This is it. After eight rounds, countless discussions on forums, heaps of media run around, a one week delay, the match that we’ve all been waiting for is here.
This is it. After eight rounds, countless discussions on forums, heaps of media run around, a one week delay, the match that we-ve all been waiting for is here.
This Friday is going to be a momentous and historic day in not only the history of our club, and not only the A-League, but all of Australian football.
From what I read earlier in the week, the last derby been Australian clubs in top flight football was between Wollongong Wolves and Sydney Olympic, and the last derby in Melbourne would probably have been between now-VPL sides South Melbourne and Melbourne Knights.
History is a very important thing in football. History is what defines clubs. Professional football in Australia has been around since 1977, and with it we-ve had what can only be described as a colourful history.
The original NSL began in 1977 with 14 teams, and three from Victoria. Throughout its 37 year history there were a total of 42 teams that played in the top flight.
Some major players to come out of the NSL are household names now: Viduka, Bosnich and Aloisi.
There were good things and bad things about the NSL, and as we all remember it came to an end in 2004. From the ashes of the old Soccer Association grew the FFA, and from the NSL grew the A-League.
Being aware of this history is important to football, as we have to remember that without those who came before us, we would not be here.
That being said, it-s time to make some history of our own.
We have easily the most important match in our club-s short history this Friday, and I-m expecting it to be one of the most passion-filled, exhilarating matches in Australia-s footballing history.
With Victory-s captain, Kevin Muscat, looking to return from injury, we should expect the match to be furious, physical and filled with opportunities at either end.
Therefore, it-s time for us to make our own history.
As a club, and more importantly as supporters of our great Heart, it-s time for our voices to be heard and our presence to be known.
Victory fans have bandied around the “One team in Melbourne” chant since the end of last season, and it-s up to us to remind them that they absolutely cannot count.
So, Heart fans and members, I call on you to stand up for your club.
If you-ve never chanted at a game before, I implore you to make this the one match your voice is loud and proud. If you-ve never stood proud and cheered on the Red and White, make this the match that you start.
And I ask that each and every fan, whether you-re casual or Active Support, General Admission or Ace of Hearts, die hard or walk up, stands proud with your scarves or hands above your head and sing your club song with all of your heart.
This song belongs to the people, and the words should ring true for all of us.
We all will stand united, under the red and white.
Let-s show the Victory that this town is not theirs alone.
Yours in support,
– The Punter
www.redwhiteunite.com – Make sure you get down to the Imperial Hotel in the City from 4pm onwards for Red & White Unite-s EPIC pre-match event. More details available at the website.
