As rampaging Sydney FC prepare to play in their first Westfield FFA Cup final next week, there’s one sky blue who knows exactly what to expect at AAMI Park on November 30.
Continuing a remarkable individual feat, Sky Blues goalkeeper Danny Vukovic is set to play in his third Cup decider in as many years. For three different clubs!
Road to 2016 Westfield FFA Cup Final: Sydney FC
Road to the Westfield FFA Cup final: Melb City
No one else has played more Westfield FFA Cup matches than the 31-year-old custodian and no other player has had as much success in the competition as the man many simply refer to as "Vuka".
And in those 14 appearances in the last three seasons, he’s conceded only seven goals.
He is undoubtedly Mr FFA Cup.
His historic run started in 2014, the inaugural year of the Westfield FFA Cup, when he was between the sticks for Perth Glory, who started their run to the decider with a 2-0 win over Newcastle Jets.
Vukovic conceded just three goals over the next three rounds as Glory disposed of St Albans, Melbourne Victory and fairy-tale club Bentleigh Greens in the semi to reach the final.
Despite doing his best to repel an Adelaide United onslaught after Josh Risdon was sent off early in the second half, Vukovic and Glory were on the end of a 1-0 loss in the inaugural Westfield FFA Cup final at Coopers Stadium.
Vuka's 2015 Cup run
A move to Melbourne Victory in 2015 did little to change the shot-stopper’s performances in the Cup.
Victory strolled to a comfortable win over part-timers Balmain Tigers in the Round of 32 before surviving an almighty scare against PS4 NPL NSW club Rockdale City Suns.
But it was the quarter final win over Adelaide United and the semi triumph over Hume City where Vukovic showed his worth, as Victory did the business to make it all the way to the final.
Ironically, it was former club Perth that stood in Vukovic’s way of winning that first FFA Cup winner’s medal.
This time it would be a far happier ending.
First half goals from Oliver Bozanic and Besart Berisha were enough for a 2-0 win as Victory completed their own treble of trophies in 2015.
Vuka's 2016 Cup run
Now fast forward 12 months and on November 30 at AAMI Park, Vukovic is set to play in an historic third decider, now with the in-form Sky Blues.
He’s been flawless in every round thus far as Sydney progressed to the final without conceding a single goal.
Vukovic and his Sky Blues face a difficult task away against City’s array of attacking stars such as Bruno Fornaroli, Tim Cahill, Fernando Brandan and Bruce Kamau.
But given Sydney's scorching league form, you wouldn’t bet against "Vuka" getting it done and adding another memorable chapter to his Westfield FFA Cup career.
Danny Vukovic, Mr FFA Cup, we salute you.
Tickets for the Westfield FFA Cup Final 2016 are on sale now, starting at $25 for adults and $5 for kids. Click here for details and to purchase.
