Chianese was the hero as Perth narrowly defeated Wellington Phoenix in their first elimination final, scoring a sensational winner.

It was made all the sweeter by the fact Indian media are already reporting that the veteran striker's transfer to Indian Super League club Hyderabad FC has already been confirmed by the club.

For now at least, the 30-year-old is focused on playing his part for the remainder of the season.

“Last year, we were the ones everyone was catching – that everyone wanted to beat,” Chianese told the club.

“We got to the Grand Final and it just didn’t happen on the day.”

“No team has done it from sixth position and gone all the way and won the Grand Final – so this is the chance to create a bit of history if we can stay together and everyone is fit.

“You never know in these games, it’s one off. It’s such a different knockout tournament with this covid period so hopefully we can go all the way now.”

Tony Popovic cut a far more inspired figure after the game and said that he's looking forward to taking on the league's strongest club, who have had their own form battles of late and haven't had the advantage of a morale-booster before the semi-final.

“I’m excited,” Popovic said. “We playing the best in Sydney FC and righty so, they were the Premiers.

“It doesn’t get bigger than that. If you want to win it, you have to beat the best. 

“I’m sure the players will need to recover first. There will be a lot of adrenaline on Wednesday night for a big match and they will be ready for it.”