Melbourne Victory FC
Full name | Melbourne Victory Football Club | ||
---|---|---|---|
Nickname(s) | Big V[1][2][3] Boys in Blue[4] Dark Blues[5][6][7] Victory The Vuck[8] | ||
Short name | MVFC | ||
Founded | 1 November 2004 | ||
Ground | AAMI Park | ||
Capacity | 30,050 | ||
Owner | 777 Partners | ||
Manager | Patrick Kisnorbo | ||
League | A-League Men | ||
2023–24 | 3rd of 12 | ||
Website | Club website | ||
| |||
Active departments of Melbourne Victory FC | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Melbourne Victory Football Club is an Australian professional soccer club based in Melbourne, Victoria. Competing in the country's premier men's competition, the A-League Men, under licence from Australian Professional Leagues (APL),[9] Victory entered the competition in the inaugural season as the only Victorian-based club in the newly revamped domestic Australian league.
Recognised as the second most successful club in the league to date, Victory has won four A-League Championships, three A-League Premierships, one Pre-Season Challenge Cup and two Australia Cups, the only club to have won all four domestic trophies in the modern era of Australian soccer. They have also competed in the AFC Champions League on seven occasions, most recently in 2020. Their furthest placement in the tournament was in the 2016 campaign and 2020 campaign, where they were knocked out in the Round of 16 by the eventual champion on both occasions.
The club's home ground is the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, currently known as AAMI Park for sponsorship purposes, a 30,050-seat stadium on Olympic Boulevard in Melbourne's city centre. The Victory has previously played its home matches at other stadiums throughout Melbourne and surrounding areas, including Olympic Park Stadium, Docklands Stadium and Kardinia Park.
Although Victory is supported across the whole Melbourne metropolitan area, as well as regional cities in the state, it is based primarily in the city centre. The club has rivalries with Melbourne City (the Melbourne Derby), Sydney (The Big Blue), Adelaide United (The Original Rivalry), and Western United (the Westgate Derby/the Battle of the Bridge). The club's all-time leading goalscorer is Archie Thompson, with 97 goals to his name in all competitions. Leigh Broxham has the record for most matches played, with 405 appearances for the Victory.
History
[edit]Beginning (2004–2005)
[edit]Following the demise of the National Soccer League, Australia's first national soccer first tier competition, Melbourne Victory Football Club was unveiled as Melbourne's representative of the newly established A-League, along with seven other foundation clubs on 1 November 2004. Established as an unlisted public company, inaugural chairman Geoff Lord of Belgravia Leisure Pty Ltd was the largest financial backer of the club[10] with support from other Melbourne-based business men consisting of Ron Peck, John Harris, future chief executive officer Richard Wilson, and future chairman Anthony Di Pietro. Despite a diverse range of owners of different industry backgrounds, the consortium managed to raise only $4.5 million of the $5 million budget minimum set by Football Federation Australia, thus resulting in the federation depositing the needed $500,000 to obtain the license with the condition of imposing one board member performing duties in the best interests of the federation to ensure return on investment.[11]
The inaugural manager was Ernie Merrick who had signed his former Sunshine George Cross defender Kevin Muscat to be inaugural captain, alongside marquee Archie Thompson, both of whom would become legends of the soccer club in their own right. The club's first competitive match was against Newcastle Jets on 22 July 2005 in round one of the A-League Pre-Season Challenge Cup, finishing in a 1–1 draw in Newcastle. The club's first competitive home game would also prove to be the club's first win on 30 July 2005 in a 3–0 against Perth Glory in the cup's second round at Olympic Park.[12]
Merrick Era and early glory (2005–2011)
[edit]The league's inaugural season of 2005–06 proved to be a disappointment in conclusion but also a glimpse into the glory that would follow in 2006–07 and 2008–09 seasons, with the club being first on the ladder mid-season but ultimately finishing second last.[13] Future team of the decade players Danny Allsopp, Leigh Broxham, Archie Thompson, Grant Brebner, Adrian Leijer, Rodrigo Vargas, Michael Theoklitos under captain Kevin Muscat and manager Ernie Merrick would achieve glory in winning its first league premiership and championship in the 2006–07 season, qualifying for its inaugural AFC Champions League. Archie Thompson in A-League history is synonymous with the glory of famously scoring the first five goals in the 6–0 grand final win over Adelaide United in front of a current record crowd for a grand final of 55'436 at Docklands Stadium.[14][15] The heavy defeat for Adelaide as well as an altercation between Muscat and manager John Kosmina earlier in the season[16][17][18][19] is culturally seen as the beginning of the rivalry,[20][21] earning the nicknames 'the cross-border rivalry'[22] and 'the original rivalry'.[23]
The 2007–08 season proved to be another disappointment with Victory narrowly missing the finals.[24] Hindered by multiple injuries throughout the season and the inexperience of time & energy management whilst trying to compete in the club's inaugural AFC Champions League campaign of 2008 at full strength, Melbourne narrowly missed the finals but the season did bring long term positives. The acquisition of future team of the decade players Carlos Hernández, Matthew Kemp, and Tom Pondeljak would ensure on-field strength for next three seasons. The 2008–09 season brought more success for the club in achieving its first treble. The last A-League Pre-Season Challenge Cup of 2008,[25] finishing top of the ladder as premiers resulting in qualifying a second time in the AFC Champions League for the 2010 campaign, and being crowned champions after defeating Adelaide United a second time in a grand final in front of a crowd of 53,273, which as of January 2019, is still the second largest attendance for an A-League grand final behind the 2007 final.[26] The 2009–10 season saw Victory be serious competitors for first position but would ultimately and narrowly finish behind Sydney FC, whom Victory would lose 2–4 on penalties in the grand final weeks later. It would prove to be the last grand final for manager Ernie Merrick and for Kevin Muscat as captain, with Victory finishing fifth for the 2010–11 season, and losing to Gold Coast in first round of the finals.
Exit Lord, enter Di Pietro, and the rebuild (2011–2013)
[edit]The conclusion of the 2010–11 A-League season saw inaugural president Geoff Lord resign from the club, hailing from the success of two championships, two premierships and the last pre-season challenge cup. Fruit and vegetable heavyweight and shareholder Anthony Di Pietro became the second president in the club's history, hired internally after being an inaugural director alongside Lord from the beginning. Di Pietro was also an occasional stand-in president when Lord was unable to perform duties due to illness on multiple occasions in 2011, making his first public speech ever being stand in chairman at the time during a Victory in Business luncheon at the Crown Palladium Ballroom. Along with the resignation of Lord, inaugural chief executive officer Geoff Miles also resigned from the club, with mortgage firm businessman, shareholder and inaugural director Richard Wilson being hired internally prior to the 2011–12 season alongside Di Pietro. Ernie Merrick would depart as coach after Di Pietro & Wilson quickly sacked Merrick following multiple missed targets both on & off the field, with the 5–1 loss to Gamba Osaka in the 2011 AFC Champions League campaign being the last straw.[27]Merrick would be replaced by Mehmet Duraković[28] and later Jim Magilton[29] for the 2011–12 season.
[30][31][32] Kevin Muscat had announced during the respective season that he would retire as a player, and immediately became an assistant coach replacing Aaron Healy. Along with Merrick & Healy's departures would be inaugural director of football Gary Cole, and would be replaced by former team South Melbourne and Socceroo teammate, Francis Awaritefe.[33]
The two new-coming executives famously won the race against Sydney FC and other soccer clubs world-wide to sign Socceroos hero Harry Kewell to the club, being declared at the time 'the biggest signing in the history of Australian sport' at the time.[34] With much anticipation for the lead up to the 2011–12 A-League season, the season proved to be a disappointment in missing the finals for the time third in the club's history. Multiple aged players, a less experienced revamped coaching team led by Mehmet Durakovic who was promoted by default that would later be replaced mid-season by Jim Magilton, and a high maintenance Harry Kewell[35][36] all contributed to the team falling short on multiple match day results. Late in the season, Magilton would sign future team of the decade players Mark Milligan and Adama Traoré. Durakovic's unsung legacy on the club would be the signing of then nineteen year-old Lawrence Thomas, who would later win multiple championships with the club under Kevin Muscat. Despite the disappointment, the lessons were learned and the club would have its most improved season to date as of 2019, finishing third in the 2012–13 season from eighth in the season prior, narrowly losing the preliminary final to premiers and eventual champions Central Coast Mariners 0–1.[37] The season started with a major sense of optimism by signing by multiple Brisbane Roar and National Soccer League premiership and championship-winning coach Ange Postecoglou on a three-year deal,[38] revamping the playing squad with the departure of fourteen players and the signings of fifteen players, including Gui Finkler and Nathan Coe who would achieve multiple club and personal accolades respectively in their own rite in the years to come.
Coaching Disruptions (2013–14 season)
[edit]Prior to the season, coach Ange Postecoglou had just begun the second year of his three-year contract with the club, but had also been cited as a possible replacement for departing Australian national team coach Holger Osieck, in the lead-up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. This possibility became a reality the day before the round three clash against Postecoglou's former club Brisbane Roar on 25 October, which was his last match in charge.[39] Victory were denied a compensation claim of one million Australian dollars for the early departure.[40][41][42]
Muscat era and glory again (2013–2019)
[edit]The era of Kevin Muscat becoming the first former player and captain to become manager began sooner than anticipated, but it would be an era that would restore the former early glory of Australia's biggest association football club. The era officially began following the untimely departure of Ange Postecoglou in round four of the 2013–14 season on 4 November 2013, in a 3–2 home victory over Wellington Phoenix at Docklands Stadium.[43] Future grand final winners James Troisi, Kosta Barbarouses and Rashid Mahazi were signed to the club and would help strengthen the playing squad in the years to come. Muscat's first season would end in both heartbreak and controversy as Victory were denied obvious penalty decisions in the last minutes of both the A-League finals clash against Brisbane Roar,[44][45] and in the last group stage clash against Jeonbuk in the 2014 AFC Champions League,[46][47][48] when in both games one extra goal was needed to win. Both controversial moments occurred only days in between each other, resulting in Muscat heavily criticizing referees in general.[49]
The 2014–15 season saw a major recruiting drive in the signings of Besart Berisha, Carl Valeri, Daniel Georgievski, Fahid Ben Khalfallah and Mathieu Delpierre, who would all go onto achieve multiple personal and club accolades respectively. Late in the season on 28 March 2015, the club announced its team of the decade at the Crown palladium ballroom[50][51] with five of the announced players still contracted to victory at the time, with then coach Kevin Muscat also being listed. This time of the season also saw captaincy of the club change with Adrian Leijer departing the Victory for Chinese Super League club Chongqing Lifan on an undisclosed transfer for a major salary increase,[52] with teammate Mark Milligan becoming interim captain for the remainder of the season.[53] After a six-year wait, Victory would finish first on the ladder[54] and would later defeat Sydney FC 3–0 in the grand final.[55] Team of the decade substitute goalkeeper Nathan Coe, who would miss the grand final due to injury announced his retirement shortly after the achievement.
The next two seasons were of mixed results, but the squad would remain competitive and be rewarded. The 2015–16 season was of mixed results in the A-League, but the squad would win the 2015 FFA Cup, and for the first time in the club's history, would progress to the round of sixteen in the Asian Champions League. Captain and marquee[56] Mark Milligan departed the club during the preseason[57] and was replaced by 2014 World Cup teammate Oliver Bozanic, with Carl Valeri given the captaincy role. Defender Thomas Deng would be promoted from the youth squad and feature occasionally throughout the season. Veterans Mathieu Delpierre and Archie Thompson retired at the season's conclusion and Deng would be loaned to Jong PSV, but the season would be mostly remembered for newly promoted captain Carl Valeri contracting a brain inflammation in December 2015,[58][59] but would later return in the finals. The 2016–17 season saw an improvement in results in the A-League, with the squad finishing second on the ladder, ultimately losing in what was a demoralising defeat in the grand final to their superior rivals and premiers Sydney FC, making both clubs equal in premierships and championships. The season saw the returns of James Troisi and team of the decade winger Marco Rojas. Defender James Donachie joined from Brisbane Roar, and the club's youth squad would promote Christian Theoharous and Stefan Nigro.
The 2017–18 season ended in glory but would see multiple difficulties in the lead up to the finals. In the preseason, 2017 grand final Johnny Warren medalist Daniel Georgievski departed the club willfully, with Marco Rojas and Nick Ansell both being sold. Rhys Williams and Leroy George signed in the preseason and would prove to be crucial players. With mixed results throughout the season, coach Kevin Muscat was criticised for his 'stale' game plan.[60][61] Mid-season, captain Mark Milligan and defender Jason Geria would both be sold, and Terry Antonis would join the club on a two-and-a-half-year deal. Despite pressure, the squad gained form towards the end of the season despite losing to premiers Sydney FC away at Sydney Football Stadium in the last round and finished fourth.[62] Victory would beat Adelaide United in the elimination final 2–1, led by future coach Marco Kurz at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, to then face Sydney FC in the semi-final away. In the lead up to the clash, Sydney captain Alex Brosque told the Sydney Morning Herald when asked regarding the reverse fixture with victory that "I know they'll be thinking about it as much as they'll try to forget about it." also stating that "It gives us a lot of confidence and psychologically I'm sure it will be playing on their minds,".[63] In the warm up of the game, crucial defender Rhys Williams suffered an ankle injury that would rule him out of the game and the grand final if Victory would win.[64] The Victory as underdogs would beat Sydney 3–2 in extra time, with victory physically scoring all five goals, with own goals by Stefan Nigro and Terry Antonis. Despite the unfortunate error, Nigro's efforts in the match being a late replacement for the injured Williams would secure him a start in the grand final. Antonis, a former youth product and five seasoned player of Sydney, conceded the own goal in the last minute of regular time to bring the score to 2–2, leading to extra time. In the 117th minute, loanee teammate Kenny Athiu would pass the ball to Antonis, surviving three tackle attempts in running from the centre line to within Sydney's eighteen yard box to score the winning goal, in what would later be recognised as the club's 2017–18 goal of the season. Victory would travel to Newcastle to face second placed Newcastle Jets, led by former and inaugural Victory manager Ernie Merrick. It would be the A-League's first ever regional grand final as well as one manager versing his former player as a manager in a grand final, and would be remembered for its controversy. Victory scored the earliest ever goal in a grand final from a Leroy George free kick that would be headed into the centre of the eighteen yard box by James Donachie then scored by Kosta Barbarouses in the ninth minute. Replays had shown that Donachie was offside upon George kicking the ball, but with the views of the linesman deceived by a Newcastle defender, the goal was allowed to stand as the video assistant referee had temporarily failed.[65][66] Victory would win 1–0 against a ten men Newcastle after striker Roy O'Donovan desperately attempted to volley a high altitude ball from a free kick that infamously resulted in goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas being kicked in the face causing an altercation to follow.[67][66] The incident resulted in a ten match ban for O'Donovan going into the 2018–19 season despite an appeal. Thomas later told The Guardian that he had accepted O'Donovan's immediate apology after full-time.[68] The achievement made Victory leaders in the number of championships won by an A-League club, as well as being the first team to win a grand final after finishing fourth place in the regular season, the lowest ladder position. Weeks later, six grand final players departed the club, including Besart Berisha being sold for an undisclosed fee to Sanfrecce Hiroshima.[69]
Despite the unexpected grand final achievement, Muscat would commence a recruiting drive that would see eight players join preseason, including 2018 World Cup players and Keisuke Honda[70] and Ola Toivonen.[71] Mid-season transfers saw the undisclosed sale of Nick Ansell, and the recruitment of Elvis Kamsoba and Anthony Lesiotis, this first ever former Melbourne City player to represent Victory. Despite being more competitive than the season prior considering that Honda was sidelined more over a third of the season with injury, it would ultimately end in disappointment. The squad would finish third by one point behind the second placed and eventual champions Sydney FC, meaning that Victory would not receive direct entrance into the group stage of the 2020 AFC Champions League, but would have to enter a play-off first. The true realization of the disappointment in finishing third would be realised in the semi-final against Sydney away, who would exact revenge for their 2017–18 semi final upset in which Victory were defeated 1–6 away.[72] Despite having one more season on his contract, Muscat resigned from the club weeks later for personal reasons,[73][74] closing a fourteen-year stint at the club as a player, captain, assistant manager, and head coach.
Post-Muscat era (2019–2021)
[edit]Following Muscat's early departure, the Melbourne Victory board interviewed multiple foreign and local coaches for the senior role.[75] It was announced in late June 2019 that former Adelaide United coach Marco Kurz was signed on a two-year deal.[76] During the recruitment process, nine players departed the club, including the retirement of captain Carl Valeri who would become an office administrator for the club. Eight senior players were signed including the return of team of the decade defender Adama Traoré, and the youth academy had promoted defensive players Benjamin Carrigan and Brandon Lauton.[77] In early October, weeks before the first round of the 2019–20 season, Ola Toivonen was appointed captain.[78]
In January 2020, after just 6 months in the role Kurz was dismissed by the club. Kurz left having managed the Victory for just thirteen competitive matches, for four wins, three draws and six losses. The six defeats were the most losses the Victory had suffered after thirteen games of a season.[79] At the time of his dismissal, the Victory were sixth on the league ladder with fifteen points, their equal lowest points tally after thirteen games alongside the 2007–08 and 2011–12 seasons.[80] Assistant coach Carlos Pérez Salvachúa was appointed as caretaker manager of the Victory until the conclusion of the season.[81] However, on 30 May 2020, with 5 regular season A-League matches remaining in Melbourne Victory's season, Salvachúa departed the club to return to Europe to be closer to his family.[82] Assistant coach and former player Grant Brebner was appointed as the Victory's caretaker manager for the remainder of the season;[83] he was later appointed promoted to permanent manager on 24 August 2020.[84]
Brebner's tenure as Melbourne Victory manager coincided with the worst run of results in Melbourne Victory's history. He was sacked as head coach shortly after Victory's 7–0 loss to local rivals Melbourne City in April 2021, a result which came only a month and a half after losing 6–0 to the same team.[85] On 19 April 2021, Victory assistant coach Steve Kean was appointed as interim coach for the remainder of the 2020–21 A-League season as Victory plummeted to 12th place, becoming the first ever A-League side to finish 12th and Victory won their first ever wooden spoon.[86][87]
Popovic era (2021–present)
[edit]On 22 April 2021, the Victory announced that Tony Popovic will take over as the club's manager from the beginning of the 2021–22 season.[88] On 5 February 2022, the Victory defeated the Central Coast Mariners 2-1 at AAMI Park to win the 2021 FFA Cup, achieving Popovic's first trophy as manager of the club, as well as the Victory's second FFA Cup title.[89] This was the last edition of the competition under the FFA Cup name; from 2022, the competition will be known as the Australia Cup.[90]
In the lead up to the 2022–23 A-League Men season, the club announced the signing of former Manchester United and Portugal national team great Nani on Tuesday 12 July 2022, on a two-year contract, and was allocated the number seventeen jersey.[91] On the following Friday 15 July 2022, the club played against Manchester United at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as participant in United's 2022 pre-season tour of East Asia. Nani made his unofficial debut as substitute in front of the 74,157 spectators present, with the match finishing in 1–4 loss.[92][93][94][95][96][97]
In the lead up to the opening 2022-23 A-League round, commentator Michael Zappone stated that 'for me, they're Melbourne Victory the favourites to win the title this season.'[98]
Following the World Cup break, on 12 December 2022, preceding the Christmas Melbourne Derby fixture, the Australian Professional Leagues announced an agreement with Destination NSW that would see the 2023, 2024, and 2025 A-League Men Grand Finals hosted in Sydney, as opposed to the traditional format of being hosted by the finalist that finished higher during the regular season.[99] This announcement was met with widespread opposition from fans. A 20th minute walkout was staged by the former active groups of both clubs, Original Style Melbourne and City Terrace.[100] In the 20th minute, the match was suspended by referee Alex King as flares were thrown onto both sides of the pitch. Tom Glover threw one of a flare back into the crowd of Victory supporters, sparking a pitch invasion where Glover was struck with a metal bucket. Security, a Channel 10 Cameraman, and referee Alex King were also subject to the violence. The pitch invasion forced the Derby's abandonment in the 22nd minute (score being 1-0 to City) due to concerns with player safety.[101]
On December 18, 2022, Football Australia issued Melbourne Victory with a show cause notice, for the club to show cause on why they should not face serious sanctions for bringing the game into disrepute.[102]
On December 23, 2022, Football Australia imposed interim sanctions on Melbourne Victory while the show cause process was worked through. These sanctions included:
- No tickets sold in respect to Home matches.
- Home and away active bays will be closed.[103]
On January 9, 2023, following interim sanctions by FA which restricted active support, purchase of tickets to the general public and total North end blockage with tarps, the FA handed down the final sanctions to Melbourne Victory for the events at the Christmas Derby, after Melbourne Victory's show cause response was considered.
Football Australia found that Melbourne Victory FC brought the game into disrepute. Sanctions include:
- A total financial sanction of $550,000 AUD
- No organised seating for away fans for the remainder of the season and finals series.
- No organised home active support for the remainder of the season and finals series.
- A suspended 10 point deduction triggered if fan behaviour results in the suspension of a game, ending at the conclusion of 2025/26 A-League season.[104]
In response to the show cause determination by FA, the Club stated that they would not appeal the decision and separately stated that they were ‘committed to the disbandment of any A-League Men's active supporter groups that were recognised at the time of the incident’.[105] The Christmas Derby was resumed on Wednesday 5 April 2023 at the 21st minute, with the game ending 2-1 in favour of Melbourne City.[106]
777Partners invested into Melbourne Victory FC in October 2022.[107] In early February, Melbourne Victory's board approved 777Partners’ purchase of 70% of the club for 5 years.[108]
The first half of Melbourne Victory's 2022-23 season was the worst in the club's history. They would only pick up 12 points in 14 matches and were at the bottom of the ladder.[109]
Consequently, the Club looked to improve the squad in the January transfer window, signing Bruce Kamau, Damien Da Silva, Connor Chapman, Fernando Romero, the permanent signing of Bruno Fornaroli, and resignings of William Wilson, Matthew Bozinovski, and Ben Folami.[110]
On 23 April 2023, Michael Zappone revealed that the Melbourne Victory board had supposedly chosen not to activate a second season clause in Luis Nani's contract, meaning that the marquee player who suffered a partial ACL tear would not return to the club in season 2023-24. However, head coach Tony Popovic stated that a decision has not been made on Nani's future.[111]
Melbourne Victory completed the 2022-23 A-League Men's season with a 1-0 home loss to eventual 8th place Brisbane Roar,[112] narrowly missing out on the wooden spoon which was avoided through a 94th-minute winner by Lleyton Brooks in the previous game against eventual wooden spooners and reigning Australia Cup winners Macarthur FC.[113] Melbourne Victory finished the regular season in 11th place, condemning the club to a third bottom two finish in four years and another Australia Cup qualifier.[114]
On May 3, 2023, the club hosted its annual Victory Medal. Former Melbourne City striker Bruno Fornaroli won the Player's Player of the Year and the TAC Golden Boot. Mid season Ligue 1 import Damien Da Silva won the prestigious Victory Medal, only playing 12 games in the season, a club record. Matthew Bozinovski won the Young Player of the Year award.[115]
On May 4, 2023, following the conclusion of the 2022-23 A-League Men's season, Melbourne Victory announced the departure of first year signings Tomi Juric and 'Kadete', as well as the release of youngster Lleyton Brooks and keeper Matt Acton, who had been at the club for seven years.[116] This would add to the departures of Noah Smith, Jay Barnett, Matthew Spiranovic, and Nick D'Agostino who all departed the club during the season.[117][118][119]
On May 4, 2023, almost 5 hours after the departure of four Victory players were announced, the Club confirmed that Fabrizio Cammarata, Luciano Trani and Goalkeeper Coach, Peter Zois would not continue with the senior men's side in the 2023-24 season. The group of coaches were appointed by Tony Popovic when he joined the Club at the start of the 2021-22 season.[120]
Main Melbourne Victory fan podcast For Vucks Sake stated that, in their opinion, the 2022-23 A-League Men's season was 'the worst in the club's history'.[121]
Victory's 2023-24 season was much more successful, finishing third overall on the ladder with 10 wins and 12 draws. After beating Melbourne City in the Elimination Finals on penalties, the team then advanced to the semi-final, beating Wellington Phoenix 2-1 on aggregate, advancing to the Grand Final. With a 3-1 loss to the Central Coast Mariners, Victory finished the season as runners-up.
Colours and badge
[edit]Melbourne Victory's colours are navy blue, white and silver, which encompass the traditional state sporting colours of Victoria. The club's home kit is traditionally all-navy blue, with a white chevron design. Known colloquially as the "big V", it is a symbol associated with the Victoria Australian rules football team. The Victory's away kits have often featured a reversed colour scheme, with white shirts, shorts and socks, alongside a navy blue chevron. Grey and fluorescent yellow have both featured as away kit colours as well.
Currently, the home kit consists of a navy blue shirt with a chevron which fades from white at the bottom to navy blue at the top, paired with navy blue shorts and socks. The away kit is all white, with the shirt featuring a yoke consisting of a design reminiscent of the club's home ground AAMI Park, set inside an off-centre chevron.
A new kit was introduced for the 2008 AFC Champions League[122] due to AFC rules requiring kits to have player numbers on the front of the uniform as well as the back, which would not fit well with the 'V' on the Victory's regular kit. For the 2009–10 season, Melbourne changed their away shirt to be a reverse of their home shirt; white with a blue chevron.[123] In 2010, Melbourne wore the TAC 'seatbelt' shirt against Perth Glory in a charity event to raise awareness for the necessary use of seat belts in cars. Adidas were announced as the club's official kit manufacturer for five years[124] beginning in the 2011–12 season, after the initial deal for Reebok to supply all A-League clubs had expired. The new kits were announced via the club's YouTube channel,[125] and featured a controversial change to a fluoro yellow away shirt. For their 2013–14 kits, Melbourne Victory received backlash from supporters, as the away kits featured a much lighter blue, bearing a large resemblance to fierce rivals Sydney FC.[126]
Kit evolution
[edit]- Home
2005–2007 |
2007–2011 |
2011–2013 |
2013–2015 |
2015–2016 |
2016–2017 |
2017–2018 |
2018–2020 |
2020–2021 |
2021–2022 |
2022–2023 |
- Away
2005–2007 |
2007–2009 |
2009–2010 |
2010–2011 |
2011–2013 |
2013–2015 |
2015–2017 |
2017–2018 |
2018–2019 |
2019–2020 |
2020–2021 |
2021–2022 |
2022–2023 |
Logos
[edit]Regular logo | Reversed |
---|---|
On white backgrounds, the positive, silver-keyline version must be used. | On coloured backgrounds, the reversed, white-keyline version must be used. |
Simplified logo - white mono | Simplified logo - navy mono |
On coloured backgrounds, a simplified logo can only be used when logo size needs to appear smaller than minimum size or when working with alternative finishes ie. Foiling, embossing and embroidery. | On white backgrounds, a simplified logo can only be used when logo size needs to appear smaller than minimum size or when working with alternative finishes ie. Foiling, embossing and embroidery. |
Sponsorship
[edit]On 5 December 2005, South Korean electronics giant Samsung became the club's major sponsor in a two-year deal,[127] giving Samsung logo placement on the front and the back of Victory's home and away kits. Prior to the 2006–07 season, KFC were announced as Victory's sleeve sponsor, with their logo appearing on the sleeve of Victory's home and away kits.[128] On 28 January 2009, Samsung announced that they would not renew their sponsorship for the 2009–10 A-League season. Intralot became the Melbourne Victory's new major sponsor when they signed a two-season $2 million contract on 4 May 2009. Their logo subsequently featured on the front of Melbourne Victory's playing strip, starting from the 2009–10 season.[129] On 6 August 2010, it was announced that law firm Florin Burhala Lawyers would be Melbourne Victory's official shorts sponsor for the 2010–11 season.[130] On 1 June 2011, it was announced that human resources company Adecco Group signed a three-year deal as the club's major sponsor, replacing Intralot. As part of the deal, Adecco's logo appeared on the front of the club's playing strip.[131] Melbourne Victory announced on 16 June 2011 that they had signed a five-year deal with global sportswear giant Adidas as the club's official kit manufacturer.[124]
Period | Kit manufacturer | Shirt sponsor (front) | Shirt sponsor (back) |
---|---|---|---|
2005–09 | Reebok | Samsung | Samsung |
2009–11 | Intralot | La Ionica | |
2011–12 | Adidas | Adecco (home) EnergyWatch (away) | |
2012–14 | Adecco (home) Oliana Foods (away) | ||
2014–16 | Community Training Initiatives (home) Oliana Foods (away) | ||
2016–2017 | Optislim (home) Builders Academy (away) | ||
2017–2018 | Optislim & Optivite (home) Freestyle Foods (away) | ||
2018–2021 | Metricon | ||
2021–2022 | Macron | ||
2022–2024 | Bonza (regular season) AIA (finals) | ||
2024–present | Dulux[132] (Australia Cup)
Turkish Airlines[133] (regular season) |
AFC Competition Sponsorship
[edit]Year | Kit Manufacturer | Shirt Sponsor |
---|---|---|
2008 | Reebok | Samsung |
2010 | Care Park | |
2011 | ||
2014 | Adidas | Oliana Foods |
2016 | Greenwood Capital | |
2018 | Metricon | |
2019 | No sponsor (group stage matchweek 1 only) TCL | |
2020 | Daikin | |
2022 | Macron | Sanctum-X |
Club songs
[edit]A number of different songs have become synonymous with Melbourne Victory, being both sung by supporters and played over the PA at different moments before, during and after games.
- "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King. This is sung as the team enters the pitch prior to kick-off, with fans holding their scarves above their heads throughout.[134]
- "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes. The chorus melody is chanted as a goal celebration, with fans waving their scarves in the air as they sing. It has also been adapted as a player chant for former striker Besart Berisha.
- "Victory The Brave", a rearrangement of Scotland The Brave, penned by Jim Keays of The Masters Apprentices, with Glenn Wheatley helping to compose the song.[135] This song is played after every home win.
- "Freed from Desire" by Gala. In January 2022, Melbourne Victory ran a fan poll to choose a post-match victory song to be played after every Melbourne Victory home win;[136] Freed from Desire received the most votes in the post, becoming the post-match victory song of the club,[137] with the song played after the conclusion of Victory the Brave.
Stadiums
[edit]Melbourne Victory currently plays all of its home games at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, known as AAMI Park for sponsorship purposes.[138]
Olympic Park Stadium
[edit]The club was originally based at the 50-year-old Olympic Park Stadium, where they played all home matches during the 2005–06 A-League season. This stadium had seated areas only on the wings, with standing-room sandy terraces on the north and south ends. The average crowd during the first year was 14,158, 77% of its capacity of 18,500. As a result, the match-day atmosphere would prove to be a marketing asset not just for Melbourne Victory, but also for the rest of the league. It also proved to be a major factor in the club's decision to relocate home games to Docklands Stadium, then known as 'Telstra Dome', from the 2006–07 season onwards, for both safety reasons, and simplicity in membership and match-day attendance expansion. Despite the club permanently relocating to Docklands Stadium, the venue was still used occasionally for both the 2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons, until being permanently closed in 2009.
Docklands Stadium
[edit]On 2 September 2006, Melbourne Victory played its first ever match against Sydney FC at the 56,000 capacity Marvel Stadium in a 3–2 victory. The match proved to be a runaway success in terms of crowds, with 39,730 in attendance.[139] As a result, the club moved all but one of their home games to the ground.[140] This move to such a large stadium proved to be an outstanding success, with the Grand Final held there. The average attendance rose to 27,728 for the 2006–07 season, 10,000 above the next highest in the A-League.
During the construction of the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Marvel Stadium continued to serve as the club's only home ground until the completion of the club's new permanent home, which began hosting games from the 2010–11 A-League season. On 11 March 2016, it was announced that th club had committed to a further lease of 10 years for the continued use of limited blockbuster matches at the venue, ending at the conclusion of the 2026–27 season.[141] This agreement was mutually ended in July 2021, when the club announced it would no longer play any further home matches at Docklands Stadium and would play every future home match at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.[142]
To date, Melbourne Victory have celebrated the 2006–07 and 2008–09 premiership and championship victories at the venue. The stadium was also the permanent venue and operational base of the club during the 2008 Pre-Season Cup, although the grand final was won in Wellington, New Zealand.
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
[edit]Prior to the 2006–07 season the club had planned to move to a new $190 million stadium being built to the east of the current Olympic Park complex.[143] The new stadium was originally expected to sit approximately 20,000 spectators (expandable to 25,000) and was to be completed by 2009.[143]
These plans were revised after the Victory refused to commit to playing at such a small capacity stadium. On 23 May 2007, the club announced it had signed as a founding co-tenant of the new stadium, which would now be built to accommodate a maximum of 30,050 spectators with further renovations to 50,000 possible. However, further expansion in the near-term is unlikely as it was discovered during Australia's World Cup Bid process that to build such an expansion would be prohibitively expensive.[144]
Today, the venue is the home of the club's operations, administration, and the majority of the senior team's home matches, as well as occasional home matches of the NYL/NPL & W-League teams. The club currently holds the highest attendance of any association football (soccer) match played at the venue, and second overall for any sporting event at the venue.[145] The record was set in the 2015 A-League Grand Final on 17 May 2015, with an attendance of 29,843 witnessing Melbourne win its third title, and first at the venue in the club's history. The venue was also the place of celebration with club celebrating the 2014–15 premiership and the 2015 FFA Cup victories.
Kardinia Park
[edit]On 22 August 2007, the club played its first competitive match at Kardinia Park, then known as GMHBA Stadium, against Newcastle Jets in the 2007 Pre-Season Cup.[146]
On 15 February 2014, Melbourne Victory was forced to play at the Geelong-based stadium, in playing their Asian Champions League qualifying game against Muangthong United at Simonds Stadium due to AAMI Park and Marvel Stadium being unavailable.[147]
Prior to the start of the 2014–15 season, Melbourne Victory signed a three-year deal to play one home game a year at the venue for the 2014–15, 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons.[148] In January 2017, the deal was extended to the conclusion of the 2018–19 season.[149]
Support
[edit]Season | Members | Average H&A Attendance |
Total H&A Attendance |
Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2005–06 | 14,908 | 14,167 | 141,668 | [150] |
2006–07 | 19,235 | 27,728 | 305,011 | [151] |
2007–08 | 22,611 | 26,064 | 260,642 | [152] |
2008–09 | 21,908 | 24,516 | 269,671 | [153] |
2009–10 | 22,526 | 20,750 | 290,503 | [154] |
2010–11 | 17,642 | 15,058 | 225,875 | [155] |
2011–12 | 18,047 | 19,208 | 268,916 | [156] |
2012–13 | 18,432 | 21,885 | 306,396 | [157] |
2013–14 | 22,021 | 21,808 | 283,507 | [158] |
2014–15 | 24,200 | 25,388 | 355,436 | [159] |
2015–16 | 27,436 | 23,112 | 300,452 | [160] |
2016–17 | 26,253 | 22,008 | 308,115 | [161] |
2017–18 | 26,120 | 17,489 | 262,334 | [162] |
2018–19 | 26,306 | 20,298 | 304,463 | [163] |
2019–20 | 23,633 | 17,366 | 173,362 [a] | [164] |
2020–21 | 19,100 | 5,823 | 69,873 [a] | [165] |
2021–22 | Not published | 9,893 | 138,504 | [166] |
2022–23 | Not published | 10,124 | 131,608 | |
2023–24 | Not published | 12,227 | 158,947 |
In 2007 Melbourne Victory had the largest supporter base in Australia. Known for their extreme passion and atmosphere, the North End are the largest of the active support groups associated with Victory.[167]
In January 2011, the Victory supporting Horda group was suspected to have stolen a banner from Melbourne Heart's Yarraside active group.[168] In the following games, Horda banners were banned, which led to great protest from the Northern Terrace active members.[169]
Fans anger further escalated as they were subjected to a rising police presence at games. In response, on 2nd February 2011, the fans from the North Terrace organised a silent protest for the Melbourne Victory – Newcastle Jets match. They left the North Terrace empty, and had a banner saying "No fans no past no future – without us you are nothing NT United". The banner was later confiscated by the police.
In February 2011, Victoria Police said they were reluctant to cover Melbourne Victory games because of behaviour by fans that they claimed was unacceptable. Problems included violence, anti-social behaviour and the lighting of flares.[170][171]
On 3 January 2014, Football Federation Australia charged both Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers with bringing the game into disrepute following violent fan behaviour before and during their game on 28 December 2013.[172]
Notable supporters
[edit]- Ted Baillieu[173]
- Eddie Betts[174]
- George Calombaris[175]
- Brad Green[176]
- Denis Napthine[177]
- Laura Pausini[178]
Rivalries
[edit]- Melbourne City (Melbourne Derby): Melbourne Victory's local rival is Melbourne City, which entered the competition in the 2010–11 season (as Melbourne Heart, before the name change in 2014), becoming the 2nd club in Melbourne. The rivalry reached a whole new level when Victory skipper Kevin Muscat was red carded for a tackle on Heart player Adrian Zahra.[179] Currently six former Victory players have switched to Melbourne Heart (City), with Mate Dugandžić doing the first ever direct switch from Victory to City in 2011. Anthony Lesiotis is currently the only play to have ever gone the other way (City to Victory). In the 2020-21 A-League season, City beat Victory 6–0 at Marvel Stadium,[180] then 7–0 in the return leg at AAMI Park, with striker Jamie Maclaren scoring 5 goals in the latter, along with former Victory player Andrew Nabbout scoring the opener.[181] The 40th Melbourne Derby on 17 December 2022 was unprecedented in its volatility, with the match marred with poor crowd behaviour, including multiple flares ignited and thrown onto the pitch by supporters of both teams. In the 20th minute of the match, Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover threw back a flare sent from the crowd, sparking a pitch invasion which saw both Glover and referee Alex King assaulted by pitch invaders, and causing the match to be abandoned.[182][183][184] In response Football Australia implemented interim sanctions closing active supporter bays for both clubs for all matches up to and including 15 January 2023.[185]
- Sydney FC (The Big Blue): Sydney is considered Melbourne's major interstate rival, due to Melbourne and Sydney being Australia's two largest cities (see Melbourne-Sydney rivalry). Matches between the two teams are regularly the league's most spiteful encounters with narratives spanning from the inception of the A-League itself. Supporters from both sides cite each other as their most hated and competitive rivals due to the extensive history of the fixture while also acknowledging both their positions as the biggest teams in the league. The rivalry between the two teams first intensified beyond being just an interstate feud after Sydney beat Melbourne in the final match of the 2009–10 season to claim the A-League Premiership over the Victory by a single point. This was followed up with another Sydney triumph in the 2010 A-League Grand Final where the Sky Blues became the first team to win the league's Championship as the away team. However, in season 2014/15, Victory reversed these defeats, by first pipping Sydney to the A-League Premiership during the league season and weeks later beat them in the 2015 A-League Grand Final. In the 2016/17 grand final, Melbourne Victory succumbed to a 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to Sydney FC (losing to Sydney in a penalty shootout for the second time). Victory avenged that loss on 28 April 2018 in a semifinal encounter with their old rivals with a 117th minute extra time strike from Terry Antonis to win 3–2 on the night. Melbourne would meet Sydney in the following season again in the A-League semifinals where a rampant Sydney would deliver a devestating 6-1 humbling, marking the end of Victory club legend, Kevin Muscat's, managerial tenure.
- Adelaide United (The Original Derby / The Original Rivalry): Melbourne Victory also has a rivalry with Adelaide United. This rivalry stems from the other football codes, where the interstate rivalry is big between Victorians and South Australians (see South Australia-Victoria rivalry). There have also been altercations between sets of opposing fans in Melbourne and Adelaide. The rivalry has built up from previous encounters, when an incident between the then Adelaide United manager, John Kosmina, and Victory skipper Kevin Muscat took place during a sideline altercation during a match in the 2006–07 season,[186] and when Victory striker Ney Fabiano spat in the direction of Adelaide defender Robert Cornthwaite during Round 4 in the 2008–09 season. Fabiano was banned for nine matches; but this was reduced to six after a successful appeal.[187] Victory and Adelaide contested both the 2006–07 and 2008–09 Grand Finals, with Melbourne winning both.[188]
- Western United (The Westgate Derby / The Battle of the Bridge): Melbourne Victory has developed a rivalry with Western United, which entered the competition in the 2019–20 season, becoming the 3rd club in Melbourne.[189][190][191][192][193][194][195][196] Despite the rivalry's short existence, it has garnered a reputation for producing talking points, controversy, tension, goals and drama.[197] In the team's first meeting, in November 2019 at Marvel Stadium, Western United won 3-2 despite going 2-0 down within the first 7 minutes. In February 2021 at Marvel Stadium, despite conceding the first goal of the match and despite being reduced to 10 men for the final half-hour of the match, Western United won 4–3, with Victor Sanchez scoring in the final minute of stoppage time. For the first 5 meetings between the two teams, Western United had 4 wins and a draw. On 28 May 2021, Melbourne Victory ended their losing run against Western United in emphatic fashion, winning 6–1 at AAMI Park. Currently six former Victory players have played for Western United (four have played for the Victory senior team, two have represented the Victory's youth or NPL teams without making an appearance for the senior team).
Players
[edit]First team squad
[edit]- As of 13 August 2024[198]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Youth
[edit]- Players to have been featured in a first-team matchday squad for Melbourne Victory.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Corporate
[edit]Period | Chairman |
---|---|
2005–2011 | |
2011–2023 | |
2023– |
Melbourne Victory Football Club has been and is currently owned by unlisted public company 'Melbourne Victory Ltd', since its inception. Ownership of the holding company consists of many minor shareholders from the city of Melbourne,[199] with shareholders consisting of Premier Fresh Australia chief executive Anthony Di Pietro,[200][201][202][203] owners of Metricon and U.S. Triestina the Biasin family,[204][205] and Miami based private investment firm 777 partners.[206][207][208][209][210][211][212] Despite the diverse shareholding by local families from Melbourne to Venture Capitalists, the club is not a "for profit" business, and as such the shareholders have never taken a dividend.[213]
Prior to the establishment of the A-League Men, the newly established club struggled to raise the initial $5 million equity capital to join the League in its first season, resulting in Football Australia contributing approximately $500,000 to secure the club's position in the league, with the eventual intention to sell its stake.[214] As a result, the federation took a ten per cent holding in the club in return, as well as having a representative on the Victory board.[11] From humble beginnings, the club has become a commercial success, with the club's value increasing from 19.2 million AUD in November 2014[215] to 40 million in 2018,[216] with the most recent evaluation being 50 million AUD following the 2022 partial purhcase of the club by 777 Partners.[217]
Personnel
[edit]Current technical staff
[edit]Position | Staff |
---|---|
Director of Football | |
Football Operations Manager | |
Head Coach | |
Assistant Head Coach | |
Goalkeeping Coach | |
Strength and Conditioning Coach | |
Equipment Manager | |
Football Analysis | |
Sports Science | |
Doctor | |
Doctor | |
Head of Physiotherapy | |
Physiotherapist | |
Academy Director | |
NYL Coach | |
NYL Assistant Coach | |
NYL Development Coach | |
NYL Goalkeeping Coach | |
NYL Lead Physiotherapist | |
NYL Assistant Physiotherapist | |
Women's Head Coach |
Source: [citation needed]
Board members
[edit]- Chairman: John Dovaston
- Managing Director: Caroline Carnegie
- Director: Donald Dransfield
- Director: Carl Valeri
- Director: Kerry Anne Smith
Managerial history
[edit]Manager | Tenure | P | W | D | L | Win % | Honours | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2004–2011 | 170 | 74 | 41 | 55 | 43.53 | 2 A-League Championships 2 A-League Premierships |
||
2011–2012 | 19 | 4 | 9 | 6 | 21.05 | |||
2012 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 | Caretaker | ||
2012 | 12 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 16.67 | |||
2012–2013 | 32 | 15 | 7 | 10 | 46.88 | |||
2013–2019 | 214 | 105 | 45 | 64 | 49.07 | 2 A-League Championships 1 A-League Premiership 1 FFA Cup |
||
2019–2020 | 15 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 26.67 | |||
2020 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 33.33 | Caretaker | ||
2020–2021 | 26 | 5 | 3 | 18 | 19.23 | Caretaker then Head Coach | ||
2021 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 20.00 | Caretaker | ||
2021–2024 | 92 | 38 | 27 | 27 | 41.30 | 1 FFA Cup | ||
2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
* Italic denotes caretaker head coach.
Club captains
[edit]Honours
[edit]Domestic
[edit]A-League
[edit]- A-League Men Championship
- A-League Men Premiership
Cups
[edit]Doubles and Trebles
[edit]Notable players
[edit]- Australia
- Danny Allsopp
- Terry Antonis
- Nathan Coe
- Jason Davidson
- Thomas Deng
- Eugene Galekovic
- Harry Kewell
- Robbie Kruse
- Mitchell Langerak
- Adrian Leijer
- Mark Milligan
- Kevin Muscat
- Mitch Nichols
- Tom Pondeljak
- Simon Storey
- Michael Theo
- Lawrence Thomas
- Archie Thompson
- James Troisi
- Carl Valeri
- Leigh Broxham
- Rodrigo Vargas
- Joshua Brillante
- Nicholas D'Agostino
- Danny Vukovic
- Tom Rogić
- Albania and Kosovo
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- England
- France
- Ivory Coast
- Japan
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Scotland
- Spain
- Sweden
- Thailand
- Tunisia
Team of the decade
[edit]Season-by-season record
[edit]Season | League/Division | Tms. | Pos. s. | Pos. af. | Challenge Cup | FFA Cup / Australia Cup | AFC CL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2005–06 | A-League | 8 | 7 | DNQ | Semi-finals | NC | DNQ |
2006–07 | A-League | 8 | Premiers | Champions | Group stage | NC | DNQ |
2007–08 | A-League | 8 | 5 | DNQ | Group stage | NC | Group stage |
2008–09 | A-League | 8 | Premiers | Champions | Winners | NC | DNQ |
2009–10 | A-League | 10 | 2 | Runner's up | NC | NC | Group stage |
2010–11 | A-League | 11 | 5 | 5 | NC | NC | Group stage |
2011–12 | A-League | 10 | 8 | DNQ | NC | NC | DNQ |
2012–13 | A-League | 10 | 3 | 3 | NC | NC | DNQ |
2013–14 | A-League | 10 | 4 | 4 | NC | NC | Group stage |
2014–15 | A-League | 10 | Premiers | Champions | NC | Quarter-finals | DNQ |
2015–16 | A-League | 10 | 6 | 6 | NC | Winners | Round of 16 |
2016–17 | A-League | 10 | 2 | Runner's up | NC | Semi-finals | DNQ |
2017–18 | A-League | 10 | 4 | Champions | NC | Round of 16 | Group stage |
2018–19 | A-League | 10 | 3 | 3 | NC | Round of 16 | Group stage |
2019–20 | A-League | 11 | 10 | DNQ | NC | Round of 32 | Round of 16 |
2020–21 | A-League | 12 | 12 | DNQ | NC | Cancelled due to Covid-19 | DNQ |
2021–22 | A-League Men | 12 | 2 | SF | NC | Winners | DNPQ |
2022–23 | A-League Men | 12 | 11 | DNQ | NC | Round of 32 | DNQ |
2023–24 | A-League Men | 12 | 3 | Runner's up | NC | DNQ | DNQ |
- Key
- DNQ = Did not qualify
- DNPQ = Did not pre-qualify
- NC = Tournament not contested
- Pos. af. = Position in league during finals series
- Pos. s. = Position in league during regular season
- TBD = Tournament in progress, outcome to be determined
- Tms. = Number of teams
Continental record
[edit]See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Victory star backs Big V ahead of Big Blue". A-League. Football Federation Australia. Archived from the original on 17 April 2017. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
- ^ "Troisi's bold Big V statement". Melbourne Victory FC. Archived from the original on 17 April 2017. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
- ^ "Archie plays 200th game for Big V". Melbourne Victory FC. Archived from the original on 25 February 2017. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
- ^ "Gallery: Our boys in blue". 26 September 2016. Archived from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ "Big Blue great on field, but not so compelling as derbies now?". 26 February 2016. Archived from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ "Victory Sets Dark Blues up for Huge Sydney Clash". 28 March 2021. Archived from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ "Dark Blues' Victory Dents WSW Finals Hopes". 7 March 2021. Archived from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ Lynch, Joey (4 August 2022). "Nani not only eyes titles with Melbourne Victory, he wants to instill a champion's mentality". ESPN. Archived from the original on 25 October 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
Undoubtedly, playing in ALM for "the Vuck"...
- ^ "A-League owners to be offered far longer licences by Football Federation Australia". The Advertiser. 28 October 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
- ^ "LORD LEADS MELBOURNE TO VICTORY AS HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE TAKES SHAPE". Archived from the original on 27 May 2005. Retrieved 1 November 2004.
- ^ a b Desira, Peter (21 November 2001). "Geoff Lord and Co take control of full Victory". Herald Sun. Archived from the original on 21 March 2014. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
- ^ "The A-League Cup Competition – 2005/2006 Season results". Ozfootball.net. Archived from the original on 21 November 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Australian Soccer". Ozfootball.net. Archived from the original on 18 January 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Victory secures first Championship in style". Melbourne Victory. 15 February 2017. Archived from the original on 17 April 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "2007 A-League Playoff results". Ozfootball.net. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ Adelaide 1, Michael Lynch Melbourne 0 (16 October 2006). "Kosmina grabs a throat as well as points". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Kosmina handed four-game ban". The Sydney Morning Herald. 18 October 2006. Archived from the original on 6 October 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ Images, Getty (15 October 2006). "John Kosmina grabs the throat of Kevin Muscat during the match between Adelaide and Melbourne". ABC News. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Kosmina: I don't regret my run-in with Muscat". Sen.com.au. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ Greenwood, Rob (21 April 2018). "United and Victory the best of enemies". News.com.au. Archived from the original on 17 June 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "A-League Preview - Elimination Finals: Adelaide United to take it up to Melbourne Victory in Original Rivalry | Goal.com". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ Ganavas, Stephen (15 October 2014). "Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United: A Cross Border Rivalry -". Archived from the original on 17 May 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Biggest villains of the Original Rivalry". Adelaide United. 15 October 2017. Archived from the original on 14 April 2018. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Australian Soccer". Ozfootball.net. Archived from the original on 4 December 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "The A-League Cup Competition – 2008/2009 Season results". Ozfootball.net. Archived from the original on 18 January 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "News Display". 3 March 2011. Archived from the original on 3 March 2011.
- ^ "Sacked Merrick proud of Victory stint". Heraldsun.com.au. 14 April 2011. Archived from the original on 14 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Mehmet gets Victory nod". Hyundai A-League. 22 June 2011. Archived from the original on 5 June 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory announce Magilton as coach". ESPN.com. 7 January 2012. Archived from the original on 30 September 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Victory part ways with Merrick". 12 March 2011. Archived from the original on 14 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ Lynch, Michael (12 March 2011). "Asian failure doomed coach". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 23 January 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Victory to part ways with Merrick". The World Game.
- ^ "Duarakovic gets Victory job". Couriermail.com.au. 21 June 2011. Archived from the original on 30 September 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ Ross, Julius (1 September 2018). "🗒️ The Long Read: Harry Kewell". Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Awaritefe Axed By Melbourne Victory – Australia News – Australian FourFourTwo – The Ultimate Football Website". 24 November 2011. Archived from the original on 24 November 2011.
- ^ Lynch, Michael (24 June 2012). "Kewell was cool, but not at his best". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 23 January 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "2013 A-League Playoff results". Ozfootball.net. Archived from the original on 30 September 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Ange Postecoglou takes the reins". Melbourne Victory. 27 April 2012. Archived from the original on 30 September 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Ange Postecoglou appointed Socceroos coach". Socceroos. 24 October 2013. Archived from the original on 17 November 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory admit they wanted to share Ange Postecoglou with the Socceroos on a temporary basis". The New Daily. 25 October 2013. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "FFA, Victory in compensation stoush". Couriermail.com.au. 22 October 2013.
- ^ Hassett, Sebastian (22 October 2013). "Ange Postecoglou named as Socceroos head coach but Melbourne Victory gets no compensation". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "2013 A-League results". Ozfootball.net. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Strebre Delovski admits Melbourne Victory penalty howler". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "I got it wrong, admits Delovski on radio". Hyundai A-League. May 2014. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Victory denied penalty shout in ACL elimination". ABC News. 22 April 2014. Archived from the original on 18 May 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Victory pull off thrilling draw with Jeonbuk Motors". Melbourne Victory. 13 March 2014. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Kevin Muscat fumes as Melbourne Victory pay the penalty". Sportingnews.com. 13 August 2021. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ Lynch, Michael (27 April 2014). "Kevin Muscat goes ballistic as referee 'bottles it'". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Team of the Decade Ball – presented by Carryboy". Melbourne Victory. 14 January 2015. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory's Team of the Decade". Adelaidenow.com.au. 28 March 2015. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Leijer opens up on China move". Geelong Advertiser. 4 March 2015. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Victory captain on cusp of greatest-ever season". Hyundai A-League. 16 May 2015. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "The A-League National Football Competition of Australia". Ozfootball.net. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "2015 A-League Playoff results". Ozfootball.net. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Milligan confirmed as Victory's Aussie marquee". Hyundai A-League. 28 August 2014. Archived from the original on 3 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Studs up: Victory's captain off to UAE". Heraldsun.com.au. 26 May 2015. Archived from the original on 3 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Victory captain Valeri diagnosed with inflammatory brain condition". ABC News. 15 December 2015. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Behind The Play: Valeri's illness had him stumbling, affected speech, vision". The World Game. Archived from the original on 3 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Kevin Muscat: Melbourne Victory manager's future, big issues confronting A-League giant". 11 February 2018. Archived from the original on 19 January 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Muscat's Arnie call to save his Victory future". Adelaidenow.com.au. 12 February 2018.
- ^ "The A-League National Football Competition of Australia". Ozfootball.net. Archived from the original on 18 January 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ Bossi, Dominic (23 April 2018). "Sydney's Big Blue dominance will play on Victory's mind: Alex Brosque". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Victory forced into late reshuffle after Williams succumbs to injury". The World Game.
- ^ "FFA statement in relation to the Hyundai A-League 2018 Grand Final". Hyundai A-League. 6 May 2018. Archived from the original on 17 July 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ a b "Victory deny Jets to win A-League grand final in Newcastle". ABC News. 5 May 2018. Archived from the original on 17 November 2018. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Roy O'Donovan handed 10-game ban for A-League grand final assault". Theguardian.com. Australian Associated Press. 18 May 2018. Archived from the original on 15 May 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ Stadium, Tim Connell at McDonald Jones (6 May 2018). "'It's a bit throbby': grand final hero Lawrence Thomas shrugs off head injuries". Theguardian.com. Archived from the original on 15 May 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ Colangelo, Anthony (29 June 2018). "Berisha leaves Victory bound for Japan's Sanfrecce Hiroshima". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 10 September 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Keisuke Honda joins Melbourne Victory, A-League transfers". 1 August 2018. Archived from the original on 7 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Swedish star Ola Toivonen joins Melbourne Victory". Melbourne Victory. 31 August 2018. Archived from the original on 7 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Sydney FC exact sweet revenge on Victory in stunning seven-goal Semi-final". Hyundai A-League. 12 May 2019. Archived from the original on 8 November 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Kevin Muscat says his resignation is 'good for the club and good for me'". 20 May 2019. Archived from the original on 7 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Kevin Muscat quits as Melbourne Victory coach after 14 years with club". ABC News. 20 May 2019. Archived from the original on 10 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Kurz set to take over as Melbourne Victory coach". The World Game. Archived from the original on 7 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Confirmed: Marco Kurz announced as Melbourne Victory coach". Hyundai A-League. 28 June 2019. Archived from the original on 29 June 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Carrigan, Lauton sign with Victory". Melbourne Victory. 30 August 2019. Archived from the original on 30 August 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ "Ola Toivonen appointed Victory captain". Melbourne Victory. October 2019. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
- ^ Rayson, Zac (14 January 2020). "Melbourne Victory sacks Marco Kurz after just 13 games in charge". Fox Sports Australia. Archived from the original on 15 January 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
- ^ Kemp, Emma (15 January 2020). "Melbourne Victory's decision to sack Kurz a mystery as much as it was obvious". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 3 March 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
- ^ "Salvachua appointed Victory Head Coach". Melbourne Victory FC. 16 January 2020. Archived from the original on 3 March 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
- ^ "VICTORY HUNT THIRD COACH THIS SEASON". Archived from the original on 6 June 2020. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
- ^ "Grant Brebner appointed interim Head Coach for 2019/20 season". Melbourne Victory FC. 11 June 2020. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
- ^ "Grant Brebner appointed Head Coach". Melbourne Victory FC. 24 August 2020. Archived from the original on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
- ^ "Victory coach Brebner sacked after seven-goal derby drubbing". SBS Sport. 17 April 2021. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- ^ Lynch, Michael (17 April 2021). "Brebner out after Victory's 7-0 humiliation against Melbourne City". Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- ^ "Steve Kean confirmed as interim Head Coach". Melbourne Victory. 19 April 2021. Archived from the original on 19 April 2021. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
- ^ "Victory appoints Tony Popovic". Melbourne Victory FC. 22 April 2021. Archived from the original on 22 April 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- ^ "FFA CUP FINAL REPORT: VICTORY 2-1 MARINERS". Melbourne Victory FC. 5 February 2022. Archived from the original on 6 March 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
- ^ "'Australia Cup' name to return to Australia's largest national knockout football competition". FFA Cup. 5 February 2022. Archived from the original on 5 February 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory Signs Portuguese Legend Luis Nani". Melbourne Victory. 12 July 2022. Archived from the original on 12 July 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
- ^ "Manchester United draw 74,000 fans in MCG win over Melbourne Victory". Smh.com.au. 15 July 2022. Archived from the original on 17 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Nani makes appearance in Manchester United vs Melbourne Victory friendly". 15 July 2022. Archived from the original on 15 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Manchester United v Melbourne Victory 2022: United win 4-1, crowd 74,157 | Herald Sun". Archived from the original on 6 April 2023.
- ^ "Man Utd mobbed by adoring fans as Nani steals the show during Melbourne success". Daily Mirror. 15 July 2022. Archived from the original on 17 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "5 Things Learned: Manchester United 4-1 Melbourne Victory - Anthony Martial Scores Again". Sportbible.com. 15 July 2022. Archived from the original on 15 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory vs. Manchester United - Football Match Report - July 15, 2022 - ESPN". Archived from the original on 15 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ sachapisani (4 October 2022). "Melbourne Victory the favourites to win the A-League Men Championship?". KEEPUP. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "SYDNEY SCORES A GOAL AS NEW HOME OF A-LEAGUES GRAND FINALS | Destination NSW". media.destinationnsw.com.au. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ Ractliffe, Vince Rugari, Damien (12 December 2022). "'Absolute disgrace': A-League grand final move slammed as Melbourne fans plan derby walkout". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 11 December 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ sport, Guardian (17 December 2022). "Melbourne A-League derby abandoned as fans storm pitch and keeper attacked". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "Football Australia issue Melbourne Victory with show cause notice | Football Australia". www.footballaustralia.com.au. 19 December 2022. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory sanctions imposed as show cause process continues | Football Australia". www.footballaustralia.com.au. 23 December 2022. Archived from the original on 24 December 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "Football Australia imposes record financial and sporting sanctions on Melbourne Victory | Football Australia". www.footballaustralia.com.au. 10 January 2023. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ apavlidis (10 January 2023). "Melbourne Victory responds to Football Australia's Show Cause Determination". Melbourne Victory. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ ljames (5 April 2023). "Men's Match Report: Victory fall to City in mid-week Derby replay". Melbourne Victory. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ sbunn (4 October 2022). "Melbourne Victory announces record strategic investment from 777 Partners". Melbourne Victory. Archived from the original on 24 October 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "777 Partners agrees 5-year deal to take control of Melbourne Victory". Inside World Football. 3 February 2023. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "Football, A-League, 2022-23, Round 14 Scores, Standings & Schedules | Score Centre". FOX SPORTS. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ ljames (14 February 2023). "Wrapped: Victory's January Transfer Window Summary". Melbourne Victory. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ Staff, KEEPUP (23 April 2023). "Melbourne Victory coach addresses speculation over Nani's future". KEEPUP. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "Football, A-League, 2022-23, Round 26 Scores, Standings & Schedules | Score Centre". FOX SPORTS. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "Football, A-League, 2022-23, Round 26 Scores, Standings & Schedules | Score Centre". FOX SPORTS. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "A-League Men Ladders 2022 - 2023". KEEPUP. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ apavlidis (3 May 2023). "Da Silva and Goad receive top honours at Victory Medal". Melbourne Victory. Archived from the original on 6 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ apavlidis (4 May 2023). "Melbourne Victory Player Update". Melbourne Victory. Archived from the original on 9 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ ljames (7 February 2023). "Melbourne Victory Player Update". Melbourne Victory. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ apavlidis (1 February 2023). "Matthew Spiranovic announces his retirement from football". Melbourne Victory. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ apavlidis (20 January 2023). "Melbourne Victory Transfer Nick D'Agostino to Norwegian Club, Viking FK". Melbourne Victory. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ apavlidis (4 May 2023). "Melbourne Victory A-League Men's Coaching Update". Melbourne Victory. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "For Vuck's Sake". Spotify. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "No V For Victory on Asian Kit". Australian FourFourTwo. Haymarket Group. 20 February 2008. Archived from the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ Warner, Michael (4 May 2009). "Melbourne Victory to be sponsored by gambling giant Intralot". Herald Sun. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
- ^ a b "Victory joins the world's elite". Melbourne Victory FC. 16 June 2011. Archived from the original on 21 June 2011. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
- ^ "adidas and Melbourne Victory join forces!". Melbourne Victory Official YouTube Channel. 15 June 2011. Archived from the original on 20 July 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory unveil new strips - Australia News - Australian FourFourTwo - the Ultimate Football Website". Archived from the original on 26 September 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
- ^ "Samsung partners Victory". Melbourne Victory FC. Archived from the original on 26 August 2006. Retrieved 5 December 2005.
- ^ "You Can't Beat the Taste... of Victory!". Melbourne Victory FC. Archived from the original on 22 August 2006. Retrieved 22 August 2006.
- ^ "Intralot and Victory a perfect fit". Melbourne Victory FC. 4 May 2009. Archived from the original on 10 March 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2009.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory welcomes new sponsor". Melbourne Victory FC. 6 August 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Adecco recruited on a three-year deal". Melbourne Victory FC. 1 June 2011. Archived from the original on 21 June 2011. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
- ^ apavlidis (5 August 2024). "Melbourne Victory and Dulux extend their partnership, featuring on the Australia Cup jersey". Melbourne Victory. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory lands Turkish Airlines as its new Principal Partner". Melbourne Victory. 4 March 2024. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
- ^ "Stand By Me". melbournevictory.com.au. Melbourne Victory. Archived from the original on 19 April 2017. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
- ^ "VALE GLENN WHEATLEY". Melbourne Victory FC. 2 February 2022. Archived from the original on 6 February 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
- ^ "FANS VOTE: OUR POST MATCH SONG". Melbourne Victory FC. 21 January 2022. Archived from the original on 18 August 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
- ^ "We have a winner!! 🎶 Warm up your vocal cords for Freed from Desire after wins at AAMI Park!". Facebook. Melbourne Victory FC. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
- ^ "Victory returns to spiritual home". Melbourne Victory. 13 July 2021. Archived from the original on 15 July 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
- ^ Watt, Stuart (2 September 2006). "Record crowd sees Victory down 10-man Sydney". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 13 November 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
- ^ Desira, Peter (21 September 2006). "Victory makes move to Docklands". Fox Sports. Premier Media Group. Archived from the original on 7 October 2012. Retrieved 2 July 2011.
- ^ Windley, Matt (11 March 2006). "Melbourne Victory signs 10-year deals to continue playing at Etihad Stadium and AAMI Park". Herald Sun. News Corp Australia. Archived from the original on 29 November 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
- ^ "Victory returns to spiritual home". melbournevictory.com.au. 13 July 2021. Archived from the original on 15 July 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
- ^ a b "New $190m soccer, rugby stadium for Vic". The Age. Melbourne: Fairfax Media. 6 April 2006. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 4 July 2011.
- ^ Higgs, Paddy (26 April 2010). "AAMI Park size the right fit for spectators". The Melbourne Leader. News Community Media. Archived from the original on 16 October 2013.
- ^ Colasimone, Dan (17 May 2015). "Dominant Victory claim A-League crown over Sydney FC". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 28 July 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
- ^ "The A-League Cup Competition – 2007/2008 Season results". Ozfootball.net. Archived from the original on 4 August 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory set to play their Asian Champions League qualifier in Geelong". Herald Sun. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
- ^ "Check out the 2014–2015 A-League fixture". 12 June 2014. Archived from the original on 19 January 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
- ^ Fowles, Shane (20 June 2017). "Geelong's Kardinia Park to host more Melbourne Victory A-League". Geelong Advertiser. News Corp Australia. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
- ^ "2005/06 Attendance Statistics". Ultimate A-League. Hamson Design Group. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
- ^ "2006/07 Attendance Statistics". Ultimate A-League. Hamson Design Group. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
- ^ "2007/08 Attendance Statistics". Ultimate A-League. Hamson Design Group. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
- ^ "2008/09 Attendance Statistics". Ultimate A-League. Hamson Design Group. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
- ^ "2009/10 Attendance Statistics". Ultimate A-League. Hamson Design Group. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
- ^ "2010/11 Attendance Statistics". Ultimate A-League. Hamson Design Group. Archived from the original on 22 September 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
- ^ "2011/12 Attendance Statistics". Ultimate A-League. Hamson Design Group. Archived from the original on 20 June 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
- ^ "2012/13 Attendance Statistics". Ultimate A-League. Hamson Design Group. Archived from the original on 25 October 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
- ^ "Statistics » Attendance » 2013–14 :: Ultimate A-League". Ultimatealeague.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
- ^ "Statistics » Attendance » 2014–15 :: Ultimate A-League". Ultimatealeague.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
- ^ "Statistics » Attendance » 2015–16 :: Ultimate A-League". Ultimatealeague.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
- ^ "Statistics » Attendance » 2016–17 :: Ultimate A-League". Ultimatealeague.com. Archived from the original on 4 August 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
- ^ "Statistics » Attendance » 2017–18 :: Ultimate A-League". Ultimatealeague.com. Archived from the original on 25 April 2018. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
- ^ "Statistics » Attendance » 2018–19 :: Ultimate A-League". Ultimatealeague.com. Archived from the original on 21 July 2019. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
- ^ Ultimate A-League. "Ultimate A-league Attendances 2019-20". Ultimate A-league. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ Ultimate A-League. "Ultimate A-league Attendances 2020-21". Ultimate A-league. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ "Attendance Statistics :: Totals / Averages". Ultimate A-League. Archived from the original on 18 October 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
- ^ Ormond, Aidan (31 August 2007). "Victory Hits The Magic 20K Mark". Australian FourFourTwo. Haymarket Group. Archived from the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
- ^ Buttler, Mark (3 February 2011). "Four men charged after tempers flare following Victory-Heart soccer clash". Herald Sun. Archived from the original on 29 May 2014. Retrieved 3 February 2011.
- ^ "original terrace boys melbourne australia". Originalterraceboys.com. 31 January 2011. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2012.
- ^ Spits, Scott; Levy, Megan (18 February 2011). "Police 'scared off by Melbourne Victory soccer louts'". The Age. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 21 February 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
- ^ Tatnell, Paul (18 February 2011). "Soccer fans are the most violent, says superintendent Rod Wilson". Adelaide Now. Archived from the original on 14 June 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
- ^ "Victory, Wanderers charged over fans' brawl". ABC News. 3 January 2014. Archived from the original on 4 October 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
- ^ "Premier throws his support behind Victory". Melbourne Victory. 8 October 2012. Archived from the original on 14 October 2019. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory". Facebook.com. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022.
- ^ "Masterchef George named no. 1". Melbourne Victory. 3 February 2013. Archived from the original on 14 October 2019. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
- ^ Boulton, Martin (11 January 2008). "Kicking around". The Age. Archived from the original on 28 May 2019. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
- ^ Lynch, Michael (20 April 2015). "Napthine weighs in as A-League grand final becomes political football". The Age. Archived from the original on 14 October 2019. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
- ^ "Laura Pausini Melbourne Victory One World Entertainment". Archived from the original on 11 March 2015.
- ^ Bernard, Grantley (23 January 2011). "Kevin Muscat says sorry for his tackle on Adrian Zahra". Herald Sun. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
- ^ "Merciless City show hunger and class in 6-0 Melbourne Derby mauling of Victory". A-League. 6 March 2021. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
- ^ "Match Report: City 7-0 Victory". Melbourne City FC. 18 April 2021. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
- ^ Lerner, Ronnie (17 December 2022). "A-League Melbourne derby descends into chaos with violent pitch invasion". News.com.au. News Corp. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
- ^ "A-League: Melbourne City-Melbourne Victory game abandoned after spectator injures player". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 17 December 2022. Archived from the original on 17 December 2022. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
- ^ Patterson, Emily (17 December 2022). "Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover left bleeding from the head as A-League game abandoned after violent pitch invasion". Wide World of Sports. Nine Network. Archived from the original on 17 December 2022. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory sanctions imposed as show cause process continues". Football Australia. 23 December 2022. Archived from the original on 24 December 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
- ^ Lynch, Michael (16 October 2006). "Muscat and Kosmina in fiery clash". The Age. Melbourne: Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
- ^ "Fab Ban Reduced on Appeal". Australian FourFourTwo. Haymarket Group. 24 September 2008. Archived from the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
- ^ O'Brien, Bren (28 February 2009). "Victory prevail in epic". A-League.com.au. Archived from the original on 3 March 2011. Retrieved 3 March 2009.
- ^ Green, Samuel. "Berisha leads United to Westgate Derby dominance". A-League. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
- ^ Lynch, Joey. "DISAPPOINTMENT - NOT PRESSURE - THE CATALYST FOR KURZ AFTER LATEST DEFEAT". FTBL. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
- ^ Lynch, Joey. "WESTERN UNITED WIN ON AND OFF THE FIELD IN 3-1 DEFEAT OF MELBOURNE VICTORY". FTBL. Archived from the original on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
- ^ Lynch, Joey. "STARTING XI CHANGES AHEAD OF UNITED-VICTORY DERBY". FTBL. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
- ^ "Western United, Victory share spoils in action-packed 'Battle of the Bridge'". Football Nation Radio. 30 January 2021. Archived from the original on 2 March 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
- ^ Comito, Matthew. "Matchweek 10 preview: Melbourne Victory v Western United". A-League. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
- ^ Comito, Matthew. "Sánchez strikes at the death to seal 4-3 win for ten-man United over Victory". A-League. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
- ^ "Report: Western United win seven-goal thriller in Battle of the Bridge". Western United FC. 27 February 2021. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
- ^ Comito, Matthew. "Rudan: United's erupting rivalry with Victory helping A-League become 'one of the best products in the world'". A-League. Archived from the original on 28 June 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory Team". Melbourne Victory FC. Archived from the original on 14 April 2021. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
- ^ Share sale confirms stability at Melbourne Victory Archived 12 November 2014 at the Wayback Machine Melbourne Victory FC, 12 November 2014
- ^ https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fbusiness%2Fcompanies%2Fpremier-fruits-group-ripe-for-expansion%2Fnews-story%2F25458cf4243e74a3cc9496e921932232&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=dynamic-high-test-score&V21spcbehaviour=append [bare URL]
- ^ https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fbusiness%2Fmergers-acquisitions%2Fpremier-fruits-lamanna-merger-creates-500m-fruit-and-veg-giant%2Fnews-story%2Fcc6ec7a8c830c7609eaaded85463f689&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=dynamic-high-test-score&V21spcbehaviour=append [bare URL]
- ^ https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fa-league%2Fteams%2Fmelbourne-city%2Fmelbourne-victory-chairman-anthony-di-pietro-touted-as-man-who-could-save-australian-soccer%2Fnews-story%2F7a84d5adc746bec6b123030cd36b81fd&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=dynamic-high-control-score&V21spcbehaviour=append [bare URL]
- ^ https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=WTWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.weeklytimesnow.com.au%2Fagribusiness%2Fagjournal%2Fanthony-di-pietro-inside-produce-powerhouse-lamanna-premier-group%2Fnews-story%2F687321359eeb7c6fc14e64376fe8a532&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium [bare URL]
- ^ "Melbourne Victory owners Mario Biasin and Anthony di Pietro take over Serie D club Triestina". 14 February 2016. Archived from the original on 23 October 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
- ^ "Vale Mario Biasin". 16 May 2022. Archived from the original on 24 October 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
- ^ "NRF helps 777 Partners complete strategic investment in Melbourne Victory". Archived from the original on 23 October 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
- ^ "Miami group have 'pathway' to Victory ownership". 6 October 2022. Archived from the original on 23 October 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
- ^ Monteverde, Marco (5 October 2022). "A-League club joins portfolio of Miami-based 777 Partners". News.com.au. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory receive record investment from 777 Partners". 4 October 2022. Archived from the original on 23 October 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
- ^ "American football: US investment firm buys into Melbourne Victory". 4 October 2022. Archived from the original on 24 October 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory secure major investment from 777 Partners". 5 October 2022. Archived from the original on 9 April 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory announces record strategic investment from 777 Partners". 4 October 2022. Archived from the original on 24 October 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
- ^ Melbourne Victory post a record $1.5 million profit for the financial year Archived 25 May 2017 at the Wayback Machine Herald Sun, Matt Windley, November 26, 2015
- ^ Desira, Peter (21 November 2007). "Geoff Lord and Co take control of full Victory". Herald Sun. Herald and Weekly Times. Archived from the original on 21 March 2014. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
- ^ "Melbourne Victory fans' plans to own stake in team dashed". 29 November 2014. Archived from the original on 25 October 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
- ^ https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Faleague-melbourne-victory-valued-at-40m%2Fnews-story%2Feaee7b2ab9cbe63cd640446ad48ea508&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=dynamic-high-test-score&V21spcbehaviour=append [bare URL]
- ^ https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fbusiness%2Fmelbourne-victory-in-record-sports-club-valuation-as-us-firm-buys-into-aleague-club%2Fnews-story%2F99ce5d59aae6413584d9ec1bad9ce40c&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=dynamic-high-test-score&V21spcbehaviour=append [bare URL]
- ^ "Guido Chayan". Au.linkedin.com. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
- ^ "Wes Clarke". Au.linkedin.com. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
- ^ "Board & Staff". Melbourne Victory. Archived from the original on 28 February 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
- ^ Micallef, Philip. "Valeri reveals Victory's success formula". The World Game. Special Broadcasting Service. Archived from the original on 9 September 2015. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Melbourne Victory results - Latest scores for Melbourne Victory FC