Sunday’s Grand Final will be special for several reasons.
Not only does the big stage return to Perth for the first time since the 2003/04 National Soccer League season – but two of the league’s best imports will go head-to-head.
As far as match-ups go the one between Diego Castro and Milos Ninkovic is as big as it gets.
Not only are both players Johnny Warren medallists but both have been instrumental for their side since day one their respective moments of brilliance often deciding matches.
Hour long highlight reels could be made just on Castro and Ninkovic with both sets of fans eager to see how their star player will lift for the occasion.
Despite their ages, neither appear to be slowing down any time soon.
Time stands still whenever Castro is on the ball while Milos Ninkovic could find just about anyone with a pass no matter the situation.
Castro’s season may have been interrupted by injury but he has not looked back since returning to the side.
The Glory may boast plenty of goal scoring options but they look twice as good with the 36-year-old in the side, adding an extra element of class to the Premiership winning team.
Ninkovic will go down as one of the greatest Sydney FC players, having won silverware and winning a Grand Final off his own boot in a shoot-out.
Winning silverware is one feat Castro is yet to achieve and may just be what elevates his status within the A-League to that of a legend.
Interestingly, the Spaniard has only experienced wins against Sydney FC twice in eleven meetings and is yet to score against the Sky Blues.
Ninkovic has meanwhile been involved in ten victories for the Sky Blues over the Glory and has scored three times in this fixture.
The former Serbian international has more experience on the big stage – having played in a Grand Final and many Asian Champions League matches but this week’s contest will be something else completely.
Both midfield maestros will be forced into unfamiliar surroundings when they step out on to – a rather firm – Optus Stadium in front of 55,000 fans.
Predicting who wins this match-up is just as difficult to predicting the tie itself, albeit whoever does come out on top will go a long way in deciding which team lifts silverware Sunday night.
