Melbourne Victory’s grand final party could last months as Kevin Muscat’s side celebrates their drought-breaking A-League win.
Six years’ wait might not seem like a long time for many clubs, but for Victory it might as well have been a lifetime.
The A-League’s off-field heavyweights are again champions of Australia, and Muscat has given everyone close to the club license to party.
At Federation Square on Monday, where Victory paraded their hard-won trophy and their hard heads from a night of revelry, Muscat told the crowd to savour the moment.
“Make sure you enjoy this one because its been a long, long wait,” he said to great cheers.
“To turn up here today and see all the supporters it really makes it worthwhile.
“Not only last night, but for a decade you’ve been unbelievable.”
Victory will continue their celebrations with a visit to Government House this week and their best and fairest count, the Victory Medal, on Friday night.
But Archie Thompson predicts the partying will continue until pre-season rolled around.
“Why don’t we live it up until July?” he asked.
“The boys are enjoying themselves and we’ll enjoy this week, up until the start of next season because we’ve worked hard.
Besart Berisha stole the show, when he was asked if Victory’s grand final success was better than his Brisbane wins.
“Yes of course,” he said to rapturous cheers.
The Albanian declared his match-opening goal to be the best of his career.