Sydney FC captain Teresa Polias ready to add to a season of highlights in W-League grand final

THERE have been a few big moments in Sydney FC’s season for Teresa Polias: her 100th appearance in the semi-final, for instance, and the honour of leading her side in the grand final.

Teresa Polias. Pic: AAP

THERE have been a few big moments in Sydney FC’s season for Teresa Polias: her 100th appearance last week in the semi-final, for instance, and the honour of leading her side in the grand final on Sunday.

But the most significant arguably came in Round 4 when Polias chose the perfect moment to score her first ever W-League goal, in a game her side was losing and apparently on the verge of a fourth straight defeat to start the season.

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Instead the Sky Blues turned that game and their season around, powering through to the final tomorrow undefeated since that win.

Without that goal, it might have been a very different path.

Polias juggles her teaching career with training and playing. Pic: Richard Dobson

Such a run didn’t surprise Polias or her coach Ante Juric, even after what she cheerfully admits was “probably our worst ever start”.

“I remember Ante walked into the dressing room before that City game and told us we couldn’t lose as he was wearing his lucky shirt that he’d never lost in,” she said.

“Then he told us he’d bought it that morning.

“He had that sort of laid back, lack-of-pressure approach from the start, and he told us we’d be flying by December. He was right, and it’s been a pleasure to watch.

“We’ve got a young squad but these guys have been developed by the club and they’ve really stood up this season.”

It’s been a cool, calm approach for Sydney FC. Pic: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Polias received a memento from the club before the semi-final for reaching a tonne of appearances, a remarkable longevity given her full-time teaching career.

“It gets harder every year to juggle it to be honest, but I adore teaching,” she said. “Being a female athlete I knew I’d need a Plan B. It just means I have to be extra disciplined and meticulous in my time management.

“But I wouldn’t change any of it, and I get fantastic support from my colleagues, I can’t thank them enough. Pretty much all the staff from my school are coming on Sunday.”

Originally published as Sydney FC captain Teresa Polias ready to add to a season of highlights in W-League grand final