Melbourne City Head Coach, Dario Vidosic, and his team take on Melbourne Victory in a huge Melbourne Derby this Sunday 17 March at the Home of the Matildas.
Ahead of the top four clash, Vidosic reflected on the importance of the fixture.
“It’s an exciting game and one we’re looking forward to,” Vidosic said.
“It’s not just us, it’s the fans and football in general, everyone enjoys a Derby and it shapes up to be a really good game this week.”
Vidosic’s side will be boosted by the return of reigning Player of the Year, Julia Grosso.
The prolific American fullback returns having spent the past two months on the sideline with a soft tissue injury.
“Jules will be back, it’s a big plus for us,” Vidosic added. “She’s been training really well and like herself again, and we’re really excited to have her back.”
City returned to the winner’s list with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Newcastle Jets in hot conditions at the City Football Academy last weekend.
It was a performance that pleased Vidosic: “We controlled the game, we nullified most of their threats, created a lot more chances and probably could’ve scored a few more goals.”
“That’s probably the tale of our season a little bit, where we haven’t sometimes been clinical enough in front of goal.”
One of City’s standout performers against the Jets was Bryleeh Henry. Playing in a new position at fullback, Henry was crucial to the victory, providing two assists for Hannah Wilkinson.
“Bryleeh’s been excellent, it took her a little bit of time when she unfortunately suffered a bit of a knee injury in our pre-season so missed a good chunk there, and a vital chunk in that pre-season where you build your foundation for the upcoming season,” Vidosic emphasised.
“It took her a bit of time but the last few weeks she’s been training very well, performed on the weekend very well, so we’re really pleased with her and it’s also great to see. We hope for another big performance from her on the weekend and I think she’s ready.”
With both teams vying for a top two finish, this Sunday’s clash won’t be easy against an in-form Melbourne Victory outfit.
It will also be former City captain, Emma Checker’s final Melbourne Derby after the 28-year-old announced her retirement during the week.
“They’ve got fantastic players, dangerous ones in all areas and we know what we have to be aware of and where we can hurt them,” Vidosic said. “We’re prepared and we’re ready.”
“We acknowledge everything Emma has achieved at the Club, she was the captain… she was part of the undefeated season so she’s had a great career here and we wish her all the best in retirement.”
