Sky Blues haunted by last season's pain

Their semi-final re-match against their arch rivals two weeks later was meant to be a just another pit stop on their way to back-to-back A-League titles.

What happened hasn't been forgotten by Sky Blues midfielder Brandon O'Neill, who produced a memorable left-foot thunderbolt in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Victory.

"I've made a big emphasis on that in the pre-season, trying to add that more to my game. And I'm happy," O'Neill said.

"But in saying that, I'd trade it all away for a premiership and championship.

"I'd play on one leg in a grand final and not touch the ball for 90 minutes, as long as we got that gold medal and the trophy at the end. Nothing beats that."

O'Neill is one of eight survivors from the side that were stunningly knocked out by the Victory after extra-time last year.

And while he claims this season's side have been consistent performers over the summer, O'Neill is well aware of the importance of playing their best right now.

The win over the Victory kicks off a mammoth month that includes next week's derby against Western Sydney and a top of the table clash with Perth.

There are also two Asian Champions League group matches to prepare for.

"When you want to hit form and when you want to be doing your best work - is at the end of the season," O'Neill said.

"Because you don't win trophies three-quarters of the way. You win trophies coming to the end of the year and then in the finals series.

"One thing I learned from last year is you can have a great season, win the league by numerous amount of points, and if you don't take your chance in the semi-final and get into that grand final, then it's all for nothing here in Australia.

"That's why it's different over here because you can win the league and then you can lose the semi-final the next week and feel like you've lost everything.

"We've learned from that last year and like I said, we want to do both this year."

Australian Associated Press