Jack Duncan is feeling positive about Melbourne Victory’s prospects versus Wellington Phoenix.
The goalkeeper, who spent the 2023/24 season playing for the Phoenix, has recorded four clean sheets in the current Isuzu UTE A-League campaign, including two in the last three matches.
He showed his worth with key reflex saves away to Macarthur, where Victory earned a point, and in the 1-0 Christmas Derby win over Melbourne City, which came after Adelaide United were beaten 2-1.
In action again at AAMI Park, on Monday, December 29, kick-off 7pm AEDT, the 32-year-old gloveman strongly believes his and the team’s form can continue against his former employers.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Duncan evaluated the impact that momentum can play in the Round 10 fixture.
“We’ve had a good week. Obviously, Christmas time, everyone’s in a good mood, especially after a good win last week. Everyone’s going well, positive mood in the camp, and looking forward to the game.
“I think we built a little bit of momentum with the clean sheet away at Macarthur, a good draw, good point away from home, then coming back in at home in front of our fans against Adelaide and City to build some momentum.”
Back-to-back wins have significantly changed the picture for Victory, and avoiding defeat when hosting Wellington would complete a first unbeaten month of the season.
The positives from these recent matches, both in terms of points gained and performances delivered, can be in part attributed to Arthur Diles’ side finding its groove as players return from injury, a factor Duncan believes is driving the team forward.
“We’re pretty much at a full squad, and it’s really good to have competition for places, because we’ve got such good players here, real depth in our squad, and everyone’s fighting to start.
“And if they’re not starting, they really wanted to come on and change the game, like you saw against City, with Grimmers (Matt Grimaldi) coming on and changing the game and winning the game. For us, hopefully everyone’s fit and firing tomorrow.”
Watch Duncan’s full press conference below.
