MATCH OF THE ROUND: Blacktown City FC v Manly United FC
5:00 pm, Sunday 5 February, Blacktown City Sports Centre
It’s a grand final rematch at Blacktown City Sports Centre on Sunday as champions Blacktown City take on runners-up Manly United.
It’s been less than six months since these sides faced off at CommBank Stadium, with elation and disappointment likely still present for either side from that Saturday night.
Stability was a key message at both sides in the offseason with Blacktown coach Mark Crittenden keeping faith in the squad that delivered success in 2022.
New Manly coach Patrick Zwaanswijk will look to carry on the team’s exceptional form from last season, bringing in a few new names but keeping plenty of 2022’s stars around.
Blacktown performed well against United last season, including a 6-1 battering in round 19 and, of course, their 2-0 triumph in the big dance.
Travis Major played a crucial role for City last season including in their grand final victory earning the Robbie Slater Man of the Match and will be up for it again this time around.
Manly will seek revenge for last season’s grand final loss, but the tried and tested quality of Blacktown is a difficult challenge.