Back Victory for Back-to-Back

Consistency is as important as anything in sport, and it’s that which Melbourne Victory is hoping can secure the club an unprecedented back-to-back A-League title.
No team has ever defended the A-League crown, but the Victory are the club to do it.

The Victory has retained 13 of the 16 man squad which defeated Adelaide in the Grand Final in February, including the key re-signings of Carlos Hernandez and skipper Kevin Muscat.
Former Adelaide and Sydney coach John Kosmina says he thinks Muscat has made a mistake by playing on, but fitness staff at the Victory tell me the captain is as fit as he’s ever been, and has recorded the best standing 20m sprints in his career this pre-season. Not bad for a man who turns 36 tomorrow.

The only loss for the Victory is Michael Theoklitos who is now with Norwich City in England, but they have a more than capable replacement in Glen Moss who will be between the sticks tonight against Central Coast.

I expect Melbourne's rivals this season to come from the Sunshine State.

Brisbane Roar has made two preliminary finals in the last two seasons and lost both, but if they can add that ruthlessness to their team then surely a Grand Final berth beckons.
In Sergio van Dijk, Reinaldo and Michael Zullo they have a great attacking threat and the goals will come. If they can tighten up at the back they are a real chance.

Their opponents on the opening weekend are Gold Coast United and I expect them to feature heavily when finals come around.

They have certainly talked the talk, with outspoken manager Miron Bleiberg voicing his opinions to anyone who’ll listen, and club CEO Clive Palmer predicting United can go through their first A-League season unbeaten.
They have probably the competition’s best player in Jason Culina, and the league’s top goalscorer from last season in Shane Smeltz. All that remains is to see whether they can walk the walk.

It’s been a long off-season with the much-maligned Pre-Season cup given the flick, and no tournaments like the World Cup or the Euros to distract those of us addicted to football.
Ten teams in an expanded A-League, and as many as four or five teams with legitimate claims to being Premiership contenders.
I can’t wait.
My tip - A Melbourne vs Brisbane Grand Final, and the Victory to go back to back.

Do you agree? Vote in the poll on the left!

For my exclusive interview for SBS with Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick, click the link below and choose the video section on the left.

http://www.theworldgame.com.au/a-league