Nat Tobin is refusing to catastrophise about Sydney FC's horror start to the A-League Women season, saying her side are just one win away from rediscovering their form.
The reigning champions are last on the table after a 2-0 result at the hands of Wellington consigned them to their fifth defeat so far.
They have won only once in seven matches in what is an uncharacteristic season start for the league's most successful team.
It was only seven months ago that Sydney claimed back-to-back championships with their fifth grand final win.
A clash against third-placed Melbourne Victory at Allianz Stadium on Saturday is up next for Sydney and captain Tobin is bullish her side can rediscover their form.
"It's definitely new territory for us," Tobin said on Friday.
"I'm seeing it as a new challenge. You're only one win away from being in form again.
"Once we get back in form, we're on a run for the finals and 10 points, that closes up pretty quickly.
"(Finals) is definitely a realistic expectation. It's an expectation that, if we don't make it, I'd be hugely disappointed.
"It's so early and like, last year, we were going to win the premiership, like, we just missed out in the last game.
"I remember we went through massive lulls and teams are dropping points at different stages."
Victory are the slight favourites after a 2-0 win over Canberra United, but Tobin insists their interstate rivals would be mistaken to underestimate Sydney.
"I don't think they're not scared. With Sydney, there's always that risk there," Tobin said.
"We are dangerous, like, at the moment, we are creating chances.
"The thing is, we're just unfortunately not putting them away as frequently as we should be."
Adelaide host bottom-two team Western Sydney at Coopers Stadium on Friday, before Central Coast look to break into the top six when they travel to take on Perth.
Melbourne City play Wellington in Saturday's other game, while Canberra host Newcastle and Western United face Brisbane on Sunday.
