Melbourne are ready to take out the big prize | (Credit: Getty Images) Melbourne are ready to take out the big prize | (Credit: Getty Images)

Melbourne Victory. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Victory were unique in that they often have an excellent defensive record, can challenge the top teams week to week, and yet had never before proceeded beyond the semi-final stage. Until now.

In a podcast earlier this season it was noted that Melbourne Victory have ‘the mojo’ to take them all the way this season, it was hard to nail down exactly what makes this season different to the last but it may be related to their on-field organisation in particular, their improved prowess in the attacking third of the field.

Victory were a team who could score on a 1v1 quick counter (as well-evidenced by Jodie Taylor last season) but struggled to consistently play the ball through the middle and score from distance or in the air. They were somewhat a clever, albeit one-trick, pony with an impeccable and often impenetrable defence.

The recipe for this season’s success has come in the form of a collection of internationals including the Welsh Jessica Fishlock, the American Jessica McDonald and the Swede Petra Larsson.  Sounds like a group that would walk into a bar … but in this case they walked onto the Victory pitch and set the tone.  Fishlock and Larsson combining to find McDonald became a scary sight for opposition defences.

Despite all the attention for the internationals, 18 year old goalkeeper Brianna Davey will be the key player for Melbourne Victory as her excellent positional play combined with the endless hustle of Maika Ruyter-Hooley, Matilda Steph Catley and US International Danielle Johnson have earned Melbourne Victory the best defensive record in the w-league with only 14 goals conceded over 12 games.  A mature and reliable Victory backline have shown the league how it should be done week in and week out.

At the start of the season, Victory’s future looked grim with Coach Vicky Linton leaving the team followed by the early loss of 2011/12 Young Player of the Year Ash Brown and long-serving midfielder Louisa Bisby out with ACL injuries.

However the introduction of Coach Mike Mulvey took them the extra step and his impact was evident immediately as the complexity of Victory’s game hit a high and they became an exciting team to watch.

Apart from a Round 2 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar, Victory are undefeated at home this year and the momentum feels in their favour, however, Sydney FC have just tripped-over an orange giant and are looking more dangerous than they have all season so it could be anyone’s game! 

Kryptonite

Melbourne Victory’s primary weakness is in their attack so for Sydney FC the best offence will be a good, erm, offence.  This strategy has worked well for Sydney FC this season who have been vulnerable in defence.  The key for the Sky Blues will be to outscore their opponent.  However, the difficulty with Victory is that they are almost invincible thanks to the soft hands of goalkeeper Davey and shooting from distance will be futile.

Victory will need to hold possession and be very wary of Sydney FC on the counter attack.  If Victory are unable to control the midfield and give-up too many chances to Sydney FC they will be punished (as Brisbane Roar were last week).

Match Winners

Jessica McDonald's goals will be crucial | (Credit: Getty Images) Jessica McDonald's goals will be crucial | (Credit: Getty Images)

Jess McDonald/ Laura Spiranovic (forward) – McDonald and Spiranovic have been sending the rest of the W-league warning signals all season as they have been in-form and looking to tally up goals.  Spiranovic’s strike against Perth Glory last week and McDonald’s cool-as-a-cucumber penalty re-take highlights two forwards looking to pressure relatively inexperienced Sydney FC goalkeeper, Sham Khamis for 90 (or 120) minutes.

Petra Larsson (midfield) – Larsson has provided Melbourne Victory with some excellent midfield creativity and put extra punch in Victory’s ability to push forward and rely on someone other than Catley to be dangerous on the flank.  Larsson’s beautiful corners and endless energy to buzz around the midfield will cause problems for Sydney FC.

Brianna Davey (defence) –– Arguably one could name reliable defender Steph Catley here however, when it comes to being a match winner, Davey’s ability to guard the goal line is incomparable across the league this season.  If the Grand Final goes to penalties (which is may very well do) Victory will rest assured with Davey between the sticks.