George Blackwood says Adelaide United are solely targeting a win over Brisbane Roar on ANZAC Day with the impending Finals Series looming.
The Reds are four matches unbeaten while keeping three clean sheets during this current stretch.
Blackwood scored the decisive header to give Adelaide all three points in a 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory in their most recent outing.
That goal was the 21-year-old’s third of the season with the traditional number nine featuring predominantly as an attacking midfielder this campaign.
Blackwood said it was great feeling to find the net, but more crucially contribute to securing a priceless win.
“I haven’t played many games up there this year,” he told reporters at Coopers Stadium.
“I think that was maybe my third game there so it’s always nice to score especially when you’re playing up front because that’s what you’re there to do.
“But it was obviously just most important to get the big result against Victory.”
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Brisbane have little to play for as they cannot make Finals, however they will be playing for pride.
It will be Roar stalwart Matt McKay’s last game after announcing his retirement, while Robbie Fowler will be in attendance having been appointed head coach of the side for the next two years on Tuesday.
Blackwood suggested that will likely serve as extra motivation for the Queensland outfit after also suffering a heavy 6-1 loss last round.
“He’s (Matt McKay) had a great career and I’m sure they’ll want to get a good result,” he continued.
“It’s the last game of the season, Robbie Fowler is going to be there, Matt McKay is retiring so it’s going to be tough.
“We’re not taking them lightly and we’re ready for a big game.”
It is why the Reds are not thinking about the first week of Finals until they get the job done on Thursday, insisting it will not be a distraction.
“We’re focused fully on Brisbane Roar because we’ve to win that game,” he said.
“It’s massive to get a home final, so we need to win that game and we’re fully focused on Brisbane to start with.”
Adelaide United face Brisbane Roar in Round 27 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Thursday, 25 April at Suncorp Stadium. Kick-off is at 1.30pm ACST. Live on Fox Sports, and streamed on the My Football Live App and Kayo Sports.
