Milos Ninkovic is no stranger to the Sydney Derby and his move from East to West helped reignite the passion and fire in the rivalry.
Ahead of the Derby match that will be pivotal in the makeup of the Top Six, Ninkovic reflected back on his first Derby in the Red & Black, where he was front and centre of the headlines.
On that night, the Serbian maestro got the assist for Kusini Yengi’s winner in the second half, and whilst he was fuelled by emotion that night, he says he is totally focused on the current task at hand for the club.
“That was very good, that was one of the best moments (of the season), I was so excited.
“That was a year ago, and now it’s a totally different situation. We are ready and we are looking forward to it.”
The situation he refers to is a tight battle to stay in the Top Six and fight for a place in the top four and a home Final.
The Wanderers would move above their crosstown rivals with a win in what is potentially Ninkovic’s last Sydney Derby game before retirement.
Ninkovic is trying to concentrate solely on the team goal instead of anything personal heading into the match.
“To be honest, I’m not thinking about it. I know that (these) are going to be my last few games, and I’m trying to be the best I can be, and help my teammates to win the games. That’s all I can do now.”
He does know how important and special these games are to the fans, and he is delighted to be playing in front of the travelling Red and Black Bloc this weekend.
“The Derby is a special game for everyone, especially for the fans.
“They have always been our big support, we are all happy that they are going to come (to the game).”
Both sides will be without key personnel due to international duty, with the Wanderers missing key attacking weapons in Nicolas Milanovic and Lachie Brook.
Whilst Ninkovic admits it’s a blow to not have them in the ranks on Saturday night, he says it’s a great opportunity for the Wanderers’ young stars to shine on the big stage.
“It’s a big loss, but (we have) great young players and now maybe it’s time for them to show up and show that the club has good young players, and they have a future.
“It’s a beautiful (chance) for them to maybe come out and show to all of you guys that they’re ready.”
There is history of this in the Derby this season, as Zac Sapsford came off the bench back in November to score with a thumping strike midway through the second half to secure a 1-0 win for the Red and Black.
With the A-League Men’s competition from top to bottom being so competitive this season, Ninkovic and the Wanderers know anyone on their day can pull off a big result, and those at the club believe the Wanderers are still in a great position to achieve success this season.
“We need to understand that it’s pretty close this year, everyone can win and that’s why it’s very important to finish in the top six.
“Everything is possible, any team in the top six can win the Grand Final, and that’s why it’s very important to play good in the next three games to get the results, and obviously after that we can look forward to the Finals.”
