To see Sydney training today...

 

“Melbourne always play it down that they don’t see much into this rivalry but every single game for us is a final now," the Sydney FC defender told au.fourfourtwo.com today.

“And this game against Melbourne is big – it’s what Sydney fans like. It’s a very important game. You don’t look too far ahead but these are like cup finals."

There is no denying Saturday’s Big Blue with Melbourne Victory is a finals six pointer – particularly for spots five and six.

Victory could plunge a dagger into the hearts of any faint finals hopes held by the Sky Blues by coming away with the win. In doing so, they'd boost their own wobbling form after two consecutive losses.

Both sides have played 24 games but Victory sit in fifth on 32 points while the reigning champions are in ninth on 24. The home side simply must win to save their season as a loss would be fatal.

"It’s pretty much how we must approach it," added Cole. “And this week it’s been very intense.  The boys are very hungry. That’s what you want.”

Whether Cole gets to play in any of these pseudo-Cup Finals is still a moot point. Coach Vitezslav Lavicka’s personnel reshuffle has worked a treat over the last fortnight - and Cole was of the changes. 

Sung-Hwan Byun has been effective switching from left to right back allowing Scotty Jamieson to slot into his preferred left-back role.

Matty Jurman has been steady alongside Stephan Keller in the centre of defence while young Dimi Petratos is reveling in his striking role alongside the more experienced Bruno Cazarine.

What’s more, Seb Ryall’s stylish cameos off the bench in the centre of midfield have been a revelation in a side that’s clicked over the last two weeks after wins over Gold Coast United and Newcastle Jets. 

Cole, a regular rightback, has also had to make do with late substitute appearances in the last couple of games.

“You never want to be left out of the starting line-up but we went on a pretty bad streak with four losses in a row so you can’t have any complaints," he said.

Hurting though he is, Cole – signed in 2008 from state league outfit Sydney Olympic – remains buoyant that his versatility will help him return to the starting XI at some point.

He added: “We’ve won two in a row so I just got to work hard and be ready to do my bit for the team.”

The side trained today at their Macquarie University base and Jurman trained unhindered after his frightening episode in the final minutes of last Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Gold Coast United.

There was only bruising on the young defender’s leg after a hoarding collapsed in front of the Cove following Juho Makela’s debut goal and subsequent celebrations with home fans on the perimeter of the pitch.

Jurman was trapped under the hoarding as fans surged forward and fell onto the board as ground staff desperately tried to free the player. Club officials admitted it was a lucky escape.

In other news, Sydney FC will  announce the re-signing of a player tomorrow.

To see Sydney training today...