Melbourne Victory started the final month of the regular season with a deserved 1-0 win over FC Melbourne Srbija in Round 23 of the 2026 VPL Men 1 season.
Following successes over North Geelong Warriors and North Sunshine Eagles toward the end of July, the Boys in Blue further strengthened their position in the top-six by opening August with another three-point return at the Home of the Matildas on Monday night.
Alex Lee’s 40th-minute goal was the difference in Bundoora, with the 19-year-old’s finish leading the way for a Victory side that featured five 17-year-olds and a debut for 16-year-old Sam Mason in the senior competition.
Match details are available by clicking here.
Speaking to MelbourneVictory.com.au, Senior Academy Head Coach, Besart Berisha, commended the performance of a youthful side.
“Winning 1-0 at home is always special, but what makes me even prouder is how we achieved it. Last night we fielded the youngest starting line-up of our season, with five 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old making his senior debut.
“This group continues to show incredible courage, character, and belief. The way we play our football and, above all, the way we fight for each other until the final whistle makes this team very special.
“I’m extremely proud of every single player. Nights like these show that the future is very promising for our Victory youth development.”
