Next season’s derby will have some added spice after Milos Ninkovic sensationally swapped Sydney FC for rivals Western Sydney Wanderers on a one-year deal.
After seven years, three A-League Men Championships and two Johnny Warren Medals among other honours, Ninkovic opted to call time on his illustrious Sydney career.
Now, the 37-year-old former Serbia international has made the blockbuster move west to the Wanderers, where ex-Sydney captain Mark Rudan is head coach.
Ninkovic crosses the divide and is set to become just the fourth player to represent both clubs in the Sydney Derby, after Vedran Janjetovic, Terry Antonis and Andrew Redmayne.
Ninkovic’s former Sydney team-mate Calem Nieuwenhof also made the switch to the Wanderers this off-season.
In total and prior to Ninkovic, 15 players have played for both Sydney and the Wanderers, though 12 had careers with the Sky Blues prior to the formation of Western Sydney in 2012.
“I am very excited to start a new chapter of my career in Western Sydney with the Wanderers and I am ready to embrace all the challenges that will come my way,” said Ninkovic.
“I have decided to make the move as I have agreed terms with staying at the club for a minimum of two years once my playing career comes to an end. I have been in deep discussions with Chairman Mr Paul Lederer and head Mark Rudan and I will be part of the club for many years to come.
“I want to thank the Chairman and head coach Mark Rudan for the great respect and trust they have shown in me.
“Having played against the Wanderers for the last seven years of my career, I know that they are a very tough team and that they will always fight until the end, so I am excited to be part of building on that culture in the season to come.
“After speaking a lot with head coach Mark Rudan and the club’s football department, I was inspired by their vision of what they want this football club to represent on the field and the role that they can play off the field in the community.
“I hope that with my experience in the league I can have an impact on the next generation and help guide some of the younger players in the team this season.
“I look forward to meeting all my new teammates, staff, members and fans when I arrive in Western Sydney.”
Ninkovic leaves Sydney after 221 appearances. Only current Sky Blue Rhyan Grant (276) and club great Alex Brosque (267) have amassed more appearances for Sydney across all competitions.
The former Dynamo Kyiv and Red Star Belgrade midfielder sits fourth on Sydney’s all-time list for goals, behind Brosque (83), Bobo (71) and Adam Le Fondre (60). He is also fourth when it comes to ALM goals for Sydney with 35.
Since Ninkovic made his ALM debut in 2015, no player has tallied more assists. Former team-mate Kosta Barbarouses, Dimi Petratos, Diego Castro (all 31), and James Troisi (30) are the next best.
“Milos has extensive knowledge of the domestic football landscape and has unrivalled experience having played in it for the last seven seasons,” said Rudan.
“He (Milos) is a winner and has big ambitions to continue that trend in his career so we are thrilled to have his influence in the playing group this season.”