Mathew Leckie says his side are ready to show local rivals Melbourne Victory just who the dominant side in the city really is after locking in a Melbourne Derby Grand Final date with their neighbours.
Leading 3-0 from the first leg of their Semi-Final clash with Western United, Melbourne City secured safe passage to next weekend’s Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final after drawing 1-1 in the second leg, winning 4-1 on aggregate.
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Having watched their fiercest rivals secure a shock 2-1 aggregate win over Premiership winners Auckland FC earlier in the day, Leckie and co. completed the job against John Aloisi’s Western to ensure a first-ever Melbourne Derby Grand Final would be taking place on Saturday, May 31.
“It’s going to be a big one,” said Leckie when speaking to Paramount+ after the game at AAMI Park.
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“Obviously the derby is always big, but I think it’s the first time ever that it’s been a City/Victory (Grand) Final and we can’t wait.
“It’s going to be a big crowd, you know, it’s one of those ones where each team wants to win, and sort of be the kings of Melbourne. What a way to have such a match in a Grand Final.”
Whilst AAMI Park serves as the home ground for both Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory it will be City who act as hosts on the day after their superior regular season finish.
However despite the fact his side finished higher on the ladder than Victory, Leckie believes none of that will make any difference in what will be an historic night for Australian football.
“The thing about finals football is, it doesn’t matter how well the season you’ve had, if you’re not there on the day that it matters, anything can happen.
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“So I think this year we’ve been very, very good, with a good mentality and a good mindset as a team.
“We’ve got one more game to come out and do that as well. So we’ll treat the week quite normal with a bit of extra media. But yeah, we’ve focused and done really well this season on that part, and we’ll try to continue to do that.”
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Having battled injuries all season, Leckie was again used as a substitute for the clash with Western United, this time coming on at half-time to get more minutes as he builds back to match sharpness.
“Well, it’s a Grand Final but ultimately, it’s up to Viddy (City head coach Aurelio Vidmar) and what he wants to do,” said Leckie when asked if he’d be pushing his case this week when it comes to securing a starting spot.
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“But, you know, it’s basically an all or nothing game and you know there’s nothing to lose.
“So as I said last week, I’ll put my hand up and I’m sure we’ll go out with the strongest team.”
Whilst their 3-0 aggregate lead from the first leg meant they already had one foot in the Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final, City rubber-stamped that spot care of captain Aziz Behich’s opening goal in the 20th minute..
“Yeah look, they’re coming at a good time,” laughed Behich who, prior to scoring against Sydney FC on the final day of the regular season, hadn’t scored in the league since 2014.
“I think we needed that goal against Sydney to obviously secure that second spot, and tonight, obviously to give us a bit more cushion.
“Look I’m just enjoying being back at Melbourne City. You know, I love this club. It means a lot to me.
“My body feels great and as long as I keep taking care of it, I think there’s plenty left in the tank.”
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Furthermore, Socceroos winger Marco Tilio believes next weekend’s historic Derby clash at AAMI Park will provide the city’s football faithful with the ultimate showpiece event.
“Yeah, I think everyone’s super excited,” said Tilio when speaking to Paramount+ after the game.
“I don’t think it gets much better than that, especially for Melbourne football fans. So yeah, really looking forward to it.”
23-year-old Tilio is one of a number of City stars who has missed significant game time this season due to injury.
Ruled out earlier in the campaign with a significant hamstring tear, Tilio has lit up the Isuzu UTE A-League since returning to full fitness and believes his side are now showing what they’re truly capable of.
“Considering the rough start we had with how many boys we had out and whatnot, yeah, to see where we are now, I think we’re in a really good place.
“It’s good to see Lecks (Mathew Leckie) get half a game tonight, and hopefully he pulls up alright and yeah, I think everyone else is in good stead. So we’re looking strong.”
