The 2022-23 Liberty A-League Grand Final is locked in, with Western United and Sydney FC set to battle it out for the Championship. KEEPUP provides a lowdown on everything you need to know ahead of Sunday’s Grand Final.
It all comes down to this.
Western United will take on Sydney FC in the Liberty A-League Grand Final on Sunday, April 30 at CommBank Stadium, after the Sky Blues won the Preliminary Final 1-0 against reigning champions Melbourne Victory on Saturday afternoon – thanks to a late Madison Haley goal.
Now, the league’s top two sides will lock horns in a Semi Final rematch, after United knocked off Ante Juric’s side in the opening week of finals.
Ahead of the Grand Final, here’s everything you need to know.
GRAND FINAL PREVIEW
Western United
It’s been an incredible run to the Grand Final for Western United.
In their first season of existence, Marc Torcaso’s side has upset the applecart by taking Western to the decider, despite being given little chance before the season to even make the top four.
United started the season with a seven game winning streak, which included wins over Melbourne Victory in the first game of their existence, Melbourne City and Sydney FC to wrap up the incredible beginning to the campaign.
READ: Western’s Cinderella story continues into a decider that not even their head coach saw coming
From there, Western’s form somewhat tapered as key players such as Jess McDonald and Chloe Logarzo departed, while Aimee Medwin suffered a season ending injury.
In the end, United rallied to finish in second-place and secured their place in the Grand Final after defeating the Sky Blues at Allianz Stadium.
Lograzo has since returned to the club, but didn’t feature in the Semi Final as she continues to get herself up to speed following a wretched run with injury. However, the Matildas midfielder still remains in the frame to play in the decider.
Western will be without Angela Beard, however, after she sustained a foot injury in the win over Sydney, meaning Torcaso will have to shuffle the deck defensively on Sunday.
Sydney FC
Six straight Grand Finals. Incredible.
The Sky Blues are back in the decider yet again after a stirring 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory. Now, they get another crack at the piece of silverware that has eluded them for the last four years.
ANALYSIS: The moment that separated two sporting heroes locked in a Liberty A-League arm wrestle
Sydney have put together a sensational season, being one of the league’s most consistent sides from start to finish – including big wins over each of the other top four sides.
Juric’s charges only lost four times for the entire regular season, but never in consecutive games, bouncing back with statement wins after each of their defeats – not including their response after the Semi Final loss to Western.
HALEY: Sydney book place in sixth consecutive decider – ‘Oh my god, I love her!’
They also come in with no fresh injury concerns, as Cortnee Vine was able to get through the full game without succumbing to a recent calf complaint – while Madison Haley started her first match in over two months and played the full 90 against Victory.
WHERE DO I BUY TICKETS?
Tickets for the Grand Final are available via Ticketek – with general admission ticket prices from $20 adults, $15 concession, $10 children and $40 for a family.
Liberty A-League Pass holders can get free entry and redeem a complimentary general admission ticket.
The Liberty A-League Pass was a new initiative for the 2023 season designed to give under-16 football participants the opportunity to attend Liberty A-League games for FREE at their local club.
SIGN UP FOR THE LIBERTY A-LEAGUE PASS
HOW DO I WATCH THE FINALS?
The Liberty A-League Grand Final will be broadcast live and free from 3.00pm AEST on 10 Bold and 10 Play, and live on Paramount+.
GRAND FINAL FIXTURE
Western United v Sydney FC
Date: Sunday, April 30
Venue: CommBank Stadium
Kick-off: 4.00pm (AEST)
HEAD TO HEAD
Sydney FC 1-0 Western United – April 16 2023
Both sides locked horns in the first weekend of finals at Allianz Stadium, with Western United coming away as victors and booking their place in the Grand Final courtesy of a goal from Golden Boot winner Hannah Keane.
Sydney FC 3-0 Western United – March 5 2023
The Sky Blues enacted an element of revenge on Western with a thumping win at Kogarah. In what was essentially a Premiership decider, Sydney put the foot down after half-time scoring all three goals in the second-half. Rachel Lowe fired home a quick-fire double before Princess Ibini wrapped up there win with time expiring.
Western United 2-0 Sydney FC – January 11 2023
Western continued their incredible start to life in the Liberty A-League with a stirring 2-0 victory over Sydney FC at City Vista Recreation Reserve. Two goals from Golden Boot winner Hannah Keane before half-time proved to be the difference as Marc Torcaso’s side extended their perfect start to seven consecutive wins.
