Melbourne Victory can announce its captain and vice-captains for the A-League Men’s First Team for 2025/26.
This was announced to the travelling group during Victory’s two-game friendly series against Perth Glory in Western Australia by Head Coach, Arthur Diles, after the players worked through a collective selection process.
Experienced defender Roderick Miranda was confirmed to be leading the team as Captain for the 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign, his third season as captain.
Retaining the captaincy since first taking the armband in 2023/24, the 34-year-old leads on the front foot from the back, with his consistency and passion for the Victory cause making him an exceptional role model.
Heading into his fifth season at Melbourne Victory, the Portuguese centre-back will build on his existing 100 league appearances at the Club.
“He’s not a big talker, but in key moments he always stands up to talk; and when he talks, people listen,” commented Diles on Miranda.
Completing the Leadership Group are Jason Davidson, Nishan Velupillay, Brendan Hamill and Joshua Inserra, all selected by their peers.
Defender Hamill, part of the leadership group for a second season, will set standards off the field, inspiring and pushing the team as he recovers from an ACL rupture.
Returning to the Club after a memorable 2021/22 season in navy blue, Socceroo Davidson joins the group of vice-captains, with plenty of advice and guidance to provide the squad.
Alongside the experienced Miranda, Hamill and Davidson, emerging leaders were also recognised through the nomination of Nishan Velupillay and Joshua Inserra.
With 106 league appearances to his name at 24 years old, Velupillay will attack up top following a standout season that saw him score 12 goals and provide six assists in all competitions for Victory, alongside a call-up to the Socceroos.
An emerging leader in the group who enjoyed a breakout campaign in the latter stage of the season after lifting the AFC U20 Asian Cup with Australia, versatile defender Inserra will represent Victory’s young core coming to prominence.
Set and ready for the A-League Men’s season, secure your seat for Melbourne Victory’s season opener against Auckland FC at AAMI Park on Saturday, 18 October via Ticketek.
