Central Coast Mariners coach Paul Okon has urged Football Federation Australia and Fox Sports to consider future F3 derbies for prime time Saturday night slots to kick-start the rivalry.
The competition's two regional teams are desperately trying to reignite the passion of the A-League's oldest derby and haven't played each other in the most attractive time slot for fans since March 2014. The F3 derby has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of the Melbourne and Sydney derbies in the A-League, but Okon says the tension still exists within the dressing rooms, having played for Newcastle in the second season of the A-League before joining Mariners as their coach this season.
He believes for that to filter into the stands and further into their communities, they need a push from broadcasters and the FFA to help re-create it as a strong regional rivalry.
"It will be great in the future if this derby could get a Saturday night, 7.30pm kick-off," Okon said. "That would also help to grow the derby again. Sunday afternoon 5pm kick-off, I don't think that breeds or aids the importance of the derby. I think everyone is happy that the derby now is something to play for.
"I think that's what everyone wants to get back to, those derbies at the birth of the A-League, so I think we're heading in the right direction."
The Mariners have no shortage of passion heading into Sunday's match against Newcastle, a fixture in which they've had a player sent off before half-time in their last three meetings. As the Mariners are preparing to claim their first win over their rivals in seven meetings, they know controlling their temperament and discipline will be just as important as their performance.
"I guess in derby games there's always going to be some tension and the blood is going and people are maybe going to make tackles they shouldn't make," Okon said.
As a player, Okon received one of his two red cards in an F3 derby after he was sent off for a poorly time challenge in the second season of the A-League. While that had more to do with the timing of his tackle, rather than a rush of blood to the head, the Mariners coach knows the importance this fixture has in the community.
"Everyone is looking forward to this," he said. "Many supporters said to me you can lose any game in the season, but make sure you win the derby. I think we do feel it. For the players it's a game that we want to win and I think everyone realises there is a little bit more in it in regards to our supporters. Nobody wants to let them down and with good support, I'm sure we can get three points."
The Mariners are no closer to knowing yet whether star striker Roy O'Donovan will accept a contract offer submitted to his agent.
"All I know is that the club has spoken to his agent and discussions have taken place and an offer's been made," Okon said.
