Sean Symons: The Next Big Thing…

A breakout season from Sean Symons has helped APIA Leichhardt Tigers to a Premiership, a Waratah Cup final and a deep run in the Westfield FFA Cup, however the winger says it will be bitter sweet unless his side tastes grand final glory.

Despite being a major part of APIA’s PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s side for the past few seasons, it wasn’t until this year’s campaign that the 24-year old really made his mark.

A total of ten goals and countless assists from Symons has helped him become one of the most dangerous wingers in the competition and he says it all came down to finding consistency.

“This year I was given the chance to play left wing all season which was something I’ve really appreciated,” he said.

“Over the past few seasons I have been moved around the park playing a variety of positions and I haven’t really had the chance to really make one my own.

“Left wing is my preferred position and I think my performances this season are proof of what I can do in that role if I’m given the chance to play there week after week.”

Symons has developed a strong partnership with APIA’s other attacking players and said it was the chemistry between the entire squad which has helped lift each player’s performances to a higher level

“This season everyone has been on the same page as one another and are willing to do that little bit extra to help their teammates,” he said

“With everyone working tirelessly for one another it just takes the pressure off that little bit knowing you have ten other guys out there all striving for the same goal.

“It has been an incredible squad to be a part of and after all we have done we want to end the season with a grand final win. It would take a bit away from our achievements this year if we fell one game short.”

One team mate Symons has enjoyed playing alongside the most is that of brother Josh Symons who joined the club from Parramatta FC at the start of the campaign.

“It is the first time we have played together in senior football and I couldn’t wait to run out alongside him when I heard the club were going to sign him,” he said.

“It’s absolutely awesome having Josh at the back. It is great having him back there because you know you can rely on him week in and week out to lead the defence.

“Being able to share all our successes together has been amazing and hopefully we get another chance on grand final day.”

Symons said he hopes his side can replicate their near flawless semi-final performance in this season’s decider.

“It was a great match and everything just clicked for us. We wanted to show what we are capable of but to beat Rockdale 5-0 and in the manner which we did it exceeded even our own expectations,” he said.

“We have always been able to create chances in our matches this season but in the semi-final we were on another level. Our finishing was also much improved and we were able to capitalise on all the opportunities we were creating.

“I’m very confident in our chances of winning the Championship if we play the same standard of football in the grand final. We know we can play at such a high level now so it will be the benchmark we will be working towards.”

Although focused on his role with APIA Symons has one eye on making the next step with his football career and hopes a big grand final performance could be the key to doing so.

“It would be a dream come true to play in the Hyundai A-League,” he said.

“I’m really happy at APIA but there is always that part of you which wants to test yourself at the highest possible level.

“There will be a lot of extra attention on us during the grand final so if I play well you never know who is watching.

“All that stuff is really secondary for me at the moment. We’ve worked so hard this season all we want to do now is lift that Premiership trophy.”

Haven’t got your ticket yet for the big Grand Final this Sunday at Leichhardt Oval between APIA Leichhardt Tigers and Manly United – get yours today by clicking here to avoid the queues.