While there is anything but a brotherly-like bond between Central Coast and Newcastle Jets fans, for two sets of brothers getting a result on Friday night will be all about family pride.
While there is anything but a brotherly-like bond between Central Coast and Newcastle Jets fans, for two sets of brothers getting a result on Friday night will be all about family pride.
Mariners left-back David D-Apuzzo could line up opposite his older brother Adam should the pair be selected by their respective managers, while Ahmad Elrich is poised to clash with his younger sibling and Jets defender Tarek.
“He-s a mummy-s boy and always gets Mum on his side, so I-ll probably have Dad on my side,” quipped Ahmad.
“I think they might be feeling a bit sorry for him because he finished last last season, so a few of them might jump on his bandwagon. Hopefully I can disappoint them and we can get the three points!”
And should the result on Friday finish in favour of the elder of the Elrich boys, Ahmad will have plenty of ammunition when the pair meet up again for a family function on Sunday.
“(Our sister) is getting married on Sunday so hopefully we can come away with a win and I can keep hammering him at the wedding.
“It should be a good game. It-s a local derby, they played well, and we did really well on Thursday night, so another three points to go, it-d keep us on top of the table and while I-m sure it-s going to be a fiery game, hopefully we can come out on top,” said Elrich.
While there-ll be plenty of support for both sets of brothers at Bluetongue Stadium on Friday, Elrich hopes fans turn out in force to help the Mariners make it two from two.
“It-s a local derby, and probably one of the biggest ones for the fans, so hopefully they can both get out and support their teams. (The two clubs) are only an hour away from each other, so it should be a good atmosphere.
“It-s a Friday night and hopefully people get out and support their team. It-s great to have a good atmosphere, and keep the rivalry going,” said Elrich.
And both clubs enter the match on the back of strong first up wins in Hyundai A-League 2009/10, Elrich believes the Central Coast-s 2-nil victory over defending premiers and champions Melbourne Victory will be the first of many Mariners victories in version five.
“It-s good to go in with that underdog tag. People aren-t giving us a chance but that-s good for us, because there-s no pressure on us, so we can go out and give it 110%, play the football we know we-re capable of, and come away with results.
“Hopefully (we can) fly under the radar and come finals time shock a few people, sitting hopefully in top position,” Elrich said.
The Mariners first home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season against local rival Newcastle Jets is this Friday, 14 August. Kick-off is at 8pm. Tickets are available online here or by phoning 132 849.
Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season are now available online by clicking here or by phoning 1300 767 442.
