THERE were few arguments that Rhyan Grant was a deserved winner of the Joe Marston Medal as best on ground in Sunday's A-League grand final, but his mammoth efforts down the right flank for Sydney FC were nothing new.
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While Grant's extra-time goal which handed Sydney FC a 1-0 win over Melbourne City was just his ninth in 12 A-League seasons, his work rate in the decider is what he is renowned for.
Across the 120 minutes the Bathurst District Football graduate had 105 touches, 50 passes, three crosses, five tackles, three clearances, six interceptions, 22 duels and one crucial goal.
"He's like the Energizer Bunny, he's unbelievable," Sydney Fc coach Steve Corica said.
"When he was out for a couple of games we really missed him, he's come back at the right time. He's been sensational all year, he's the best right back in the country.
"He's a great guy for one, he's energetic, he just leads by example by doing all the running and the pressing and being aggressive and that's a big part of the game these days."
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Grant's Sydney FC team-mate Luke Brattan, the man who set-up the 100th minute goal, also praised his workload.
"He's just runs all day, I'm not sure what minute that was but he never stops and he deserves a goal tonight," he said.
When Grant was asked about his efforts he said "chasing down lost causes is what I do". For the 29-year-old it is how he tries to inspire his Sydney team-mates.
"I just try and do what I do best. I'm fortunate enough to have a bit of engine disposal, a bit fitter, so I try and do what I can for the team," he said.
"I'm not always the best on the ball, so if I can get up and down the line for the team I'll do that ... I'll always chase them down and see what I can do."
Sunday's victory was Grant's third grand final win with Sydney FC and helped the sky blues create history as they clinched their fifth A-League crown.
"They're all the same, they're all very important," Grant said.
"We wanted to make sure that everyone knew we were champions, go back-to-back and create a bit of history and we did that, so we're over the moon."
