Star’s equal to the task
Vidosic keen to play in derby
MELBOURNE City forward Dario Vidosic has had plenty of big moments in a club career spanning six countries and two World Cups as a Socceroo. But it’s his most recent A-League goal that will remain a cherished memory both for the result and for his family. Vidosic headed a late equaliser in the Christmas derby against Victory, cancelling out Ola Toivonen’s opener in the 92nd minute to delight the City faithful at a packed AAMI Park. “On nights like that when it’s a full stadium, the atmosphere from both sets of fans was incredible,” he said. “When I put it away, that euphoria of a last minute equaliser for everyone is unreal.
“We would have loved to have won that game and I’d trade that goal to have won it … but it was a special moment for me because I dedicated it to my unborn daughter.
“She was born on January 26 … my wife said get a goal for me and the kids and it was great to do it,” Vidosic said.
“Now she’s in this world and I’d love to dedicate another one to Nina on Saturday.”
Vidosic will come into contention for this weekend’s derby across town at Marvel Stadium.
A hip injury in warm-up has restricted the 31-year-old to less than an hour football in City’s past eight games but Vidosic has declared himself ready to start again.
Harrison Delbridge, a second-half withdrawal in City’s last-out 3-1 loss to Newcastle, is the only player Warren Joyce won’t be able to call on in Saturday’s showpiece.
With just a single point to City’s name in the past four matches, the pressure is growing on Joyce, who is out-ofcontract at season’s end.
Vidosic said the players remained fully supportive of their coach.
“When players or coaches are off-contract there can be talk but I didn’t even know there was any,” he said.
“We’re all looking forward to the derby. It’s a special game not just for City and Victory fans but all fans.
“As the cliche goes it’s only three points but there is more meaning to it.
“We know we haven’t been in the best run of form lately. We came off a poor result on the weekend.
“We’re preparing for finals and to come into them playing our best football … (the derby is) a great chance, a great platform to perform.”