Melbourne Victory’s Australia Day blockbuster against Sydney FC is back as the rest of the Isuzu UTE A-League fixture was revealed on Friday.
Last season’s Australia Day clash was played against Perth Glory, with Victory recording a thrilling 2-1 win.
But Victory and the Sky Blues will renew their rivalry on January 26, 2022.
We take a look at that encounter and more after the 26-round fixture was released in full.
Starting 2022 at home
While the opening six games of the 2021/22 season had already been confirmed, Victory will begin the New Year with back-to-back matches at AAMI Park.
Victory will host Brisbane Roar on January 2 before welcoming rivals Adelaide United to the same venue six days later.
It means six of Victory’s first eight matches are at AAMI Park, providing the Club with a huge opportunity to make a strong start to the campaign.
Australia Day blockbuster
Victory marked Australia Day last season with a 2-1 win over Perth, with Jake Brimmer stepping up to deliver a memorable late brace.
But Victory and Sydney met on Australia Day on seven occasions between 2012 and 2019. Both Clubs have won three of those matches, with the first fixture in 2012 ending in a 2-2 draw.
Victory also played on Australia Day in both 2010 and 2011, recording wins over the Wellington Phoenix (4-0) and North Queensland Fury (3-0) respectively.
AAMI Park run begins in February
Beginning against Western United on February 5, Victory will play six of eight games at AAMI Park.
After hosting Western, the new-look Victory takes on the Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners. After a trip to Brisbane, Victory hosts Macarthur and meets City in the Derby, with a clash against the Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park on March 27 following an away meeting with Sydney FC.
In total, 15 of Victory’s 26 games during the Isuzu UTE A-League season will be played at AAMI Park.
