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Sydney FC re-sign Rhyan Grant and Seb Ryall ahead of Melbourne Victory clash

Rhyan Grant is set to become the longest-serving Sydney FC player in the club's history and Seb Ryall is a sure bet to make the most appearances for the Sky Blues after the pair signed long-term contract extensions with the club. 

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Sky Blues ease past Adelaide

Sydney FC have warmed up for their Australia Day blockbuster with Melbourne Victory with a 2-0 win over Adelaide United.

In a competition that's struggled to build icons and forge club identities, Sydney FC made a giant stride towards further defining their own culture with the retention of the two stalwarts for an additional two years. 

"They are Sydney FC icons, they're Sky Blue through and through and they're a major reason that we currently sit undefeated in the league with a record number for fewest goals conceded," coach Graham Arnold said. "They've established a reputation for their tenacity and work-rate in the A-League and I'm thrilled to be able to retain them for the next two years."

A graduate from the club's first youth team, Grant will likely become the first player to spend 10 years with the club after sealing his contract extension on Monday. The 25-year-old made his Sydney FC debut in 2008 and his new contract ties him to Moore Park until the end of the 2018-19 season. His deal quashed any suggestion of leaving despite having attracted interest as a result of his impressive form this season that's coincided from his move to fullback from a utility role. 

"To re-sign was always a priority and when you think about it, 10 years at Sydney FC will be great," Grant said. "It's a massive club and to be there for 10 years will be very special. I've been here a long time, I love the club and don't know any different."

Grant made nine appearances for the Sky Blues in 2009-10, the season they last won silverware and is now turning his sights to repeating the double with Sydney eight points clear at the top of the table. The fullback has played every minute of Sydney FC's season thus far but will miss Thursday's match against Melbourne Victory due to suspension, having accumulated five yellow cards. 

'I've had a great couple of years, Arnie has re-signed which is a huge positive and the team this year is great. The way we're going in the league is even better. This year we want to win it and in the next couple we want to progress in the AFC Champions League. I just want to enjoy my time at Sydney FC," he said. 

Ryall sealed his future with the club until 2019 and is regarded as the likely man to break Terry McFlynn's record for most appearances in a Sydney FC shirt. The defender has played just 15 fewer games than the former club captain and could become the new record holder by next season. Ryall, 27, joined Sydney FC from Melbourne Victory in 2009 but will not face his former club at Etihad Stadium due to a hamstring injury sustained against Central Coast Mariners in early January.