Sydney FC came into season one as one of the favourites to take out the title.  It was easy to see why with the sky blues blessed with a complement of Matildas including captain Heather Garriock, Sarah Walsh, Danielle Small and others. 

Starting the season with a bang against Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory, the Sydney looked to be on their way.  However, as with any football season, injuries to key players impacted the squad and Sydney could only manage two wins in their last eight games.  Despite making the finals, it can be said that Sydney underachieved and will be looking to improve on last season’s performance. 

A majority of the Sydney FC’s squad has been maintained for season two.  Crucially, Heather Garriock looks fit and ready after a season in US Women’s Professional League and striker Sarah Walsh will be fighting it out with new recruit Kyah Simon for the opportunity to partner Golden Boot winner Leena Khamis.

Strength is the operative word for the sky blues.  Sydney's wins throughout the season came against young opposition that they were able to outmuscle and intimidate.  With a couple of young squads in season two they would be wise to once again employ this tactic.

The strike force for Sydney is impressive with Khamis, Walsh and Simon all proven goal scorers.  The forwards should receive plenty of supply through Danielle Small, Servet Uzunlar, Danielle Brogan and Garriock but more importantly these attacking playmakers can supply goals.   



It appeared at times the Sydney were not able to mentally handle the pressure of starting matches as favourites.  Intermittently during the season, the sky blues dropped matches they were expected to win and it near cost them  a place in the finals.

In Sydney FC's case the defence is not a great weakness but it is weaker than other areas on the field.  Of the top 4 sides, Sydney conceded the most goals.  To make a real surge for the top, they will need to tighten up this area of their game. 



Golden Boot winner Leena Khamis leapt out the blocks early and was never caught. 


© Cameron Wheeler (www.cameronwheeler.com)

When it came to the Golden Boot award, Khamis wasn’t the first name to come into mind but Campbelltown native always knew it was a possibility.

“I obviously set goals for myself and the golden boot was one them.  To get it in the end, I was pretty proud of that achievement.”

Unlike her Sydney and Matildas’ team mate Sarah Walsh, Leena Khamis isn’t your typical strike.  Instead Khamis relies on her innate ability to anticipate the play and ball. 

“Strikers are known to be quick but I'm not a quick striker.  That's probably a downfall for me.” 

“A striker needs a good midfield and players behind them to feed them the ball and my runs as a striker off the ball help me a lot.  That and I can read the game well are my best attributes.”

Khamis won’t have the luxury of flying under the radar this season.  However, recognising the danger and stopping it are two different things.  With a fit Khamis, Walsh and Simon, the sky blues will be one of many challengers for the W-League crown. 

“We weren't fully satisfied finishing fourth last season.  I think we could have gone one better and made the grand final.”

“Our goals are the same and the team’s expectations are to make the grand final.  Potentially we have a strong team to do it but we are hoping to be more consistent this year and go that one better.  “