The Sky Blues went into the match one point behind Canberra, and with an inferior goal difference, needing a win to grab what would have been their third premiership.

All seven goals came in the second stanza as both sides traded blows in blistering conditions - the premiership trophy on site to remind one team at least what was at stake.

But Sydney's stars, well off their best, struggled to contain the enthusiasm of the resurgent Lady Reds and were blown away in the second half.

The Reds took an early l in the second half ead after the restart courtesy of an own goal to Servet Uzunlar (46') and a strike by Adriana Jones (49').

Reds v Sydney pic special

Daniel Barrett's side fought back with a quickfire brace to rising star and substitute, Remy Siemsen (55', 58') but couldn't push on.

A goal to Emily Hodgson (60') and a penalty to Jones (68') - bringing up her brace - again gave Adelaide a two-goal buffer before Sofia Huerta (87') completed the rout, leaving coach Hussein Skenderovic to ponder what might have been with a longer season. The result sees Adelaide finish sixth and outside a finals spot.

Elsewhere Perth Glory defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 1-0 to take second on the table and bump the Sky Blues down to third, while reigning champions Melbourne City filled the last finals spot.

Sydney, who had the chance to wrap up the title last weekend, now lose a home final adavantage.

In what was a bruising weekend for the Sky Blues, the club let another piece of silverware slip through their fingers when their youngsters were defeated by Melbourne City in the National Youth League Grand Final on Saturday.