Latest news with #ArthurDiles
News.com.au
3 days ago
- General
- News.com.au
Jack Duncan ‘proud' of himself despite Melbourne Victory's grand final loss
The A-League grand final was a bittersweet experience for Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Jack Duncan. While disappointed that his side was beaten 1-0 by crosstown rivals Melbourne City, Duncan was thrilled to play in the decider at AAMI Park after the devastation of being dropped in January to make way for returning former Socceroos gloveman Mitch Langerak. 'That was one of the lowest points of my whole career because I felt like I was at a real strong point in my own form, but I understood that the results weren't coming and we needed to change something, and that was something that they could change, and decided to do that,' Duncan said. The former Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix custodian knew the situation last year when he signed with the Victory – he was keeping the goalkeeper's spot for Langerak until the latter's return to the club in January after 14 years abroad. 'At the start of the (season), I was playing every game, and then obviously, when Mitch came in, the coach (Arthur Diles) made a decision to change,' Duncan said. However, Duncan kept working hard and got an unexpected opportunity in late April when Langerak injured his foot. It resulted in Duncan starting in the Victory's final six games of the club's 2024-25 campaign, including Saturday night's competition decider. 'Football has a funny way of coming back around, and I just worked every day to be there if the opportunity came again, and it thankfully did, for my own sake, and I was able to experience incredible nights like (the grand final). 'It's been a tough season in some aspects, but in others, an incredibly rewarding season. 'I am proud of the season I've had.' He was also proud of his Victory teammates for their grand final performance. 'The boys left everything out on the pitch. You could see the effort, the intent from minute one to the last kick of the game, but unfortunately in finals games, small margins determine the result, and unfortunately for us, Melbourne City won those margins,' Duncan said. 'We had a really good season to be here on the final day, and unfortunately we just fell short.' Duncan revealed that his effort of 19 games this season was enough to trigger a contract extension with the Victory. 'We'll see how the off-season unfolds. I've loved every minute of my time at the club so far, the fans have been unbelievable towards me,' he said. 'The noise when I went out to warm up (for the grand final) was something that will stay with me for forever. 'It was an incredible experience, and I can't thank them enough for how they've treated me, and the support that they gave me and all the boys throughout the year. It was really special.'
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
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."
West Australian
3 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
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."
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
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."
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Who is Arthur Diles? Victory wildcard's unique journey
Arthur Diles might be the only coach in Australia who will freely admit he's got no connection to trailblazer Ange Postecoglou, even if he looks up to him. But the latest Greek-Australian to coach in an A-League Men grand final has never done things conventionally. Melbourne City's technical area on Saturday at AAMI Park will be patrolled by former Socceroos captain Aurelio Vidmar, a former Socceroos captain with a decorated club career. In Melbourne Victory's corner will be Sydneysider Diles, who pulled the pin on his playing career early to move into coaching. That included time at Sydney Olympic and at the NSW Institute of Sport - where he worked with a 12-year-old Daniel Arzani among other young talents. Five years at Western Sydney included heading up youth teams, before Diles later worked as Arthur Papas's assistant at Newcastle and with Tony Popovic at Xanthi and Victory. "When I made a decision years ago that I wouldn't keep pursuing a professional career and get into coaching, it's something that I was definitely passionate about," he tells AAP. "It gives me a head start on others because I've actually been coaching longer than the others have. "During that journey, you get to learn a lot, develop a lot, make a lot of mistakes you don't get criticised for and crucified for. "The journey's been a long one, but it's one that I wouldn't change for anything because it's allowed me to do the things that I've done and learn the way that I've learned and work with many great coaches. "When you go into that space as a coach, maybe I didn't play at the highest level in terms of A-League and Socceroos, but you have a fair understanding of what football's about at that level. That also helps." Adored by his charges as a man who focuses on the person before the player, Diles has never been one for the spotlight. That included chasing the glory of being a head coach. "For a few years now, many people would ask, 'don't you want to be a head coach?'" Diles said. "My answer was always the same: While I'm an assistant coach, I want to be the best assistant I can be. I'm not going to go looking for jobs as a head coach. I just want to do my work. Eventually, when the time comes, someone will see the value in who I am and want to give me an opportunity as a head coach. If and when that time comes, I'll be ready to take it. That was always my belief. "When this opportunity came, I knew I was ready." Diles had to take the reins when Patrick Kisnorbo up and left for Yokohama F. Marinos just seven games into the season. After a "rocky" six-game winless run early, he was able to steady the ship. "The key is he's been himself. He hasn't swayed from who he is as a person," defender Brendan Hamill told AAP. "We found our stripes. In the back of my mind, it was like, OK, once we make finals, we've got such a talented group that no-one would want to play us in the final series. "That's a testament to the players we have, a testament to the tactics and the way that 'Dila' has gone about himself and managed the playing group and the way that he has been as a coach. "The players adore him." Lifting that trophy would be the ultimate reward. "When I started this coaching journey, many people would say, 'where do you want to coach?' I always said I want to coach in the A-League. I want to be a coach in Australia," he said. "I don't look beyond that because this is the country I'm from and this is the league that I know best. "To be able to win the league for Melbourne Victory would be incredible." But like always, process comes first. "If the players are ready for this war come Saturday, then I know that I'll win at the end of it as well," Diles said. "We all win or we all learn. I want to make sure that we win." Arthur Diles might be the only coach in Australia who will freely admit he's got no connection to trailblazer Ange Postecoglou, even if he looks up to him. But the latest Greek-Australian to coach in an A-League Men grand final has never done things conventionally. Melbourne City's technical area on Saturday at AAMI Park will be patrolled by former Socceroos captain Aurelio Vidmar, a former Socceroos captain with a decorated club career. In Melbourne Victory's corner will be Sydneysider Diles, who pulled the pin on his playing career early to move into coaching. That included time at Sydney Olympic and at the NSW Institute of Sport - where he worked with a 12-year-old Daniel Arzani among other young talents. Five years at Western Sydney included heading up youth teams, before Diles later worked as Arthur Papas's assistant at Newcastle and with Tony Popovic at Xanthi and Victory. "When I made a decision years ago that I wouldn't keep pursuing a professional career and get into coaching, it's something that I was definitely passionate about," he tells AAP. "It gives me a head start on others because I've actually been coaching longer than the others have. "During that journey, you get to learn a lot, develop a lot, make a lot of mistakes you don't get criticised for and crucified for. "The journey's been a long one, but it's one that I wouldn't change for anything because it's allowed me to do the things that I've done and learn the way that I've learned and work with many great coaches. "When you go into that space as a coach, maybe I didn't play at the highest level in terms of A-League and Socceroos, but you have a fair understanding of what football's about at that level. That also helps." Adored by his charges as a man who focuses on the person before the player, Diles has never been one for the spotlight. That included chasing the glory of being a head coach. "For a few years now, many people would ask, 'don't you want to be a head coach?'" Diles said. "My answer was always the same: While I'm an assistant coach, I want to be the best assistant I can be. I'm not going to go looking for jobs as a head coach. I just want to do my work. Eventually, when the time comes, someone will see the value in who I am and want to give me an opportunity as a head coach. If and when that time comes, I'll be ready to take it. That was always my belief. "When this opportunity came, I knew I was ready." Diles had to take the reins when Patrick Kisnorbo up and left for Yokohama F. Marinos just seven games into the season. After a "rocky" six-game winless run early, he was able to steady the ship. "The key is he's been himself. He hasn't swayed from who he is as a person," defender Brendan Hamill told AAP. "We found our stripes. In the back of my mind, it was like, OK, once we make finals, we've got such a talented group that no-one would want to play us in the final series. "That's a testament to the players we have, a testament to the tactics and the way that 'Dila' has gone about himself and managed the playing group and the way that he has been as a coach. "The players adore him." Lifting that trophy would be the ultimate reward. "When I started this coaching journey, many people would say, 'where do you want to coach?' I always said I want to coach in the A-League. I want to be a coach in Australia," he said. "I don't look beyond that because this is the country I'm from and this is the league that I know best. "To be able to win the league for Melbourne Victory would be incredible." But like always, process comes first. "If the players are ready for this war come Saturday, then I know that I'll win at the end of it as well," Diles said. "We all win or we all learn. I want to make sure that we win." Arthur Diles might be the only coach in Australia who will freely admit he's got no connection to trailblazer Ange Postecoglou, even if he looks up to him. But the latest Greek-Australian to coach in an A-League Men grand final has never done things conventionally. Melbourne City's technical area on Saturday at AAMI Park will be patrolled by former Socceroos captain Aurelio Vidmar, a former Socceroos captain with a decorated club career. In Melbourne Victory's corner will be Sydneysider Diles, who pulled the pin on his playing career early to move into coaching. That included time at Sydney Olympic and at the NSW Institute of Sport - where he worked with a 12-year-old Daniel Arzani among other young talents. Five years at Western Sydney included heading up youth teams, before Diles later worked as Arthur Papas's assistant at Newcastle and with Tony Popovic at Xanthi and Victory. "When I made a decision years ago that I wouldn't keep pursuing a professional career and get into coaching, it's something that I was definitely passionate about," he tells AAP. "It gives me a head start on others because I've actually been coaching longer than the others have. "During that journey, you get to learn a lot, develop a lot, make a lot of mistakes you don't get criticised for and crucified for. "The journey's been a long one, but it's one that I wouldn't change for anything because it's allowed me to do the things that I've done and learn the way that I've learned and work with many great coaches. "When you go into that space as a coach, maybe I didn't play at the highest level in terms of A-League and Socceroos, but you have a fair understanding of what football's about at that level. That also helps." Adored by his charges as a man who focuses on the person before the player, Diles has never been one for the spotlight. That included chasing the glory of being a head coach. "For a few years now, many people would ask, 'don't you want to be a head coach?'" Diles said. "My answer was always the same: While I'm an assistant coach, I want to be the best assistant I can be. I'm not going to go looking for jobs as a head coach. I just want to do my work. Eventually, when the time comes, someone will see the value in who I am and want to give me an opportunity as a head coach. If and when that time comes, I'll be ready to take it. That was always my belief. "When this opportunity came, I knew I was ready." Diles had to take the reins when Patrick Kisnorbo up and left for Yokohama F. Marinos just seven games into the season. After a "rocky" six-game winless run early, he was able to steady the ship. "The key is he's been himself. He hasn't swayed from who he is as a person," defender Brendan Hamill told AAP. "We found our stripes. In the back of my mind, it was like, OK, once we make finals, we've got such a talented group that no-one would want to play us in the final series. "That's a testament to the players we have, a testament to the tactics and the way that 'Dila' has gone about himself and managed the playing group and the way that he has been as a coach. "The players adore him." Lifting that trophy would be the ultimate reward. "When I started this coaching journey, many people would say, 'where do you want to coach?' I always said I want to coach in the A-League. I want to be a coach in Australia," he said. "I don't look beyond that because this is the country I'm from and this is the league that I know best. "To be able to win the league for Melbourne Victory would be incredible." But like always, process comes first. "If the players are ready for this war come Saturday, then I know that I'll win at the end of it as well," Diles said. "We all win or we all learn. I want to make sure that we win."
