It is the A-League’s only true city derby and in one magnificent night for the game all the hype, banter and passion cultivated in a mother of a game.
With a missed penalty, stunning comeback and some incredible goals the Melbourne Derby produced the goods, and in front of a sell-out crowd no less.
In a game that produced dozens of memorable moments and points of discussion, the game did not disappoint at any level – unless of course you’re a Victory supporter.
It all started magnificently, with the Victory stunning the Heart with a 30-minute attacking blitz which resulted in a goal, however the Heart bounced back through Matt Thompson scoring twice in a minute to put the Victory on the back foot.
The Heart eventually took the three points in what was an entertaining spectacle.
But besides the fantastic advertisement for football in Australia, what can we take from this game tactically?
The Heart once again proved to possess the depth and character required for a championship side and after defeating the Victory in front of that vocal crowd should cope well with finals pressure.
But despite the stunning display John van’t Schip refuses to announce his team as finals contenders in what may be a clever move.
The Heart must prove themselves against the tactically minded Central Coast Mariners first.
The Victory on the other hand showed their absolute best and worst on the night and need to address the team’s character.
Victory cannot afford to drop their heads every time they concede goals and personal issues between Hernandez and Kewell (displayed prior to the Victory’s penalty) need to be resolved.
To finish though, the Melbourne Derby satisfied on all levels and showcased the best of football in Australia. Bring on Derby VI – and maybe a Sydney Derby down the track!
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
The real concern comes down to football's growing trend of big corporations taking up slices of the world game at the expense of smaller teams.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.
Plenty of Aussies impressed in the final week of March, showing their talents off abroad and in their backyard. Here's the best XI of…
