This match is much more about getting the three points to kick-start the season. For the fans, a victory will ensure temporary local bragging rights and will build confidence to take into the rest of the season.

For fans, attending a derby is a unique experience and delivers memories, for good and for bad.

For Heart fans, reminiscing of derbies brings up the unforgettable first ever Melbourne Derby. Two quality finishes from John Aloisi and Alex Terra saw us home on a truly unforgettable night. Despite being obviously ecstatic about the result my best memory of the night was that football was the true winner. The passion from fans at both ends was extraordinary and the chanting reverberated around the new purpose built AAMI Park.

I remember the boos from both sets of fans towards the thrower of the flare; there was an overwhelming agreement that a positive atmosphere and image should be retained. I also remember having a very civil discussion with a Victory fan on the train home dissecting the match and being in agreement about how fantastic the atmosphere was.

Season two brought about another classic encounter with Matt Thompson bagging a quick first-half brace and Alex Terra somewhat dubiously controlling the ball before placing it into the bottom corner. Victory had some close chances and Clint Bolton was lucky not to be sent off; luck was certainly on our side that night but we took our chances when they were there.

John Aloisi scored the first ever goal in a Melbourne Derby

 

Last season the tables turned as Heart fans experienced the agony of an injury time goal from Archie Thompson in front of another classic derby crowd.

Melbourne derbies are certainly fantastic occasions which can showcase some of the very best of Australian domestic football, both on and off the field.

In 2013 Heart and Victory face off again in the opening round. For Heart, some solid off-season recruitment has been seemingly offset by an indefinite injury to Orlando Engelaar and Michael Mifsud also set to miss.

There are the questions that all heart faithful are keen to have answered. Will Harry Kewell’s body hold up through yet another season? Was it wise to replace veteran goalkeeper Clint Bolton? When (if at all) will Orlando Engelaar make an appearance in the red and white?

12 months ago Heart surprised many with a first-up win in the Melbourne derby, raising great optimism about the season’s prospects only for form and results to quickly fall away.

A finals appearance is the expectation set at many clubs but is particularly important for Melbourne Heart following last year’s disappointment.

The scene is now set, an opening round derby awaits and a season full of hope, expectations, joy, anguish and unpredictability is surely upon us again.