'Football is crazy': Bruno's unique path to derby final

There were few players more synonymous with Melbourne City than their former captain.

But after a stint at Perth Glory, Fornaroli followed Tony Popovic to Melbourne Victory, where the striker became a fan favourite.

Without getting ahead of himself, the 37-year-old hopes the stars are aligning ahead of Saturday's decider.

"I always say that football is crazy and it gives you these moments and these opportunities," Fornaroli told AAP.

"To play against City, the club that opened the door of the country to me will be so special.

"But look, I play for Melbourne Victory. I'm so happy here. I feel like it's my family.

"It would be so special to win this trophy in AAMI Park, in front of fans against my old team. It would be crazy and amazing."

Fornaroli is one of the A-League's greatest ever imports.

He scored 48 goals in 70 league games for City, then 34 for Perth and 30 for Victory.

"He's been absolutely amazing," Victory great Archie Thompson told AAP.

"You'd have to say that he's right up there."

But one thing still eludes the wonderful Uruguayan-Australian striker: a championship.

It's not been easy for Fornaroli this season.

He was frozen out by Patrick Kisnorbo and even under Arthur Diles has had to jostle with Nikos Vergos and Jing Reec for game time.

But it was all worth it when he scored an emotional winner over Auckland to put Victory into the decider.

"I worked hard, so hard," he said.

"This year was difficult for me, but I always believe in the football gods and in some moment, football will pay you back what you give.

"That's what I believe in. That's what I did - tried to help my teammates with everything I can, and I kept myself prepared for this moment, and this is what happened last week.

"It's like, finally, I get rewarded for everything I got through. Football pays."

Thompson can't believe how Fornaroli has carried himself.

"His character and the integrity of the man throughout this season has been unbelievable," Thompson says.

"There's been a number of times where you look at what's going on, and I put myself in his shoes, and I'd think 'I'm out'. I'd probably lose it and find it very hard to be or stay professional."

Diles believes Fornaroli's goal was a testament to his mentality and strength.

"It's not easy sometimes not playing, especially when you're Bruno Fornaroli," Diles told AAP.

"I'm sure there's many times this year where he's cursed me and hated me and wanted to kill me.

'That's fine. I'm happy for that. In the end, there's always been a mutual respect."

Fornaroli is well aware his name is in the transfer rumour mill, and adamant he has more to give beyond this season - wherever that is.

But first, he's going to give Diles everything on Saturday.

"He was the guy who said to me in January 'don't leave, stay - you will be important for us.' This is why I stayed," Fornaroli said.

"We have a job to do on the weekend. And I hope that we can do it together."

Australian Associated Press