Mate v mate at Sydney derby

Mate v mate ... let the banter begin before the Sydney derby. Source: Stephen Cooper / News Limited

Western Sydney Wanderers forward Mark Bridge and Sydney FC midfielder Terry McFlynn say their close friendship will be worth nothing if they come together head to head in the Sydney derby this weekend.

The former roommates at Sydney FC have promised to treat each other like they would any other arch-rival in the Parramatta Stadium blockbuster on Saturday night.

The pair came together to raise awareness alongside Fox Sports' Mark Bosnich and Adam Peacock to help raise awareness for the Cancer Council's "Mate v Mate" initiative.

The pair said they have still been able to catch up almost every week since Bridge's move to the Wanderers this season. Their families have also become close friends.

While they were making jokes with each other, they have promised to replace the jokes with fierce determination to win come Saturday. Their friendship will be tested.

"It doesn't matter if it's your mother's on the other team, you're going to want to beat them," Bridge said.

"As close as we are off the field we only want our team to win.

"As soon as we cross that line I'm going to be going for the win. They need to win to make their chances more likely for the top six and we want to keep the streak going. I'm excited. I'm excited by the fact that it's the derby game. I'm excited by the fact we could get the minor premiership, excited for the fact that finals are just around the corner."

McFlynn said he does not have any major issues with a hamstring complaint, but remains in doubt for the blockbuster clash.

He said the derby will become the biggest grudge match in Australian football when the young rivalry has had time to mature.

"Historically the biggest derby I've played in and the most emotion-charged one is the Sydney verses Melbourne game - The Big Blue - because it has history on its side, but I think over time the Sydney derby has the potential to be colossal," McFlynn said.

"I think in time this will become the biggest derby in Australian football."

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