Ella Tonkin says United have used the break between the regular season and Finals to reset, refocus, and prepare for the challenge ahead, as the Reds travel to face Brisbane Roar in an Elimination Final this weekend.
After a difficult end to the regular season, Tonkin believes the group has responded in the right way — leaning on the work that put them in a Finals position to begin with.
“Obviously it wasn’t the ideal way to finish the season,” Tonkin told journalists at the Ninja A-League 2026 Finals Series Launch on Monday afternoon.
“But there was a lot of success that got us into this position, and we’re really just trying to take that forward into this game.”
The two-week break has come at the perfect time for United, allowing the squad to both mentally and physically regroup, while also sharpening key areas of their game.
“We’ve really regrouped and reset with this break,” Tonkin said.
“We’ve had the chance to work on everything – defensive set pieces, attacking set pieces, build-up play… even penalties if it comes down to it. So we’re really prepared for anything.”
That reset has also extended to mindset.
With Finals football presenting a fresh opportunity, Tonkin says the group is approaching the weekend with a clean slate.
“It’s a clean slate,” she said.
“Every game is different, especially in Finals, so we’re treating it like a new opponent and a new challenge.”
While recent results may not have gone their way, Tonkin was quick to point to the bigger picture – a squad that has built strong foundations across the season and earned the right to compete in back-to-back Finals campaigns.
“There were a few factors late in the season,” she said.
“We had a really tough run of games, a few injuries, and some changes within the squad, but this break has been really important for us to reset that mindset and get back to what we do best.”
That belief in the group remains strong, with depth and continuity continuing to be key strengths.
“We’ve kept a really consistent group this season, and that’s been a big part of our success,” Tonkin said.
“We’ve got quality across the pitch, and players have stepped up when they’ve been needed.”
Now, the focus turns to the unique intensity of Finals football – where margins are fine, and every moment counts.
“I think last year taught us a lot,” Tonkin said.
“Little moments can change games – set pieces, small details – so it’s about making sure we’re on top of everything this time around.”
Saturday’s clash will be played in front of a sold-out Brisbane crowd, but Tonkin says the Reds will not be without support.
“We’ll definitely have a little corner of red,” she said.
“We’ve got family coming up, and I know there’ll be Adelaide fans there as well, which is really special.”
“It’s what Finals football is all about,” Tonkin said.
“Playing in big games, in front of big crowds – it adds to the excitement, and we’re really looking forward to it.”
With the reset complete, the preparation done, and belief firmly intact, United head into the Elimination Final ready to embrace the moment.
And with a little corner of red behind them, the Reds will be looking to take the next step.
