Westfield W-League grand final week gossip

So the really interesting news will be who the ins and outs are today for each team, particulary with two suspsended players to replace (Sasha McDonnell at Brisbane and Alesha Clifford at Sydney), but before then here is a bit more gossip.

At Sydney, Linda O'Neill still seems to be suffering from the flu, see this story on fourfourtwo where it doesn't look likely she will be able to play much part. While you are there, check out Alen Stajcic's response to Lawrie McKinna's twittering. Seems he might give it a go next season! But Leena Khamis, who scored a great goal against Canberra in the semi, said told Sydney FC's website they are still very confident. All around the team everyone’s excited, we’re going in with a bit of confidence coming from last week’s game [semi-final],” said Sydney’s star striker Leena Khamis. “It’s our first Grand Final so everyones on a bit of a high. And who better to play in a final than Brisbane.” The last time the Sky Blues faced the Roar was back in round four, a game which resulted in points being shared after a one-all draw.
 “We almost dominated that game and we were unlucky to come away with the draw,” said the 23-year-old. The star striker feels Sydney will look to take control of the game early on. “The start of the game will be very crucial, probably the first 15 or 20 minutes,” said the forward. “The speed, the tempo and just the excitement of being in the Grand Final will show in the opening stages.”

“To get on top in the first 20 minutes will be important and get our ball rolling.”

While up in Brisbane, Karla Reuter, who scored the only goal in the semi-final win over the Mariners, has said that the Roar still have another level to reach. “We really all feel as though we have a lot more to give,” the 25-year-old said. “There’s only one game left and we can’t leave anything in the tank.” Check out the rest of the story on Reuter here.

On Saturday, expect to see a few familar Matildas faces who we haven't seen much of this season at the ground. Players like Kim Carroll, Danielle Brogan, Jenna Tristram and Caitlin Munoz are all being brought to the game so that Matildas medical staff can give them a once over and see if they may be ready for the World Cup qualifiers preparation, which will kick off in January with the first camp from the 14th to 17th.

In Canberra, United's management committee have offered to extend Ray Junna's contract for next year, but he's waiting to see how he goes in the ACT Academy of Sport role first. Apart from Stephen Roche at the Mariners, Junna is the only coach that isn't the state institute coach as well. But that didn't happen in Canberra as Robbie Hooker has had the role for years, but with Hooks set to take on Matildas in a full-time role next year, the job has opened. Junna has said he would love to continue, it's his first ever year coaching women's football, he is just waiting to see if it all works out.

And finally up at Newcastle, Wayne O'Sullivan gives his thoughts on the season over at the Newcastle Herald

And don't forget to check out all the predictions from a host of women's football experts and interested parties over at http://www.thewomensgame.com/. It seems all the money is with Sydney FC from the canvas of opinions.