This week’s Member Recognition Round carries extra significance for Melbourne Victory’s Matthew Grimaldi.
The boyhood Victory fan was a regular matchgoer as a youngster at AAMI Park, idolising the Boys in Blue, cheering their every move and celebrating the team’s successes.
Now he is on the other side of events, being roared on from the terraces and championed as a poster boy for dreams coming true, following his off-season move from Western United.
Naturally, his stock skyrocketed after, as a substitute, he netted a Christmas Derby winner to trigger frenetic scenes of euphoria in the North End, but his relationship has always been a special one with the supporters. After all, he is one.
Now, on the annual occasion of Member Recognition Round, where Victory’s devoted disciples are spotlighted, the 22-year-old has charted his association with the Club.
Speaking to MelbourneVictory.com.au, Grimaldi recalled his memories of watching Victory and how the transition to becoming a player ticked off a notable ambition.
“I would come to as many games as I could with the family, cousins and friends, so pretty much everyone in my circle grew up Victory fans.
“The atmosphere and feeling of going to the game, it felt like a club in Europe, but it was your hometown team, and that’s what made my love for football grow even more – going to Victory.
“The one that I remember the most was the photo that came out of me and Archie. I remember him being in the stands for one game, and I was a little bit starstruck. I was there with my cousin, and we both got a photo, and that made our night.
“Now it’s a full circle feeling, and it’s cool because I was one of those kids. I was asking for photos, and it’s a nice feeling when kids come up to me and ask for photos, because I was doing the same.”
Grimaldi was Victory’s penultimate recruit before the 2025/26 season, only followed by Juan Mata, whom he assisted in February’s derby triumph over City. His late switch to Navy Blue could have caused some teething problems. None of it.
He has featured in every Isuzu UTE A-League fixture, recording two assists on his full debut versus Perth Glory in October, and with special moments added to his treasure chest of memories, a bigger prize remains in his crosshairs.
“I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been different in an amazing way. Coming from Western to Victory, it’s such a big, cultured club, and it hit me as a bit of a shock at the start, but I settled in very quickly with amazing people around me and amazing fans. I would just love to finish off the season with a trophy. I think that’s what the fans really deserve.
“The derby one tops it all off for me. I went through the City Academy, and then to end up back at Victory and score against the rivals was an amazing feeling. That moment will go down as one of my favourite moments in my career.”
To make certain of their Finals spot, Victory need to beat table-topping Newcastle Jets on Friday, April 17, kick-off 7.35pm AEST.
And with the visitors also after a result to claim their maiden Premiers Plate, there is plenty at stake when the sides face off for the first time since Round 2.
“It’s a massive game for the league. They’re trying to finish it off and take the trophy. We’d love to spoil the party, but it’s not about that, it’s about us. We want to seal our spot in Finals.
“It will be two quality teams going at it, and I think it will be a great atmosphere. Fans should get down because it should be a great game.”
