Saturday night sees the competitive return of the Townsville-based Northern Fury - the former A-League club travelling north for their first ever North Queensland derby against the Cairns-based Far North Queensland FC.

Gareth Edds, Fury’s Head Coach and a former player with the club in the A-League, spoke enthusiastically about Fury’s return, “It’s fantastic to have the club back. The players, support staff, the club as a whole and the community are all very excited.”

“I’m very honoured and pleased to be part of Fury again. I had a great experience playing for the club and coaching is something I am truly relishing.”

“There’s a great bunch of players with great attitudes and it’s a privilege to lead them forward and hopefully we can achieve some success.”

Edds was adamant that despite the nature of the derby, his side is looking beyond just this weekend.

“We’re looking at our players to develop as the season goes on but we’ll take each game as it comes.”

“It’s going to be a good local derby and it’s going to be a very competitive game on the park – we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Edd's opposite number at Far North Queensland FC, Martin Docherty, is also eagerly anticipating Saturday night’s historic match-up, the club’s first competitive game under the FNQFC name.

“The derby adds a little bit of spice to an already great occasion. The rivalry between Townsville and Cairns is great and for this to be our first game, and to play at home, is even better.”

“It’s a very exciting time for Cairns and for football in general. There’s an opportunity for a lot of young players to experience this level of football – it’s really an opportunity too good to miss.”

However, Docherty is also keen that his side don’t get too far ahead of themselves: “We believe this is a building year for us, but within that we will certainly be competitive. We will play a style of football that we want to play, that we believe in, and we have the players to do that.”

“Admittedly, we have a young squad but we will be very competitive. Our mantra is that if the players are good enough then they are old enough.”

Docherty also holds no fears about the Barlow Park pitch’s ability to hold up under rain, “The ground drains very well. It may be heavy but it will be the same for both teams. It will be fine.”

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)