FourFourTwo: What did you make of the Victory fans’ attitude in making sure they were heard as the No.1 team?

Simon Colosimo: They clearly had numbers, but it was a great way for our fans at Melbourne Heart to come in numbers. It was a good opportunity for those who hadn’t picked a team to potentially become supporters of the game.

FFT: In Heart’s inaugural season, you were the skipper, was the derby a big thing for you as a Melbourne boy?

SC: Growing up, it was a dream to play in front of a packed house. I got to play in Olympic Park, but that was a smaller stadium. To take it to an arena like Etihad Stadium or AAMI Park, having it packed and the whole city talking about it, it’s probably what I remember most.

While you treat it like another game, it’s a big one for the fans because it gives them bragging rights in their home town.

FFT: What are some of your favourite derby moments?

SC: Even the derbies which didn’t have many goals had their moments. They’ve always been very intense and played in good spirits I believe.

Gerald Sibon’s free kick around the wall is one that pops out as a good memory. I used to enjoy Alex Terra in the derby. I thought he was fantastic in the ones he played. And watching from the side, Archie’s little dink over Clint Bolton and you could see the emotion in the crowd and players.

FFT: Is it hard to block out the buzz in the lead-up to a match?

SC: It was business as usual. You only got three points, you didn’t get any bonus points for winning the derby. That being said it captured the whole town and it captured everyone. 

I think it’s a bit clichéd to say form goes out in these games, if you’re up, then you’re up. If you’re down, don’t get me wrong, the atmosphere and the event itself rather than the match plays a part. However, both teams and legs become experienced enough for players to know what it feels like to play in front of big crowds and for such important points.

FFT: How do you see the 2017 Christmas Derby unfolding?

SC: City are heading in with a six-point buffer and both teams are settled now. It’s starting to take shape, Victory have come off a good win and City have come off a decent performance in their loss to Sydney FC, but they picked points up early. There’s a lot for you to go out there and watch on Saturday night.