Jordan Elsey insists Adelaide United will not be intimidated by Melbourne Victory ahead of Friday night’s Original Rivalry clash at Adelaide Oval.
The Victory have started the campaign with back-to-back home defeats and Elsey is anticipating a fired-up Melbourne outfit.
“They’re going to come out strong and it being Melbourne Victory verse Adelaide United at Adelaide Oval, I expect the first 10 minutes to be very intense,” he said.
“And a tough game for us and for them which will be good and we are looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd at Adelaide Oval.
“We’ve packed it once, I hope we can pack it again it was the best atmosphere I’ve played in front of.”
A South Aussie like @JordanElsey1 expects a lot out of a battle with Victory. And why shouldn't he?!
? Be there: https://t.co/0T2fTT2TXW pic.twitter.com/zmjZfIURZ9
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) October 16, 2017
Elsey said he is expecting a physical encounter, but warned Adelaide will not yield to any of the tactics Kevin Muscat’s side may throw at them.
“We are not intimidated by any other team,” he affirmed.
“We are not going to let them push us around that’s for sure.
“We are not going to be pushed around on the pitch and I speak for everyone, everyone fights for the ball.
“At training doesn’t matter if it’s training or a game we are up for a challenge.”
Contrastingly, the Reds are unbeaten and have collected four points from the opening two rounds, most recently prevailing 2-1 in dramatic fashion away to Brisbane Roar at the weekend.
It was the 23-year-old’s first Hyundai A-League start since Round 23 of the 2015/16 campaign.
Elsey missed the entirety of last season after suffering a second anterior cruciate ligament injury during pre-season.
Our boys enjoyed a different view of @TheAdelaideOval ahead of the #ADLvMVC clash this Friday. #AUFC
? BE THERE: https://t.co/0T2fTT2TXW pic.twitter.com/qJQeacFS9l
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) October 16, 2017
However, the young defender is back fitter and stronger than ever, featuring in every minute of the Reds’ Westfield FFA Cup run as well as replacing the injured Taylor Regan in Wellington.
“Personally for me, me being out for a while this is the fittest I’ve felt,” he said.
“I can speak for a few other boys as well it’s the fittest they’ve felt.
“And like I said before it’s not the length of training or the amount of sessions, it’s how hard we are working during the session.”
Elsey also said the new members in the squad not familiar with the rivalry are fully aware of the magnitude of such a match.
“Obviously we have talked about it in the change room and they know what to expect,” he continued.
“We have played them in the FFA Cup which is similar and the expectation is to win, like any other game.
“We are focusing on ourselves as usual and not worrying too much about Melbourne Victory.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne Victory in Round 3 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Friday, 20 October at Adelaide Oval. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
