Sydney FC matchwinner Danny Vukovic described the end of his 12-year wait for Grand Final glory as “pure elation” after starring in Sunday’s penalty shootout triumph.
Three times a beaten Grand Finalist, Vukovic finally clinched his first championship as the Sky Blues overcame a gritty Melbourne Victory at Allianz Stadium.
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The Caltex Socceroos goalkeeper kept out Marco Rojas’ penalty attempt with a stunning low save, setting the scene for Milos Ninkovic to hit the winner.
“I’ve wanted this for 12 years and it’s finally happened,” Vukovic told Fox Sports.
“I don’t know what I would have done if I’d lost a fourth.
“That whole penalty shootout was a blur. It just went so quickly.
“It’s been a pleasure playing for this team, with this group of boys. You can see out there we fight for each other and we have done all season.
“So grateful that we won and we’ve done it in style.
“We thoroughly deserve this championship and we’re going to celebrate now.”
Vukovic, who previously suffered Grand Final pain with Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory, paid tribute to mentor and Sydney FC goalkeeping coach John Crawley for his part in the shootout success.
“I think we have to thank John Crawley for the amount of study he put in,” the 32-year-old said.
“He studied [all of Victory’s penalty takers] and he was sending me signals the whole shootout.”
