Perry to play

Ellyse Perry set to play the semi final for Sydney FC | (Credit: Getty Images)

After days of indecision, Sydney FC defender Ellyse Perry has decided that she will line up for the Sky Blues in their crucial W-League semi-final against the Brisbane Roar this Saturday.

Perry's predicament occurred when it was made known the Women's Twenty20 final was to be played in Perth on the same day as the W-League semi final.  It was a T20 final that was initially scheduled to be played on the Wednesday but it was later changed to be the curtain raiser to the Men's final,

Since joining Sydney at the beginning of this fifth W-League season, the dual international had been juggling her football and cricket commitments and the decision did not come easily.

“It was a truly difficult decision to make and certainly something that took a huge amount of thought and consideration,” said Perry.

“It’s such a privilege for me to be a member of both Sydney FC and the NSW Breakers and I am truly grateful to the support given to me by both Cricket NSW and Sydney FC."

“The opportunity to play for the team (Sydney FC) in this weekend’s semi final of the W-League is something that I am very much looking forward to.”

Perry faced a similar decision last season with 2011/13 champions Canberra United.  At that stage she went with cricket and eventually missing out on the championship win.  Sydney FC coach Alen Stajcic was pleased with the full back's decision.

“It’s fantastic news that Ellyse will be playing for Sydney FC in Saturday’s semi final,” he said.

“I know it’s a tough situation for her as both teams face important end of season games but her presence for us is certainly a boost as we take on our arch rivals Brisbane Roar."

“Ellyse has worked very hard this season to fulfil all of her training and playing commitments for Sydney FC and Cricket NSW and she was in a tough situation.”

Sydney FC met the W-League premiers Brisbane Roar this Saturday at QSAC with the match kicking off at 4.00pm (AEDST).