Sydney FC have come from third on the table to win the W-League championship after a 4-2 victory over the Perth Glory in Sydney.
It was a fitting end to a thrilling season and an excellent finals series, that saw third and fourth meet in the decider.
Sofia Huerta opened the scoring early for the Sky Blues and the early pattern of play suggested an easy victory for Sydney.
However, Sam Kerr levelled from the penalty spot when she was brought down entering the box after 23 minutes.
Savannah McCaskill produced a stunning header from a Caitlin Foord pass to send the home side into the sheds with a 2-1 lead, before adding a second goal in the 61st minute and seemingly putting the Sky Blues into a winning position.
The westerners responded almost immediately when Alyssa Mautz found the back of Sydney FC’s net in the 68th minute from a corner and the match was set for a stunning and nail-biting conclusion with the scores at 3-2 in Sydney’s favour.
Chloe Logarzo sealed the fate of the visitors with a stunning strike just two minutes later and the Sky Blues shut the game down well in the last 20 minutes to earn the club its third W-League championship.
Perth were valiant but no match for Sydney today. McCaskill was a star yet the performance of Alanna Kennedy was astonishing in the centre of defence.
Sam Kerr was effectively blunted by the central defence of Sydney. Kerr took to the wings late but the imminent threat she poses in the box was nullified to a significant degree by the work of Kennedy in the heart of defence.
It was a terrific and entertaining grand final where the better side won and the game itself enjoyed a victory.
It was a record crowd for a W-League decider and the Sydney fans will go home happy. Perth will suffer a long flight home with no silverware.
Either way, it was a privilege to watch, commentate and bring to you.
McCaskill was awarded the player of the match and even though I felt Kennedy was the most significant on the pitch, no one would begrudge her effort.
Well played Sydney FC and commiserations to Perth Glory.
Final score
Sydney FC 4
Perth Glory 2
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Sydney moved into fourth with their point but Glory's finals hopes are now officially extinguished.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.
The Wanderers coach admits he has stuff going on in his personal life, and insists he has full support of playing group.
