An avalanche of goals but still some clean sheets to end the season: The A-League players who were the difference in Round 26
Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has put his players through a gruelling training regime following the postponement of their A-League clash against Brisbane Roar.
Friday night’s match at Suncorp Stadium was washed out after Brisbane copped torrential rains associated with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Marcia.
Tuesday’s session at Gosch’s Paddock tested the limits of several players and came after the Victory squad flew to Brisbane on Thursday afternoon only to turn around and fly back to Melbourne the next day.
Keen for his players to maintain valuable match fitness, Muscat ordered the intense workout, which defender Scott Galloway said would help maintain their competitive edge.
“It’s been tough,” Galloway said.
“We had two conditioning sessions to make up for the game that we missed on the weekend, but it’s a good hitout mid-week to really push the boys to be ready for the game (against Wellington) this Sunday.
“There was no hiding out there – everyone had to give their all. It got a bit fiery towards the end, but it’s good to have a bit of competition in training.”
Galloway, 19, spoke to reporters just days after signing a new two-year deal to stay at the club.
“It’s the biggest club in Australian football and I wanted to continue to be a part of it,” he said.” I’m just glad to be playing, to be a part of this team and to be a part of what’s to come.
“I think there’s definitely something huge coming with this team. This year I believe something special can happen with this team and in years to come as well.”
Meanwhile, Galloway’s fiery teammate Besart Berisha has escaped with an official reprimand from the FFA for his antics in the aftermath of Victory’s contentious 3-3 draw against Sydney FC.
The Albanian striker was cited for appearing to make obscene gestures to a section of the home crowd at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
Berisha had until 5pm on Monday to respond after being cited for an alleged breach of the FFA’s national code of conduct, with Victory issuing a statement accepting the official reprimand on Tuesday afternoon.
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Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
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