A-League Grand Final Players to Watch
Thu, Jun 24.21
With numerous Socceroos stars missing from both outfits, we take a look at 4 players who could win the game for their sides. Will it be the experience of the Sydney FC front line, or the young dynamic duo at Melbourne City?
Adam Le Fondre (Sydney FC)
The Stockport sensation is one of the most prolific strikers in A-League history. The ex-Premier League marksman is one half of the duo that fired Sydney FC into their third Grand final in as many years. Le Fondre has been top scorer for the sky blues twice and is third in their all time goal scorer list.
Le Fondre comes into this grand final as a man in form, having scored 4 in 6 games and a goal in the semi-final win over Adelaide. Alfie also has the big game experience; premier league player of the month, player of the year for a premier league side, goals against Manchester United, the championship league title, will he be adding a third A-League championship to his list of accolades?
Bobô (Sydney FC)
The Brazlian joins Le Fondre as one of the best strikers the A-league has ever seen, bringing with him a wealth of European experience, scoring against Liverpool in the Champions League and third in Beşiktaş all time scorers. You don’t get called up to the Brazil squad if you can't stick it in the back of the net.
From Brazil to Bondi, Bobô started off his time in Australia with a bang, scoring on his debut and never looked back. Since arriving he’s become one of the most prolific strikers in A-league history, winning the golden boot in 17/18 with a lazy 27 goals in 27 games.
The boy from Gravatá sent Adelaide back to Hindmarsh with a tidy finish, giving the reigning champions a shot at their 4th title in 5 years.
Stefan Colakovski (Melbourne City)
The Melbourne born Colakovski is flying at the moment but that hasn’t always been the case. Overcoming an ACL injury and being overlooked for a scholarship contract as a youngster, he eventually signed with city having impressed coach at the time Erick Mombaerts.
Colakovski has shaken off those early troubles and is now living the dream, lining up for his boyhood club in a Grand Final. The 21 year old has had quite the rise this season, scoring his first professional goal in the Melbourne derby (not bad) and scoring and assisting in the semi-final win over Macarthur in the absence of goal machine Jamie Maclaren. The pressure is on for Colakovski but he appears to relish the big stage and there will be none bigger than this weekend.
Marco Tilio (Melbourne City)
If Colakovski’s Grand Final story is a fairytale, Tilio’s is one of revenge. Marco is Sydney born and raised, signing with Sydney FC as a 14 year old. Tilio rejected a contract offer from the Sky Blues last season after struggling for minutes, signing with Melbourne City the next day.
Since joining Tilio has had an impressive season, making 20 appearances, none more impressive than his semi final performance. Also registering a goal and assist, linking up brilliantly with fellow young gun Colakovski. The two City forwards lack experience compared to their Sydney rivals, coming in at a combined 30 years younger but more than make up for it with their energy and lack of fear.
Which one of these players is going to be the difference in the big dance? Will Melbourne City get the trophy they crave at home, or will Sydney FC three-peat?
If you think you know who's going to win head over to our latest A-League grand final Instagram post for your chance to win a $50 voucher!
Enjoy the game!
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