The grudge match between A-league powerhouses Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC has delivered its fair share of outstanding individual performances in what is always a highly anticipated, and often thrilling, interstate contest.
The immense rivalry, both on and off the pitch, has grown exponentially over the competition’s 11 years, and it is not hard to see why with likes of Harry Kewell, Alessandro Del Piero, and Brett Emerton all playing a part in the rich history.
As we approach the newest installment at the weekend, Outside90’s Adam Pallotta counts down the top 5 most impressive individual performances from this notoriously cagey affair.
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Mark Bridge – Sydney FC (9 October 2009)
A-league stalwart Mark Bridge ran riot in attack, netting a classy brace to lead Sydney FC to a 3-0 Big Blue victory in 2009. The Sky Blues stamped their authority on the game very early on, with all goals scored within the first 20 minutes. Bridge doubled the initial lead with a nice first touch around Rodrigo Vargas and a calculated drive into the bottom corner. Often criticised for a lack of goals, he then put the contest to bed with a sublime volley to round off a stellar opening for the Sydneysiders.
Besart Berisha – Melbourne Victory (14 November 2015)
A man who loves a big occasion, forward Besart Berisha commanded all over the ground and stood up when his side needed it most. The tireless Berisha applied pressure all night, and frustrated his opponents in a way only he can. His first goal was an explosive strike from outside the box to level the scores at 1-1, while his second showcased his tenacity and endless threat as he tore down the left-wing, cutting in and coolly slotting past Vedran Janjetovic. The brace helped seal an unlikely 2-4 win, and ended Sydney’s unbeaten start to the campaign.
Vedran Janjetovic – Sydney FC (15 November 2014)
Goalkeeper Vedran Janjetović demonstrated heart and passion in the face of adversity by pulling off a string of excellent saves and blocks, particularly in the opening half. The Victory’s deadly trio of Berisha, Archie Thompson and Fahid Ben Khalfallah were left begging after an inspired performance by Janjetović. The third save was a particularly impressive stunning one-handed denial to his right, showcasing sharp reflexes to divert Thompson’s close-range strike around the post. In a game not short of goal-scoring opportunities, his heroics secured a 0-0 draw and a fourth consecutive clean sheet for the Sky Blues.
Andrew Nabbout – Melbourne Victory (10 November 2012)
At 2-0 down in his first Big Blue as Victory coach, Ange Postecoglou was forced to make a substutiton for the injured Ivan Franjic with 20 minutes to play – and on comes future match winner Andrew Nabbout. Within 10 minutes, Nabbout curled in a left-footed effort from outside the box to excite the home crowd and with the game locked at 2-2 in second-half stoppage time, he popped-up to win a header off a corner to seal the win. It was hard not to see the comeback unfolding – especially in Victory’s fluorescent yellow away kit.
Archie Thompson – Melbourne Victory (16 October, 2005)
Fan-favourite Archie Thompson was catapulted into the hearts of the Victory faithful very early in his career, after his inspired performance in the second Big Blue earned his side a 5-0 win. Playing in front of an 18,000 strong crowd at Olympic Park, the man-of-the-match was almost not selected to participate since he was returning from Socceroos duty. Thompson finished the game with two assists and two goals – one of which still features in the A-leagues greatest individual highlights – twisting and turning his way around five Sky Blues defenders within the box before casually putting it into Clint Bolton’s bottom corner. A temporary satisfaction for the Melbourne club, as Sydney FC would go on to win the inaugural A-league championship.
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