The Original Rivalry is the perfect stage for Louis D’Arrigo to make his first AAMI Park appearance for Melbourne Victory.
It was the first fixture he looked for when the schedule was released during the off-season, and for good reason, given the 24-year-old has already played in 12 of these hotly anticipated face-offs.
Until now, these appearances have always been in the colours of his hometown club, Adelaide United, where he kick-started his professional career in 2018.
But a switch from Lechia Gdansk to Victory in June has put him on the right side of a clash that this weekend’s hosts have had the better of in Isuzu UTE A-League history.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, D’Arrigo previewed the contest on Saturday, December 13, kick-off 7:35pm, which is extra special for him.
“When I joined Melbourne Victory, this was the first game I looked at to see when we were playing Adelaide.
“It’s my first home game for the Club, and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of the home fans, and no better game to kick it off against my old team. So, I’m really excited and can’t wait to get out there with the boys.
“It’s a big game, not just for us, but for our fans. We’ve had three away games, obviously, not the results that we wanted, but we feel a great excitement being back at home.”
D’Arrigo’s home debut has been delayed due to an injury suffered in pre-season, ironically sustained during a hit-out against Adelaide.
The wait has been made longer by a three-match run interstate for the A-League Men’s side, but the midfielder would rather have ticked every box than rushed into action – and this weekend’s Men’s and Women’s double header is tailor-made.
“I’m taking it one game at a time. I was feeling really good before the season started. Got through the whole 14-week pre-season, then, unfortunately, got an injury.
“But this is football, I was just trying to get my fitness back to 100% and get my consistency going. And I’m here to do whatever I can for the team and make my mark in the team.”
Watch D’Arrigo’s full press conference below.
