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A-League grand final: stage set for a classic

AAP

AAP

Adelaide United captain Eugene Galekovic has declared no interest in A-League grand final mind games with Western Sydney, shutting down Brendon Santalab’s claim that Iacopo La Rocca has been forced to play in defence.

La Rocca was a Wanderers crowd favourite for three years before being let go as part of coach Tony Popovic’s mass off-season overhaul.

Since linking with the Reds, the Italian midfielder has been integral in central defence, prompting Wanderers striker Santalab to claim this week that coach Guillermo Amor has been playing him there against his will.

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But as the equally combustible ex-teammates prepare to clash at Adelaide Oval today, Galekovic flatly denied Santalab’s attempted swipe was true.

Iacopo La Rocca

Iacopo La Rocca (left) was a Wanderers crowd favourite. AAP

“I think he’s loving life back there,” Galekovic said.

“He been great for us defensively. I just think it’s someone trying to stir someone else up.

“It’s not working at all.”

Both the Reds and Wanderers are high on confidence ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster.

“The way we have been playing, especially the last two games against Melbourne City, if we improve every game then we’ll improve on that,” Galekovic said.

“If we play to our best, we’re pretty confident.

“And if you ask the Wanderers they will probably say the same thing – if they play to their best they are pretty confident.

“But it’s a one-off game and it’s whoever turns up.”

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