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After months of anticipation and celebration for Melbourne Victory, they are set to hit the ground running in season 2015-16 as they look to defend their title against the formidable competition that awaits them.
Victory’s intentions in the upcoming season couldn’t be any clearer; they hope to take home the FFA Cup, the A-League premiership-championship double and the Asian Champions League.
If they succeed, Victory will be the first team to defend their premiership and the second team to win back-to-back championships.
No doubt, this seems easier said than done, however the Victory have done what is required of a team defending their crown, bringing in reinforcements and holding onto key assets that led them to glory last season.
New reinforcements
Over the transfer period, Victory secured the signature of Socceroo Oliver Bozanic, who has been listed as the club’s domestic marquee. Bozanic’s pace and agility in midfield will add to the multitude of goalscoring threats up front. His ability to play central and out wide will be very handy to Kevin Muscat.
Following the offloading of Nathan Coe, Muscat has recruited former Glory keeper Danny Vukovic. Vukovic enjoyed a successful season last year between the sticks, as he contributed to the Perth’s 10-game unbeaten run.
These new recruits will prove to be vital players for the club in achieving further success.
With great power, comes great responsibility
Unfortunately for the champions, midfield general and captain Mark Milligan departed the club, as he transferred to Baniyas in the UAE. With his departure, Carl Valeri has been given the responsibility in leading the club.
The duo of Milligan and Valeri were quite formidable in midfield, however the new captain must now look to increase his performance and leadership on the field.
The new skipper’s role in centre midfield has become even more significant, however Valeri has proven to be a reliable player and will not look to disappoint following his promotion. Valeri could be joined in the central midfield position with the ever reliable Leigh Broxham or even Bozanic or Gui Finkler, who could drop into more of a defensive role this season.
A big contribution to Victory’s success last season was their ability to keep it tight in midfield when it counted, and the upcoming season will see the club looking to continue this dominance.
Squad depth
Squad depth is an aspect which is difficult to manage in the A-League due to the salary cap restrictions. Victory, participating in three separate competitions, will need to utilise and manage their squad the best they can.
Securing star players Fahid Ben Khalfallah and Matthieu Delpierre helps maintain a strong nucleus of players. Archie Thompson, who will be sidelined for a further eight to 10 weeks, will be a very handy inclusion as fatigue and injuries set in later in the season, particularly if Victory run deep in the Asian Champions League.
Over the course of the pre-season, Victory elevated defender Thomas Deng from the club’s youth team as well as recruiting Olyroo and former Swansea development squad player Giancarlo Gallifuoco. The pair, despite most likely not being involved in first team action every week, will prove to be reliable squad members when it comes to playing in the additional matches.
Breakout year
This year’s surprise package for Victory will be 22-year-old defender Jason Geria. Geria has made 41 appearances for the club following his debut in 2012. He has proven to be an integral part of the team, fulfilling the fullback role over the past few years, and has also stepped in at centre back at times.
Geria will most likely fulfil the fullback position yet again this season and will be expected to provide overlapping runs for the wingers, as well as providing valuable balls to his forwards.
Another player that will be certain to have a breakout season will be centre back Nick Ansell. Ansell has consolidated his position at the heart of the defence and will be looking to enjoy another successful season. Ansell’s height will ensure that he will be an aerial threat both in defence and in attack, making life hell for teams who look to play the long ball. The partnership of Ansell and Delpierre will be very difficult for teams to pick apart.
Well, there it is. What is to come in A-League 2015-16 is in the lap of the football gods. The Victory will be hungry to continue their success and continue making history. With over 24,000 members behind them, the boys in blue are set for another big season.
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