Tara Murray
Western United was seen as the underdog heading into the system and it will take that mentality into the A-League Women’s finals.
United stunned most with their first season, sitting on top of the ladder for most of the season.
While Sydney claimed the premier’s plate, United did enough to seal second spot and a second chance come finals.
Julia Sardo, who has played with both Melbourne City and Perth Glory previously, said it was pretty special for the group.
“It’s so exciting, especially in our first season,” she said.
“It’s pretty exciting for everyone and we want to keep it going into the finals. Everyone is really pumped and it’s extra special being the first team and the first season.”
Sardo said while the group was disappointed not to claim the premiers plate after the season they had, they weren’t dwelling on it.
She said they had still accomplished a lot this season that they could be proud of.
“We were the underdogs at the start,” she said. “No one expected us to be where we are.
“On top for most of the year… We’re really proud of each other.
“The focus is now on winning finals.”
Sardo said there had been some challenges being a new side and gelling together. She said the group had come together really well.
“It has been good,’ she said. There have been a lot of different people come in from all parts of the world.
“It makes it really cool and there was that challenge to have everyone gel together. We all connected from the start.
“Some of us have played with each other at Calder United, it has really helped the team connect.”
That Calder connection is one that many of the players have spoken about. Sardo said she had always wanted another chance at the top level and being part of Western United made it more special.
Sardo said that the connection between Western United and Calder United had helped everyone feel at home.
She said the culture at Western United was different from the other A-League clubs she’d been at.
“There is a real togetherness vibe with the players, coaches and staff,” she said. “Everyone is really close.”
Sardo is not a stranger to big matches, having been part of several Calder title winning sides, alongside many of her Western United teammates.
She said this is the next level.
“We’re definitely still underdogs,” she said. “We need to prepare on and off the field to be in the right mindset.
“We will look after our bodies earlier in the week, mindful we have a big couple of weeks ahead.”
United faces Sydney United next Sunday for a spot in the grand final. The loser will then play either Melbourne City or Melbourne Victory in the preliminary final.
Sardo said she’s expecting a big game.
“We won the first game against them and they won the second time,” she said of Sydney.
“It’s anyone’s game and whoever is more prepared on the day and in the right mindset and attitude on the day, that is whoever wins.”
