A rivalry-for-the-ages between Kevin Muscat and Graham Arnold was brought to a crescendo in their last meeting together, with Mucat's side breaking a run of eight winless Big Blues to finish on a high.

Victory will now face Newcastle Jets in the 2018 A-League Grand Final at McDonald Jones Stadium in the Hunter.

"It's difficult to recollect anything right now," Muscat said after the match.

"Throughout this week (our players) have had to deal with a lot of stuff. (Sydney) played a dangerous game, they were relying on past history.

"When the time is right, the big games, we come through. Sydney still havent beaten us in the finals. In previous games, many have been decided by a single goal, a sending off or a penalty. 

"We're pretty proud of the record we've got."

A visibly elated Muscat said he was proud of game-winner Terry Antonis' response to scoring an own-goal, even cracking a few lighthearted, stonefaced jokes.

But as the coach admits, it will "be quickly back down to business."

"You can see how (Terry Antonis) was hurting, he was affected and we kept getting messages to him to keep him positive.

"It's typical of us in enemy territory. Victory are gong to sweat and do it the hard way. You can't tell me we don't deserve it.

"It was a great day today. Breakfast was great. It was just great. I feel great.

"Our record speaks for itself. We'll enjoy tonight, but it will be quickly back down to business."