Melbourne City captain Aziz Behich says there’s something uniquely special about this weekend’s A-League Men’s Grand Final, a sold-out Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park with everything on the line.
Having grown up in the city, made his debut for Melbourne Heart and played in derbies before, Behich understands better than most what the fixture means to fans and players alike.
“There’s no better way to end the league,” he said. “Being a Melbourne boy, I know what these games mean. Really excited. There’s no better way to end the season than a Melbourne Derby in a Grand Final.”
With both Melbourne clubs vying for silverware, Behich anticipates a fiery and fiercely contested match between two of the league’s best sides.
“For what’s up for grabs… at the end of the day, a derby is a derby. There’s always a bit more on the line. I think it will be a great contest, two of the best teams in the league going head to head.”
City’s path to the final hasn’t been smooth, injuries have tested their depth, but Behich believes the foundation laid in pre-season made the difference.
“The biggest plus for us this season was our pre-season, to give us that base,” he explained.
“From day one, the boys have worked hard, we’ve all pushed each other. Everyone has prepared well throughout the year.”
Behich credits the Club’s strong culture and high standards as key to their consistency and resilience.
“The culture at the Club, the standards that are set from top to bottom… the expectation playing for Melbourne City is always fighting for trophies and silverware. And we’ve had that group this year.”
“It’s always a bit more special when you can win a trophy in your home city,” he said. “Those boys have been great, helping drive our standards on the pitch. They’ve made my job really easy.”
While Behich has played on some of the world’s biggest stages, he’s taken it upon himself to keep younger teammates grounded in the lead-up to the occasion.
“We’ve kept it a normal week. Even the younger boys, just keeping them relaxed. I’d rather take the pressure on my shoulders than make them feel anything,” he said. “Once you get out on the pitch, it’s just about focusing on playing football.”
“We’re expecting the atmosphere to be unbelievable. It’s a perfect football stadium,” he said. “It’s massive… perfect for Australian football. A derby in a Grand Final… you don’t really get that anywhere.”
FIXTURE DETAILS
A-League Men: Grand Final
Melbourne City FC v Melbourne Victory
Saturday 31 May, 7:40pm KO
AAMI Park
