Cloud ... Tony Popovic has a few injury concerns to juggle amongst his squad. Source: Dan Himbrechts / News Limited
Mark Bridge has sent a scare through the Wanderers' camp ahead of the grand final after missing training with an injury that has required him to have a cortisone injection in his ankle.
Though at this stage the former Sydney FC forward is not seen as being in serious danger of missing Sunday's clash with the Mariners, it's a headache for coach Tony Popovic with Bridge's right-wing counterpart, Youssouf Hersi, already ruled out through suspension.
Our grand final countdown is on!
Here's what you'll see...
Joining the hosts will be former Adelaide United coach John Kosmina, Perth Glory captain Jacob Burns and Herald Sun journalist David Davutovic.
1pm EST: Re-live one of Australian sport’s greatest grand finals – the 2011 championship between Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners.
2pm EST: Simon Hill and Mark Rudan take a look back at both team’s journeys to the decider on the Road to the Grand Final.
3pm EST: A bumper one-hour LIVE Grand Final preview show live from Allianz Stadium when Rudan is joined by Adam Peacock, Mark Bosnich and Robbie Slater.
The hosts will deliver all the breaking news and team movements plus cross to both coaches to hear their thoughts ahead of their greatest test.
4pm EST: Hill and Harper take over the reins to call all the action for Fox Sports' live and exclusive coverage of Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners.
BRING IT ON!
The anti-inflammatory injection comes after Bridge has been one of the most striking stories of the Wanderers' ascent, scoring 11 times this season to comfortably be the club's leading scorer, including two in the final round against Newcastle to secure the Premier's Plate.
The other injury news is more promising for Popovic, with captain Michael Beauchamp suggesting he expected Aaron Mooy to recover from a knee injury that has kept him out since round 25 against Melbourne Heart.
Fullback Jerome Polenz remains touch-and-go to recover from a recurrence of the quad injury he initially suffered in the same game as Mooy, then aggravated in last weekend's semi-final win over Brisbane.
"At this stage I think it's only Adam D'Apuzzo who still has a bit of a foot problem, but everyone else seems fit," Beauchamp said.
"Aaron Mooy is much better and his hand will be up for selection come Sunday, so we're looking forward to that addition to the team."
Popovic attempted to wall off his squad from the increasing hype surrounding the game, urging players in an address before training to enjoy the day but treat the game itself as just another step in their journey from the start of the season.
Fullback Tarek Elrich - ready to step in again if Polenz is ruled out - recalled his experiences in playing for Newcastle in the 2008 grand final, but said Popovic had told his side to make a virtue of the occasion.
"The young boys are going to be in for a big shock," Elrich said of Sunday's game.
"I remember when I was young and playing for Newcastle, I walked out at the stadium and saw the fans screaming and the flags flying it gave me goosebumps.
"I was a bit nervous myself, you expect that - it's the biggest game in domestic football.
"If the young boys do need any advice I'll be the first to offer it, but they're pretty humble.
"Popovic has drilled into us that it's just another game. As he said to us today, it's going to be a massive crowd, it's in Sydney and hopefully most of our fans will be there.
"He said to us that these things don't come around too often, to make the most of it and enjoy it - make ourselves and our families proud."
A limited number of tickets, with the use of public transport included in each, go on sale to the general public this morning, after Wanderers and Mariners members, then the Football Family, bought up a large percentage of Allianz Stadium's capacity yesterday and Monday.
The residue goes on sale at 9am today at a-league.com.au/tickets
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