourne Victory.
“It was a gritty win and we’ll take a lot from that,” Polias said.
“The second half we were quite under the pump and the resolve we showed as a team and the determination, we’re bringing that into this game.
“We’re certainly the underdogs coming into it,” Polias added.
“It’s all about the preparation this week and the execution on game day.”
GRAND FINAL FEATURED PLAYER: Veronica Latsko – Sydney FC
GRAND FINAL FEATURED PLAYER: Emily van Egmond – Melbourne City
Westfield W-League 2020 Grand Final
Date: Saturday 21 March 2020
Fixture: Melbourne City FC vs Sydney FC
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off Time: 3:30pm (AEDT)
TV Broadcast: FOX SPORTS 505 from 3:00pm (AEDT), ABC TV from 3:00pm (AEDT), Kayo and the My Football Live App.
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