Melbourne Victory winger Marco Rojas is relishing the build-up to Sunday’s Hyundai A-League Semi Final as he aims to qualify for his maiden Grand Final and – potentially – lift his first piece of club silverware.
Rojas will play in just his second Semi Final when Victory hosts Brisbane Roar this weekend, with the New Zealand international having suffered defeat to Central Coast Mariners at this stage in 2013.
While the 25-year-old is remembered by many as a success in the Hyundai A-League – Rojas won the Johnny Warren Medal as the competition’s best player at the age of 21 – he reminded reporters on Thursday of the importance of savouring these moments.
“It’s not often that you get to play in games like this,” Rojas said.
“I’ve only played in one Semi Final since I’ve been playing in the A-League, and to get another chance and to do that at home is something I’m very much looking forward to.”
Rojas has only played three previous Finals Series games – two with Victory and one with Wellington Phoenix – and has been on the losing side twice.
The Kiwi is eager to overcome Brisbane at AAMI Park so he can have a shot at lifting the Hyundai A-League Championship trophy.
“I’ve only won one tournament and that was with the national team – the (2016 Oceania) Nations Cup – so in my club career I haven’t been lucky enough to win anything yet,” he said.
“So for me, it’s a very important couple of weeks and I’m looking forward to it.”
Victory had a rest last week as Roar defeated Western Sydney Wanderers on penalties in its Elimination Final.
Brisbane then travelled to Thailand this week for an AFC Champions League game, but while Victory duo James Troisi and James Donachie suggested Roar players may be tired earlier this week, Rojas argued playing in the Finals Series can effectively wash away fatigue.
“It’s totally different to the (regular) season,” he said.
“Everyone knows that it’s elimination, you give everything you’ve got to win the game otherwise that’s it.
“So I doubt that will be much of a problem for them (Brisbane) for what’s on the line.”
Tickets for Victory’s Semi Final against Brisbane at AAMI Park on Sunday are available here.
