Sydney FC goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares says the Sky Blues are embracing the pressure and excitement of Saturday night’s Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final against Auckland FC, as the club prepares for the biggest match of the season.
Speaking before departing for New Zealand, the shot-stopper revealed the squad’s focus has remained calm and measured despite the enormity of the occasion.
“Very exciting,” he said.
“We’ve just got our normal travel schedule really. Eat, relax, study film and prepare like we would for any other away game.”
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The goalkeeper said Sydney FC’s preparation has centred around maintaining routine rather than becoming overwhelmed by the occasion.
“We’ll study them like any other opponent,” he continued.
“It’s just another away game really.”
The Sky Blues head into the decider in excellent defensive form under Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo, conceding very few goals throughout the Finals Series, however Devenish-Meares believes previous meetings and statistics mean little once the Grand Final begins.
“I think in a grand final everything goes out the window,” he said.
“Records and previous games during the season, you can’t really look too much into those in these kinds of matches.”
Auckland have built a formidable home atmosphere at Go Media Stadium, with a passionate support base expected to pack a sold out stadium on Saturday night.
Devenish-Meares acknowledged the challenge awaiting Sydney FC but believes the side is prepared for the intensity.
“I don’t know if you can really keep the crowd out of it,” he admitted.
“It’ll be full, it’ll be a big occasion and both sides have been pretty defensive all year, so it could potentially be a cagey one.
“But once you walk out there, anything can happen really.”
The 29-year-old also highlighted Auckland’s threat from set-pieces and aerial situations, while backing Sydney FC’s defensive structure to handle the challenge.
“They want to put bodies in the box and play for set pieces,” he said.
“But that’s also one of our strong points – defending our area and organising ourselves.
“I think we’ve gotten really good at that since PK’s come in as well.”
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Despite the magnitude of the match, Devenish-Meares admitted he is hoping to feel nerves ahead of kick-off.
“I hope I’m nervous because I think it’s a beautiful thing,” he said.
“Having the pressure and the occasion is a really nice feeling and I think I thrive off that feeling as well.”
The goalkeeper has enjoyed a breakout campaign in Sky Blue and was recently named captain of the PFA A-League Men Team of the Season, recognition he described as the highest honour of his career.
“It was a massive surprise,” he said.
“I feel like it’s definitely the highest honour I’ve ever been given, just to be recognised by my peers in that way.”
However, the in-form keeper says individual accolades have quickly been pushed aside as the focus shifts entirely to winning the Championship.
“I haven’t contemplated any other outcome,” he said.
“I just want to play on Saturday, play well and make sure the boys are doing their jobs, which I’m sure they will be.
“Enjoy the occasion for what it is.”
Match Details
Auckland FC v Sydney FC
Isuzu UTE A-League Grand FInal 2026
Saturday 23 May 2026
Go Media Stadium, Auckland, NZ
Kick Off: 6:10pm AEST (8:10pm Local)
Broadcast Live: Channel 10 & Paramount+