Perth Glory finished the A-League season in sixth spot, but they will qualify for a second straight grand final if they can beat Sydney FC.
Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic says grand final revenge won't be on his players' minds when they take on Sydney FC in Wednesday night's semi-final at Bankwest Stadium.
Glory claimed the Premiers Plate last season, but their hopes of Championship success were cruelled in the grand final when they lost to the Sky Blues on penalties at Optus Stadium.
Perth were largely written off as genuine title contenders heading into this season's finals series after finishing sixth on the ladder.
But last week's 1-0 elimination final win over Wellington Phoenix means Glory are now just one victory away from reaching a second straight grand final.
Standing in their way is a Sydney outfit horribly out of form and on a five-match winless run.
Popovic doesn't think last year's grand final will hold any bearing on how his team approach Wednesday's match.
"Last year is last year," Popovic said.
"It's a re-match so to speak, a game earlier this time. It's a good talking point for everyone. But we can't change what happened there.
"We have a chance now to get into another grand final, and that's really our focus."
Glory will again be without striker Nicholas D'Agostino (hamstring), while defender Alex Grant (ankle) could also miss.
Sydney will be without full-back Michael Zullo (hamstring).
In the other semi-final on Wednesday, second-placed Melbourne City take on fifth-placed Western United.
United, in their first season, beat Brisbane Roar 1-0 in their elimination final to earn their date against Melbourne City.
City will welcome back playmaker Florin Berenguer (calf) and winger Craig Noone (suspension) in a big double boost.
Melbourne City, who were founded as Melbourne Heart, are in their 10th A-League season and are yet to make a grand final.
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