One-time Sydney FC hero Vedran Janjetovic now being called a snake

It wasn’t long ago Vedran Janjetovic was being lauded by the Sydney FC faithful.

Vedran Janjetovic makes a spectacular save for the Wanderers in the Sydney derby.

It wasn’t long ago Vedran Janjetovic was being lauded by the Sydney FC faithful, his name often sung by the club’s active and passionate supporter battalion, The Cove.

On Saturday night he learned what it’s like to be on the wrong end of their wrath following an acrimonious swap of clubs that saw him link with bitter rivals Western Sydney two weeks ago.

Just two games into a new chapter in his career, the goalkeeper played for the Wanderers against the Sky Blues in the Sydney derby at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. Having witnessed first-hand their passion and hatred for anything involved with the Wanderers, Janjetovic knew what to expect.

It didn’t help the situation that he had taken to social media following his move to Western Sydney to hit out at Sydney FC. “What happened was that five years, three of those playing every minute of every game, wasn’t good enough for some of the coaching staff,” he wrote at the time. “I wasn't wanted at the club any more, which was out of my control, I didn’t have a choice.

“Why do you think that nobody has ever commented on it ? All the questions just dodged or saying I forced their hand.”

The Sydney fans reacted predictably. Even before the match started, they were out in force displaying signs such as “Vedran the snake”.

The first half wasn’t so bad, given he was protecting the goal at the Wanderers end, but the real “fun” started in the second half when he had to defend the goal at The Cove end.

However, Janjetovic wasn’t going to let it affect him. He stared them down, smiling broadly as he walked to the goals for the start of the second 45 minutes. Even when they started throwing snakes at him, both the plastic and lolly variety — many of which landed on top of the net and hung down throughout the half — it didn’t put him off as he produced a wonderful performance that might well have even won over some of the Wanderers fans who had criticised the club for signing him.

Janjetovic was safe and assured during the 0-0 draw, making several critical saves — none better than when he was forced to backtrack before leaping to turn an Alex Wilkinson header that was goal-bound over the bar.

According to Wanderers coach Tony Popovic, there was never any concern about his mental state or that he would produce the goods against Sydney. “No. There was nothing to worry about it,” Popovic said when asked if he had to speak to Janjetovic during the week. “He was excellent, as I thought he would be. He was very assured, very calm and you saw why he is a very good goalkeeper.”

At the other end, the man who took his spot at Sydney, Danny Vukovic, was again outstanding, prompting coach Graham Arnold to lavish more praise on him. “Danny was fantastic, as he has been all season and showed again why he is the best goalkeeper in Australia,” Arnold said. “Our defence is fantastic, he is part of that and it is why we have the best defensive record in the competition.”