And then there were two. Perth Glory and Canberra United have triumphed against their opponents, and have earned themselves the chance to lift up the 2014-15 W-League Championship this Sunday at nib Stadium.
The first and third placed clubs in the regular season table, Perth and Canberra have both deserved their place in the grand final.
Let’s take a close look at each team’s credentials.
Perth
The loss against Canberra and any chances of an end-of-season form slump were dashed when Elisa D’Ovidio scored after 15 minutes in the semi-final against Sydney FC.
Kate Gill doubled the margin at the 37 minute mark and substitute Gabe Marzano slotted her first goal for the Glory in the 70th minute. No Sam Kerr, no worries for Perth as they ran out 3-0 winners.
After a regular season record of 10 wins and two losses, you would have to think Perth will come into this decider with the favourites tag. Having to only play the normal 90 minutes and no travel last week will help their preparations. Their goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold, is in great form, and will make Canberra’s job that little bit harder.
Canberra
Big congratulations to the girls in green, getting the 0-0 win (5-4 on penalties) against Melbourne Victory at Simonds Stadium, Geelong. If you have the time during the week, I suggest jumping on iView and watching the game, as it was a great performance by both teams.
Ash Sykes picked up player of the match award in a great showing of determination in the heat. Even though the official temp gauge only nudged 31 degrees, it felt a lot hotter out there (I can personally confirm that sitting in sun with Canberra Flags). I have to ask why drink breaks weren’t taken?
I also want to take a moment to congratulate both the Melbourne goalkeeper Brianna Davey and Canberra’s Chantel Jones. Both girls earned their clean sheets and played very well.
Will playing a tough, extended game take too much out of the girls before flying to Perth, or will it give them the extra spark to finish it off? Canberra will be without Kendal Fletcher this week, with Julia De Angelis a chance to get in that starting side. The team as a whole took it up to another level in Geelong, with Michelle Heyman, Nicole Begg, Lori Lindsey and Ellie Brush all having strong performances.
Final thoughts
Both teams have the ability to win the game. The fact Canberra did beat Perth Glory two weeks ago shows this. Canberra also has a great record against Perth, only losing one game against the girls in purple since start of the W-League (this season, in Round 5).
However, Perth have been a stand-out side this season, and playing in Perth as opposed to playing in Canberra will be a massive advantage. They have shown they can score without Kerr, and will likely prove a handful for the Canberra defence.
Predictions
Canberra United 2-1 Perth Glory
Player of match: Ash Sykes
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