Last year we wrote that third time may be the charm for Victory, and charmed their season was. Coming in at third, the team defeated a Matildas-heavy Brisbane side 6-2 in the semi final, securing their first grand final appearance since 2013/14. The final against Premiers Sydney FC was one of the most entertaining match-ups in ALW history, and Victory secured a hard fought win with a Kyra Cooney-Cross Olimpico in the last minute of extra time.
Victory come into this season defending the Championship, but the next progression for the side will be securing the double. Success will come from establishing their attack early and being consistent, as erratic defensive performances last season saw them lose traction on the ladder.
Ins and Outs
This Victory squad is one of the most stable in the league, with a long list of last year’s squad returning. This stability places them in good stead.
Hopkins (once again) hasn’t had to search far when recruiting. As last season proved, if local talent works, why change tact? Joining from Victory’s Elite Girls program are Paige Zois and Alana Murphy (the program’s first graduate). Harriet Withers makes the move across town from Melbourne City, while goalkeeper Casey Dumont will be making a hopefully triumphant return following a season rehabbing an Achilles injury. Courtney Nevin is the only new signing who has joined from an interstate club.
Ins
Casey Dumont (injury)
Alana Murphy (Football Victoria Emerging)
Courtney Nevin (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Emma Robers (injury)
Harriet Withers (Melbourne City)
Outs
Angie Beard (Fortuna Hjørring)
Lisa De Vanna (Perth Glory)
Gaby Garton (coaching/maternity leave)
Annalie Longo
Natalie Martineau
Natalie Tathem (Brisbane Roar)
Staying
Melina Ayres
MelindaJ Barbieri
Claudia Bunge
Kyra Cooney-Cross
Polly Doran
Tiffany Eliadis
Amy Jackson
Kayla Morrison (c)
Melissa Maizels
Maja Markovski
Lia Privitelli
Catherine Zimmerman
Paige Zois (Elite Girls Pathway)
Coach
When Jeff Hopkins took the job in 2016, he had the difficult task of transforming the team from cellar dwellers to finals contenders. Initial improvements were incremental, but Hopkins stuck around to see out the five-year journey to the Championship. As he noted in an interview with Beyond 90 earlier this year, positive change stemmed from building a strong team culture and purpose.
Hopkins also celebrated his 100th cap in the competition – the first coach to do so. One of the most experienced coaches in the country, and the most experienced in the league, Hopkins is known for his ability to build confidence in individual players and develop youngsters. Now, by putting his name down for another two seasons, it seems he is looking to kick more goals for the club.
A massive congratulations to Jeff Hopkins!
Today’s #MelbourneDerby is the 100th game he’s coached in the #WLeague 👏 👏 👏#MCYvMVC pic.twitter.com/MnvyFBiDKe
— Beyond 90 (@Beyond90AU) January 10, 2021
Key players
Defence – Kayla Morrison
Last year’s captain Angie Beard is now playing overseas – a move no doubt influenced by a cracking campaign last year. However, Victory are in safe hands with Kayla Morrison taking the armband.
Getting her break from NPL Victoria into the ALW last season, the centre back went on to play every single minute, earning the Victory Medal and the club’s Player’s Player award for her efforts. Combining athleticism, physicality and a high work rate, now-captain Morrison unsurprisingly comes across as a natural and vocal leader on the field.
In bettering last season’s record to also claim the Premiership, this Victory side will need to shore up their defence, with Morrison playing a crucial role in making this happen not just for her backline, but for the team. However, without needing to adjust to a whole new competition and a whole new team, she will be able to throw herself into this season from the first whistle.
Midfield – Amy Jackson
While there are attacking midfielders and wingers aplenty in this Victory squad, less can be said for out-and-out defensive midfielders. Amy Jackson will in turn play a crucial role by impacting Victory’s game through the centre of the park, providing defensive smarts to balance out the forward momentum innate within the squad.
Jackson is a highly experienced player; a familiar face who season in, season out, puts her head down and gets the job done. While well-versed in screening opposition attackers and landing necessary tackles, her own penchant for scoring from afar makes her a threat all over the park.
Attack – Melina Ayres
This will be Ayres’ fifth season with the club. Last season, she made 14 starts for the side and secured the club Golden Boot with eight goals. In turn, the 22 year old will be heading into this season as an established starter, instead of a promising, developing player. As part of this, she most likely will not only be looking to better last season’s stats, but also develop her game in creating opportunities and supporting teammates such as Zimmerman and Withers. The departure of Lisa de Vanna’s unpredictable flair in the frontline makes it all the more important for Ayres to bring her best.
One to watch – Courtney Nevin
If you’re reading this preview, then you’ve probably already watched Nevin in recent Matildas friendlies. Her call-up is somewhat surprising – not because she isn’t quality, but because she had a quiet campaign last season with Western Sydney Wanderers.
However, given the relative lack of defenders in this Victory squad and her recent Matildas performances, Nevin is set to have anything but a quiet season. She brings with her a tenacious workrate and the ability to deliver considered long balls, as well as a calm and focused demeanour. While comfortable in centre back, she seems equally adept at left back, making her a versatile pick.
Many fans – not just at Victory, but league-wide – will be intently watching the defender. Regardless, a stellar campaign with Victory could cement Nevin as one of Australia’s best young talents.
We’ve just been Nevin rolled…? #MVFC pic.twitter.com/EDKf0WALRH
— Melbourne Victory Women (@mvfcwomen) October 2, 2021
Prediction
This Victory side can crack the top four and no doubt will (as defending Champions) be expected to by club, fans, coach and squad. First spot is not out of the question but definitely isn’t a given, with other ALW sides’ recruitment not to be sniffed at. Expect to see Victory compete in the finals again, but for there to be a little spice and drama along the way.
