A quartet of potential Grand Final game-changers have given an insight into their preparations ahead of Sunday's NPL New South Wales showpiece.
After claiming their first Premiership title in 51 years, Rockdale Ilinden are chasing a maiden NPL Championship title when they tackle traditional powerhouse Sydney United 58 at 3:00PM (AEDT) on Sunday, October 25 at Marconi Stadium.
For United 58, victory would mark their first NPL NSW Championship to add to their two national NPL Finals Series titles won in 2013 and 2016.
Read on to learn more about the different paths taken by four players destined to make a big impact in the end-of-season decider.
Neill Chasing #NPLNSW Championship glory with Rockdale
COVID-19 may have forced a very different season in 2020, but Rockdale Ilinden FC flyer Mickey Neill is adamant victory will be no less special if his side clinches grand final glory.
“With all the challenges faced by the players this season it really goes to show the passion of everyone in the team,” Niell said.
Neill has been one of Rockdale’s outstanding performers this season after returning to the squad following a three-month stint with A-League outfit Newcastle Jets earlier this year.
The 26-year-old said working under former Jets coach Carl Robinson has been one of the best learning experiences of his career and has given him extra motivation to push for an A-League return next season.
“I’m a very hungry player and I’ve been working towards this (an A-League contract) for the past three years,” Neill said.
Read the full story at nplnsw.com.au
Trifiro: From Surgery to Finalist
For Sydney United 58 midfielder Glen Trifiro, a grand final victory will be worth much more than silverware.
Victory against Rockdale would cap off what has been an incredible recovery for the veteran playmaker, who at the start of this season was unable to walk after suffering a serious ligament tear in his ankle during the final round of the 2019 season.
He was forced to watch on from the sidelines as his United 58 side suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss at the hands of APIA in last season’s decider.
However, the disappointment of grand final defeat would not compare to the struggles faced by Trifiro during his six-month recovery which he says completely changed his outlook on the game and life.
“At first I didn’t think the injury was that bad and it wasn’t until after my surgery that it dawned on me how serious the whole situation was,” he said.
Read the full story at nplnsw.com.au
Young gun Casella ready for crowning moment
It’s been an unforgettable season for 20-year-old entertaining Rockdale Ilenden FC attacker midfielder Jaden Casella who has had a breakout year for the 2020 Premiers.
Casella managed to score three goals this year and became one of Steve Zoric’s game changers with the youngster rising to the challenge and occasion with the aim of playing as many matches as possible during the rebooted season.
“I knew from the beginning that there would be a lot of pressure on the coaches in regards to choosing the squad," he said.
“That in itself was going to be a challenge to start matches as all the boys put in 110% at training. However this motivated me more to work hard and to do my best to be noticed.”
Read the full story at nplnsw.com.au
Redemption on the mind of Vlastelica
Sydney United 58’s towering defender Adrian Vlastelica knows how it feels and the pain that comes with losing a Grand Final.
Having had such a tremendous run in 2019, Sydney United 58 fell short at the last hurdle bowing out to eventual Grand Final winners APIA Leichhardt FC at Bankwest Stadium.
It is that feeling alone that the 25-year-old hopes to not revisit when the skipper sets his sights on spoiling 2020 Premiers Rockdale Ilinden’s party this Sunday in this year’s Grand Final at Marconi Stadium.
“Of course the pain of losing any final is always tough to take and I know how much it would mean to the club to lift the Championship trophy once more.
“I think it will be huge for not only the players and staff but our loyal supporters who turn up in large numbers week in week out home and away should we get that successful result this Sunday.
Read the full story at nplnsw.com.au
NPL News South Wales Grand Final
Rockdale Ilenden FC v Sydney United 58 FC
Sunday, October 25
Marconi Stadium
Kick-off: 3.00pm AEDT
Don’t forget you can catch all the drama and excitement of this crucial NPL NSW Men’s Grand-Final clash exclusive to NPL.TV
In accordance with the strict COVID policies which have been followed during the course of the 2020 Football season, it means that there will be no tickets sold to the general public or at the entry to the venue.