Adelaide Shores Football Centre hosts the highly anticipated derby between West Adelaide and Adelaide City this Friday 21 February at the Launch of the 2014 SA National Premier Leagues Season.

West Adelaide Chairman Alex Alexandrou is counting the hours until the night.

“Growing up as a West Adelaide supporter from 5 years old, attending every derby, I would dream about the games the night before. I have that feeling again. I don’t know how I will sleep on Thursday.

“It is a game that means more than 3 points. If you beat Adelaide City, you can enjoy it for the year.”

West Adelaide Head Coach Ross Aloisi is also eager for the match.

“We are definitely looking forward to the game, the first of the Season. It is the first time we have played Adelaide City for 15 years.

“We are looking forward to the huge crowd that we are expecting to come out and support both sides. It will probably be one of the biggest crowds seen at a Premier League game, excluding Finals, in the past 15-20 years.

“We are playing one of the most, if not the most successful clubs in the state. It is exciting for the players and the fans.”

Adelaide City was to play Raiders in Round 1 of the Coca-Cola Federation Cup on Saturday however due to pitch conditions following heavy rain fall, the Croatian Sports Centre was deemed unplayable. 

Adelaide City Head Coach Damian Mori is looking forward to Friday night’s match however feels Saturday’s postponed game has left his side at a slight disadvantage.

“We are looking forward to it. It is an old rivalry that is starting again and it is good for the game.

“We would have liked to have played on the weekend so we are a bit short of game time. West Adelaide has made some big signings and they have a bit of experience so we may come in a little under done.”

Adelaide City attacking midfielder Nicholas Bucco told that along with the derby, the side that finished in third place in the 2013 SA NPL Season is looking forward to using the new facility at West Beach.

“We have prepared well. The week off due to the postponement didn’t help however. We wanted to get the first game out of the way. Though having said that we are fresh and are raring to go.

“We have trained at Adelaide Shores to get a feel for the pitch and are looking forward to playing a full game on it. It will be a massive night.”

Prior to the Round 1 Senior Men’s fixture a West Adelaide v Adelaide Legends game will be played at 6:30pm between a number of notable past players.

Gates open 6:00pm with spectators encouraged to arrive early to avoid missing out on access to the venue. 

West Adelaide v Adelaide City kicks-off at 7:45pm.

Adults $10, Concession $5, Under 16 Free