Melbourne City striker Kyah Simon has warned Brisbane to expect a whole new level in Sunday's sudden death semi-final as the W-League powerhouse guns for a third-straight title.
The Roar claimed the minor premiership on Sunday with a 4-1 defeat of Canberra that also locked Melbourne City into fourth spot.
It sets up a nightmare equation for Brisbane against the two-time defending champions, who also came from fourth to win the grand final last season.
Melbourne stormed onto the scene in 2015-16, winning all 12 of their regular season fixtures to claim the premiership and championship double.
City have cooled down since then, with Brisbane notching their first win against the side in December.
But Simon expects her team to lift another gear when the sides clash at Brisbane's Perry Park on Sunday.
"We're expecting a tough match, but finals are completely different to the normal season," the striker said.
"I haven't been there (playing for Melbourne City) in the last two seasons, but we've done well to make the top four and go on to win.
"We're not getting too far ahead of ourselves but we're going in full of confidence."
Roar midfielder Tameka Butt says that win in December will count for plenty though.
"They are definitely a tough team; it took us until this season to beat them," the midfielder said.
"I don't know about before that, but one win and a draw against them this year (gives us confidence).
"They seem to be (finals specialists), with lots of experience and talent, so we know it'll be a tough game."
Sydney FC will play Newcastle in the other semi-final on Saturday, with the Roar victory denying Sydney top spot and earning the team its first silverware since 2013.
Butt said her side's ability to deliver under that pressure would also help on Sunday.
"It was a high stakes game for us; we hadn't won some silverware in a little while so there was lots of motivation," she said.
"There were lots of photos, lots of smiles; we enjoyed the moment.
"The minor premiership is one of our goals, but the championship's definitely the main goal for us."
