Sydney FC are Liberty A-League premiers for the third time in as many seasons, after a thumping 4-0 win over Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Ante Juric’s side began the fixture trailing Western United at the top of the table by two points, and the Jets put up a stern challenge to make the Sky Blues earn their final-day triumph.
Mackenzie Hawkesby opened the scoring early in the first half, but Sydney’s second goal wouldn’t come until the 79th minute after a mistake from Jets keeper Claire Coelho allowed Hawkesby to seal her brace, and send Sydney en route to the regular-season title.
Cortnee Vine scored twice in second-half stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt, wrapping up the Premiers Plate in the process. It’s Sydney FC’s fifth premiership in A-League Women history, and third in succession.
Polias: ‘They’ve ticked this box… they want the double’
Sydney FC legend Teresa Polias has backed her former side to bury the demons of two-consecutive grand final defeats and secure the premiership/championship double in 2022-23.
“Amazing scenes,” Polias said, watching the post-match celebrations unfold from her position as co-commentator for 10 Bold.
“The pure elation that we’re witnessing right now from this group. You can just see what it means to them.
“I’m smiling ear-to-ear for this group. I’m so proud of them. They deserve this. They’ve been the best team all season arguably, and today they really showed that.
“They’ve done the Premiership three-peat… but if you look at this team, the core of this team, they’ve had the same leaders and core group for a number of years now. And as young as they are, they have so much experience.
“You’re talking about a 23-year-old Princess Ibini who has got well over 100 games. There’s so many examples of that in this team. They’ve been able to build the culture around that core, and bring in the right people, the right kind of players to suit their style.
“This is what Sydney FC aim to do every season. They’ve ticked this box, premiership done, and this season they want the double.”
But after back-to-back grand final defeats, can Sydney go all the way this time around?
“Yes, they can,” Polias said, answering the question posed by 10 Bold commentator Taryn Heddo. “I’ve got a really good feeling for them. They’ve got so much more experience under their belt, so absolutely they can.”
MATCHDAY AGENDA
Wellington Phoenix 2-2 Melbourne Victory
Western United 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Brisbane Roar 0-1 Perth Glory
Sydney FC 4-0 Newcastle Jets
