As one of this season’s breakout players, it is no wonder Natalie Tobin is confident of taking the field as Sydney FC contest Perth Glory for a spot in the Westfield W-League Grand Final this Sunday 14 December at nib Stadium (kick off 3pm).
After a narrow loss in round six, their most recent encounter saw Perth win by five goals but Tobin says the Sky Blues are strong and determined enough to turn the attack around and redeem themselves after that defeat in Wollongong.
“It means a great deal for us to win. Coming off a 5-0 loss, we need to prove we’re better than that,” Tobin said.
“Perth has their threats in attack and we’re learning how to counteract that. We have to work defensively and keep them on their back foot.”
A Westfield W-League Championship winner with Sydney FC in the 2012/13 season, Tobin says there is no reason they can’t repeat the feat and win it again.
“We finished fourth two seasons back and then went on to win the grand final and a lot of us have that in the back of our mind,” she said.
The eighteen-year-old defender says Sydney FC’s strong performance against Newcastle United has boosted their confidence.
“We played really well against Newcastle, especially considering the conditions,” she said.
“We know there is nothing to lose now so we’re going in with full confidence.”
Tobin says even though they’ll be travelling to Western Australia for the semi-final, she knows Sydney FC’s fan base is going to be behind them.
“We’ve had so many people supporting us and even though it’s an away game, we know everyone will be cheering us on back home.”
A win against Perth Glory will mean Sydney FC play the winner of Melbourne Victory and Canberra United in the second semi-final to be played on Saturday 13 December.
Sydney FC will take on Perth Glory at nib Stadium in Perth on Sunday 14 December (kick off 3pm). Follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for LIVE match updates as the Sky Blues fight for their place in the Grand Final.
