Sydney FC defender Jordan Courtney-Perkins is preparing for a Sydney Derby with added motivation, as the Sky Blues face former Head Coach Ufuk Talay and Western Sydney Wanderers in tomorrow night’s blockbuster season opener.
The opening round of the A-League Men 2026/27 season will see Talay come up against his former side in one of Australian football’s fiercest rivalries, adding another layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated encounter.
For Courtney-Perkins, the fixture presents an opportunity to face the manager under whom he struggled for regular playing time last season, before returning to the starting side following Patrick Kisnorbo’s arrival.
While the defender insists his focus remains firmly on his own performance, he acknowledges that several Sky Blues players will have extra motivation when they come up against their former boss.
“I’m sure there’s a few of us in the team that want to show him and prove something to him, going to the other side,” Courtney-Perkins said.
“I think it just makes the derby more exciting and should add to the spectacle.”
Reflecting on his limited opportunities under Talay, Courtney-Perkins admitted it had been a difficult period but was determined to look forward rather than dwell on the past.
“Obviously last year was frustrating for me and not getting the sort of minutes that I thought I deserved or that I wanted,” he said.
“But, you know, that’s football and I think now it’s about focusing on my own performance and what I can do to help the team.”
The arrival of Kisnorbo proved a turning point for the Sky Blues, with the Head Coach helping guide the side to last season’s Grand Final after instilling renewed confidence within the squad.
Having now completed a full preseason under Kisnorbo, Sydney FC will be looking to build on that progress and take another step forward in the new campaign.
“When he came in, I think he really instilled belief within the group,” Courtney-Perkins said.
“After making the Grand Final and how that season ended up turning out, I think that was really positive for us, and there is a lot of belief within the group now.”
The squad has since undergone a demanding preseason, with Kisnorbo using the extended preparation period to further implement his playing style ahead of the new season.
Courtney-Perkins believes the hard work has left the Sky Blues in a strong position heading into their opening fixture.
“There’s a really great energy around the place, and we’re all ready for round one to kick off,” he said.
The clash also promises another chapter in the long-standing Sydney Derby rivalry, with both sides eager to claim early bragging rights.
Having featured in several memorable encounters against the Wanderers, Courtney-Perkins is relishing the prospect of returning to the derby stage.
“I think they’re the best games to play in,” he said.
“I’ve been a part of some pretty cool ones in my time here, and I’m looking forward to creating memories in these big games.”
The Wanderers will also welcome back winger Nicolas Milanovic, setting up another potential individual battle with Courtney-Perkins down the flank.
“We’ve had a few battles in these games in the past, and I’m really looking forward to having another one,” he said.
With a Grand Final appearance behind them and renewed belief heading into the new campaign, the Sky Blues will be determined to make their mark from the opening whistle.
Tomorrow’s derby provides an immediate opportunity to do just that, as Sydney FC look to begin the season with three points against their cross-city rivals.
