Sydney FC have underlined their status as the A-League Women’s most successful club after thumping Western United 4-0 in the grand final to claim a fourth championship.
Striker Madison Haley scored two goals and assisted Natalie Tobin for another to be named player of the match, while Princess Ibini won and scored a penalty as Sydney completed the premiership-championship double at CommBank Stadium.
In their sixth consecutive grand final, Ante Juric’s charges won for the first time since 2018-19 while denying Mark Torcaso’s United silverware in their first season.
Sydney have drawn level with Melbourne City on four championships but edge them on premierships by five to two, and are the first team since City in 2015-16 to complete the double.
The match, before a record and largely pro-Sydney ALW grand final crowd of 9,519, was set against the Australian Professional Leagues’ controversial decision to sell the decider in a deal with Destination NSW.
It meant Sydney played in their home state while United had to travel to the decider rather than receiving hosting rights despite beating the Sky Blues 1-0 in the semi-final.
American striker Haley, a first-year player unscarred by Sydney’s previous grand final heartbreaks, was the star.
Her positioning and aerial ability stood out while defensive duo Tobin and Charlotte Mclean dominated and Mackenzie Hawkesby and Rachel Lowe were busy in midfield.
Sydney drew first blood in the fourth minute when Hawkesby looped a corner to the back post and Haley rose highest over Tyla-Jay Vlajnic to head home.
Adriana Taranto and Hannah Keane had chances in the eighth and 14th minutes but Sydney doubled their lead in the 18th minute.
Hawkesby curled in another back-post corner and Haley flicked the ball on for captain Tobin, in her 100th game, to head home.
Matildas winger Cortnee Vine rolled her left ankle in a challenge with Alana Cerne in the 22nd minute but battled through pain to trouble goalkeeper Hillary Beall multiple times without beating her.
Sydney goalkeeper Jada Whyman denied United three times in quick succession late in the half.
She claimed a Sydney Cummings long-range effort in the 36th minute, then a minute later got down low to deny Keane, and in the 40th came off her line to brilliantly block a Taranto shot.
The game was effectively over in the 63rd minute after Ibini surged into the area and was pulled back by Stacey Papadopoulos.
Ibini, the only player involved in Sydney’s last grand final win four years earlier, coolly dispatched the spot-kick into the bottom corner before celebrating with Sydney’s fans.
Haley put an exclamation mark on the win in the 91st minute.
Garry
Roar Rookie
On a side note my WOTM was originally Rachel Lowe but on reflection Haley was a good choice. The other thing is why does Tobin never get talked about re the Matildas. Every time I watch she’s the dominant defender. When she’s not there big cracks appear.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Its a record , but more importantly the record is now being held by a stand alone match. The other record crowds were at double headers with the men not grand finals where usually the crowd comes in during the last 15 minutes of the game before the mens game.
Garry
Roar Rookie
Ibini was pulled down.. rewatched the highlights. Fast forward about 15 mins and watch as she enters the box. The defender grabs her arm and holds on.. ps the female commentator says both parties are holding..rubbish! Ibini has passed and no need (or attempt) to hold. The defender clearly takes her arm without any attempt by Ibini to do the same.
At work
Roar Rookie
But wasn't the Penalty call on Ibini? I though it was quite fair shoulder to shoulder action as she made her way through the box before laying off for Haley. Or was it a foul for pulling Haley down? If so I didn't see much in that either...
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
I enjoyed watching this yesterday, and while SFC as clearly superior on the day, I don't think the scoreline reflected the gap between the two sides. Really good attendance too, I'm wondering whether that's a record for a womens club game in Australia?
Garry
Roar Rookie
I thought it was fair enough, the defender had the arm and clearly pulled her down.
At work
Roar Rookie
I was at the game and had a good time with a great atmosphere. That penalty call was a shocker though, glad it didn't influence the match result.
338
Roar Rookie
Watched on TV here in Brisbane and United had their chances but Sydney seemed a touch sharper with everything they did. Surprised Courtney Vine played on after that rolled ankle – hope it’s not bad and doesn’t stifle potential Matilda’s action. Sounded like a good crowd in (maybe they should get paid like the men who pull almost 10K?? :silly: ) Good game to watch, good work by both clubs, especially Western to make the GF in year 1.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
The amazing thing is the whole season they dominated , had heaps of corners and crosses and hardly scored any headers. One match against Adelaide they must have had something like 20 corners to 0 and lost 1-0 to a header off a long ball from the edge of the area. Then they get 2 in the least dominant halve they have had in the season. The penalty in the second half that was one of the most ridiculous I have seen, Ibini had an arm being held by Papadopoulos who looks the shortest and lightest player I have seen, still gets off a good pass to Madison Haley and I was thinking goal , only for Madison to go for a touch which was shockingly bad and follow it up with a dodgy lunge. I was thinking yellow card and then Sydney get a penalty instead. I have noticed this in other matches advantage is played they take a shot and miss and the ref then gives them a free kick after playing advantage.
Grem
Roar Rookie
I was there this afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed the game. The 9500 crowd were enthusiastic and made a good atmosphere. The Cove were great and the WU end had a few supporters. It was the best game in the A Leagues W I have attended because of the crowd. It’s a shame this amount of people don’t attend more games. Cortney Vine is an absolute crowd favourite and there are other players who the crowd really respond to as well – Hawkesby, Tobin, Hayley, etc. In terms of this final it worked well for the APL with Sydney being there – crowd and money from Destination Sydney. I personally would still prefer a floating grand final, but today was great.
Garry
Roar Rookie
Some snips from so called fans but great job Sydney :happy: :stoked: :silly: :laughing: