Attard hoping to go one step further with APIA in Grand Final

APIA Leichhardt enter their second straight National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Grand Final on Saturday at Jubilee Stadium, this time coach Brad Attard looking to go one step further than 2024.

After last season’s devastating loss in a penalty shoot out to the Macarthur Rams, Attard feels his team will be up to the task.

“It feels fantastic to be back in another Grand Final,” said Attard.

“The NPL season is a marathon, 33 competitive matches in just six months, and getting here is an achievement in itself. Last year’s result was a tough one to take, but it gave us real perspective.

“We’ve learnt from the experience, and with the beauty of hindsight to reflect on, it enables us to better prepare.

“In essence, I think last year, we probably saw reaching the Grand Final as the accomplishment, this time, we know the real accomplishment is winning it.”

Attard believes that his team won’t need to change to much from last year’s Grand Final preparation, aside from a few minor adjustments.

“Continuity is underrated in football, and I think that’s been one of our biggest strengths this season.

“We’ve built a clear style and belief in how we want to play, and the players know their roles and trust each other to deliver in the moments.

“That doesn’t mean we don’t adjust, every final presents unique challenges, and there will always be small tweaks, but the week and foundations don’t really change.”

APIA have already two pieces of silverware in the cabinet in 2025, the Club Championship and of course the Sapphire Cup, where they defeated Mt Druitt Town Rangers in a dominant final.

Attard believes that despite that win, that Grand Final is a different beast, bringing along different challenges.

“I don’t buy into the idea that winning the Sapphire Cup automatically helps us in a Grand Final.

“They are two completely different competitions, with different demands, and one doesn’t carry over to the other. Winning the Cup was a fantastic achievement and something the players deserved for their hard work, but it has no bearing on what happens here.

“A Grand Final is its own test. It is another match where everything resets, and the only thing that matters is how well we perform on the day.

“We cannot lean on past trophies or moments; we have to earn this one from scratch. The Cup sits in the cabinet, and it is something we are proud of, but this is a new challenge altogether, and it will take a new performance to win it.”

Their opponents on Sunday afternoon, Bulls FC Academy, defeated them on the final day of the season to pinch the Premiership from them.

Despite that, Attard believes finals football is a different challenge and little things could prove the difference.

“The Bulls are a very good side and they fully deserve their Premiership. That result showed us how important it is to stay switched on for the full ninety minutes.

“Finals football is a new challenge, and while we respect the quality they have, we also believe in our own strengths. It will come down to who takes their chances on the day, and our focus is simply on being at our best when it matters most.”

The only trophy that has eluded APIA Leichhardt since their promotion to the top tier is the Grand Final and they are eager to add it in their ever-growing trophy cabinet.

“It would mean a great deal, we don’t have this one yet.

“This is a proud club with a long history, and every generation has had the chance to leave its own mark. For this group of players and staff, adding a Championship would be our legacy.

“It is about showing that all the work and commitment across such a long season has been worthwhile.”

“What makes this occasion even more special is that we play before our Men’s team in their own Grand Final. To think about both squads walking off the pitch on the same day with a trophy each would be something truly memorable, not just for the players but for the entire APIA family. It’s an amazing opportunity to turn into a moment.”

“At the same time, a trophy on its own is just an empty cup. What really gives it meaning are the memories, the lessons, and the moments that sit inside it.

“The long road trips, the tough wins, the setbacks we overcame together; those intangibles are what make the cup valuable. That is what will drive us.

“We are so excited to hit the pitch and embrace the moment!”