WestSydneyFootball.Com Season 2012/13 A-League Team Preview – Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory this season are fighting to regain their top dog status. Brisbane Roar under Ange Postecoglou stole that status from under their noses with their back to back Championship wins. To fight back they have taken Postecoglou from Brisbane back to Melbourne to lead them into the new season.

Last season for the Victory was extremely poor by their standards. With Harry Kewell dragging the team by the heels away from the Wooden Spoon, he was unable to propel them to a finals position, the club finishing in 8^th place between Newcastle and Adelaide. Mehmet Durakovic was completely out of his depth and he had to suffer accusations he was a mere puppet for Kevin Muscat. When Durakovic was inevitably sacked it was Northern Irishman Jim Magilton who took over for the remainder of the season. An acrimonious end to his time with the club came when he claimed the club had offered him a three year contract only to withdraw it.

By that point the Victory board had their sights firmly set on one man. The fist-pumping manager reborn that was Ange Postecoglou. In a coup for the club they attracted the most wanted man in Australian football back to his ancestral roots to take the reigns of a club out of control.

Postecoglou is sure to attempt in some ways a recreation of his possession based football that took the Roar to their two titles. Some forget that Postecoglou was able to put his stamp on the squad from the 11^th round of the 2009/10 season. He hasn't had nearly as much time at Melbourne. It could be another case of judging his progress in a year's time. He has earned that grace.

Melbourne's Achilles heel for this season could be seen as their defence. In particular, their #1 Goalkeeper Tando Velaphi. Oft criticised as eccentric, unpredictable and with a penchant for severe mistakes I would not bet against Lawrence Thomas taking over as first choice keeper at any point this season.

The first 5 rounds for the Victory are one of the easier early runs. Melbourne Heart could be a mere speed bump in the first round Derby, Roar under Rado Vidosic will be seen as a target for all three points than trying to battle for an away draw, then three of the lower ranked sides in the competition, Adelaide at home, Newcastle away and Wellington back at home will mean Ange will be asking his squad to deliver all 15 points from these matches.

Melbourne Victory will be aiming for the top of the table, both on and off the pitch. Flores will be the vital Broich-esque play-maker, and Ange will be wanting to establish his credentials for a future overseas move. If Velaphi can avoid error then Victory could challenge for home final places. Their supporters will not expect miracles in the first season and will appreciate the nature of the rebuilding that Postecoglou is undertaking. Melbourne Victory will be a team to beat this season.

I predict that Melbourne Victory will finish the season in 4th position. I predict they will contest the Grand Final.

1. Perth Glory
   
2. Central Coast Mariners
   
3. Brisbane Roar
   
4. Melbourne Victory
   
5. Wellington Phoenix
   
6. Sydney FC
   
7. Western Sydney Wanderers
   
8. Newcastle Jets
   
9. Adelaide United
   
10. Melbourne Heart