The applause had feeling – as if to emphasise that this was extra-important. It is not the first time a player’s team-mates have stood at the back of his milestone media conference and cheered at the end.

And the Melbourne Victory players might have been laying it on a bit for the TV cameras.

But their rousing ovation for captain Kevin Muscat on Thursday was another sign of how much he means to the defending A League premiers.

On Saturday night at Etihad Stadium, the 36-year-old defender will become only the second Australian soccer player after Alex Tobin to reach 500 league games.

The occasion is perfect, with the first-placed Victory hosting their arch-rivals Sydney, who are three points behind in second.

Victory coach Ernie Merrick was also in charge when Muscat made his debut in the old National Soccer League for Sunshine St George Cross, aged just 16.

“From day one, he had a demeanour about him that he was taking this game seriously,” Merrick said.

In that sense, nothing has changed in 20 years.

Muscat has a reputation as a hard man and joked that he might have reached 500 earlier, if not for all the times he was sent off.

But Merrick strongly defended his skipper’s playing abilities, while pointing out he is a vital part of the structure that makes Melbourne such a strong team.

Merrick said that when the club was being formed, they made a point of recruiting local players to make sure the team connected with local fans.

Whatever opposition clubs might think, the Victory fans idolise their skipper.

“Some people brand him as just a tough tackler, but he has a lot more than that,” Merrick said.

“On the field, his vision and skill allow fantastic 30-40m passes.”

“His leadership on the field is vital, he’s the most driven at training and he still has enormous hunger to achieve something.”

“I’m just impressed the way he keeps re-inventing himself … he’s driven to keep achieving something new all the time, which is pretty good for a 36-year-old.”

If the criticism over the year has hurt Muscat, he isn’t showing it.

“I don’t know if (I’m) unfairly treated, but it certainly doesn’t bother me, I’ve always maintained I don’t go out on a football field to make friends,” he said bluntly.

“If I upset a few people along the way, so be it.”

Muscat has two career disappointments – not playing in the World Cup finals and missing the 2004 FA Cup final when skipper at Millwall.

But there are no regrets – and no intention to retire just yet.

“I’m still motivated and determined to succeed … there are bits and pieces that go gradually, I don’t think I was ever blessed with blistering pace,” he said.

“As soon as that hunger goes and that desire to succeed, I will know it’s time to call it a day.

“But at this point, it’s still burning.”

© AAP 2012

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.