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Phoenix players celebrate - Source: Photosport -
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The odds may be against them but Phoenix fullback Troy Hearfield is backing the Wellington side to cause a big upset against Sydney FC on Saturday night.
The Phoenix have yet to beat the minor premiers this season, losing twice away and going down once on home soil.
But 22-year-old Hearfield told tvnz.co.nz those results are history.
"I believe we have the team to go all the way he said on Thursday.
"We just happened to lose to Sydney three games in a row, but we are not dwelling on that, they are just losses.
"Saturday is just another away game for us and I think if we play to our best we are the better team to be honest all over the park and individually."
Although the former Australian under-23 representative is full of respect for the Sydney squad.
"They are a good side all over the park. They have got quick strikers up front and are good at shifting the ball
"If we contain the likes of [Alex] Brosque, [John] Alosi and [Michael] Bridge I think we will go far."
Hearfield was named young player of the year at the club's awards on Wednesday night and it was especially significant.
He is a natural midfielder but was moved into the defence mid-season, with Manny Muscat taking over in the middle of the park.
"It has been difficult shifting to right back but I have adjusted well and the boys have backed me."
"I love going forward but I know [if I do] I can't lose the ball because I will be caught out of position.
"And you have to look after the ball because if you don't and they take off the goal is on your head.
"I have to know when to go and when to stay though I back my pace against anyone else in the league."
It seems the whole country has got caught in the dramatic nature of the Phoenix run through the playoffs and Hearfield says the mood is infectious.
"I think everyone has seen that we are peaking at the right time."
