FourFourTwo: Who was your toughest opponent?

Nick Ansell:  Bruno Fornaroli was a tough guy to play against, he was a good striker and was very smart. He was difficult to mark and he used his body really well in the contest.

Besides him, you don’t really focus on just one player really, especially in derbies where anything can happen. Both teams have good players, so there’s no one player you can really have a sole focus on.

FFT: You were just 18 when Archie Thompson scored the 90th minute winner in 2012, what are your memories of it?

NA: That would definitely be one of my favourite moments because that was my second or third professional game, it was amazing.

I actually do remember him dinking it over Clint Bolton, it hit the post and it bounced out. I remember him turning around and I sprinted over to celebrate with the team. He took his top off and the Heart supporter he celebrated in front of gave him the fingers. It was a crazy atmosphere.

FFT: What are your memories of the hype leading up to the game?

NA: The atmosphere leading up to the game is almost one of the best things about it. Everyone is buzzing in Melbourne about this one game and the week leading up to it for the players is great. It’s great for football in Australia and especially for Melbourne because it’s so AFL dominated. The hype is massive and the media get right around it.

FFT: Which other derbies jump out at you looking back?

NA: I had quite a few good memories. The semi-final 3-0 win in 2015 at Etihad Stadium would be the highlight for me. The atmosphere we played in front of in all the derbies I played in were amazing, it’s such a fierce rivalry and massive game for both teams.

FFT: How did you personally feel going into the derby?

NA: There are a few nerves going into that game, but to play in those games is what every footballer wants. Just to experience those massive crowds, great atmosphere and I definitely would’ve been nervous looking back at it now, but it was such a great time and I enjoyed every minute of it.

FFT: What’s your worst memory of the derby?

NA: The game where we lost 4-0 in 2014 was a low point. I got a harsh red card on David Williams in the first-half.

FFT: As a player, does beating City feel better than beating any other team?

NA: It is a bit more satisfying because the week has been building up to it, you’ve achieved your goal of winning and you’re the top team in Melbourne until the next derby. No one can take that away from you. There’s definitely a bit more satisfaction.