Salisbury, Robillard and Taylor lead the coverage | (Credit: ABC TV) Salisbury, Robillard and Taylor lead the coverage | (Credit: ABC TV)

The second season of the women’s national football league (W-League) climaxes on Saturday (December 19th) at 2.50pm on ABC TV with a live broadcast of the Grand Final clash between Sydney FC and reigning premiers, Brisbane Roar.

After sweet victories in last weekend’s semi-finals, the W-League’s two best teams will clash for the right to be named 2009 champions.

Unbeaten since the first round of the season, Sydney FC defeated Canberra United 3-0 in last weekend’s semi-final, despite having ten players for the majority of the match.

Brisbane Roar, also with ten players for much of the game, defeated Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in their semi-final.

ABC TV sports presenter Steve Robilliard, and former Matildas players Cheryl Salisbury and Amy Taylor, will be calling all the action and providing expert analysis for this Saturday’s Grand Final clash from Cronulla’s, Shark Park.

Steve Robilliard says viewers can look forward to an exhilarating game between two highly accomplished teams.

“There’s no doubt the best two teams have made it to the Grand Final. I’m favouring Sydney slightly, but there is a question over who will cover for their suspended defender, Alesha Clifford.”

Former Matildas captain Cheryl Salisbury is expecting a close game with Brisbane having the best defence and Sydney a more potent attack.

“I’m tending towards Sydney as they have momentum and confidence from last week’s semi-final win. Brisbane have been inconsistent and really struggled to make many clear cut chances in their semi. Sydney’s experience should get them over the line by a goal.”

Former Matilda, Amy Taylor, believes a motivated Sydney FC may be too fast for the reliable Roar defence.

“Although the Roar probably has the best defence in the league and will certainly make it tough, I really think Sydney has the motivation, the speed and a couple of exceptional individual players that really add something special to their team. In front of a home crowd, Sydney will be hard to beat.”

*Denotes - live in NSW, Vic, Tas & ACT