It’s the A-League’s forgotten rivalry – but Newcastle Jets skipper and one-time Mariner Nigel Boogaard wants to bring back the bite to the M1 Derby.
The Jets take on Central Coast at Hunter Stadium on Saturday afternoon in Boogaard’s first regional derby clash since joining his hometown club this season.
The M1 (formerly F3) Derby was once a highlight of the A-League calendar, but it’s lost some of its lustre following the advent of derbies in Sydney and Melbourne, along with the recent struggles of both the Jets and the Mariners.
But with Newcastle competitive once more under new coach Scott Miller and Central Coast undergoing a similar youth-led revival, Boogaard is hopeful the match can return to its former billing.
“They’ve maybe died off a little bit over the years, there’s not as much spice,” said Boogaard, who spent five seasons in Gosford before moving onto Adelaide United.
“For us it’s about restoring that pride and really bringing that passion back to that rivalry.
“For me, there’s nothing better than beating a local rival.
“Hopefully we can really give the local fans something to cheer about.”
Central Coast have the overall advantage in the M1 Derby with 13 wins to Newcastle’s nine.
Indeed, the Jets haven’t beaten the Mariners for more than three years, with their last victory coming in October 2012 at Hunter Stadium.
Boogaard was initially reluctant to use the word ‘hate’, but used it anyway to describe the relationship between the two clubs.
“You’ve got to buy into that, regardless of where you’re from or which club you’ve played for,” he said.
“I was in Adelaide, from day one, you just learn to hate Melbourne Victory. That was the rivalry.
“That’s the beauty of the players who have come in from other clubs, they’ve bought into the mentality of the Newcastle people and what the club’s trying to achieve.
“I’m sure they’ll take that pride into the game and make sure this town comes out on top.”
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