For Bart Vriends, football has taken him to some big stages across Europe.
Big crowds. Big rivalries. Big moments.
But as the experienced Dutch defender prepares for Friday night’s Semi-Final second leg against Auckland FC, he can already feel something special building around Coopers Stadium.
And he believes the atmosphere awaiting the Reds could rival some of the biggest matches of his career.
“I can feel in every sense around the club that this Friday is going to be special,” Vriends said.
“This is arguably the biggest game Adelaide has played in recent years, so I’m more than thrilled to experience that once more.”
After earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Auckland last weekend, the Reds return home knowing a place in the Grand Final is now just one win away.
And with Coopers Stadium at capacity, the stage is set for one of the biggest nights Hindmarsh has seen in years.
“We’re happy with the result from Auckland,” Vriends said.
“We know we can finish it at home, where we’re usually really strong.”
The Dutchman admitted Auckland once again proved why they have been one of the competition’s toughest sides to break down this season, with their physicality, aerial strength and relentless crossing game creating another fierce Finals battle.
But Vriends believes the Reds stood up to the challenge.
“We basically matched them in every moment of the game,” he said.
“We know they’re physical, we know they come with lots of crosses and tall strikers, but the way we stood up in the second half is the way to go.”
And now, with the tie shifting back to Adelaide, confidence inside the squad continues to grow.
“I’m full of confidence for the game ahead,” Vriends said.
That confidence, however, comes with perspective.The experienced defender was quick to stress the importance of remaining humble despite United’s strong form heading into Finals.
“We’ve got to be humble, but confident,” he said.
“We need to step up and grab what’s in front of us and what’s in our hands.”
For Vriends, Friday night is also another reminder of why he came to Australia in the first place. For moments like these.
While he admitted some away crowds in Australia can feel quiet compared to Europe, Coopers Stadium has quickly become an exception.
And on Friday night, he expects it to feel even bigger.
“It will probably remind me of some of the bigger games I’ve played in my career in the Netherlands,” he said.
“We thank God we don’t have empty crowds here. We’ve got great support.”
The Reds will also welcome back Luka Jovanović from suspension, adding another major weapon ahead of the decisive second leg.
Vriends praised the young striker’s impact this season and his ability to deliver in the biggest moments.
“He’s a type of player that can score really crucial goals,” Vriends said.
“That’s what he did in Melbourne, and he’s done it many times for us.”
But no matter who starts on Friday night, the message from the Reds remains unchanged.
Attack the game. Embrace the occasion and play to win.
“It’s our philosophy,” Vriends said.
“We want to be aggressive and positive. That’s our culture.”
Now, with a full stadium waiting and a Grand Final place on the line, Bart Vriends says he’s ready to enjoy every second of it.
“I just want to go out there and have some fun.”
