Credit: TWG Sydney FC made a late charge for the finals | TWG

Sydney FC's 2012/13 summer thus far, has best been described by the Sky Blue's proficient striker, Samantha Kerr. She described the season as being "up and down".

Sydney really didn't show much of their clever midfield play and attacking prowess until Round 3, where they played Brisbane off the park in front of a very stunned 'orange-clad' crowd. Another vital match in their campaign was against Canberra United where Sydney scored a vital last minute goal to secure the 3 points in a tightly fought 4-3 contest.

The opportunity to play in front of some very vocal crowds; the Perth game at Sydney's Allianz Stadium. Between the two teams, an almost unheard of 'swag of 12 goals' was netted, and kept a mostly A-League crowd entertained and a little stunned by the calibre of some of our Matildas' mad offensive skills. Certainly, this Sky Blue outfit has talent and can often mesmerize opposition with their electrifying and busy dance towards the goals!

It will be an epic semi-final as both teams bring their best game thus far and when two of the W-League's most experienced finals' teams with the most traditional rivalry come together; it will surely be a spectacle! Given the current form that Brisbane are exhibiting, it will take some intense fortitude and an almighty effort from the Sky Blues to beat a path to the Grand Final. In my opinion, if they can beat Brisbane this weekend, they will ride the ecstasy of beating Season Five's favourites and will go on to earn themselves another W-League championship.

Kryptonite

Apart from Renee Rollason, a key utility player now being shuffled to the backline, Sydney's defence has struggled somewhat conceding a record high (for them) 24 goals in Season 5. Inconsistency across the backline as a unit has proved to be their undoing but understandable given their regular defensive stalwarts, Danielle Brogan and Thea Slatyer, were both unavailable for the season.

Seemingly, confidence is down at times for the Sky Blues, often in the past relying upon the cool heads of experienced players such as Heather Garriock, Servet Uzunlar and Sarah Walsh.  Still, if Sydney FC want to beat Brisbane Roar on the weekend, they most certainly have the capability and forte to do so.

Match Winners

Defender Renee Rollason continues to be a rock for Sydney | (Credit: Getty Images) Defender Renee Rollason continues to be a rock for Sydney | (Credit: Getty Images)

Kyah Simon (Forward) - Like Brisbane's Tameka Butt, Kyah Simon in top playing form is unstoppable. A crowded and markedly talented forward pack may seem to wash out some of Simon's offensive dominance but make no mistake, once the girl decides she wants a goal.  And she'll net 1 or 2 or 4.  Simon needs to channel some of that Boston Breakers' brilliance that saw her rock out an impressive 12 goals in her debut season in the tough American league.

Teresa Polias (Midfielder) - Touted as one of the work-engines of the entire W-League, Polias perpetually flies under the radar. A deliberate or non-deliberate tactic that repeatedly allows the crafty midfielder plenty of time on the ball as she consistently sets up her quality forward line. Polias needs to win the midfield battle against Brisbane's Katrina Gorry with both so ridiculously talented 'pocket rockets' that can inspire those 10 others around them to lift and score.

Renee Rollason (Defender) - Long term experience and game maturity has been a bit of a challenge to find for Sydney's coach this season given his current roster of mostly younger players and some W-League first timers. But he need not worry with the likes of his main central defender, Renee Rollason. She has bucket loads of it! Playing out of her regular midfield position and missing her playing 'partner in crime' Kylie Ledbrook seems to have posed no problem for the versatile and grounded footballer. For the semi, Renee has to keep her defensive troops tight and 'switched on' to outsmart the likes of the W-League's most in-form strike force.