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Sydney FC happy fans are at a distance for A-League grand final

More than 50,000 parochial home fans might be cheering against them but Sydney FC aren't the least bit concerned of being intimidated having been afforded the comfort of separation from the stands at Optus Stadium.

The Sky Blues are relieved Sunday's grand final against Perth will be played at the AFL-built venue rather than the Glory's usual home ground of HBF Park due to the greater proximity in distance between the field of play and the fans.

Far from the action: Sydney FC won't feel the pressure from fans in the stand at Optus Stadium.

Far from the action: Sydney FC won't feel the pressure from fans in the stand at Optus Stadium.Credit:Peter Bennetts

Only about thousand single tickets remain on sale for the decider, which is on course to set a new record attendance for a grand final in Australian football. Despite there being more than twice as many Glory fans at Optus Stadium than there could be at HBF Park, the fact many will be out of earshot and about 30 metres from the sideline will dilute the pressure on Sydney.

Sky Blues captain Alex Brosque believes it's an advantage for Sydney the game isn't played at the Glory's usual home.

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"I think it is. I think it is always difficult when you play away and the crowd is right on top of you and really close to the field. I think the fact that this is played on an AFL ground, while it will be a home crowd and very vocal, I think the fact that they wont be right on top of you is always easier to play," Brosque said. "We have noticed that down in Melbourne with Etihad compared to AAMI Park."

Sydney FC coach Steve Corica was embracing the underdog tag for Sunday's grand final, suggesting nobody is expecting the Sky Blues to gain a result away from home despite their scintillating performance against Melbourne Victory in last week's semi-final.

Asked if his team would be daunted by facing such a large crowd of parochial West Australians, Corica said it would bring out the best in his players.

"Sounds fantastic. What more do you want? It's the grand final," Corica said. " [We are] Against all odds, nobody expects us to come here and wiRead More – Source

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