Melbourne are ready to go one step further | (Credit: Getty Images) Melbourne are ready to go one step further | (Credit: Getty Images)

To say that Melbourne Victory's position was precarious at the commencement of the season would be an understatement.

In Season Five the Victory have survived a shock departure of their head coach of two seasons, losses of key imports, an interim coach, a new coach, season ending injuries to key players, the loss of the new coach and fourth coach in as many months.  The fact that the Victory were just a couple of points away from the premiership and qualified comfortably finals is a testament to the strength of the playing group.

Understandably the Victory started slowly with losses to fellow finalists Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar.  The third round saw them scrape out a win against the Newcastle Jets before the cavalry (Jessica McDonald, Petra Larsson and Jessica Fishlock) rode into the country.

In hind sight the season defining match was their 2 – 1 victory of Sydney FC in Round 4; the first time they had defeated the Sky Blues in the W-League.

From then on consistency was Melbourne's name and upsetting history was the Victory's game.  The Round 5 win over Canberra United finally ended the 2011/12 W-League champions' 18 game unbeaten streak.  A narrow yet season affirming3-2 to Brisbane Roar was followed by wins over Adelaide United, another record breaking win over Canberra United (the first time they had lost at home in two seasons), a draw with Sydney FC and finals a clenching win over the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Despite not claiming their first home final, make no mistake, the Melbourne Victory are very real contenders in this finals series.  Playing a wonderful mix of possession and counter attacking (which ever the game demands), the Victory are very well organised and methodical team with X-factors all over the park.

Kryptonite

How to break Melbourne Victory…well don't give them the ball.  Victory have been masters at controlling the tempo of matches this season.  Whether methodically building up from the back through Johnson and Stott through to Larsson and Jackson to feed McDonald or with a quick counter launched by Catley, it is very rare this season that Melbourne have not controlled the game.  If one team can starve them of possession it is the Perth Glory midfield.  Mastrantonio, McCallum, Luik and Tabain are all players comfortable with the ball and on the ball.  If Glory can control the middle of the park then they are more than halfway to winning the game cos Victory can't score without it.  Easy right?

Match Winners

Petra Larsson is one of Melbourne's keys | (Credit: Getty Images) Petra Larsson is one of Melbourne's keys | (Credit: Getty Images)

Jessica McDonald (Forward) – When former captain Jodie Taylor left Melbourne the big question was who was going to score their goals.  Enter a 6'0" striker from the famed University of North Carolina who arrived on Australian shores with little fanfare and even less known information to become the lynchpin of the Victory's attack.  McDonald is a versatile striker who can play as a hold up forward or use a surprising turn of pace to blow off a defender.  Quelling her presence will be Perth's first order of play.

Petra Larsson (Midfielder) – To do that Perth need to cut of the supplier and there has been no better distributor of the ball this season than Swede Petra Larsson.  A quiet but influential import, Larsson has improved week by week to become the fulcrum of the Victory midfield especially in light of the departure of Jessica Fishlock.  Exquisite touch, varied passing range and an every growing hunger for goals will make Larsson a key lock down target.

Stephanie Catley (Defender) – In whole honesty the entire Melbourne Victory defence are match winners or game savers.  From goalkeeper Brianna Davey with her incredible reflex saves (none this weekend please Bri) to Danielle Johnson and the centreback combination of Maika Ruyter-Hooley and Rebekah Stott, the Victory have been the toughest nut to crack this season.  However, the danger player in the backline pack has to be Steph Catley.  With pace to burst forward or track back quickly, excellent delivery from the flanks, some time captain Catley provides Melbourne with width and is often the initiator of dangerous attacks.  Her duel with Young Matildas teammate Marianna Tabain should be a treat to watch.