Hawkesby chasing A-League grand final glory with Sydney FC

Whether it be for Figtree, the Illawarra Stingrays or even Sydney FC, the midfielder has longed to hoist a trophy after the biggest game of the season.

For everything the emerging talent has achieved in the sport, a grand final victory remains the one thing that has eluded Hawkesby thus far.

The 22-year-old will get another chance to tick that box in Sunday's A-League Women decider.

Read more: Zadkovich always driven to succeed: Timpano

The match has added meaning for Hawkesby and her Sydney FC teammates, the side looking to topple defending champions Melbourne Victory in a rematch of last year's grand final.

"We don't like to talk about last year too much," Hawkesby said. "It was a sad ending, it's in the back of our minds.

"We know we're playing the Victory in the grand final on the same field. We're excited due to the fact we want to get revenge and beat them.

"It's something we don't talk about too much but we do remember it. It's not weighing on our minds, but it is in the back of our minds. Hopefully it fuels us on Sunday."

Read more: Nick Littler stands tall in return to Wollongong Wolves

Hawkesby has enjoyed a breakout season this summer, the midfielder solidifying her place in the Sydney FC starting line-up.

It's a year in which she's led the competition in assists, setting up 10 goals, while also scoring five.

As Hawkesby has starred, the midfielder has emerged as a Matildas contender.

Representing Australia would be a dream come true but, for now, Hawkesby is focused on taking care of business in Sunday's grand final.

"I feel a lot more comfortable this year," she said. "Last year I felt comfortable, but this year I've come into my own and I've been able to express myself a bit more.

"A couple of players have left, so I knew there were spots available in the midfield and I had to step up. I've played with a lot of these girls for years and I've gained a lot of confidence.

"I've developed a lot in the last year and I'm learning more and playing better and better."

Read more: Goojian struck down by COVID, will miss clash with United

After losing the last two A-League Women grand finals, Sydney FC entered this season determined to go all the way in 2022.

That has seen the side claim a record fourth premiership, winning 11 of 14 games and losing just one match all season.

A thrilling extra-time semi-final win over Melbourne City secured safe passage to the decider, while the Victory were forced to win two sudden-death games to reach the grand final.

The teams have clashed just once this year, a 2-2 draw in Melbourne in February.

Read more: Flame burns as Rowe looks to inspire next generation in Illawarra

Hawkesby recognises the Victory will pose a unique challenge, but she's confident her side can achieve their final goal in a record-breaking year.

"To win a premiership is really good and something to strive for, but the grand final, this year we'd do anything to win a grand final.

"With what we've done this season, with the records and the premiership, we have to finish what we started.

"The girls who won in 2019 always say how good it is to win a grand final and they look back to that game. It's going to be difficult on Sunday, I've never won a grand final ever, so it's something we want to win.

"This group is similar to last year. We know this match can go either way, but we're desperate to win this one."

To read more stories, download the Illawarra Mercury news app in the Apple Store or Google Play.