Bondi on a Saturday night isn’t exactly the quietest of places. But luckily for Sydney FC, their Bondi Boys Rhyan Grant and Josh Brillante are the ultimate professionals.
The two starting XI Sky Blues are expected to play a key role in Sunday’s Hyundai A-League Grand Final against Melbourne Victory at Allianz.
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Grant as the league’s most attacking and energetic right back, Brillante the ultimate midfield screener with a penchant for long-range stunners.
So, how will the pair prepare the night before and can they get a good night’s sleep on a Saturday night in Sydney’s party central, Bondi?
GRANT’S NIGHT IN GRAND FINAL PREP
“Nothing planned at the minute for the night before. I live with a couple of the boys [Brillante and Ryall] so we’ll probably just have a laugh and muck around at home,” Grant said.
“But obviously you want to keep your mind off it [the Grand Final].
“Probably watch a movie or play a bit of PlayStation and have a laugh. But nothing’s planned.
“I don’t have any superstitions or a routine. I just do something different every week. But obviously I have to look after myself.
“We live a bit further back [from the main strip] which is good, we’ve got a good little place, it’s pretty quiet the street and we love it.”
GRANT’S CHILLED OUT GF DAY ROUTINE
“I’ll get up and go for a dip,” said the laid-back Canowindra-born defender.
“It’s a bit colder now but I’ll have a swim, have a coffee and read the paper.
“And if there’s some sun, sit in the sun for a little bit and just enjoy it.
“But nothing too strenuous, nothing too different.”
BRILLANTE’S PRE-GF ROUTINE
“Rest and relax by myself at home. It’s just like another game.
“And most of the boys will be doing the same thing.
“It’s always a bit of a struggle [with noise in Bondi]. There’s a lot going on but staying at home, there’s not much going on at home.
“And on Grand Final day the same as every game. There might be a few things that change due to FFA regulations.
“But all preparation is in breakfast and lunch and what I do at home.
“And it’ll be exactly the same [on grand final day].”
REST DEFENCE VITAL ON THE BIG DAY
“Maybe a few more butterflies but it’ll be more of a feeling of readiness than nervous,” added Brillante.
“Our rest defence has been a key part of our season. In transition it can change the game and something we’ve done really well season.
“The way we play with the full backs going forward leaves a lot of space for the opposition wingers. So we do that role of rest defence and looking at the transition in making sure if they break we’re there to stop them.”
Grant concluded: “We’ll concentrate on what we’ll do and won’t stress too much on what they do. And hopefully, well actually we know, we’ll put in a good performance.”