She’s played in the Westfield W-League for the best part of a decade but it’s hard to remember Emily van Egmond being in better form than she has shown in 2019/20.
And the Westfield Matildas star is a key reason why City stand on the cusp of a fourth Westfield W-League title in five years.
The Premiers are just one win away from completing an unbeaten season, with defending champions Sydney FC standing between them and a second Premiership-Championship double.
Rado Vidosic’s side will start warm favourites to lift the silverware this weekend and their chances are boosted due to the presence of van Egmond.
While Sydney FC are sure to head south with a game-plan to try and stifle City’s star-studded squad, van Egmond could hold the key to unlocking the Sky Blues’ defence.
Van Egmond is likely to play just behind City’s striking duo and it will be her skill and creativity that should instil the home side with confidence of becoming the first club to win the Westfield W-League title a record four times.
ANNOUNCED: Melbourne City FC to host Sydney FC in the Westfield W-League 2020 Grand Final
GRAND FINAL PREVIEW: Melbourne City v Sydney FC
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6132916811001
ROAD TO THE GRAND FINAL: Melbourne City
ROAD TO THE GRAND FINAL: Sydney FC
The move south
Skipper of her hometown club Newcastle Jets for two seasons, van Egmond made the decision to head south and join City for the Westfield W-League 2019/20 campaign.
It was a move designed to not only take van Egmond out of her comfort zone but also one she believed would help take her game to a new level.
And the 26-year-old has done just that.
Her season couldn’t have started any better, scoring in the opening round, ironically against her former club the Jets in a 1-1 draw.
She followed that up with a stoppage-time winner against Canberra United in Round 2, before scoring again a fortnight later as City took a share of top spot on the ladder by beating champions Sydney FC, 2-1.
And van Egmond has carried her stunning form throughout the campaign, starting all 13 matches this season, finishing with six goals to be just one off the Golden Boot.
And in a team choc-full of talent, there is no doubt Sydney FC will need to shut down van Egmond’s time and space if they are to be the first team to beat City this season.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6113982477001
WATCH: How to watch Westfield W-League 2020 Grand Final
GRAND FINAL FEATURED PLAYER: Veronica Latsko – Sydney FC
Westfield W-League Grand Final
Melbourne City v Sydney FC
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)
Stream: Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App
