Gone ... Adam Griffiths is one of six Sydney FC players to have their contracts not renewed.Source: Mark Evans / News Limited
The wind of change has swept through Sydney FC with six players and two office staff yesterday released.
Kruno Lovrek, Paul Reid, Nathan Sherlock, Trent McClenahan, Adam Griffiths and Jarrod Kyle were all told their contracts would not be renewed, as Frank Farina wastes no time in revamping his squad.
In the back office, community head Stefan Kamasz and commercial officer Andrew Christopher were also made redundant.
None of the playing departures from the club are a surprise, with only Griffiths of the six getting much playing time under Farina.
Sydney now have 19 players contracted, assuming that Nicky Carle's loan deal with Baniyas in the UAE is not made permanent.
Gone ... Adam Griffiths is one of six Sydney FC players to have their contracts not renewed.Source: Mark Evans / News Limited
The wind of change has swept through Sydney FC with six players and two office staff yesterday released.
Kruno Lovrek, Paul Reid, Nathan Sherlock, Trent McClenahan, Adam Griffiths and Jarrod Kyle were all told their contracts would not be renewed, as Frank Farina wastes no time in revamping his squad.
In the back office, community head Stefan Kamasz and commercial officer Andrew Christopher were also made redundant.
None of the playing departures from the club are a surprise, with only Griffiths of the six getting much playing time under Farina.
Sydney now have 19 players contracted, assuming that Nicky Carle's loan deal with Baniyas in the UAE is not made permanent.
No surprises ... Del Piero wins the Sydney FC season award. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited
Italian star Alessandro Del Piero has won the Sydney FC Player of the Year award to cap off an impressive A-League debut season.
Del Piero won the top award, as well as the Sydney FC Members Award and the Golden Boot at a ceremony on Tuesday night.
The marquee striker has played a big role in increasing attendances, television audiences and media interest across the entire A-League, with Sydney FC averaging 18,637 fans at home matches and leading the way in TV figures.
On the field Del Piero was dominant, notching 14 goals and five assists.
Del Piero polled 132 votes to nudge out Rhyan Grant (119) while Terry Antonis (67), Vedran Janjetovic (63) and Yairo Yau (55) rounded out the top five.
While Del Piero rightfully grabbed the plaudits, Grant was rewarded for a tremendous breakout season by claiming the Sydney FC A-League Players' Player of the Year award.
Peter Triantis took out the Youth League Players' Player of the Year award while Teresa Polias won back-to-back Women's League Players' Player of the Year.
No surprises ... Del Piero wins the Sydney FC season award. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited
Italian star Alessandro Del Piero has won the Sydney FC Player of the Year award to cap off an impressive A-League debut season.
Del Piero won the top award, as well as the Sydney FC Members Award and the Golden Boot at a ceremony on Tuesday night.
The marquee striker has played a big role in increasing attendances, television audiences and media interest across the entire A-League, with Sydney FC averaging 18,637 fans at home matches and leading the way in TV figures.
On the field Del Piero was dominant, notching 14 goals and five assists.
Del Piero polled 132 votes to nudge out Rhyan Grant (119) while Terry Antonis (67), Vedran Janjetovic (63) and Yairo Yau (55) rounded out the top five.
While Del Piero rightfully grabbed the plaudits, Grant was rewarded for a tremendous breakout season by claiming the Sydney FC A-League Players' Player of the Year award.
Peter Triantis took out the Youth League Players' Player of the Year award while Teresa Polias won back-to-back Women's League Players' Player of the Year.
Returning home ... Nicky Carle looks set to return to Allianz Stadium.Source: Paul Miller / AAP
His side is sitting third in the UAE league, but Nicky Carle will still be back in Sydney FC's colours ready for a third season at the club according to coach Frank Farina.
Carle's season-long loan deal with Pro-League side Baniyas expires in July, and so far there has been no move by the Dubai-based club to make it a permanent move.
Despite a successful league season, with the local press hailing Baniyas as the quiet achievers of the Pro-League, Baniyas have already released several foreign players.
Though local media has reported interest in Carle from at least one other UAE side, Farina said he expected Carle to "add something good" to the Sky Blues squad.
Having left as Sydney's marquee player, Carle's salary will be absorbed into Sydney's cap for next season as Alessandro Del Piero and Brett Emerton remain the club's cap-exempt signings.
ELIMINATION FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 5:
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, Etihad Stadium 7:30pm EDT
ELIMINATION FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 7:
Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar, Hindmarsh Stadium 5:00pm EST
SEMI-FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 12:
Western Sydney Wanderers v Lowest-ranked elimination finals winner, Parramatta Stadium 7:30pm EST
SEMI-FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 14:
Central Coast Mariners v Highest-ranked elimination finals winner, Bluetongue Stadium 5:00pm EST
GRAND FINAL, SUNDAY APRIL 21:
Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2, Venue TBC, 4:00pm EST
"I'm expecting him to be in the squad certainly," Farina said. "I've spoken to him already, and he'll give us something different, like a new signing.
"He'll pick up where he left off (having been at Sydney since 2010 before the loan move) and he's a good player who will add another dimension to us. Contrary to what a lot of people might think he does work hard, technically he's very good.
"He's got a winning mentality, and I'm expecting him to add something good next season."
Carle has scored twice in 16 games for Baniyas this season, though the club faces a difficult run-in and have faded from realistic title contention.
Asked if there was any prospect of Baniyas making an offer to keep a player described in the UAE press as able to "combat and create", Farina said he had heard nothing so far.
"That I don't know - as far as I know he's definitely coming back," he said. "Of course, in football things can change very quickly, as you saw with his initial loan deal from here.
Returning home ... Nicky Carle looks set to return to Allianz Stadium.Source: Paul Miller / AAP
His side is sitting third in the UAE league, but Nicky Carle will still be back in Sydney FC's colours ready for a third season at the club according to coach Frank Farina.
Carle's season-long loan deal with Pro-League side Baniyas expires in July, and so far there has been no move by the Dubai-based club to make it a permanent move.
Despite a successful league season, with the local press hailing Baniyas as the quiet achievers of the Pro-League, Baniyas have already released several foreign players.
Though local media has reported interest in Carle from at least one other UAE side, Farina said he expected Carle to "add something good" to the Sky Blues squad.
Having left as Sydney's marquee player, Carle's salary will be absorbed into Sydney's cap for next season as Alessandro Del Piero and Brett Emerton remain the club's cap-exempt signings.
ELIMINATION FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 5:
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, Etihad Stadium 7:30pm EDT
ELIMINATION FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 7:
Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar, Hindmarsh Stadium 5:00pm EST
SEMI-FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 12:
Western Sydney Wanderers v Lowest-ranked elimination finals winner, Parramatta Stadium 7:30pm EST
SEMI-FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 14:
Central Coast Mariners v Highest-ranked elimination finals winner, Bluetongue Stadium 5:00pm EST
GRAND FINAL, SUNDAY APRIL 21:
Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2, Venue TBC, 4:00pm EST
"I'm expecting him to be in the squad certainly," Farina said. "I've spoken to him already, and he'll give us something different, like a new signing.
"He'll pick up where he left off (having been at Sydney since 2010 before the loan move) and he's a good player who will add another dimension to us. Contrary to what a lot of people might think he does work hard, technically he's very good.
"He's got a winning mentality, and I'm expecting him to add something good next season."
Carle has scored twice in 16 games for Baniyas this season, though the club faces a difficult run-in and have faded from realistic title contention.
Asked if there was any prospect of Baniyas making an offer to keep a player described in the UAE press as able to "combat and create", Farina said he had heard nothing so far.
"That I don't know - as far as I know he's definitely coming back," he said. "Of course, in football things can change very quickly, as you saw with his initial loan deal from here.
Decision time ... Farina needs to mould his squad for next season.Source: Dave Hunt / AAP
Sydney FC boss Tony Pignata admits the club faces some tough decisions as it bids to rebuild in the wake of falling short of a place in the finals.
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1
Western Sydney
27
18
3
6
20
57
2
Central Coast
27
16
6
5
26
54
3
Victory
27
13
5
9
3
44
4
Adelaide
27
12
5
10
1
41
5
Brisbane
27
10
5
12
4
35
6
Perth
27
9
5
13
-2
32
7
Sydney
27
9
5
13
-10
32
8
Newcastle
27
8
7
12
-15
31
9
Heart
27
8
3
16
-9
27
10
Wellington
27
7
6
14
-18
27
With the future of eight players to resolve, Pignata will begin discussions with coach Frank Farina this week about who will play a part next season as Farina looks to remould the squad more fully in his own image.
A sombre mood surrounds the club after a 3-1 loss to Brisbane last Thursday allowed the Roar and Perth to climb into the finals at Sydney's expense, bringing the curtain down on Alessandro Del Piero's first season at the club.
Lucas Neill's guest-player stint and Tiago Calvano's injury replacement contract will expire at the end of the month, as does the loan deal of Panamanian forward Yairo Yau.
A further five players - Nathan Sherlock, Adam Griffiths, Trent McLenehan, Kruno Lovrek and Paul Reid - have reached the end of their deals.
Sydney will move more quickly to decide on the roster than they did last year, when several players had to wait until their contracts had expired before being released thanks to the uncertainty surrounding Sydney's coaching position and the club's CEO.
"We do have some big decisions to make but in a sense it's also exciting in that we want to start the process of preparing for next season," Pignata said.
"No one's dwelling on what has happened. It's important now that we start to look forward. It's disappointing that the season ended as it did, but we have to use that feeling as motivation and a learning experience towards next season.
ELIMINATION FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 5:
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, Etihad Stadium 7:30pm EDT
ELIMINATION FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 7:
Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar, Hindmarsh Stadium 5:00pm EST
SEMI-FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 12:
Western Sydney Wanderers v Lowest-ranked elimination finals winner, Parramatta Stadium 7:30pm EST
SEMI-FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 14:
Central Coast Mariners v Highest-ranked elimination finals winner, Bluetongue Stadium 5:00pm EST
GRAND FINAL, SUNDAY APRIL 21:
Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2, Venue TBC, 4:00pm EST
"No one wants to have this bitter taste again. When you're relying on other teams, the danger is always there. And that's what happened.
"We had opportunities to seal a place in the finals and couldn't take them.
"No one's happy about that, but now we have stability in terms of management and the head coach, and we have the whole of the pre-season to get the squad right and our preparation right."
Pignata chose not to comment on speculation linking Brisbane Roar technical director Rado Vidosic with the role of Farina's assistant, though it's understood Farina is keen to be reunited with a coach who was his No.2 at Brisbane for three years until 2009.
Having been moved upstairs from the head coach role at Brisbane in December, Vidosic is on the radar of Adelaide as they seek a replacement for John Kosmina.
"I honestly haven't sat down with Frank and had any discussions about the coaching set-up for next season," Pignata said.
"Until I do and get some feedback from Frank on what he wants, it would be disrespectful to those already in place."
Most of Sydney's backroom staff are also off contract, with conditioning coach Anthony Crea - brought in with Farina in December - also a candidate to sign a long-term deal.
Decision time ... Farina needs to mould his squad for next season.Source: Dave Hunt / AAP
Sydney FC boss Tony Pignata admits the club faces some tough decisions as it bids to rebuild in the wake of falling short of a place in the finals.
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1
Western Sydney
27
18
3
6
20
57
2
Central Coast
27
16
6
5
26
54
3
Victory
27
13
5
9
3
44
4
Adelaide
27
12
5
10
1
41
5
Brisbane
27
10
5
12
4
35
6
Perth
27
9
5
13
-2
32
7
Sydney
27
9
5
13
-10
32
8
Newcastle
27
8
7
12
-15
31
9
Heart
27
8
3
16
-9
27
10
Wellington
27
7
6
14
-18
27
With the future of eight players to resolve, Pignata will begin discussions with coach Frank Farina this week about who will play a part next season as Farina looks to remould the squad more fully in his own image.
A sombre mood surrounds the club after a 3-1 loss to Brisbane last Thursday allowed the Roar and Perth to climb into the finals at Sydney's expense, bringing the curtain down on Alessandro Del Piero's first season at the club.
Lucas Neill's guest-player stint and Tiago Calvano's injury replacement contract will expire at the end of the month, as does the loan deal of Panamanian forward Yairo Yau.
A further five players - Nathan Sherlock, Adam Griffiths, Trent McLenehan, Kruno Lovrek and Paul Reid - have reached the end of their deals.
Sydney will move more quickly to decide on the roster than they did last year, when several players had to wait until their contracts had expired before being released thanks to the uncertainty surrounding Sydney's coaching position and the club's CEO.
"We do have some big decisions to make but in a sense it's also exciting in that we want to start the process of preparing for next season," Pignata said.
"No one's dwelling on what has happened. It's important now that we start to look forward. It's disappointing that the season ended as it did, but we have to use that feeling as motivation and a learning experience towards next season.
ELIMINATION FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 5:
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, Etihad Stadium 7:30pm EDT
ELIMINATION FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 7:
Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar, Hindmarsh Stadium 5:00pm EST
SEMI-FINAL 1, FRIDAY APRIL 12:
Western Sydney Wanderers v Lowest-ranked elimination finals winner, Parramatta Stadium 7:30pm EST
SEMI-FINAL 2, SUNDAY APRIL 14:
Central Coast Mariners v Highest-ranked elimination finals winner, Bluetongue Stadium 5:00pm EST
GRAND FINAL, SUNDAY APRIL 21:
Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2, Venue TBC, 4:00pm EST
"No one wants to have this bitter taste again. When you're relying on other teams, the danger is always there. And that's what happened.
"We had opportunities to seal a place in the finals and couldn't take them.
"No one's happy about that, but now we have stability in terms of management and the head coach, and we have the whole of the pre-season to get the squad right and our preparation right."
Pignata chose not to comment on speculation linking Brisbane Roar technical director Rado Vidosic with the role of Farina's assistant, though it's understood Farina is keen to be reunited with a coach who was his No.2 at Brisbane for three years until 2009.
Having been moved upstairs from the head coach role at Brisbane in December, Vidosic is on the radar of Adelaide as they seek a replacement for John Kosmina.
"I honestly haven't sat down with Frank and had any discussions about the coaching set-up for next season," Pignata said.
"Until I do and get some feedback from Frank on what he wants, it would be disrespectful to those already in place."
Most of Sydney's backroom staff are also off contract, with conditioning coach Anthony Crea - brought in with Farina in December - also a candidate to sign a long-term deal.
Lucas Neill ... should return for Sydney if they make the finals.Source: THERON KIRKMAN / AAP
Star defender Lucas Neill has been ruled out of Sydney FC's crucial A-League clash with Brisbane on Thursday night.
Neill is battling a hamstring injury which forced him to miss the second half of last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers.
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1
Western Sydney
26
17
3
6
17
54
2
Central Coast
26
15
6
5
25
51
3
Victory
26
12
5
9
2
41
4
Adelaide
26
12
4
10
1
40
5
Brisbane
26
9
5
12
2
32
6
Sydney
26
9
5
12
-8
32
7
Perth
26
9
4
13
-2
31
8
Newcastle
26
8
7
11
-12
31
9
Heart
26
8
3
15
-8
27
10
Wellington
26
7
6
13
-17
27
Sydney and Brisbane both need to win the match at Suncorp Stadium to guarantee a place in the finals which commence next week.
They are locked on 32 points each, ahead of Perth (31) and Newcastle (31) who play Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers respectively later over the Easter period.
Brett Emerton will also miss the game after getting a red card against the Wanderers with his place in the midfield to be taken by skipper Terry McFlynn, who returns from a hamstring injury.
Sky Blues coach Frank Farina confirmed on Wednesday that Neill would not play and hasn't trained all week.
"Lucas is definitely out and obviously Brett (Emerton) as well and Terry McFlynn will be in the squad,'' Farina said.
The good news for Sky Blues fans is Neill is expected to be fit for the finals series should they make it.
We're ready ... Mike Mulvey and Besart Berisha are primed for the showdown.Source: Dave Hunt / AAP
Coach Frank Farina says Sydney FC have thrived under pressure since his mid-season arrival and that will hold them in good stead for their "grand final'' clash with Brisbane.
1. WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (54 points, Goal Diff +17) v Newcastle (A) Need a win or a draw in Newcastle to secure the premier's plate in their debut season.
2. CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (51, +25) v Melbourne Heart (H) If the Wanderers lose, the Mariners will pinch the premier's plate on goal difference with a win against the Heart.
3. MELBOURNE VICTORY (41, +2) v Wellington Phoenix (A) Will finish third or fourth and have nothing to really play for in New Zealand ahead of their home elimination final.
4. ADELAIDE UNITED (40, +1) v Perth Glory (A) To finish third or fourth and host a home knockout final, regardless of the result of their Perth trip.
5. BRISBANE ROAR (32, +2) v Sydney FC (H) Hold their own destiny. Beat Sydney, and their title defence continues into the finals; lose, and they need both Perth and Newcastle to lose. If they draw and only one of Newcastle or Perth win, they could still sneak in.
6. SYDNEY FC (32, -8) v Brisbane Roar (A) Like Brisbane, masters of their own fate: beat the Roar and they make the finals. Lose or draw, and they rely on others, like the Roar, above.
7. PERTH GLORY (31, -2) v Adelaide United (H) Beat Adelaide at home and they're in the finals. Draw, and they're probably in - if Sydney are beaten. Lose, and they're out.
8. NEWCASTLE JETS (31, -12) v Western Sydney (H) Must defeat Western Sydney and hope Sydney and Brisbane draw, and Perth lose, to steal a finals spot. If they draw, but Perth win and Sydney get thumped by four or more goals, they can also sneak in!
Only victory in their final-round A-League match on Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium will guarantee fifth-placed Brisbane or sixth-placed Sydney a place in the top six and a finals berth.
"I think Brisbane are aware of that and we are and all the players are certainly, so this is a grand final,'' Farina said.
Both sides are locked on 32 points, ahead of Perth (31) and Newcastle (31) who play Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers respectively later over the Easter period.
Farina took over Sydney FC in November from Ian Crook when the club was at the bottom of the A-League ladder.
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1
Western Sydney
26
17
3
6
17
54
2
Central Coast
26
15
6
5
25
51
3
Victory
26
12
5
9
2
41
4
Adelaide
26
12
4
10
1
40
5
Brisbane
26
9
5
12
2
32
6
Sydney
26
9
5
12
-8
32
7
Perth
26
9
4
13
-2
31
8
Newcastle
26
8
7
11
-12
31
9
Heart
26
8
3
15
-8
27
10
Wellington
26
7
6
13
-17
27
The Sky Blues coach insists the pressure has been on from the day he arrived and his players have responded well to it.
"We were sitting dead last and every game has been a pressure situation for the players,'' he said.
"They know they had to get results and - to be in this position from where they were - is pretty good.
"In terms of pressure, I haven't seen anyone succumb to that. I think more the point is they've thrived on it.''
Central defender Neill's place is expected to taken by Tiago Calvano while the Sky Blues welcome back skipper Terry McFlynn from a hamstring injury to replace the suspended Brett Emerton.
The Roar will rush unused Socceroo Jade North straight back into central defence for the match.
Roar coach Mike Mulvey confirmed North would start against Sydney despite playing no part in preparations after being in Australia's squad for Tuesday night's 2-2 World Cup qualifier against Oman.
"He's proven that he's a big-game player in the past. He's already an A-League winner,'' said Mulvey of the former Newcastle Jet.
"That experience will be very, very important.''
Sydney are coming off a 1-1 draw with competition leaders Western Sydney, while Brisbane were too good for Melbourne Heart last round, beating them 2-0.
Mulvey stressed the Roar, who boast the best goal difference, would not be playing for a draw.
"We're not thinking like that - we're going for the win. We want to take care of business so we don't have to think about any other permutations other than who we are playing next week,'' he said.
Lucas Neill ... should return for Sydney if they make the finals.Source: THERON KIRKMAN / AAP
Star defender Lucas Neill has been ruled out of Sydney FC's crucial A-League clash with Brisbane on Thursday night.
Neill is battling a hamstring injury which forced him to miss the second half of last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers.
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1
Western Sydney
26
17
3
6
17
54
2
Central Coast
26
15
6
5
25
51
3
Victory
26
12
5
9
2
41
4
Adelaide
26
12
4
10
1
40
5
Brisbane
26
9
5
12
2
32
6
Sydney
26
9
5
12
-8
32
7
Perth
26
9
4
13
-2
31
8
Newcastle
26
8
7
11
-12
31
9
Heart
26
8
3
15
-8
27
10
Wellington
26
7
6
13
-17
27
Sydney and Brisbane both need to win the match at Suncorp Stadium to guarantee a place in the finals which commence next week.
They are locked on 32 points each, ahead of Perth (31) and Newcastle (31) who play Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers respectively later over the Easter period.
Brett Emerton will also miss the game after getting a red card against the Wanderers with his place in the midfield to be taken by skipper Terry McFlynn, who returns from a hamstring injury.
Sky Blues coach Frank Farina confirmed on Wednesday that Neill would not play and hasn't trained all week.
"Lucas is definitely out and obviously Brett (Emerton) as well and Terry McFlynn will be in the squad,'' Farina said.
The good news for Sky Blues fans is Neill is expected to be fit for the finals series should they make it.
Lucas Neill ... should return for Sydney if they make the finals.Source: THERON KIRKMAN / AAP
Star defender Lucas Neill has been ruled out of Sydney FC's crucial A-League clash with Brisbane on Thursday night.
Neill is battling a hamstring injury which forced him to miss the second half of last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers.
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1
Western Sydney
26
17
3
6
17
54
2
Central Coast
26
15
6
5
25
51
3
Victory
26
12
5
9
2
41
4
Adelaide
26
12
4
10
1
40
5
Brisbane
26
9
5
12
2
32
6
Sydney
26
9
5
12
-8
32
7
Perth
26
9
4
13
-2
31
8
Newcastle
26
8
7
11
-12
31
9
Heart
26
8
3
15
-8
27
10
Wellington
26
7
6
13
-17
27
Sydney and Brisbane both need to win the match at Suncorp Stadium to guarantee a place in the finals which commence next week.
They are locked on 32 points each, ahead of Perth (31) and Newcastle (31) who play Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers respectively later over the Easter period.
Brett Emerton will also miss the game after getting a red card against the Wanderers with his place in the midfield to be taken by skipper Terry McFlynn, who returns from a hamstring injury.
Sky Blues coach Frank Farina confirmed on Wednesday that Neill would not play and hasn't trained all week.
"Lucas is definitely out and obviously Brett (Emerton) as well and Terry McFlynn will be in the squad,'' Farina said.
The good news for Sky Blues fans is Neill is expected to be fit for the finals series should they make it.
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."
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."
Stepping Stones ... the Giants will hope to build on a very solid debut season in the AFL.Source: PAUL MILLER / AAP
The AFL season begins on Friday. We get you ready for the opening bounce by taking a look at all the teams and their prospects for 2013.
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Take a bow Giants; as first years go, theirs was seriously impressive. Between Jeremy Cameron standing on defenders' backs, Toby Greene regularly racking up 30 possessions and Stephen Coniglio slicing through traffic, the Giants chiefs got it dead right with their list build.
All times are listed in EDT
They play tough, contested footy, and are already raving about the influence of coach-in-waiting Leon Cameron on the likes of inside midfielders Dylan Shiel and Coniglio. This year they will still be vulnerable down back, but the emergence of Jonathon Patton and super-slick No. 1 pick Lachie Whitfield will get more tongues wagging.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Has flown under the radar despite finishing last season like a freight train. Had 37 possessions against Collingwood and ranked second at the club for disposals from round 13 onwards. An elite goalkicking midfielder in the making.
Last year it was Jeremy Cameron; this season it's Patton's turn to light up the forward line. Strong-marking forwards with his mobility at 197cm are a rare commodity, so enjoy.
Which Giants will get a start in your FOX FOOTY Supercoach team? Join Australia's biggest fantasy sports game and have a shot at $50,000.
Silk on a wing/back flank. The No.1 draft pick is skinnier than the war-horses we saw emerge in orange last year, but already on track for a round-one berth.
It's easy to forget Ward is only 22 years old. Few players are more fearless than this bloke. Should break through the 100-point-per game FOX FOOTY SuperCoach average mark for the first time in his career this season.
Jay Clark's forecast: 17th-18th
Do you agree with the prediction? Have your say below and follow the Giants all year long on FOX FOOTY.
Hard taskmaster ... Sydney FC star Alessandro Del Piero.Source: Rob Griffith / AAP
Sydney FC marquee man Alessandro Del Piero says discipline is the key to toppling A-League arch-rivals Melbourne Victory in front of a big home crowd on Saturday.
Coming off their 2-0 upset win over second-placed Central Coast Mariners, Sydney are desperate to maintain that level as they cling to a top-six spot with just three matches to play.
Del Piero on Thursday demanded teammates stay focussed and maintain their much-improved discipline after copping just a solitary yellow card against the Mariners.
"Usually with 11 men it's better than 10," said Del Piero.
"That's why we have to be concentrating in the first minute.
"Every single ball is very very important, it can decide the game.
"Same for the yellow cards, same for the tackles, same for every part of the game."
Sydney are yet to secure a win over the third-placed Victory this season, going down 3-1 in their most recent clash in Melbourne.
In their first meeting this season, the Victory came from two goals down to beat Sydney 3-2 and coach Ian Crook stepped down one day later.
Watch the Big Blue between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory, LIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION from 7.30pm (EDT) Saturday on Fox Sports 3.
His replacement Frank Farina said the Sky Blues let themselves down with ill-discipline in the last Victory clash and he expected better at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
"That's something we've got to improve on," he said.
"As long as we're not picking up stuff for stupid stuff, like arguing with the referee or back chat.
"As long as we can repeat last week's performance with one yellow I'll be happy."
Farina said last week's clean sheet against the Mariners was pleasing but Sydney had to remain consistent to be a chance of making the finals.
"Consistency is the key," he said.
"We haven't had that this year - there's no secret, there's no hiding from it."
Sydney's defence will once again have to make do without Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill who is expected to remain on the sidelines despite returning to training on Thursday.
Farina says Neill would likely return to the side next week after recovering from a minor calf muscle tear.
"At this stage there's no real point taking a risk with him," he said.
