Five games that define Melbourne Victory
Roar Rookie By Anthony Begbie, 23 Jul 2010 Anthony Begbie is a Roar Rookie
- Tagged:
- A-League, Adelaide United, Archie Thompson, Clint Bolton, Eugene Galekovic, Gamba Osaka, Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC
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Melbourne Victory players react after missing a shot at goal during the penalty shoot out at the 2010 A-League Grand Final. AAP Image / Martin Philbey.
The off-season break is the football fans’ equivalent of solitary confinement. Even this year’s World Cup, with its 4:30am kick-offs, ensured that no sunlight was seen, and social life was barely evident.
Now that Spain has been crowned champions, one finds themselves pondering over the past, in anticipation of what is to come.
Over the coming weeks I will inevitably reminisce of the moments that make this club great; the times that we have stood together in celebration; and the time I would rather have stayed home drowning in a bottle of cheap wine.
As Nick Hornby would suggest, football fanatics can remember football events just as vividly, if not more so than they do their life milestones. I can recall the semi final trip to Adelaide in 2009 in much more detail, and perhaps much more fondness, than any family function of the past five years.
Hence, I provide the top five matches of my football club – Melbourne Victory. They may not be the best, nor the highest quality football matches, but they are the matches which have signaled the birth of our club, and perhaps the true arrival of our biggest rival, Sydney FC.
5: Hyundai A-league Grand Final- 2009/2010
Melbourne Victory Vs Sydney FC March 20, 2010
Football fans are not the same as fanatics of music, theatre or other arts. Over the course of a football fans’ life, you would expect more disappointment than celebration. And yet at very few times did they ever consider giving up the club they love.
The grand final of the 2009/2010 A-league season was such a disappointment for Melbourne Victory.
Goals to Mark Bridge and Adrian Leijer resulted in a 1-1 score-line. Due to notable misses to Chris Payne, Aziz Behich and Leijer once more, the game went to penalties. Silence filled the stadium as Kevin Muscat and Marvin Angulo failed with their spot kicks, and Sydney FC was crowned champions for the second time.
I argue that this game ended the invincibility of the Melbourne Victory, yet at the same time made the club that much more important to those who followed it.
4: Asian Champions League 2008
Melbourne Victory Vs Gamba Osaka April 9, 2008
I’m sure many in attendance will consider this one of the best football matches they have seen Melbourne Victory take part in. Having gained qualification to the continental showpiece for the first time, Melbourne met the Japanese powerhouse at the then Telstra Dome. Despite taking the lead on two separate occasions, Melbourne lost the match to a late Osaka goal.
Despite the loss, Melbourne showed that they had created an impressive team within a few short years, and could match it with the best of Asia on its day.
3: Hyundai A-League Round 8 2005/2006
Melbourne Victory Vs Sydney FC October 16, 2005
At a time when the league was still finding its feet, this match stands out. Many things went wrong for Melbourne in their first season, and they eventually finished outside finals contention.
One thing which did go right was the support from the fans, and a large crowd was in attendance to see Archie Thompson score two goals in a 5-0 thumping of Sydney.
The memory which stands out to all Melbourne fans is Thompson twisting and turning within the penalty box, surrounded by a number of Sydney defenders, before coolly slotting the ball past Clint Bolton.
Despite the poor season, this was the first sign of the Melbourne Victory we all now know; ruthless and attacking football.
2: Hyundai A-League Grand Final- 2008/2009
Melbourne Victory Vs Adelaide United February 28, 2009
Melbourne had gained a psychological edge over their close rivals, and after beating Adelaide both home and away to gain hosting rights, they once again found themselves against the Reds in the decider for the second time in three years.
In a match riddled with red cards and defensive tactics, Melbourne were crowned champions for the second time when Tommy Pondeljak scored past former Victory player Eugene Galekovic from outside the penalty box.
The picture of Pondeljak celebrating, shirt aloft, is still vivid for those who witnessed.
1: Hyundai A-League Grand Final 2006/2007
Melbourne Victory Vs Adelaide United February 18 2007
In a season when Melbourne broke records both with their performances and crowds, they completed their season with a resounding exclamation.
Five goals to Archie Thompson and the late solitary strike to Kristian Sarkies blew United out of the competition and delivered Melbourne their first championship and premiership double. The match would mark the last time we would see the diminutive Brazilian Fred in Melbourne Victory colours.
It is also perhaps the first and last time any individual player will score five goals in the league decider.
As season six gets closer, fans can only dream about what is to come next. In a league which has been riddled with some of the poorer professionals I have seen, the number of exhilarating matches and moments is a testament to the A-League and the clubs and players who have brought them all to us.
Memories always belong to fans, and I’m sure others have vivid and perhaps conflicting images which warm them through their own off-season troubles.
This season is looking to be most competitive season yet. The confinement is nearly over.
July 23rd 2010 @ 6:37am
MVDave said | July 23rd 2010 @ 6:37am | Report comment
Ahhhhh the memories…pleased to say l attended all of the above games. Probably one more defining game was the semi final in 2007 vs the Pissants at Telstra Dome. After drawing in Adelaide 0-0 the Pissants scored early in the return and held the advantage going into the 2nd half. Then an Allsop…remember him?…belter made it 1-1 but the Pissants would still go through on away goals. With 47,000 roaring them on MV pushed for the winner which duly came in stoppage time from James Robinson…who wrote himself into MV folklore with that header which sent the crowd wild and meant a first GF for MV. Fantastic memories.
July 23rd 2010 @ 9:15am
Fussball ist unser leben said | July 23rd 2010 @ 9:15am | Report comment
MVDave -
You are absolutely correct about that Semi-Final 2nd leg. And, if I recall correctly, all the 3 subs played a part in that final winning goal.
Stoppage time had started and Alessandro received the ball and jinked his way down the left flank towards the box but was brought down illegally. Sarkies took the free kick and Robinson – falling backwards – headed across the goal past Galekovic. And 46,000 fans went wild (we’ll say there were 1,413 AU fans there that day).
The next day, I recall one of Australia’s biggest football-haters and AFL journalist, Mike Sheehan, saying he had left the game a couple of minutes early to beat the traffic … which explains why some people will never understand the beauty and emotion of the Game.
July 27th 2010 @ 3:50pm
mahony said | July 27th 2010 @ 3:50pm | Report comment
Fantastic moment – I agree.
July 23rd 2010 @ 8:16am
Constantine said | July 23rd 2010 @ 8:16am | Report comment
disagree, not my favourite moments.
this is my list
1. semi-final agaisnt adelaide in 07 when we scored on the 89th minute to salvage our season. that sent the stadium off and ive never felt a feeling like that before
2. the 3-3 draw with the mariners when we only had nine men.
3. 3-2 come from 0-2 to beat sydney
4. 6-0 grand final win
5. this years grand final loss
July 23rd 2010 @ 8:58am
Fussball ist unser leben said | July 23rd 2010 @ 8:58am | Report comment
Five of the best, for sure and was there for them all.
For me your No. 3 game was the standout for the raw atmosphere at a packed Olympic Park and the quality of the opposition. We were having a rubbish season and Sydney were flying. A beautiful afternoon standing behind the North End goals surrounded by fans of alll ages and ethnicities and everyone actually understood the nuances of the Game.
And, for pure technical quality of the football, the ACL match against Gamba is up there with the best I’ve seen in the past 5 years. And, let’s not forget Gamba went on to win the Champions League that year!
July 23rd 2010 @ 9:51am
Realfootball said | July 23rd 2010 @ 9:51am | Report comment
I wasn’t actually at any of those games, but saw them all on the box. Even for a neutral, all were memorable. My favourite, however, was Victory 5 Adelaide 0, for the sheer exuberance of Archie, the artistry of Fred, and the wonderful improbability of the scoring that never seemed to end. Oh – and for seeing Kosmina comprehensively done over.
Sadly, I think the Victory this season are like a grand house that is in need of rennovation. The first 11 is aging, the striking cupboard is bare, and new coaching blood is needed. My hunch is that the torch is about to be passed to the Heart, who have in their coach and squad the sense of adventure and excitement that the Victory seem to have lost. I look at the Victory squad for this season, and without Archie I can’t see one player who I would pay money to go and see play.
July 23rd 2010 @ 10:06am
Fussball ist unser leben said | July 23rd 2010 @ 10:06am | Report comment
Realfootball -
Christian Sarkies would like to remind you it was 6-0 against Adelaide!
Don’t forget Carlos won the Johnny Warren medal and, for me, he is the maestro that controls the Victory. MVFC scored 47 goals last season and Carlos was involved in 22 of these goals (scored 13; assisted 9). To watch Carlos and Thompson together on the pitch is a delight – they have fantastic football brains and know exactly what the other is thinking.
Carlos and Marvin, too, have this fantastic meeting of minds and the key this season is for Carlos to create a similar relationship with Kruse and/or Dugandzic.
Going to be a terrific season and I reckon there won’t be much separating top from bottom.
July 23rd 2010 @ 10:33am
Realfootball said | July 23rd 2010 @ 10:33am | Report comment
Agree that the season is looking good, and that all teams will be competitive. I still think that Victory just don’t quite have the team sheet that they had in previous seasons. The lack of strikers is a long term issue and I can’t believe that Merrick has had Allsop and Fabiano leave, and lost Thompson to injury, and after this length of time still hasn’t found any replacements. Carlos will score some goals, but he’s not a striker, and apart from him, I really can’t see where the Victory’s goals are going to come from this season. Kruse is a useful player, but he doesn’t score many goals. Same with Duganzic. Like Cruise, more of a runner off other players. And Merrick has let Elasi go too.
My feeling is that this will be Victory’s toughest season since V.1. With this squad I can see them being in the mix, but not seriously challenging for a title.
July 23rd 2010 @ 10:36am
AndyRoo said | July 23rd 2010 @ 10:36am | Report comment
Surely they must buy a stiker?
Their pretty good at keeping secrets but time is running out, I can imagine them starting the season as is but I would expect someone proven before Xmas.
July 23rd 2010 @ 11:12am
Fussball ist unser leben said | July 23rd 2010 @ 11:12am | Report comment
Actually, I’m just putting my FoxSports Fantasy team together and, when it comes to out-and-out strikers, the numbers are pretty thin.
In my observation there are only 3-4 excellent strikers in the HAL; the rest are either inconsistent or prone to injury
A. Top Tier & Consistent performers
*Adelaide: van Dijk (proven consistent performer)
* Nix: Ifill (champion)
* Victory: Archie (champion)
* GCU: Smeltz (champion)… if he can make up his mind!!
B. Good, but I’m not convinced
* Perth: Sterjovski (prone to injury); Fowler (lethal but will he last 90 mins and a full season?)
* Sydney: Brosque & Bridge (both very useful, but I’m not yet convinced)
* Heart: Sibon (unknown – not that impressive against Everton); Aloisi (champion) but how often will he play?
* MVFC: Kruse (heaps of potential but very inconsistent)
* NQF: Williams (technically gifted, heaps of potential but hasn’t actually done much)
* Brisbane: Reinaldo (inconsistent)
C. Don’t rate
* CCM: Simon & Mrdja (both one-dimensional)
* Newcastle: no idea who is their main striker?
July 23rd 2010 @ 1:27pm
AndyRoo said | July 23rd 2010 @ 1:27pm | Report comment
Thanks for reminder.
Bozanic from CCM only costs 4….. a steal
July 23rd 2010 @ 1:40pm
Realfootball said | July 23rd 2010 @ 1:40pm | Report comment
Good point. Strikers obviously need to be part of a captive breeding program.
As a Roar supporter, I just hope that the new Costa Rican delivers, otherwise it’ll be the same old problem for the Roar – lots of possession, few goals.
July 24th 2010 @ 11:04am
Farqwar said | July 24th 2010 @ 11:04am | Report comment
Newcastle have Bridges.
I guess he would be a B, as he is usually too injured to be consistent.
July 23rd 2010 @ 10:12am
AndyRoo said | July 23rd 2010 @ 10:12am | Report comment
Great article
One game that should get the wraps is their frist game at Docklands. I know you all hate it now but the fact you managed a big crowd at your first game their got you the stadium deal that has underwritten your succes.
For a long time the Roar were pretty close to you attendance wise but they have been paying big rent to Suncorp from day one…. what could have been.
July 23rd 2010 @ 10:14am
GeneralAshnak said | July 23rd 2010 @ 10:14am | Report comment
I am surprised that the game where you finally broke your duck against AUFC is not in there, as it marked the turning point in the rivalry between AUFC and MVFC.
I am very impressed that you have managed to include loses as well as wins, they help define a club in many ways.
edit to correct spelling!
July 23rd 2010 @ 10:28am
Tom said | July 23rd 2010 @ 10:28am | Report comment
The Central Coast 3-3 game should definitely be in there. I think that was the moment a lot of Victory fans started to believe that there was something really special about that team and the club.
I’d also add for consideration the first semi-final in Adelaide in 2009 finals series. Melbourne won 2-0 with good goals from Hernandez and Allsopp, which lead to a comfortable return leg win and really stamped Melbourne’s dominance over Adelaide and validated their championship and premiership double in that season.
July 23rd 2010 @ 1:41pm
Realfootball said | July 23rd 2010 @ 1:41pm | Report comment
Agree. It was an amazing game. As good as the A League gets.
July 24th 2010 @ 10:55am
carltonfc said | July 24th 2010 @ 10:55am | Report comment
that was by far the most entertaining game ive ever seen. its more special because it wasnt watching barca or tottenham on tv, it was right there at etihad. with nine men too!!!!!! nothing will ever beat the feeling i felt in the 2007 semi vs adelaide. 89 minutes of unbearable tension and an overwhelming feeling of sorrow that our season will go pearshaped, and when robinson scored that goal……. cue delirium.
July 23rd 2010 @ 11:27am
Anthony Begbie said | July 23rd 2010 @ 11:27am | Report comment
Thanks for the comments all!
To explain a few different choices; i tried to think about the games which helps me to define what Melbourne Victory are. The Sydney game is so important because it ended our idea of invincibility, and whilst it really was a terrible thing to see, i think it was probly good for the league, and perhaps has helped to awaken Sydney FC.
From an emotional point of view, i would say the four matches that stand out for me are: Central Coast VS Melbourne 3-3 (i recent listed Danny Allsopp’s equaliser as one of my top five goals for Melbourne due to the circumstances of the match, and an fantastic little assist from Fred mind you.); Adelaide VS Melbourne 0-2 Semi final 09; Sydney VS Melbourne 2-0 ’10 and Sydney VS Melbourne 2-2 ’10. They were l great matches and as exciting, if not more so than the five i listed in my article. However i still feel they dont have the same symbolic meaning of what makes Melbourne Victory itself. For what it’s worth, if i had a top six. The 3-3 draw against Central Coast would have got the nod.
In terms of this season, i am not so optimistic at the moment. I believe we have the makings of the best and most destructive midfield in the league, but also the slowest defense and least threatening striking options. Remembering at this time last season we had not signed Robbie Kruse, Adrian Leijer and Mate Dugandzic yet, so there is still hope!
July 23rd 2010 @ 12:15pm
Aka said | July 23rd 2010 @ 12:15pm | Report comment
The 3-3 draw with central coast season 2 rates in my best. Also one I only saw on the box, the game at OP season 2 when the premiers title was clinched v NZ. Not for the game but the all ends chant. Victory fans were already regarded as leading the field in terms of atmosphere but that just took things to another level. It’s been done since at docklands which many thought was not possible. The atmosphere at Bubbledome will be something else again.
July 24th 2010 @ 12:38pm
apaway said | July 24th 2010 @ 12:38pm | Report comment
While the game might not have been nmemorable, the MV-SFC game that drew over 50,000 to Docklands sticks in my memory for the sage comments of Kevin Muscat in the post-match, when he pointed out that almost all of the Aussie players plying their trade in Europe that weekend would not have played in front of a crowd that big.