Aloisi has hit form at the right time of the season. A goal against the Jets in late January's 3-1 home win and two vital goals last week against Perth Glory took the former Osasuna man's season tally to eight.

His form and fitness looks to be at season best for the finale to the regular season.

And Lavicka senses that his marquee player - whose coolly taken penalty fired the Socceroos to the 2006 World Cup - is again ready to have an impact on the big stage.

"He likes it. I spoke with him and he's more confident. I think experienced players like big games. I'm happy," Lavicka said before training at the SFS today.

Aloisi met the new Premier of NSW Kristina Keneally before Friday's training as the media build-up continues to Sunday's big game.

"I'm happy that Johnny is playing well and scoring very, very important goals in last game. His desire is very high now," his coach added.

"I appreciate it; he is hungry - like the rest of the players - to try to win on Sunday."

Sydney must defeat Victory to take the Premiership, but they could also drop back to third if they lose and Gold Coast win.

All Melbourne need to do is avoid defeat and they will be crowned Premiers back to back for the first time in A-League history, and secure a spot in the 2011 Asian Champions League.

It's set up a finale like no other A-League season.

The Czech boss added that while the Carlos Hernandez factor will loom large in his disciplined defensive game-plan- particularly in giving frees away on the edge of the box - he noted: "Melbourne is not only one player".

And he said they would not man mark the Costa Rican talisman, preferring to remain with their zonal defence system.

Officials are hopeful of a crowd of around 25-30,000 for the game. However, the surface for Sunday's blockbuster has been a concern all week following last weekend's Military Tattoo.

While it is brown in patches, it appeared flat when the players trained on it this morning. And Lavicka wasn't about to expend any energy worrying about it.

"It doesn't matter the pitch," he said. "Pitch is pretty good. Maybe colour somewhere is little bit brown but it's flat which is important. It doesn't matter... we are focusing on our performance. No excuse.

"I don't like to be nervous, because if the coach is nervous, probably players will be nervous as well... but we have a true intention and big desire to win."

Lavicka is getting his first taste of Aussie football culture of first-past-the-post and a play-off for a grand final.  

It's different to the European system he's accustomed to but he said it added to the excitement levels for fans. "I'm curious about it," he said with a laugh.

  • In other A-League news, Melbourne Heart are set to announce at least one new player early next week. There will also be a major announcement possibly about Heart's training and administration base.