If statistics are anything to go by then put money on this season’s Grand Final to be won late.
Both Perth Glory and Sydney FC are second half specialists.
The two sides lead the competition in goals scored in the final fifteen minutes of matches and are coming into the Grand Final scoring nine goals between them.
It is fitting this Grand Final puts the most dominant sides over the last two seasons against each other for the most significant piece of silverware in Australian football.
Perth Glory are ready – they will step out in front of nearly 55,000 home supporters as they hope to lift their first A-League Championship.
While Sydney FC look at the match as an opportunity to make history and join Melbourne Victory as the league’s most successful club.
Defensively Perth and Sydney rank first and second respectively and both sides know a thing or two about scoring goals.
Sydney hit the Victory for six to get to the final and the Glory lead the league in goals scored, converting 56 goals in 27 matches.
Despite both teams holding formidable records, this isn’t to say there are no chinks in the armour.
While the Glory don’t concede many goals, when they do it is often late in games – with the side being at their most vulnerable in the final fifteen minutes.
Perth have conceded 10 goals in the final fifteen minutes this season, though on the flip side they are yet to concede in the opening fifteen minutes this season.
Sydney FC meanwhile are at their most vulnerable in the first half, conceding 16 opening half goals. Of those 16, nine have been conceded in between the 16th and 30th minute.
In terms of scoring, Perth Glory have one of the most potent attacking thirds but when are they at their most dangerous?
While the Glory are at their most vulnerable in the final fifteen minutes this is when they are at their most dangerous.
The Glory have scored 16 goals in the final fifteen minutes of their matches – the most in the league – with five of these goals coming in stoppage time.
Similarly, the Sky Blues are just as damaging in the final fifteen minutes, having scored 13 goals during this time including three goals in stoppage time.
While anything can happen – especially in the finals – it would not be surprising to see some late suspense added to what has been another drama filled finals series.
