Sunday’s decider required a penalty shootout to split the teams after they were deadlocked 1-1 at the end of extra time – Sydney winning  4-2 from the spot.

Sky Blues defender Alex Wilkinson described the first half as poor by Sydney’s standards as Victory hit the front after 20 minutes in a game punctuated by fouls.

The Premiers recovered in the second half to equalise through Rhyan Grant after they looked bullied in the first term as Victory opted for long balls.

“They played like Melbourne City in the (FFA) Cup final, they knew that if they play football they can’t beat us,” Ninkovic said.

“We knew they will fight and we just needed to play our football, first half we played like Melbourne and that’s why it was not our way and how we can play.”

Fans hail their Grand Final heroes

Ninkovic took out the 2017 Johnny Warren Medal this week and added to his collection with a championship medal.

But he said he’d rather the team award and wanted to kick on with the Sky Blues next season.

“When I won the Johnny Warren medal I said I would like to swap it with this one,” he said.

“This one is an award for every player for coaching staff, medical staff and I’m really happy and proud that I’m part of this team.”

Ninkovic will miss Sydney’s clash with English giants Liverpool on May 24 but to visit his sick grandfather in Serbia but will be back for the blockbuster Arsenal match in July.