For stuttering Melbourne Heart and Melbourne Victory, Saturday night’s A-League derby is the ultimate mind game.
So says Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton, who believes the mental boost on offer is crucial from a match he describes as “bigger than three points” and the defining game of both clubs’ seasons.
Heart have picked up just two draws in their past six matches and have slipped from second to fifth since the start of 2012.
Victory have thrown away late leads in their past two games – the latest in a 1-1 draw with bottom side Gold Coast United midweek.
Mentally, both clubs go into the derby at AAMI Park with issues, and the eighth-placed Victory can probably start planning for next year if they fail to take something from the match.
But the match also has the potential to kick-start whichever team can grab all three points, according to the veteran keeper.
“Psychologically it will propel whichever team wins to the finals, no doubt,” Bolton said.
“Both teams are not in good form, we’re not getting the results we need, and this game’s just bigger than three points.
“This derby, it’s the biggest atmosphere in the A-League at the moment.
“If you get on top in the big games, it’s like a final. You win a final, it just gives you that massive boost.”
Bolton said he was confident coach John van `t Schip’s decision this week to leave the Heart at the end of the season would not affect the players’ mindset.
He said van `t Schip would be missed because of the imprint he had made on the fledgling club, but was pleased the news was announced as soon as the coach made his decision, rather than allowed to drag on.
“I think it was just handled perfectly. From what I hear around the boys there’s no real effect – we just get on with business,” Bolton said.
The Heart are down to bare bones with their playing stocks.
Experienced midfielder Matt Thompson is out injured as is playmaker Fred.
And they are minus fullback Aziz Behich and attackers Mate Dugandzic and Jason Hoffman on Olyroos duty.
But Bolton believes it will be a classic case of whichever club wants the three points the most, will get it.
“This game’s not going to be pretty, I can guarantee you that,” Bolton said.
“The team that wants it the most, the team that’s up for the fight the most, will win.”
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The Crowd Says (8) | Page 1 of Comments
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February 2nd 2012 @ 4:54pm
pete4 said | February 2nd 2012 @ 4:54pm | Report comment
Heart have a few key players on Olyroo duty out of their starting line-up so you’d think Victory should get up here
February 2nd 2012 @ 5:00pm
The Cattery said | February 2nd 2012 @ 5:00pm | Report comment
My general theme for my pre-match review this Sat is that the time for the Victory to strike is now, otherwise, forget about it.
February 3rd 2012 @ 8:03am
C'monJETS said | February 3rd 2012 @ 8:03am | Report comment
as a neutral, I can t wait for this match, the atmosphere is brilliant as two sets of supporters bring down the house. I flew my family down from Newy for the last game….sensational stuff Melbourne fans, sensational…
February 3rd 2012 @ 9:15am
TomC said | February 3rd 2012 @ 9:15am | Report comment
I always love the derbies, but I think both teams need to start thinking about 2012/13. The top four are looking pretty set and regardless of the result on Saturday I can’t see either team making the GF from here. Which is a real shame. Two of the most entertaining sides going around.
February 3rd 2012 @ 11:09am
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 3rd 2012 @ 11:09am | Report comment
Yet another big game involving MVFC – is there any week when MVFC is not involved in a big game? And, I’m sure, this is the week we turn things around … if not, then, it must be next week!
Got my tickets and pre-game beers on Swan St should get us in the mood; and post-game beers will allow us to dissect the game and wonder why the ref made so many blatant errors!
February 3rd 2012 @ 11:43am
Clayts said | February 3rd 2012 @ 11:43am | Report comment
Fuss,
Yes another big game involving MVFC. Most of them have been “big” because of how poorly MVC have been playing, no?
If they were on top like most of the experts predicted, their games wouldn’t be “big” anymore. Kinda like when the Mariners play atm.
If Victory don’t beat the Heart’s reserves this week, there will be pandemonium. If Heart manage to win, they’ll play finals I’d suggest
February 3rd 2012 @ 11:53am
Fussball ist unser leben said | February 3rd 2012 @ 11:53am | Report comment
Clayts
You’re kidding aren’t you?
MVFC has had 20k+ people at its last 2 home games … and, we’re playing rubbish football and sitting near the bottom of the table.
If MVFC were in the position that CCM currently finds itself, the media hype would be enormous every week and AAMI Park would be sold out every week.
But, yes, it’s time for MVFC to step up – but we’ve said the same thing for the past 10 weeks.
MHT have the worst record in the HAL for the past 6 weeks, even worse than bottom team GCU, so finals are still a dream for them.
February 3rd 2012 @ 1:25pm
TomC said | February 3rd 2012 @ 1:25pm | Report comment
Sometimes, the knots that anti-MV fans have to tie themselves into just boggle the mind.
The games are bigger because of how poorly MV are playing? Just…wow.