Sydney FC captain Rhyan Grant says the Sydney Derby rivalry is as fierce as ever, having played in the first ever Sydney Derby back in 2012.
The Sky Blues will kick off the A-league season against the Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night, with a familiar face in the opposition’s colours and a massive crowd adding to the occasion.
“This is one game I really do enjoy. I love the Derby games as much as any player, but this one is definitely the game that I look forward to each season,” said Grant, who has played in 36 matches against the rivals.
Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo is also relishing the challenge, with sixteen weeks of preparation behind his side ahead of one of the biggest fixtures in Australian Football.
“Obviously our pre-seasons here in Australia are quite long, and we’ve had sixteen weeks to prepare for the big game on Friday, so we’re looking forward to it,” Kisnorbo said.
For Kisnorbo, who experienced the rivalry for the first time as Sydney FC Head Coach at the end of last season, the Derby carries a history and intensity that makes it one of Australian football’s standout occasions.
“The rivalry goes back before me, and it’s people from the West of Sydney against Sydney FC, which again, is a big rivalry and both teams have a lot of passionate fans,” he said.
This season brings an added storyline with the Wanderers’ Head Coach Ufuk Talay returning to Sydney FC’s home ground for the first time since the club terminated his contract as their Head Coach in March of this year.
Having previously experienced the Derby wearing Sky Blue, his move across the city adds another layer of intrigue to Friday night’s match, with Talay staying focused on the task ahead rather than the potentially hostile reception he’ll receive from Sydney FC supporters.
“That’s all part of the game, and at the end of the day, I’m here to prepare the boys and get them performing their best,” he said.
Despite the change of colours, his appreciation for the occasion remains clear.
“The Derby is probably one of the best football occasions in the country, and it’s a great atmosphere,” he said.
“I’ve had some very joyous moments on the other side of the fence and hopefully we can do that here.”
For Sydney FC Captain Rhyan Grant, the familiar face across the touchline only adds to the narrative surrounding a fixture that he has relished throughout his career.
“I’m used to seeing him on the sidelines, so whatever colour he’s wearing, I’m sure I’ll still hear his voice screaming out,” Grant said.
“It’s obviously great for our fans to create more narrative around the game – it’s a massive game in Australian football and Australian sports.”
Grant is expecting a strong crowd and an electric atmosphere, with his advice to younger teammates who will be experiencing their first Derby is simple – embrace the occasion.
“Just making sure they know to enjoy it. I’ve heard we’ve already sold a number of bays so I’m sure it’s going to be a very good crowd and great atmosphere,” he said.
The Sky Blues Captain also believes Sydney FC’s refreshed squad has plenty to offer this season, pointing to the energy and enthusiasm of its younger players as key strengths.
“Everyone’s very enthusiastic and upbeat. Everyone wants to run with the ball and do well this season, and the new players are quite coachable,” Grant said.
With a pre-season of preparation behind them, the Sky Blues have the opportunity to put that work into practice against their biggest rivals.
For Sydney FC, the mission is clear – defend their home turf, embrace the rivalry and kick off the 2026/27 season with a win.
With a city divided, a familiar face on the opposition side and supporters from both clubs ready to bring the noise, Friday night’s match promises all the ingredients for a blockbuster Sydney Derby.
