Melbourne Victory Men are set for the first-ever Melbourne Derby Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final, going to battle against Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday, May 31.
Progressing through the Finals Series with hard-fought wins over Western Sydney Wanderers and Auckland FC, the scene is set for a blockbuster Derby Grand Final in front of a sold-out AAMI Park.
Last defeated by City in 2022, Victory are just one win away from lifting their fifth Championship on home soil over the noisy neighbours on Saturday night.
Melbourne Victory
Required to overturn a 1-0 deficit in New Zealand against the Premiers, many thought it would be a task too difficult for Victory.
Stunning a sold-out Go Media Stadium, goals from Zinedine Machach and Bruno Fornaroli fired Arthur Diles’ men ahead in the tie on the hour mark.
Keeping a resolute defensive structure, the Vuck held strong and gave Auckland FC their second-ever loss on home soil.
Covering just about every blade of grass and providing both assists on the night, Jordi Valadon was deservedly recognised as the Turkish Airlines player of the match for his exceptional performance in midfield.
Booking their spot in the big dance, Victory have become the team with the most Grand Final appearances in A-League Men’s history, while extending league records for most semi-finals and finals wins respectively.
Becoming head coach during the season, Arthur Diles is not shying away from the bright lights and is keen for the historic clash at AAMI Park
“I know our fans will be there, that’s for sure; we always show that. I don’t know what’s happening on the other end but our fans will turn up in numbers.
“They’ll be loud, they’ll be our 12th man like we always expect them to be and we can’t wait to play in front of them.”
Returning to the squad after missing the second leg of the semifinals, Kasey Bos will be a welcome addition back into Arthur Diles’ plans for Saturday night.
Grand Final Squad
3. Adama TRAORE, 4. Lachlan JACKSON, 6. Ryan TEAGUE, 7. Daniel ARZANI, 8. Zinedine MACHACH, 9. Nikolaos VERGOS, 10. Bruno FORNAROLI, 11. Clerismario SANTOS RODRIGUES, 14. Jordi VALADON, 16. Joshua INSERRA, 17. Nishan VELUPILLAY, 18. Fabian MONGE, 19. Jing REEC, 21. Roderick MIRANDA, 22. Joshua RAWLINS, 23. Alexander BADOLATO, 25. Jack DUNCAN, 27. Reno PISCOPO, 28. Kasey BOS, 30. Daniel GRASKOSKI
Ins: 3. Adama TRAORE, 18. Fabian MONGE, 28. Kasey BOS (return from injury)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 5. Brendan HAMILL (long-term injury)
Melbourne City
Claiming second on the table in the regular season, Melbourne City matched up against Western United in the semifinals.
Defeating the Green and Black in a convincing 3-0 win in the first leg, City were more than happy to settle for a 1-1 draw in the second leg, confirming their place in the Grand Final.
Making it to the final stage four times previously, City have only once been crowned Champions of Australia, beating out Sydney FC for the ‘toilet seat’ in 2021.
Since 2023, the Citizens have been unable to celebrate a win over Victory.
Fresh in the minds of both sets of fans, Victory triumphed over City in their last finals meeting, with Paul Izzo’s penalty heroics taking the headlines in last season’s elimination final.
Conceding the fewest goals in the league this season, City’s backline includes Socceroos defenders Aziz Behich, Kai Trewin and Nathaniel Atkinson.
Further forward, wingers Marco Tilio and Yonatan Cohen have been some of City’s key contributors in attack, while Austrian midfielder Andreas Kuen will be a player to watch, standing out for his playmaking abilities.
