Saturday’s clash will be like no other, a twelve on twelve game.
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Football is traditionally played as a 11-on-11 game, but whenever either of these teams play, their fans become that twelfth man.
Whether you love them or hate them, Saturday’s clash brings together two of this country’s most passionate fan bases, Western Sydney Wanderers’ famous ‘Red & Black Bloc’ & Melbourne Victory’s ‘North Terrace’.
From Perth to Adelaide, Sydney to Melbourne, Brisbane to New Zealand, these are the lengths they are willing to go to support their team. Distance will never get in the way of them barracking their side, whether it’s a drive or a flight, they flock the stands in numbers.
This type of support is like no other, turning away games into home games, and home games into cauldrons.
Almost 80,000 people have churned into stadiums to watch these bitter rivals go at it over the last three seasons, irregardless of whether their team has done well or not.
Now add the jeopardy of an Elimination Final to that equation and you have yourself a must-watch game.
The passion is deeply rooted in community identity for Western Sydney, the RBB represents a multicultural, working-class region that takes pride in being the heartbeat of football in New South Wales.
Chants like “Who Do We Sing For?”, echo through CommBank Stadium from one bay to another, accompanied by TIFO displays, drums, and a sea of waving flags, it is something that hits heartstrings you didn’t know existed.
Melbourne Victory’s fans, in their own right, while singing along to the tune of “Seven Nation Army” remind us of the football atmosphere we so dearly yearn for and when Evangeline Victoria plays her rendition of “Stand by Me” as the fans sing along in each others arms, it reminds you that this group of fans will go the lengths to support their Victory.
With the history of this rivalry at the forefront of this Saturday’s Elimination Final at Commbank Stadium, the dedicated fan bases will know that this is more than just another match, it’s a testament to the pride and wavering support of those who get behind their team week in and week out.
The Wanderers fans have played a massive part in their 12-game unbeaten run, and will look to play their part in hope that run can go deep into the finals.
On the other hand, Victory fans will look to spoil that party, they will be there for every pass, tackle and moment as they know how important this game is to their title hopes.
Beneath all the rivalry, both sets of fan bases understand that it is games like this that make the A-League so special and ultimately the resounding noise that will echo out of Commbank Stadium on Saturday will be thanks to none other than the thousands of roaring supporters.
They have all contributed to the successes of their clubs greatest feats and are expected to be the first ones ready to go and the last ones ready to leave, proud representation at its finest.
With both teams hungry for the win and recent matches between them delivering classics, Saturday’s elimination final is shaping up to be a battle on and off the pitch.
Whatever happens on the scoreboard, the battle in the stands may just be what defines this latest chapter in a rivalry that just keeps on writing magical moments.
