MARK MILLIGAN (MACARTHUR FC) v MELBOURNE VICTORY
The match: Victory v Macarthur FC, AAMI Park, May 16
Mark Milligan captained Melbourne Victory to an A-League title and developed a name as a big-game player, which included the 2015 Joe Marston medal, while cementing himself as an integral part of the Socceroos. This season Milligan will wear the captain’s armband for expansion side Macarthur FC, under the guidance of ex Socceroos assistant coach Ante Milicic. It remains to be seen what kind of reaction the Victory faithful give Milligan, who played 96 games and scored 18 goals during two stints under Jim Magilton, Ange Postecoglou and Kevin Muscat. Macarthur’s hosts Victory on April 7 at Campbelltown Stadium, before Milligan’s AAMI Park return on May 16.
CARL ROBINSON (WANDERERS) v NEWCASTLE JETS
The match: Newcastle Jets v Wanderers, McDonald Jones Stadium, January 5
The Welshman sensationally departed Newcastle after a stellar, albeit short stint in the Hunter Valley at the end of last season. Robinson was headhunted by the Wanderers after the shock exit of Jean-Paul de Marigny. Jets fans are generally a welcoming bunch, but Robinson’s sudden exit may make for a frosty Novocastrian reception on January 5.
SCOTT MCDONALD (BRISBANE) v WESTERN UNITED
The match: Brisbane Roar v Western United, Dolphin Stadium, April 11
A neutral venue didn’t prevent some physical duels when Scott McDonald faced his former side Western United in finals, but this rivalry has more to play out as the teams return to their home venues. The boutique setting of Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium will host the first meeting between Brisbane Roar and Western United this season, and the former Socceroo will enjoy locking horns with his old side in the intimate setting.
KOSTA BARBAROUSES (SYDNEY FC) v MELBOURNE VICTORY
The match: Victory v Sydney FC, AAMI Park, January 26
Fake snakes were unleashed by Victory fans in frustration of their former pint-sized favourite joining arch rival Sydney FC and fans have long memories. It’s been a long time since the fans have been allowed into AAMI Park, and the traditional Australian Day fixture looms as a festive day for Victory fans as former combatants Grant Brebner and Steve Corica battle it out in the dugout.
PERTH GLORY v MELBOURNE CITY
The match: City v Glory, AAMI Park, April 28
Bruno Fornaroli got a warm reception on his first return to Melbourne City and while it remains to be seen whether the City faithful are as welcoming this time around, another former City player returns – in the coach’s box. Richard Garcia scored six goals in 24 games for City in 2013-14 – the club’s last season as Melbourne Heart – before he was released, joining Sydney FC. The 2010 World Cup Socceroo and former Premier League player (West Ham and Hull City) always played with his heart on his sleeve, and it will be intriguing to see whether he displays a similar sideline persona as a rookie coach.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX v MARK RUDAN (WESTERN UNITED)
The match: Wellington v Western Utd, WIN Stadium, March 3
Ufuk Talay’s team kicks off its Wollongong batch of fixtures against his old club Sydney FC on January 2, but the tastiest clash on the Phoenix menu remains the duel with former boss Mark Rudan and his Western United side entering their second season. Phoenix impressed under their rookie boss last season and star Mexican attacker Ulises Davila headlines the stars that have remained for 2020-21.
MATT SIMON (MARINERS) v EVERY TEAM
The match: see the Mariners fixture list
If Matt Simon is on the pitch, you’ll certainly know about it. The veteran striker and Central Coast product is the heart and soul of the Mariners and while only four of his 21 appearances last season were starts, he made an impact even when it was off the bench, netting three goals. His ability to get under opponents’ skin is almost unmatched, but his desire to win and fight for the ball is something all young players should take note of.
ADELAIDE UNITED v MELBOURNE VICTORY
The match: Adelaide Utd v Victory, Coopers Stadium, January 23
Victory remain Adelaide United’s big rivals, and new United boss, Whyalla-born Carl Veart is as parochial as they come, having only represented Adelaide clubs in the NSL and A-League, sandwiching his UK stint (Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Millwall). Veart will unleash youthful squad with a strong SA flavour, while Victory boss Brebner will also bring back the Victory spirit, having spent the bulk of his 14 years in Australia at the club, headlined by an illustrious six-year playing career.
