Manly United coach aims for more glory against Olympic

ANDREW Christiansen is a representative coach on the rise.

Leichhardt Oval is the venue for Sunday’s grand final from 12.30pm.

ANDREW Christiansen is a coach on the rise.

The boss of Manly United’s 20s, in his first season in charge, guided his team to the title last month.

On Sunday they will push for another trophy when they play their grand final against Sydney Olympic FC.

It promises to be an entertaining clash at Leichhardt Oval, with both games in the regular season seven-goal thrillers.

“We beat them at their place (Belmore Oval) 4-3 and then they beat us by the same score at Cromer Park,’’ Christiansen said.

“Both teams like to attack, but you would think, given it is a final, it will be a little more defensive.

“If we play our game, we will be hard to beat.’’

Ollie Green in his Manly United days.

Ollie Green is the Sydney Olympic FC player United must contain.

The irony isn’t lost on Christiansen, given the youngster played his junior football at Manly.

“He’s a good player – most of their play goes through him,’’ he said.

“In a perfect world he would be on our team sheet but Ollie chose to play elsewhere, so good luck to him.”

Sydney Olympic will be underdogs against the major premiership victors after finishing fifth in the home and away campaign.

At one stage they were tenth but they will be brimming with confidence after going on a seven-game unbeaten run.

Manly will look to centre back Hamish Galbraith, central midfielder Aidan Hancock and striker Sipan Berti for inspiration.

“For me, those guys are the future of the club,’’ Christiansen said.

“All year they have shown their quality.

“Winning the grand final would cap off a great year. The attitude of the squad has been first class.”