SOME of Ben Kantarovski's first football memories were forged playing for Broadmeadow Magic against Hamilton Olympic.
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The Newcastle Jets midfielder started with Magic in under-6s and played first grade at age 15.
"There is nothing more exciting than being able to play your local counterparts," Kantariovski said. "I played a handful of derbies for Magic including a few against against [Jets teammate] Jason Hoffman. I think he won the first one.
"I was fortunate to play with some great players at Magic and have continued to support my local club There were so many valauble things the club instilled in me over the years. You learn about discipline, structure and about the community. The knowledge you can gain, whether it is at training or off the field. Little things that you pick up by accident really and being in that environment."
The A-League celebrates its 'play football' round this weekend and it's fitting that the Jets host arch rivals Central Coast at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday.
Kantarovski made his debut for the Jets at age 16 in the heart of defence against the Mariners in round one of the 2008-09 season and has featured in 19 derbies - the most by anyone in red and blue.
"I played my first match in the A-League against the Central Coast and that fighting spirit hasn't died an inch," he said. "We will go out there on Sunday and continue that same fighting spirit and make sure we get the win."
The Jets and Mariners fill the bottom two places on the ladder and are desperate to kick-start their campaign.
The Jets have added Roy O'Donovan to the roster this week and Wes Hoolahan is in line to make a much-anticipated return from injury.
The fact it is a derby adds an edge to the contest but Kantarovski said it was vital that they stay focused.
"We go into every match with a plan and you want to be able to stick to it," he said. "There is always that little bit more in a rivalry. You want to get one up over Central Coast. At the same time, we will have our game plan and structure we stick to. In those little one-v-ones and the battles out there on the field, there will be that little bit extra desire and will to want to win. You have that in every game, but derby games are that little bit more special."
The Jets have had the wood on their bitter rivals in recent seasons, winning five of the last seven games. They fought out a 1-all stalemate in round one in Gosford.
"You tend to look at the games in front of you rather than what has happened behind you," Kantarovski said. "You really want to focus on improving each week. We have been building our performances the past few weeks. We just need to score goals.If we score the goals, we will win the game. We have shown we can defend and play football as well as any team. If we make sure we score goals, we will win the game."
