There’s a belief within the Western Sydney group about having the fitness and the attacking options to trouble them every time we meet in a derby.

One moment can define a derby.

We saw it last season, when we beat them 1-nil to end their 19-game unbeaten streak.

I scored in the 26^th minute and didn’t have another clear opportunity afterwards, it shows how tight the contests are.

And derby wins can help shape your season. 

Which is what makes the occasion so special and so important to the fans.

It drove us towards making the finals, in the way Sydney FC’s 4-nil win to start the season really kicked off their campaign.

Sydney FC have a phenomenal attack, we know what they’re capable of and they have a very similar look to the team that won the league and grand final.

Milos Ninkovic, Bobo and Alex Brosque are all attacking weapons who can create and finish off chances.

We’ve shown our attacking strike so far in the win over Perth and the draw against the Central Coast. 

So it will be important for our defence to shut down Sydney FC’s time and space on the ball.

As far as the season goes, Tony Popovic’s departure has led to the squad really coming together and it’s reflected in our performances in our two games so far.

As much as we would have liked to have won against Central Coast, it was an entertaining contest and we’ve shown we’re on the right path this season. 

We spent so much time and energy chasing a finals place last season and it shows how important it is to bank early points, like we have started to do so far this time.

With Roly Bonevacia and Oriol Riera in form, I know I’ll have to patient about starting opportunities this season. 

If I’m to come off the bench again at Allianz Stadium, player fatigue can set in and I’ll be focused on being ready for a big moment when it comes along.

It might just be the only one we need.