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Lawrence Thomas believes Melbourne Victory's reputation as a big game club, to be put to the test against Sydney FC, is well deserved.

Cometh the hour, cometh the Melbourne Victory.

That's the hope, at least, for Kevin Muscat and his side as the club bank on their reputation as a big-game team heading into Sunday's A-League semi-final.

Victory face Sydney FC away at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for a place in next Sunday's grand final in Perth against the Glory.

And any way you dissect the contest, the teams are incredibly well matched.

Historically, both sides have won 16 matches of the 49 played.

This season, Sydney FC pipped Victory by two points on the table; if Milos Ninkovic hadn't found a 93rd-minute winner in their most-recent meeting, it would be Victory hosting this match.

Both have seasoned defenders, hard-working midfields and attacks laden with international quality.

And in Alex Brosque and Carl Valeri, both have captains set to retire at season's end.

Lawrence Thomas, Victory's two-time title-winning goalkeeper, said the club were preparing for an arm-wrestle.

"It's going to be a tight game that comes down to a couple of moments, whether it's saves or tackles or a one-on-one chance," he said.

"It's exciting to see who takes those chances."

Thomas, who won last year's Joe Marston Medal as best afield in the grand final, said Victory's moniker as a 'big game' team was well deserved.

The club's record suggests as much.

In 13 A-League seasons, Victory have played finals in 10.

Of those 10 finals campaigns, Victory have reached the grand final in six.

Of six grand finals, Victory have won four.

Of the two grand finals lost, both were on penalties.

"There's a lot of big players in this team - a few that have played a lot of finals in the A-League and a few that have played big games internationally," Thomas said.

"It's a very strong area in our game and you saw against Wellington when the bigger games come, the big boys turn up.

"That is what finals are about. I think we have a lot of big-moment players."

Thomas, who has missed much of the past month with a knee injury, declared himself "100 per cent physically and mentally" ready.

"I've been very happy with my season so far. On a personal level, by far it's been my most consistent," he said.

"Goalkeeping, shot stopping, crossing, playing out - I really feel like I haven't given anything away as a goalkeeper.

"It's been disappointing to miss a couple of weeks ... but I'm very happy, relaxed, strong this week. And ready."