Joel King says the opportunity to create A-League history keeps Sydney FC motivated ahead of Sunday's grand final against Melbourne City.
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The Sky Blues aim to become the league's first club to win three consecutive championships when they run on to Melbourne Rectangular Stadium's field. King has played a role in their past three campaigns but this weekend will mark his second A-League decider.
The Shellharbour talent hopes for a repeat of last year's grand final, when Rhyan Grant bobbed up as Sydney FC's unlikely match winner in extra-time against City. Grant won't be there this time, but King remains confident his side will get the job done.
"City are a very good side, they've got a lot of good players,'' King said.
"I'm sure they didn't like losing last year, so I think they'll be pretty hungry again. They wouldn't like to lose two in a row.
"But, saying that, we're still hungry and looking to make history in winning three championships in a row. It will be a tough match, but I'm pretty confident that we'll get the win. I'm still confident in us. It would mean a lot to win. I've supported the club since I was a young boy and it would be special to help make history. Especially quite early in my career, being in two grand finals and hopefully winning two grand finals. So I can't wait to get out there and play."
Sunday's grand final will cap a big week for King, on Wednesday night named the A-League's Young Player of the Year.
The left back lined up in 27 games for the Sky Blues in his third season, after making 24 appearances in his first two campaigns.
The award came on the back of King setting up the match-winner in Sydney FC's 2-1 semi-final win over Adelaide last Saturday. His low cross found Bobo's foot, whose goal gave the side an unassailable lead.
"I was fortunate enough to get the assist and it proved the winner. I was happy with that and I was happy that I could contribute to the team's success," King said.
"It feels good. I felt that it was a tough game (versus Adelaide) in the end, but it's good to get into another grand final. I'm very excited but a bit nervous as well."
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
