Melbourne Heart FC Chairman Peter Sidwell has declared the Melbourne Derby capable of developing into one of the city’s iconic sporting event.
Melbourne Heart FC Chairman Peter Sidwell has declared the Melbourne Derby capable of developing into one of the city-s iconic sporting event.
In the space of four meetings, the Derby has already emerged as arguably the pre-eminent rivalry in the competition, drawing record crowds and attention within the Melbourne sporting landscape.
And with tomorrow night-s Christmas blockbuster already a sell-out, Sidwell is confident the rivalry can evolve into the Hyundai A-League-s equivalent of the AFL Anzac Day blockbuster.
“I have no doubt this event will become iconic in this town going forward. And it will be just like the Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon,” Sidwell said.
“It will be emblematic of the game and everyone-s interest. It-s going to have that moment going forward.”
Sidwell added: “I think from that point of view, both of teams are doing this town a service and the game a service and we both respect the opportunity we-re given to have it.
“It-s a fantastic honour to fill a stadium, to have two teams at the stage they are in growth and to have the rivalry that it is, it-s a pretty fantastic thing.”
With the all-time head-to-head ledger sitting level at one win apiece, it-s clear there are more than three points on the line when Heart faces its cross town rivals tomorrow night.
Sidwell declared the Melbourne Derby already boasts significant place in the history of both sides, adding a win would provide the fuel necessary to further ignite Heart-s promising campaign.
“It’s clear it holds a special piece of folklore every time you win one and we’re not shrinking away from winning Friday night,” he said.
“It would continue our momentum this season, we started slowly and we’re now building up, but so are Victory. We understand and respect where they are and they probably do the same.”
