Canberra United Academy v Canberra FC | Sunday, 4:30pm & McKellar Park & Live on BarTV Sports

A massive Preliminary Final clash looms at McKellar Park on Sunday afternoon as the Canberra United Academy and Canberra FC meet for a spot in the Grand Final. These sides met three times in the regular season, with both sides winning a contest each and fighting out a draw in the middle, with the Academy triumphing in their Federation Cup semi-final as well. Ryan Grogan’s side stuck with Belconnen United for the first half against Belconnen United in the Qualifying Final but after going behind just before half-time were brushed off in the second half. They will be keen to use their pace to advantage against the older, but more experienced Canberra FC side as they have done previously and with the team largely fully fit Grogan can be confident heading into this clash. He must be wary of the occasion getting to his young side though, and make sure they are not baited into mistakes by a team that has been here before.

Canberra FC took this same path to the Grand Final last year before winning the big dance, but this time are doing it with Chantel Jones on the sidelines. The American was a vocal addition to the technical area last week and her support is clearly a lift for the team, but this week they are arguably the underdogs against the fit and fast Academy side. The loss of Marcia Wallis to a knee injury during last week was a blow and further depletes their available numbers, so it will be interesting to see the side that Mark Risteski sends out on Sunday afternoon. Grace Gill continues to be one of the best players in the competition and will have a key role to play not just in her playmaking and scoring but in her marshalling of teammates. A big effort will be needed from this side to win through but they are capable of it having been here before.