Star players from Perth, Wellington, Adelaide, Newcastle, Wanderers, Mariners and Brisbane had their say on Sunday’s blockbuster Hyundai A-League Grand Final between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.
Wellington’s Johnny Warren Medal winner Nathan Burns: Melbourne Victory
“It will be a good game and it’s hard to say who is going to win.
“Melbourne have home advantage which is always nice in these games.
“They are both good teams and will have different styles.
“Graham Arnold is very tight in his defence so Victory will have to go out and win it.
“We played [at AAMI Park] with the Socceroos and the atmosphere was fantastic.
Perth’s Andy Keogh: Melbourne Victory
“They are two great teams very attacking but I have to say it will be Melbourne Victory.
“I like their manager Kevin Muscat and I love the way they attack.
“They’ve got [Besart] Berisha up front as well who can score a goal at any moment. I think they will be just a little bit too good.”
Brisbane’s Thomas Broich: Melbourne Victory… or Sydney FC!
“It’s a grand final so I don’t expect many goals. It’s key not to concede. The goal scorers will in the end make a difference but the key in those games is to keep a clean sheet.
“They are both hitting peak form and have great individual quality in their squad. It really comes down to how you rock up on the day.
“I’d would say Victory but Sydney is great too…it’s a tough one.
Newcastle’s Ben Kantarovski: Sydney FC
“They [Sydney] looked pretty dominant the other day [against Adelaide]. I think Melbourne will have their work cut out for them.
“Sydney looked pretty strong going forward and I think Melbourne will have a hard time keeping those front-three out.
“Sydney have a great away record and they’ll have a good support base there. I just think they will be well prepared and ready to go.”
Mariners’ Nick Montgomery: Melbourne Victory
“Sydney is in good form at the minute but Victory’s front-four are very potent and on the night I think Victory will shade it.
“It will probably be tight but if Victory’s front-four perform like they can, they will be too strong.”
Wanderers’ Matthew Spiranovic: Melbourne Victory
“It’s form on the day but I think Victory have been the team to beat this season when they are on song so it’s hard to go past them.”
Adelaide’s Eugene Galekovic: couldn’t split them
“It will be close. I think it will be a draw and then the best ‘keeper on the day in the shootout will win.
“Both teams can score goals. Janko’s scored 16 this season, Ibini’s dangerous, Brosque is dangerous. For Melbourne you have Berisha who is a big-game player, Archie coming off the bench, Ben Khalfallah and Barbarouses.
“There could be a lot of goals and both sides’ strength is definitely their attack.”
