Just five days remain before the Hyundai A-League season kicks-off with a huge Melbourne derby on Friday evening at Etihad Stadium

Melbourne Heart FC-s charismatic and accomplished captain Fred will again wear the number 5 jersey this season, leading the Red and White into its third Hyundai A-League campaign.

Fred, a former Melbourne Victory player, has featured for both the blue and red halves of Melbourne, which makes his involvement in the derby even more intriguing.

The Brazilian helped Victory to its 2007 Grand Final triumph over Adelaide United, providing four assists to 5 goals from Qantas Socceroos striker Archie Thompson.

But come Friday night, Fred will ensure he will be supplying his new-look Red and White forward line to guide his side to an important opening round one win in what is set to be another hotly-contested derby.

Michael Beauchamp wore the number 5 jersey for Heart in its inaugural season, before moving on to Sydney FC for one season, ahead of signing for newly-established A-League franchise Western Sydney Wanderers.