Sydney FC will catch up to Melbourne City on and off the field next season if Sky Blues coach Dan Barrett has his way.
Sydney FC battled hard throughout the 90 minutes in Sunday’s Grand Final but ultimately were second best amid a 4-1 defeat against Melbourne City at AAMI Park.
Melbourne City were 2-0 up at the break and largely looked in control despite Kyah Simon pulling a goal back midway through the second period.
“We had a real go and threw everything at Melbourne so no regrets in that regard, but obviously there is disappointment that we didn’t get the win today,” said Barrett.
“The 4-1 scoreline might have had a little bit to do with the way we threw players forward at the end. But Melbourne City were the best team all year and were the best team on the day, so no arguments with the final result.
“I thought we had a sniff right at the start, and started really well. It was really important that we scored first and that was the plan.”
Sydney FC have long been one of the competition powerhouses but they were eclipsed on and off the field by City, who set new standards in their maiden season.
But Barrett says he hopes Sydney will keep pace with the new benchmark set by City.
“We are already talking about it,” Barrett said when asked would Sydney look to try and ensure they weren’t left behind.
“Sydney FC is not a club that is comfortable with being second best. We will meet as soon as tomorrow and we are already looking to next season. We want to be better, and we want to be better than everyone else.
“I hope our club is a club that can reach those same aspirations that Melbourne City have achieved this year.
“The women’s game has been screaming out for something like for a very long time. What they have done is great for the game, and I will be making sure I do my best to make sure Sydney FC is up there as well.
“This (City) is what women’s football needed. This shows that if the resources are put in, this is what you get. If the other clubs don’t do that, they will continue to come second every year.”
