Grant Brebner has brought in a number of new signings ahead of the 2020/21 season, since being appointed Head Coach in August.
The Scotsman recently led Victory out of Group E in the AFC Champions League – qualifying for the Round of 16 for the second time in the club’s history.
Following a quarantine period in Sydney after returning from Qatar, Victory’s preparations for its upcoming A-League campaign continues to gather momentum.
Click here for Part 1 of this series.
We take a look at some of the new faces in Victory’s 2020/21 squad…
We've had an amazing journey #Since05! Will you be with us as we write a new chapter in the club's history? #MVFC pic.twitter.com/uP8cU4CJQF
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) December 15, 2020
Rudy Gestede
Former Premier League striker, Rudy Gestede became Victory’s third overseas signing in November.
Brebner believes Gestede “ticked all the boxes” and will add another dimension to Victory’s attacking ranks.
The 32-year-old recently played for Middlesbrough in the English Championship and has also represented Cardiff City, Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa.
.@RudyGestede can't wait to get started! #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/yKO7IYu3EK
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) December 17, 2020
Ryan Shotton
Last week Melbourne Victory concluded its pre-season business with the signing of Ryan Shotton.
The defender has played for several English clubs including Stoke City, Derby County and most recently, Middlesbrough – where he linked up with fellow newcomer, Gestede.
“While Ryan has made a career of playing in defence, given his height and strength in the air he can push forward for set pieces and is a real threat around goal,” said Brebner.
Here he is… finally! @RyanShotton88 will be wearing navy blue in 2020/21 👊 #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/k8d7Tn3BJS
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) December 18, 2020
Jacob Butterfield
Jacob Butterfield joined Victory in time for the club’s AFC Champions League campaign – the second player to join from Luton Town, following the arrival of Callum McManaman.
The Englishman featured in four of Victory’s five games in Qatar and provided Ben Folami with a pinpoint assist against Chiangrai United.
Butterfield provides an array of possession-based skills, as well as defensive security at the heart of Victory’s midfield.
.@Benfolami9 is off the mark in #MVFC colours, combining with Jacob Butterfield for our second goal! #CRUvMEL #ACL2020 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/ZJV7f1tdV0
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) November 30, 2020
Max Crocombe
Brebner bolstered his goalkeeping options with the recruitment of Crocombe in October – the first of Victory’s pre-season signings.
The 27-year-old spent last season with Brisbane Roar and previously played in England for Milton Keynes Dons, Oxford United and Salford City.
Crocombe made three appearances in Qatar and pulled off a number of significant saves in Victory’s memorable 2-1 win over FC Seoul.
What a save! #ULSvMEL 0-0 #ACL2020 pic.twitter.com/EBa0vskrum
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) December 6, 2020
Dylan Ryan
Youngster Dylan Ryan is Victory’s second loan signing ahead of the new A-League season, joining from parent club Willem II in the Dutch Eredivisie.
The central defender played alongside Nick Ansell and Aaron Anderson in the AFC Champions League, offering composure and an aerial presence at the back.
Ryan will be linking up with the familiar faces of Jake Brimmer and Ben Folami in Melbourne, who he has played with at Liverpool Academy and the Olyroos respectively.
Dylan Ryan on joining Victory 🗣️ #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/G9Y30opLdu
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) November 11, 2020
