Nick Ansell is only a small handful of players to have directly crossed the divide from Melbourne Victory to Adelaide United.
On Saturday night at Coopers he will experience his first Original Rivalry as a Red.
The 27-year-old is no stranger to this fixture – having spent three separate stints with the Boys in Blue – and is well aware of the hostility and resentment shared between the two proud clubs.
“It’s exciting, I’m looking forward to the game on the weekend,” Ansell admitted to AUFC Media at Jackson Square following a team photo wearing Oscar Hunt suits.
“We’ll prepare well this week and we’ll just concentrate on what we need to do.
“It should be a really exciting atmosphere. I played here a few times before then and it’s been electric in the stadium, so I can’t wait to go out there and play for the Red fans.”
Ansell said it will be a unique experience being on the other side of rivalry but was looking forward seeing Reds fans supporting him this time around.
“I think it will be amazing,” the centre-back claimed.
“They were normally booing me from the other side, but now they’ll be cheering for me.
“So I’m really looking forward to that and can’t wait to get out there.”
Victory suffered a 3-0 loss at home to Perth Glory but were reduced to 10 men with the score locked at 0-0.
He believed despite the result, Victory will be a very tough test.
“It’s always a massive game against Victory and form goes out the window,” he said.
Ansell also spoke about how he is enjoying his time in the City of Churches.
“I’ve really loved it,” he revealed.
“The Club’s been really welcoming, all the boys and the culture they have at this Club is amazing and I’ve really felt that from day one.
“So I’ve been loving my time here and can’t wait to see what happens in the future.”
Match details:
Saturday, 11 December vs Melbourne Victory
Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22 – Round 4
Kick-off 7.15pm ACDT
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Broadcast: Network 10
Stream: Paramount+
