'This team wants it' – Mackenzie Hawkesby discusses her resurgent ...

Mackenzie Hawkesby has explained that she and Sydney FC are ready to face Melbourne City in this Saturday afternoon’s Grand Final after one of their most testing seasons (4:15pm). 

The midfielder reflected on her campaign playing for the Sky Blues, discussing how she hasbeen able to find her feet and overcome adversity along with the side to get where they are. 

With Sydney FC gunning for their second consecutive Championship this Saturday,Hawkesby said that the Sky Blues will not hold back: 

“It’s unbelievable. After everything we faced this season, getting to another Grand Final isreally rewarding. 

“It’s not about how pretty you play; it’s about how much you want it… [and] the willingnessand want to win is incredible.

“I know how much I want it, and this team wants it, so that’s what I’m hoping will get us overthe edge [against City].”

Mackenzie Hawkesby also reflected on this season, where she has contributed to eight goals, scoring five, since returning from Brighton in December. 

After her English spell, the 24-year-old came back to Sydney, where she met familiar facessuch as Nat Tobin, Cortnee Vine, and Ante Juric once again. 

However, with Nat Tobin out due to her ruptured ACL and other players leaving after the2022/2023 season, the side had almost transformed, and Hawkesby had her work cut out forher. 

“Coming back, I knew I had to find my feet. It took me a few games, but I knew my level andwhere I wanted to get to. 

“I’m really happy and feel that I’m in a good space with some form leading into anotherGrand Final; it’s the best.

“Playing without Nat is different and it was difficult for me coming back because I looked upto her on the field when things weren’t going the greatest. 

“She’s my best mate, but what she’s done at Sydney FC for the past 2-3 years, being a rolemodel, captain and leader has got us to so many Premierships and Grand Finals,” she said. 

As Hawkesby will play her fifth Grand Final with the side, she explained how her role hastransformed from returning to a senior figure. 

The midfielder provided insight into what being a senior player is like. She had worn thecaptain’s armband multiple times, including in the first-leg Semi-Final when Princess Ibiniwas substituted. 

“I spoke to Margaux and Shay before the Semi Final and reassured them how well they aredoing. As an older player, you’ve got to guide them.

“I also spoke to Indy [Dos Santos] before the game and she told me she was really excitedand a bit nervous, and she just performed. 

“One thing I’m proud about of this team is that when we face adversity, we have risen to theoccasion,” she explained.

Hawkesby recounted the moment she scored what was Sydney FC’s decisive goal in thesecond leg in front of a booming Leichhardt Oval crowd, saying: 

“When I scored, I actually couldn’t hear. The noise was up there with the Grand Final-levelatmosphere.

“It’s unbelievable how far it’s come. 

“For us at Sydney FC, the fans we get at Leichhardt Oval have been crazy.”

Match Details:

Melbourne City v Sydney FCA-League Women Grand FinalSaturday 4th May, 2024AAMI Park, Melbourne, VICKick Off: 4:15PMBroadcast Live: Paramount+ and 10BOLDTickets: Click Here