Perth Glory and Melbourne City say they head into Sunday’s Westfield W-League Grand Final expecting a high-quality contest that could go either way.
The Glory are aiming for their first championship after falling at the same stage two years ago on home soil when they lost 3-1 against Canberra United in the Grand Final, despite finishing as Premiers.
Melbourne City, for their part, are seeking to become the first club in the nine-season history of the Westfield W-League to win successive championships.
Perth Glory captain Sam Kerr and coach Bobby Despotovski, as well as Melbourne City captain Steph Catley and player/coach Jess Fishlock addressed the media on the eve of the season decider.
Steph Catley
“It (our form) has been up and down, but to be honest I think we are in the best form we have been in this season. I think we are hitting some peak form now at the right time of the year.
“We are coming into the finals and playing really well so we are pretty happy with where we are at.
“A lot of us have a lot of finals experience, and a lot of us have been in the W-League for a long time so that will help settle the nerves.”
Sam Kerr
“It is a privilege to play in a Grand Final but particularly to do so at home. For me it is right up there with my top footballing moments.
“Perth Glory has never won a trophy so it would be a first and a really proud moment for the girls and the club.
“It is a big game all of us girls and for me too and I just can’t wait to get out there.
“I think whoever turns up best on the day will win it. It would mean everything (to win).”
Bobby Despotovski
“After we finished eighth last season, to reach the Grand Final is astonishing.
“I believe both teams deserve to be there and are the two best teams in Australia at this point in time.
“I’m just so looking forward to the game to see the spectacle and see so many thousands of people supporting women’s football.”
Jess Fishlock
“It is was not easy to do what we did last year, but to back it up was even harder, I promise you that.
“What the girls have done this season has been astonishing, and I want to win it for them.
“Perth have had a great season, come with huge threats and I think it will be a fantastic game.”
Westfield W-League Grand Final
Perth Glory v Melbourne City
Sunday 12 February 2017
nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-off 4:30pm Local, 7:30pm AEDT
Tickets on sale at www.w-league.com.au/ticket
The best is yet to come! #WLeagueFinals #BeRemarkable
The Westfield W-League 2017 Grand Final will be broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports and ABC TV.
