Much has changed at Sydney FC since last season’s W-League grand final defeat.
A new coach and a handful of exciting new signings have given the Sky Blues a fresh perspective for the 2017-18 campaign.
But for captain Teresa Polias the most important thing has not changed – expectation.
Sydney FC started the season with a disappointing 3-1 loss to Brisbane Roar on Friday night as they look to win their first championship since 2013 and their first premiership since 2011.
It shapes as an exciting season for the Sky Blues as they look to bounce back from a disastrous end to their 2016-17 campaign. Sydney FC lost their last two games to fall from first place to third before being eliminated in the semi-finals with a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Perth.
New coach Ante Juric has signed American international Emily Sonnett and Matildas trio Lisa De Vanna, Chloe Logarzo, and Kylie Ledbrook and Polias told the Leader while there was always expectation to win trophies at Sydney FC, their new-look squad had given them a great chance to do just that.
“We always aim for the top. We’re a successful club and always have been,” she said.
“It’s not the longest of seasons so you need early results to build that confidence. We do have some massive hit outs first up as well.
“It’s a good mix. We’ve got a great balance this season. A lot of experience, a few of us have been around for 10 seasons. Even some of the younger players like Sham [Khamis] and Lizzie [Elizabeth Ralston] you can’t forget are only 22 or 23-years-old but have so much experience already.
“We’re a really well-balanced team. We’ve got Young Matildas, Mini Matildas, just phenomenal young players. All of [the new signings] excite me. Emily Sonnett we met this week and she looks quality, world class. Obviously Lisa De Vanna, enough said there.
We always aim for the top. We’re a successful club and always have been.
- Sydney FC captain Teresa Polias
“I could say positive things about every single player in our team. We’re in tip top shape and I’m excited to see what we produce.”
The club will also return to the shire for their final regular season game when they host their Sydney derby against Western Sydney Wanderers at Seymour Shaw Park on February 4. Sydney FC will also play seven of their 14 games as double headers with the club’s men’s side, with four of those at Allianz Stadium.
Polias, a St George Football Association junior with Carss Park and Ramsgate, said while there was a lot of points to be won between now and then she couldn’t wait to return to the shire.
“When I think of last season the most memorable game of the season was the one at Seymour Shaw,” she said.
“It was a packed venue, a great game. My favourite thing was at the end when all the young female players took a big photo. It had a real community feel about it. It was amazing.
“To have a derby down there this season is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to it. Obviously we need a lot of really good results before we get there but it’s also nice to have most of the games as double headers with the guys at Allianz as well.
“[Sydney FC men’s coach Graham Arnold] spoke about it at the family day. It’s what our club is about. It’s nice to have that togetherness on game day this season and I think across the league it was the logical step.”
Sydney FC travel to Newcastle to take on the Jets on Saturday. Kick off is at 5pm.