CENTRAL Coast Mariners duo John Hutchinson and Ahmad Elrich will briefly fall out this weekend before joining forces again to face Sydney FC on Monday.
Football is their major passion but the duo both have a keen interest in Rugby League and cannot wait for the Grand Final.
Born and raised in Victoria's Gippsland region, Hutchinson is a passionate Melbourne Storm fan, and has been busy this week talking up his teams chances in the NRL Grand Final to anyone who will listen, but in particular, die hard Eels supporters Ahmad Elrich and rookie goalkeeper Matthew Ryan.
"They've been there the last three years now and there's no way we can't win it this year after losing to Manly last year," Hutchinson said.
"Ahmad and I have had plenty of banter this week, but I'll be the one dishing it out after Sunday night!
"I've had a few friendly bets with some mates too, so it'll be pretty costly if the Storm don't win, but I reckon I'll be OK."
But the boys in the blue and gold camp are equally confident about their team's chances.
"A few people in my family are Bulldogs fans, so it was great to beat them last week, and I've been waiting a few years for this, so I can't wait to give it to Hutch when we win," said Elrich.
While the friendly banter has broken up another solid week on the training ground, all the focus will be on Monday's crucial clash at the Sydney Football Stadium, which could potentially see the Mariners move to the top of the A-League ladder, should they win, and other results go their way.
Brad Porter has been recalled to the Mariners squad after missing the trip to Wellington with a thigh strain, while Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna will finalise his squad following a team familiarisation session at the SFS on Sunday.
The two sides have already clashed once this season, playing out a 0-0 draw at Bluetongue Stadium in round three and the Mariners should head into Monday's match with plenty of confidence, having conceded just four goals in their opening eight matches.
Picture courtesy of John Dewberry/Central Coast Mariners.
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