Now the finals drought is over, it’s time to get back to work for Vicki Linton and the rest of Canberra United. After securing their finals return against Sydney FC in a 0-0 draw, there is only one thing on their mind for the next two weeks.
Confidence is high and the adrenaline is pumping as United scrape through to the finals series for the 2020/21 season, and cancel out Adelaide United’s chance at a finals berth.
In one of the tightest races to the finals in W-League history, Linton knew just how crucial every point would mean to everyone.
“If you look back through the season, we could have actually won the premiership. Or we could have finished fifth. That’s how tight it is,” she said.
“The fact we are still going down to the wire on Wednesday night [March 31] and it’s still undecided, it’s so close.
“Anyone can beat anyone.”
With preparations underway in the United camp, the feeling around the players is as high as it has been all season.
After a string of clutch results in the final five rounds of the season, United will be looking to carry the same mindset and momentum into this weekend’s match-up. Whether it be Melbourne Victory or Sydney FC again.
Record goal scorer Michelle Heyman knows exactly what it takes to get to the very top.
“I’m a winner. And I want to continue to win,” she said.
“Grand final is what we thrive for so that’s definitely what we’re going for.”
Throughout the season, United have been a part of some close matches, resulting in injury time winners and season surviving results when it mattered most.
With that ability in their back pocket, Heyman is confident this type of mentality is what will push United to the very end.
“We are definitely playing our best football now and I think having that pressure of ‘must win games’ is definitely working for us,” she said.
“If we can continue to have that motto within our team, I think we are going to be unstoppable.”
Feature image credit: Mark Metcalfe
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