We are four weeks away from embarking on yet another A-League finals series and no doubt most are looking ahead with feverish excitement.
It is that time of year when teams make their statement as they look to build momentum for what will hopefully be a title charge. It is something Melbourne Victory fans have been used to over the years, as they have been able to witness some of the finest sides to have played in A-League history march towards the trophy – that the fans have affectionately compared to a lavatory seat.
Who could forget the side from season two that ran roughshod over Adelaide United in a 6-0 grand final thrashing, courtesy of a five-goal haul from club legend Archie Thompson? Or even last season’s side, which made Sydney FC look second-rate on the biggest day of the A-League season as they cruised to a 3-0 win.
One has to ask though – what is happening down at the Victory this year? Kevin Muscat and his men seem to be stalling at a time when they are usually primed and ready to extend their rightfully earned mantle as the most successful club in A-League history. The three-times A-League champions currently sit in sixth position and are nervously looking over their shoulder at the chasing pack, rather than preparing and beginning to focus on the finals series.
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There can be no doubt that the Asian Champions League is taking some of the edge off the side when it comes back to domestic duties. The Victory were sloppy a few weeks ago against a poor Mariners outfit but still managed to get the job done over the already confirmed wooden spooners in a match that will not live long in the memory. Kevin Muscat’s men played four days earlier in Japan before the win over the Mariners and it showed. The team looked lethargic and played well within themselves, but had an early Besart Berisha strike and a stoppage time Fahid Ben Khalfallah effort to thank for escaping Gosford with the points.
It appeared that the cumulative effect of the travel from Osaka back to Australia had taken its toll on the current A-League champions. What certainly did not help the side was yet another flight up to Brisbane to tackle the Roar last weekend. Victory had nowhere to hide against a side well in the mix to take their title as they were smashed 5-0 in the sort of result that can knock the confidence put of even the best outfits.
The champions have also since played out a 0-0 draw against Suwon Bluewings at home in the ACL and by the time they play the desperate Newcastle Jets on Sunday afternoon, that will be six matches in 23 days. They will have only won once in their last five games and will face a team with everything on the line, as only a win will do for the Jets as they cling to the faintest of playoff chances.
Sunday’s visitors currently sit seven points adrift of the Victory in eighth place and while it will be extremely difficult for the Jets to feature after round 27, those inside the club refuse to believe it. Goalkeeper Mark Birighitti has been vocal in the local Newcastle press, saying that his side has nothing to fear and that it is clearly focused on the finals goal.
He told the Newcastle Herald on Tuesday, “It’s probably a good time to play them (Victory). They are vulnerable. There are certain areas in their game where we can hurt them.”
If the Jets could pull off the upset then it would make the race for the top six wide open again, especially with fellow ACL contenders Sydney FC facing the Mariners this Saturday afternoon. Sydney will also have to deal with the effects of travel but will head to Central Coast Stadium boosted after a surprise 1-0 win over Pohang Steelers in Korea. Graham Arnold’s side became only the third team in ACL history to win at ‘the Steelyard’ and the confidence gained should lead to a win against the Mariners.
Victory could head into the Newcastle game clinging to their position in the finals on goal difference and playing an opponent confident of breathing life into their own finals aspirations. Muscat and his men are probably wishing they already had their position in the six wrapped up. If they aren’t careful, they may not even get a chance to play in the finals, let alone the opportunity to add to their rich, title-winning history. That would be something completely different for the Victory and their fans to try and get used to.
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