The best mates will be playing for Australia's biggest football club in a big-time match in their home town, in front of their friends and families.

Such a scenario is usually the stuff of childhood fantasy - but for Timpano and Giraldi, Sydney FC's A-League Preseason Cup match against Wellington Phoenix will be personal and professional milestones.

"This is something I have dreamt about, playing with a close mate of mine at a top level in Wollongong and it will become a reality," Giraldi said.

"I'm probably at the best club in Australia, this is the best bunch of players in Australia, one of the best coaches in Australia and obviously playing with my best mate, close to home." Giraldi said.

"The script couldn't have been written any better."

"It can't get any better - playing in front of our supporters and family and coming back to Wollongong that makes it a perfect scenario," Timpano said.

"We're more like brothers than friends - I treat him like a brother," Timpano said. Speaking of brothers, Dezi's younger sibling Max and Jacob's younger brother Matt will play for Fernhill in the Illawarra Premier League curtain-raiser to the A-League showcase.

Not counting last week's loss to Central Coast, tomorrow's match will be the first time Timpano and Giraldi, both 22, have played on the same team since appearing for the Australian Joeys at the Under-17 World Cup in August, 2003.

However, both are looking to their futures - Timpano is on the comeback trail after two injury-disrupted seasons and Giraldi is hoping to secure a long-term A-League home after being signed as a short-term replacement for injured striker and fellow Illawarra product Brendon Santalab.

Timpano said he was ready to reclaim his spot at the centre of Sydney FC's defence after playing a key role in the club's charge to the inaugural A-League championship.