For Sydney FC’s newest defender Ryan McGowan, there’ll be a couple of footballing firsts on Saturday night as he takes to the field for the #SydneyDerby at Bankwest Stadium.
For Sydney FC’s newest defender Ryan McGowan, there’ll be a couple of footballing firsts on Saturday night as he takes to the field for the #SydneyDerby at Bankwest Stadium.
McGowan has revealed that he will line-up against his brother, Dylan, for the very first time competitively in the clash, in what will also be his first taste of the cross-town rivalry in the harbour city.
Despite playing together for Scottish Premier League Club Heart of Midlothian in 2010, the pair will finally face-off on Australian football’s biggest stage at Bankwest Stadium, after more than 10 years of professional football.
“This will be the first time we’re playing against each other, believe it or not,” McGowan said.
“I don’t think there will be anyone else out on the pitch that would want to win more than us two.
“There’s bragging rights up for grabs but I hope we both play well and I finish out on top.”
McGowan is excited to play in the fixture and believes it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I think it’s working out perfectly. It’s a top of the table clash with both teams having two good wins and are now full of confidence,” he said.
“Especially it being the first derby in the new stadium, it’s going to be a cracking game.
“The mindset is good, it would be a great marker for the year to start off with three wins with one of them being against your rivals.”
Despite all the hype of the local derby, McGowan is focused on a successful team performance and wants to ensure his side plays well.
“I’ve played in plenty of these games before and most of the time it’s not about the occasion, it’s actually playing your football,” he said.
“But saying that, it is the derby and if you’re not out for a battle you may not come away with the win.”
The Sky Blues take on Western Sydney Wanderers this Saturday 26th October at Bankwest Stadium (kick off 7:30pm). Watch on Fox Sports 505 of follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for live updates from the clash.
