SYDNEY FC will continue their attacking approach when they attempt to claim successive W-League titles when they play Brisbane Roar in tomorrow's grand final.
The current champions will walk out at Campbelltown Stadium without any shortage of confidence, having found the net no fewer than 34 times in their 11 games this season. The 5-1 demolition of Melbourne Victory in the semi-finals served as a notice of intent to Brisbane, whom Sydney coach Alen Stajcic believes his side can overcome.
''I'm fairly confident in our team, especially the way we've played throughout this season,'' Stajcic said. ''I know that no matter what situation we find ourselves in, we'll be able to score goals and be attacking minded. I'm confident we can do the job.''
Little has separated the finalists this season as both teams claimed away victories against each other. While they share tactical similarities, the Sydney coach believes his side possesses a clinical edge.
''The last few weeks we've been more fluent in attack and they've struggled to find goals,'' he said. ''We have more variety in attack, but there's still not that much difference between us.''
The core of Sydney's attacking strength lies in the 20-goal strike partnership of Leena Khamis, 24, and 19-year-old Kyah Simon. The strikers are paired at club level and also for the Matildas, where their chemistry and understanding has developed strongly.
"I've grown up playing with Kyah, I've played with her for more than five years and we read each other's game,'' Khamis said. ''It's a connection that we have and a different style of play so I think that helps.''
In an impressive statistic, the duo have scored more goals than the team total of any other W-League side, including Brisbane Roar. But Khamis believes this accomplishment counts for little as they approach the season's definitive 90 minutes.
"Myself and Kyah have scored 20 goals between us so far,'' Khamis said. ''In saying that, we're coming up against Brisbane Roar who have one of the best goalkeepers in the league in Casey Dumont.''
Should the minor premiers regain their W-League crown, they will become the first team of either gender to win back-to-back titles since the revamp of Australian football in 2005. Sydney, however, are ignoring the hype as they enter the final hours of their preparation.
''A few people have mentioned it to us but the last thing you need is extra pressure on you at these times,'' Simon said. ''It's in the back of our minds but it's not what we're focusing on. [We're focusing on] a good performance and coming away with a win.''
Because they won in the regular season, Sydney FC will host the final on Saturday at 3pm at Campbelltown Stadium.
''We're hoping for a large Cove contingent to be supporting us,'' Khamis said. ''There was a large number at last year's final and I hope to see even more because they really spurred us on and created a great atmosphere.''
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