However, it almost didn’t happen.

This was the closest W-League season in the league’s history. Just six points separated the top six teams, with the top four spots decided on the final match day.

Sydney finished the season on 19 points, equal with bitter rivals Melbourne City, but ended up securing third spot thanks to their superior goal difference to keep their finals appearance record alive.

It could have been so different. Had Melbourne City beaten Sydney by three more goals in their 2-0 win in the last round of the season, the Sky Blues would have been bumped into fifth spot, missing the finals for the first time in their history.

But that hiccup is now behind them.

The team travels to Queensland this weekend to take on last season’s Premiers Brisbane Roar in the second semi-final. The winner will secure their sixth Grand Final appearance in 10 years, the most of any other team in the league, and will face either this season’s Premiers Melbourne Victory or Perth Glory for a shot at the Championship trophy.

Sydney captain Teresa Polias was on the pitch for every minute of her team’s rollercoaster season.

Taken by Stephanie Meek Photography (@stephaniemeekphotography)

“We set out to make the final," she said.

"Our goal was to finish top, of course, and realistically we had the squad that could have done that."

Despite their third-place finish, Polias is keeping her team’s achievements in context.

“Everyone has done really well and recruited really well. You see teams like [Melbourne] City missing out [on finals] and Adelaide who did really well, so you have to feel pretty fortunate that we got through,” she said.

“We were only a few points off top, and you have to give credit where credit is due. Victory were incredible this season, they’ve played really well. Jeff has done a great job with his squad and you can see the unity they have, coupled with their talent. They’ve got to where they deserve to be.”