Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory face off on in Sunday afternoon’s W-League grand final in what is perhaps the biggest clash of their ‘Big Blue’ rivalry yet.

The old foes have experienced different trajectories in different years – for Sydney, it is their fourth-straight grand final appearance, and victory would mean their third Championship to go with three Premierships – what would become a record haul.

For Melbourne, it is their first appearance in the grand dance since 2013/14.

But that oversimplifies what has been a rollercoaster ride for both sides in recent years, one which took a significant turn when COVID-19 arrived.

Watch the 2020/21 Westfield W-League Final Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

The pandemic made it nigh-impossible to sign foreign players, and only increased the flow of local stars heading overseas to compete in European leagues.

For Sydney FC, that meant this year’s squad has a much-changed look about it. Matildas stars Caitlin Foord and Chloe Logarzo are gone. Young talents have well and truly stood up in their places, putting their names up for contention for national team selection with the Tokyo Olympics and a 2023 World Cup on home soil looming large.

The Sky Blues claimed the Premiership, then soared into the grand final with a 3-0 win over Canberra United in their semi-final clash.

For Victory, it has been a five-year journey. From bottom of the ladder in 15-16 and 16-17, they have climbed up the ranks to become a genuine threat. In 2018-19, they claimed their first Premiership.

But a second Championship – and a first since 2013-14 – is still the club’s highest ambition. Led by Jeff Hopkins for the past five seasons, the club boasts veteran striker Lisa De Vanna – a legend of the Matildas – with Melina Ayres and Catherine Zimmerman completing an all-star attacking treble.

Ayres and Zimmerman had three goals between them in a 6-0 semi-final drubbing of Perth Glory to earn their spot in the grand final.

The pair met just once this season, with Sydney coming out 2-1 victors.

In another fantastic detail, all six of the referees will be women, with Rebecca Durcau named the centre referee.

She will be paired with assistants Laura Moya and Lauren Hargrave on the sidelines, and additional assistants Lara Lee and Isabella Blaess, while veteran Sarah Ho will be the fourth official.

HOW TO WATCH

Watch LIVE on Fox Sports 507 and 511 from 3.30pm AEST ahead of kick-off at 4.05pm.

Watch the 2020/21 Westfield W-League Final Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

FIXTURE DETAILS

Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory

Jubilee Stadium, Sydney

Sunday, April 11, 2021

Kick-off: 4.05pm AEST