Victory hope third time's a charm after latest GF loss
Melbourne Victory will pick up the pieces from a second consecutive A-League Men grand final defeat and hope they can keep most of their players around to make another charge.
A year on from a heartbreaking extra-time loss to Central Coast, Victory suffered a 1-0 defeat to Melbourne City in Saturday night's grand final at AAMI Park.
Coach Arthur Diles was pragmatic about how to move on without carrying the scars of this year.
"Next year's a new season," he said.
"We don't look back. We look forward."
But goalkeeper Jack Duncan underlined the emotion a talented Victory group with nothing to show for multiple big finals would experience.
"We also lost the Australia Cup as well. So it's a really tough one to take," Duncan said.
"All the boys had so much belief going into this game with how we've gone over the last few weeks, with the results we've been able to pick up and to put ourselves in this position. So it's never easy.
"I still think about the 2018 grand final that we lost to Melbourne Victory at Newcastle.
"So these moments stay with you forever, because this is what your whole career is for - to win trophies.
"And it will be tough, but I guess we have to take stock in the fact that as a group, we were very close. We had a really good season to be here on the final day, and unfortunately we just fell short."
Daniel Arzani and Bruno Fornaroli are the biggest names out of contract, with the former keen to test himself in Europe.
Contracted guns Ryan Teague, the injured Nishan Velupillay and Jordi Valadon could also attract attention.
"Fortunately for us, I think the majority will still be here," Diles said.
"I'd be surprised if we didn't have 70 to 80 per cent of the squad still next season.
"That's also pending what happens in off-season in terms of transfers and things like that.
"We've had a great season. When you have a successful season like that, there's normally interest in a lot of your players, whether they're off-contract or on-contract. So we'll deal with that over the next month.
"We'll look at our recruitment as well for next season and make sure that we fill the voids that we have and and try and strengthen this playing group as much as we can to come back even better next year."
After originally joining on a one-year deal, Duncan is yet to confirm whether he will stick around for next season, which would likely mean playing deputy to Mitch Langerak.
Duncan started the season as No.1, knowing Langerak was coming in.
He said being dropped was a "real low point" before regaining his spot via the former Socceroo's foot injury.
"I triggered an extension through the number of games I played," he said.
"So yeah, we'll see how the off season unfolds. I've loved every minute of my time at the club."
Melbourne Victory will pick up the pieces from a second consecutive A-League Men grand final defeat and hope they can keep most of their players around to make another charge.
A year on from a heartbreaking extra-time loss to Central Coast, Victory suffered a 1-0 defeat to Melbourne City in Saturday night's grand final at AAMI Park.
Coach Arthur Diles was pragmatic about how to move on without carrying the scars of this year.
"Next year's a new season," he said.
"We don't look back. We look forward."
But goalkeeper Jack Duncan underlined the emotion a talented Victory group with nothing to show for multiple big finals would experience.
"We also lost the Australia Cup as well. So it's a really tough one to take," Duncan said.
"All the boys had so much belief going into this game with how we've gone over the last few weeks, with the results we've been able to pick up and to put ourselves in this position. So it's never easy.
"I still think about the 2018 grand final that we lost to Melbourne Victory at Newcastle.
"So these moments stay with you forever, because this is what your whole career is for - to win trophies.
"And it will be tough, but I guess we have to take stock in the fact that as a group, we were very close. We had a really good season to be here on the final day, and unfortunately we just fell short."
Daniel Arzani and Bruno Fornaroli are the biggest names out of contract, with the former keen to test himself in Europe.
Contracted guns Ryan Teague, the injured Nishan Velupillay and Jordi Valadon could also attract attention.
"Fortunately for us, I think the majority will still be here," Diles said.
"I'd be surprised if we didn't have 70 to 80 per cent of the squad still next season.
"That's also pending what happens in off-season in terms of transfers and things like that.
"We've had a great season. When you have a successful season like that, there's normally interest in a lot of your players, whether they're off-contract or on-contract. So we'll deal with that over the next month.
"We'll look at our recruitment as well for next season and make sure that we fill the voids that we have and and try and strengthen this playing group as much as we can to come back even better next year."
After originally joining on a one-year deal, Duncan is yet to confirm whether he will stick around for next season, which would likely mean playing deputy to Mitch Langerak.
Duncan started the season as No.1, knowing Langerak was coming in.
He said being dropped was a "real low point" before regaining his spot via the former Socceroo's foot injury.
"I triggered an extension through the number of games I played," he said.
"So yeah, we'll see how the off season unfolds. I've loved every minute of my time at the club."
Melbourne Victory will pick up the pieces from a second consecutive A-League Men grand final defeat and hope they can keep most of their players around to make another charge.
A year on from a heartbreaking extra-time loss to Central Coast, Victory suffered a 1-0 defeat to Melbourne City in Saturday night's grand final at AAMI Park.
Coach Arthur Diles was pragmatic about how to move on without carrying the scars of this year.
"Next year's a new season," he said.
"We don't look back. We look forward."
But goalkeeper Jack Duncan underlined the emotion a talented Victory group with nothing to show for multiple big finals would experience.
"We also lost the Australia Cup as well. So it's a really tough one to take," Duncan said.
"All the boys had so much belief going into this game with how we've gone over the last few weeks, with the results we've been able to pick up and to put ourselves in this position. So it's never easy.
"I still think about the 2018 grand final that we lost to Melbourne Victory at Newcastle.
"So these moments stay with you forever, because this is what your whole career is for - to win trophies.
"And it will be tough, but I guess we have to take stock in the fact that as a group, we were very close. We had a really good season to be here on the final day, and unfortunately we just fell short."
Daniel Arzani and Bruno Fornaroli are the biggest names out of contract, with the former keen to test himself in Europe.
Contracted guns Ryan Teague, the injured Nishan Velupillay and Jordi Valadon could also attract attention.
"Fortunately for us, I think the majority will still be here," Diles said.
"I'd be surprised if we didn't have 70 to 80 per cent of the squad still next season.
"That's also pending what happens in off-season in terms of transfers and things like that.
"We've had a great season. When you have a successful season like that, there's normally interest in a lot of your players, whether they're off-contract or on-contract. So we'll deal with that over the next month.
"We'll look at our recruitment as well for next season and make sure that we fill the voids that we have and and try and strengthen this playing group as much as we can to come back even better next year."
After originally joining on a one-year deal, Duncan is yet to confirm whether he will stick around for next season, which would likely mean playing deputy to Mitch Langerak.
Duncan started the season as No.1, knowing Langerak was coming in.
He said being dropped was a "real low point" before regaining his spot via the former Socceroo's foot injury.
"I triggered an extension through the number of games I played," he said.
"So yeah, we'll see how the off season unfolds. I've loved every minute of my time at the club."
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"And sometimes as a player, you can go 10 years, 15 years, your whole career, and not win anything. "So does that define you, who you are as a coach or as a player? Probably not. But everyone always likes to see, is he a winner or has he won a championship? "So if you want to call it a monkey off the back, whatever, it doesn't really faze me, but I'm rapt." The former Socceroos captain's early days as Adelaide United coach included coaching a young Mathew Leckie and taking the Reds to an Asian Champions League Final and ALM decider. But those achievements were arguably overshadowed by Vidmar's outbursts, which included calling Adelaide "a pissant town" and blaming "politics" for his team's 4-0 semi-final loss to Victory in 2009. "Well, when you're young, you sometimes do some silly things," Vidmar, now 58, said with a laugh. "You regret it when you get a little bit older, but sometimes you've got the passion, and those moments sort of just pop up and things happen. 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"For me it would just be business as normal, and I think we're in the situation with a squad where a lot of players are looking forward towards the Asian Cup, and there's a lot of competition for places in that final 23-player squad." Sermanni used his final pre-match press conference to go in to bat for Canberra United, whose A-League Women future remains constantly under threat. The women's football stalwart last week fired up about a lack of professionalism within the A-League Women. On Sunday, he said of the sold-out Matildas game at GIO : "It's a great indication that we need to keep Canberra United in the A-League Women's competition. "This is a critically important team in A-League Women's football, and a critically important team for the development of football. "Because what we want to see is more players coming out of places like Canberra, and going through the A-League Women's, and then coming into the international arena. 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Monday will mark Sermanni's 151st and final game at the helm. In his final game, Sermanni is keen to build momentum while he has also tested more young players to add to Australia's depth ahead of the Asian Cup. "Since coming into the job it's just really been important to try and keep everything stable, everything ticking along so that hopefully the new coach comes in and can then really start to take the program forward in the direction that he or she wants to take it in," Sermanni said. "For me it would just be business as normal, and I think we're in the situation with a squad where a lot of players are looking forward towards the Asian Cup, and there's a lot of competition for places in that final 23-player squad." Sermanni used his final pre-match press conference to go in to bat for Canberra United, whose A-League Women future remains constantly under threat. The women's football stalwart last week fired up about a lack of professionalism within the A-League Women. On Sunday, he said of the sold-out Matildas game at GIO : "It's a great indication that we need to keep Canberra United in the A-League Women's competition. "This is a critically important team in A-League Women's football, and a critically important team for the development of football. "Because what we want to see is more players coming out of places like Canberra, and going through the A-League Women's, and then coming into the international arena. "So I will certainly make sure I do my best to make sure Canberra stay in the competition."
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Men's A-League player charged with betting scandal
Two men, including a Western United footballer, will face court for their involvement in an alleged betting scandal surrounding the A-League men's soccer season. Detectives from the Victoria Police Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit charged a 24-year-old West Melbourne man and a 27-year-old Kingsville man on Sunday with numerous offences, including use of corrupt conduct for betting purposes. Both were bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 31. While the individuals are yet to be publicly named, it is confirmed one is a player at Western United, which finished third in the A-League Men competition this season, while the other man is a state leagues player. "The club is aware that one Western United player has been charged in relation to an alleged breach of sports betting guidelines," a United club spokesperson said. "We take this matter seriously, condemn any actions that compromise the integrity of the game, and are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities. "Given the nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment any further on the matter." Police allege four matches in April and May 2025 were the subject of 'player to be carded' wagering manipulation. The Australian Professional Leagues, who run the A-League competitions, confirmed a player had been charged. "The Australian Professional Leagues is aware that one A-League player has been charged by Victorian Police with offences related to gambling," a spokesperson said. "The integrity of our sport is something that has to be protected without compromise, and we are engaging with all relevant authorities to assist with this matter." In a statement, a Football Australia spokesperson said it took the integrity of the game extremely seriously and was fully cooperating with external authorities. "Football Australia has taken swift action today to impose 'no fault interim suspensions' to the two individuals charged, and those suspensions will remain in place until further notice," the statement said. The charges come a year after the former captain of Sydney club Macarthur FC was accused of paying two younger team mates up to $10,000 to deliberately receive yellow cards in a scheme allegedly masterminded by a South American connection. Celebrated team leader Ulises Davila and fellow players Kearyn Baccus and Clayton Lewis have been charged over a betting fix police say led to hundreds of thousands of dollars being paid out in winnings. Two men, including a Western United footballer, will face court for their involvement in an alleged betting scandal surrounding the A-League men's soccer season. Detectives from the Victoria Police Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit charged a 24-year-old West Melbourne man and a 27-year-old Kingsville man on Sunday with numerous offences, including use of corrupt conduct for betting purposes. Both were bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 31. While the individuals are yet to be publicly named, it is confirmed one is a player at Western United, which finished third in the A-League Men competition this season, while the other man is a state leagues player. "The club is aware that one Western United player has been charged in relation to an alleged breach of sports betting guidelines," a United club spokesperson said. "We take this matter seriously, condemn any actions that compromise the integrity of the game, and are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities. "Given the nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment any further on the matter." Police allege four matches in April and May 2025 were the subject of 'player to be carded' wagering manipulation. The Australian Professional Leagues, who run the A-League competitions, confirmed a player had been charged. "The Australian Professional Leagues is aware that one A-League player has been charged by Victorian Police with offences related to gambling," a spokesperson said. "The integrity of our sport is something that has to be protected without compromise, and we are engaging with all relevant authorities to assist with this matter." In a statement, a Football Australia spokesperson said it took the integrity of the game extremely seriously and was fully cooperating with external authorities. "Football Australia has taken swift action today to impose 'no fault interim suspensions' to the two individuals charged, and those suspensions will remain in place until further notice," the statement said. The charges come a year after the former captain of Sydney club Macarthur FC was accused of paying two younger team mates up to $10,000 to deliberately receive yellow cards in a scheme allegedly masterminded by a South American connection. Celebrated team leader Ulises Davila and fellow players Kearyn Baccus and Clayton Lewis have been charged over a betting fix police say led to hundreds of thousands of dollars being paid out in winnings. Two men, including a Western United footballer, will face court for their involvement in an alleged betting scandal surrounding the A-League men's soccer season. Detectives from the Victoria Police Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit charged a 24-year-old West Melbourne man and a 27-year-old Kingsville man on Sunday with numerous offences, including use of corrupt conduct for betting purposes. Both were bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 31. While the individuals are yet to be publicly named, it is confirmed one is a player at Western United, which finished third in the A-League Men competition this season, while the other man is a state leagues player. "The club is aware that one Western United player has been charged in relation to an alleged breach of sports betting guidelines," a United club spokesperson said. "We take this matter seriously, condemn any actions that compromise the integrity of the game, and are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities. "Given the nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment any further on the matter." Police allege four matches in April and May 2025 were the subject of 'player to be carded' wagering manipulation. The Australian Professional Leagues, who run the A-League competitions, confirmed a player had been charged. "The Australian Professional Leagues is aware that one A-League player has been charged by Victorian Police with offences related to gambling," a spokesperson said. "The integrity of our sport is something that has to be protected without compromise, and we are engaging with all relevant authorities to assist with this matter." In a statement, a Football Australia spokesperson said it took the integrity of the game extremely seriously and was fully cooperating with external authorities. "Football Australia has taken swift action today to impose 'no fault interim suspensions' to the two individuals charged, and those suspensions will remain in place until further notice," the statement said. The charges come a year after the former captain of Sydney club Macarthur FC was accused of paying two younger team mates up to $10,000 to deliberately receive yellow cards in a scheme allegedly masterminded by a South American connection. Celebrated team leader Ulises Davila and fellow players Kearyn Baccus and Clayton Lewis have been charged over a betting fix police say led to hundreds of thousands of dollars being paid out in winnings.
