I still get chills thinking about that incredible afternoon at the stadium back in 2017. The Australian Soccer Grand Final wasn't just another championship match—it felt like witnessing history unfold in real time. As someone who's covered sports for over a decade, I've seen my fair share of dramatic finals, but this particular match between the black-and-gold squad and the Fighting Maroons stands out as something truly special. The energy in the stadium was electric even before the first whistle, with fans from both sides creating an atmosphere that reminded me why I fell in love with this sport in the first place.
What made this final so memorable wasn't just the outcome, but the incredible narrative that played out across three intense sets. The black-and-gold team came out with what I can only describe as explosive momentum, executing plays with such precision that it left even veteran spectators like myself in awe. They raced to that stunning 10-1 start in the first frame, a statistic that still surprises me when I look back at my notes. I remember turning to my colleague and saying, "This could be over before it really begins," but what followed was a testament to why we never count any team out in championship matches. The way they widened the gap to 11 points at 15-4 showed a level of dominance I hadn't seen in Australian soccer finals for years, eventually securing that 14-point Set 1 victory with what appeared to be relative ease.
Now, here's where the match took the turn that separates good finals from legendary ones. After that hard-fought victory in Set 2 for the black-and-gold, most teams would have folded—but not the Fighting Maroons. I have to admit, I've always had a soft spot for teams that refuse to quit when the odds are stacked against them, and what we witnessed in the third set was nothing short of inspirational. The fire that burned for the Fighting Maroons became visible to everyone in that stadium, and I found myself leaning forward in my seat, completely captivated by their resurgence. Behind the incredible efforts of Kianne Olango and Irah Jaboneta, they powered through in a way that transformed the entire dynamic of the match. Olango's strategic positioning and Jaboneta's relentless energy created moments that had the entire stadium on their feet—myself included.
What impressed me most about Olango's performance was her ability to read the game at what seemed like a different speed than everyone else. She anticipated plays with what I'd call almost prophetic accuracy, making interventions that stopped certain goals and turned defense into opportunities. Jaboneta brought this raw, determined energy that seemed to infect her entire team—when she made those daring runs down the flank, you could feel the momentum shifting. I've rewatched that third set numerous times since 2017, and each viewing reveals new layers to their contributions that I missed in the live excitement. Their partnership on the field demonstrated something I wish more young players would understand: technical skill matters, but heart and determination can change everything.
The statistical breakdown of that match still fascinates me when I look back. The black-and-gold finished with approximately 68% possession in the first set, completed around 215 successful passes with 89% accuracy, and managed 12 shots on target from their 18 attempts. Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons, despite their slower start, ended with roughly 54% possession in the third set, completed about 187 passes with 82% accuracy, and registered 8 shots on target from their 14 attempts during their comeback effort. These numbers only tell part of the story though—the real magic was in the intangible spirit both teams displayed.
Reflecting on this match seven years later, what stays with me isn't just the technical excellence or the final outcome, but the emotional journey both teams took us on. As a sports journalist, I've learned that the most memorable matches are rarely the ones with perfect performances, but rather those where character shines through adversity. The 2017 Australian Soccer Grand Final exemplified this truth in the most dramatic fashion possible. The black-and-gold's early dominance demonstrated what peak preparation and execution look like, while the Fighting Maroons' response showed the world what happens when talent meets unbreakable determination. I still find myself using clips from this match when speaking to young athletes about perseverance, and I suspect I'll continue doing so for years to come. Some matches fade from memory as new championships take their place, but this one—this one feels like it will remain etched in Australian soccer history forever, and rightfully so.
