Sydney star says Melbourne deserve A-League Grand Final

Sydney FC midfielder Luke Brattan is hopeful former club Melbourne City can host Saturday's A-League grand final, as he chases a record-equalling fifth title.

Sydney FC midfielder Luke Brattan will be happy to see former club Melbourne City host Saturday's A-League grand final, as the Sky Blues prepare to play the match in the Victorian capital.

Despite finishing the season as premiers, City had to play Sunday's semi-final against Macarthur FC in Sydney when league bosses were unable to get permission from the Victorian government for a crowd to attend AAMI Park.

Optimism is however high that restricted crowds will be able to return Melbourne this weekend as the state's COVID lockdown eases, and Brattan says he'd be happy to take on his old team on their turf.

"The government is going to do what's best for the government, not for an A-League team. Hopefully for them it's in Melbourne," Brattan said.

"Their fans deserve it as well. They've had a great year.

"It'd be a bit harsh on them if it wasn't there but we're not bothered where it is. If it's NSW. If it's Melbourne. If it's anywhere.

"We'll play anyone, anywhere, anytime."

Sydney are chasing a historic three-peat of A-League grand final wins but Brattan can make his own slice of history on Saturday as well.

The 31-year-old has won four championships during his career, three with Brisbane Roar and then last year's grand final victory over City.

If he can claim a fifth title, it would put him level with former Roar teammate Michael Theo as the only players to win that many A-League championships.

"It's huge. Some people go through their careers not winning a trophy but I think I've got eight at the moment," he said.

"To be in a fifth grand final, it's pretty incredible and I'm just blessed to be part of such a special group here and to try and create history."

The Sky Blues came through Saturday's semi-final against Adelaide despite the late withdrawal influential Serbian playmaker Milos Ninkovic with a calf injury.

Brattan said he expects the 36-year-old to do all he can during the week to prove his fitness and be part of Saturday's game.

"Depending on how he goes this week, I'm sure he'll have a big chance of playing and he'll do everything right to make himself available."