For Luka Jovanović, Friday night’s Original Rivalry isn’t just another fixture. It’s personal.
The in-form striker has scored two goals in his past two matches, but as Adelaide United prepare to face Melbourne Victory this Friday, the Adelaide local says this is the game he’s always wanted to play in – and win.
“Growing up here and supporting Adelaide, we always wanted to beat Victory,” Jovanović said.
“I think for myself, it’s obviously a very important game.”
The 20-year-old has lived the rivalry from the stands, understanding the emotion, the edge, and what it means to the Red Army. Now, he walks into it as a key figure in a side building momentum at the perfect time of the season.
“Of course it’s very fun,” he said.
“As a playing group, we understand how big this game is for us – for the table – and more importantly how big the game is for the fans.”
Jovanović’s recent form has come at an ideal moment. Two goals in two games have boosted his confidence, and like many strikers, he knows how quickly momentum can shift.
“Once you don’t score for a couple of weeks and you get that one, everything just starts falling for you,” he said.
“As a striker, scoring goals is very important – not only for me, but for the team.”
With the Reds sitting equal third and eyeing a strong run into finals, belief is growing within the group. Jovanović says the squad is beginning to fully understand the demands of the coaching staff — and that clarity is translating to performances.
“I think the boys are understanding how much the staff want us to play, which is very important,” he said.
“We all understand our roles. If one player doesn’t do their role properly, it all crumbles.
“I think now we’ve got all 11 players on the pitch – and the boys coming off the bench – understanding their jobs. That helps.”
But for Jovanović, the narrative ahead of Friday night is simple.
He’s grown up wanting to score against and beat Victory.
He understands exactly what this fixture means.
And he’s determined to make his mark on the Original Rivalry.
“That’s the plan for me,” he said.
