One Hyundai A-League-bound star is hoping Friday night's Westfield FFA Cup blockbuster between South Melbourne and Melbourne Knights sends him out on a high as excitement builds ahead of this fierce Melbourne Derby.
The rivalry between South and Knights is as big as ever, and on Friday night they will battle it out again in Victoria's penultimate qualifying round of the Westfield FFA Cup at Lakeside.Last time the two teams met, a 22-year-old Andy Brennan picked the ball up from 40 yards out, he attempted to thread an inch perfect ball through the Knights' defence, but his effort was cleared.
With little hesitation, the big Tasmanian picked the ball back up, played a one-two and found himself one-on-one with Knights custodian Chris May.
Brennan made no mistake, with his goal the difference in a 2-1 win to South Melbourne.
His performance was so good that he caught the eye of visiting scouts from Newcastle Jets who offered him a trial with the Hyundai A-League side, and he subsequently did enough to earn a contract.
Friday's blockbuster will be Brennan's last in a South shirt, and he's hoping to put in a similar performance.
"I really, really want to end on a high," Brennan said.
"South has done so much for me and I want to end my time here with a big win in a big game."
Both sides come into this clash off the back of wins in the league, with South particularly coming off of a 7-1 thrashing of North Geelong Warriors, while the Knights had a solid win against Northcote City.
South Melbourne has picked up a 12 points out of a possible 15 in its last five games, while the Knights are undefeated in five games, but have only picked up nine points.
Friday's hosts have scored 13 goals in its last two FFA Cup games, with an 8-0 win against North Sunshine Eagles, and a 5-0 win over Whittlesea United.
The visitors haven't been as prolific, but two solid wins against Melton Phoenix and Sunbury United have brought them to this stage.
Despite the significance of the game, Brennan said it's business as usual at Lakeside.
"It's been a good week of training as usual," Brennan said.
"The boys have looked sharp in training and we're hoping to take that form into the game on Friday."
But the Tasmanian - who experienced the FFA Cup last year with South Hobart - told his side that the result will come down to two things: their attitude on the day, and luck.
"All you can do is put as much effort in as you can, and hope it all comes together," Brennan said.
"It's cup football; you have to work as hard as you can, and hope things fall into place."
Brennan will head back to Hobart on the weekend before heading to Newcastle.
Before he goes, he has one mission.
"I'm hoping we finish on a good note and I can leave South Melbourne on a good note," Brennan said.
"The players, the coaches, the people behind the scenes; they're all amazing and they deserve to be in the FFA Cup."
