Melbourne City FC attacker Jodie Taylor is determined to play a role in helping her teammates create history as they look to become the first team in the league’s existence to win three consecutive Westfield W-League Grand Finals.
The England international joined Patrick Kisnorbo’s squad mid-season before making her first appearance for the Club in January, but despite her short stint that has been interrupted by international duty, the star striker has made an immediate impact.
Ahead of Sunday’s Grand Final against Sydney FC, the 31-year-old says she is looking forward to helping her team win a third straight Championship in what has been an enjoyable stint for her in Melbourne.
“It’s a huge game on Sunday – Grand Final against Sydney – it’s going to be a great match,” Taylor said.
“I know obviously that the Club has won two Grand Finals back-to-back and we’re going for a third this weekend, we are really excited for the game and I can’t wait to play on Sunday,” she added.
“Absolutely [looking to make up for lost time], my time has been quite short at the Club. I would have liked to have been here longer but it’s gone really well, I’m really happy obviously that we are in the Final and I really hope that I can help the team lift the trophy for the third time.
Taylor believes that City’s comprehensive second-half performance against the reigning Premiers Brisbane Roar last weekend will hold the team in good stead leading into this weekend’s Grand Final.
“I think the second-half against Brisbane really gives us confidence, I think in the second-half we really picked it up and it was a good performance where obviously we scored two goals in the second-half as well,” she said.
“Hopefully we can just carry that momentum into the game against Sydney on Sunday.”
Sydney was forced into to extra-time by Newcastle, before Lisa De Vanna scored a 98th minute winner qualifying Ante Juric’s side for the Grand Final.
Despite playing 30 minutes less than their rivals, Taylor believes that City’s win in the gruelling Brisbane heat will counteract any advantage that may have been.
“Obviously they [Sydney] played the day before us as well and we were in really hot and humid conditions in Brisbane and away travel too so I’m sure it’s probably cancelled each other out,” the 31-year-old explained.
“Sydney are a quality team, as are we, so it’s going to be a really exciting fixture.”
