There is one trend Sydney FC striker Leena Khamis is eagerly clinging to and another she’s desperately hoping to ditch as the Sky Blues prepare to take on defending champion Brisbane in Saturday’s Westfield W-League decider at Toyota Park.
Khamis has claimed goals in each of her last five games and would love nothing more than to contribute to a Sydney grand final victory with another entry on the scoresheet.
But to do that the Sky Blues will have to bury an unwanted run of three games without a win over the Roar.
Two draws and a loss is Sydney’s return against the Queenslanders over the two seasons of the Westfield W-League, last season’s penalty shoot-out loss in the semi-final the most painful to take.
“Brisbane is a great side and they’ve got the upper-hand on us, but I don’t think that will matter in a grand final,” Khamis told Sportal on Tuesday.
“The team that plays the best and handles the pressure on the day will win.”
“You can be the underdog, you can be the favourite, but it’s what happens on the pitch that matters.”
“The rivalry between Queensland and NSW is always there so you can’t take anything for granted, especially in a grand final.”
Khamis’ wonderful goal-scoring run helped Sydney clinch the minor premiership in a tight finish to the regular season.
The Matildas star then scored the second goal in Sydney’s 3-0 semi-final win over Canberra, taking her season tally to eight in 11 matches.
“I started off a bit slow – I didn’t score until the third round – but since then it’s been pretty regular,” Khamis said.
“Hopefully I can continue my run on Saturday. It will count even more in a grand final.”
Brisbane stands in her way, the defending champion edging Central Coast 1-0 in their semi-final meeting.
Both sides are crammed with players boasting international experience – Sydney’s squad tallying 371 caps to the Roar’s 292.
Brisbane finished the regular season just two points behind Sydney.
“I got asked around round seven who I thought we’d play if we made the grand final and I said Brisbane, so it’s no surprise to me we’re playing them,” Khamis said.
“But we’re not overawed at all. I think we go into the game with a bit of confidence, not over confidence, after last week’s game.”
“Everyone’s excited. Sydney hasn-t been in a grand final before – we missed out last year – so just being there and playing in one is cause for excitement.”
