Ante Juric knew. He knew before a ball was kicked in the Liberty A-League Grand Final.
Sydney FC weren’t going home without that coveted Championship.
“I hope it doesn’t sound egotistical, there was no chance they were going to win when I saw the girls before kick-off,” Juric told Network 10 after the Sky Blues routed Western United 4-0 in Sunday’s decider.
“In the change room, I could see in their eyes and I could see in the warm-up.”
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Three-time reigning premiers Sydney proved too hot to handle in front of a record 9,519-strong crowd at CommBank Stadium, where the Sky Blues ended their run of three consecutive Grand Final losses.
A brace of Player of the Match Madison Haley, to go with goals from centurion Nat Tobin and Princess Ibini guided Sydney to a record-equalling fourth Championship and first since 2019.
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The Sky Blues, who finished a point ahead of Western in the regular season but lost to that same team in the Semi Final, also became the first team since Melbourne City in 2016 to celebrate the Premiership-Championship double.
“I’m super proud with how we played. One, the result. Two, seeing their smiles and laugher is something really special as a coach,” he said.
For Juric, who signed a contract extension earlier this month, it was vindication.
Vindication for introducing a host of young players, including Indiana Dos Santos – who became the youngest ever player to feature in the Liberty A-League Grand Final at the age of 15.
“I am proud with what we’ve done. We’ve introduced a lot of young players. When Teresa was there, she helped out with that process,” he said.
“That’s the end result at the moment. These girls hopefully stay together for a while and the dynasty isn’t over.”
Sydney’s teenage record-breaker
She doesn’t even know if she is able to take the day off school after Sydney got their hands on the Championship.
Indiana Dos Santos became the youngest ever player to play in a Liberty A-League Grand Final following her brief cameo in Sydney’s demolition of Western.
The 15-year-old broke the record set by Grace Maher and her post-match interview was as wholesome as you’d expect.
“I actually can’t believe it. It’s surreal. It’s amazing. To get the win, 4-0 as well… words can’t explain,” she said with a big smile.
Dos Santos added: “It’s helped me so much. Being surrounded by these girls. They’re so good and all so good to me. I love it.”
