Whilst derbies usually divide a city, Melbourne's third edition seemed to unite the Australian football community. Kevin Muscat's now infamous 'challenge' on Heart starlet Adrian Zahra was universally condemned by every person with the true interests of the game at heart.
The brilliant contest was clearly overshadowed by the now global incident which jeopardises the career of the VPL U21 Player of the Year and as a result, drew strong comments from the following Australian football personalities:
Robbie Slater: "As much as I'm a fan of Musky and his career, that is a horrible tackle and one that he'll have to answer for!"
Mark Bosnich: "I've known Kevin Muscat since he's been 17, but whether he's a friend or not, you can't defend the un-defendable. That was a disgraceful tackle and I would actually suggest that he should be out for as long as Zahra's out and I would say that exactly to his face."
John van't Schip: "It doesn't fit on a football field a tackle like that. Hopefully it's not going to end a young career of a great player. Adrian is not looking good, the tackle was terrible."
David Zdrillic: "It's an absolute disgrace of a challenge". With Zeljko Kalac adding; "It probably will be the end of his career after that."
Craig Foster: "I can never support what you did on the field, it's horrible. I support the maximum penalty."
Les Murray: "He breaks every rule that he can get away with. It just sets such a terrible example to the rest of his teammates."
As a Heart fan, it was quite humbling to see so many Victory supporters voice their disgust at the incident and demand change for the benefit and growth of their club and its members.
Before the horrible tackle which ended Adrian's season and forced him under the surgeon's knife, I was fortunate enough to interview him and chat about his career, what advice he'd give to younger players and the transition from the VPL to the A-League.
What was your inspiration as a youngster to pursue the dream of becoming a professional?
I think it was just watching my brother and my family enjoy the actual sport of football itself. As he was growing up I watched him and basically wanted to follow in his footsteps.
Did you have a footballing hero growing up?
Ah yeah I did actually, a good Italian player called Roberto Baggio and Alan Shearer, I used to love watching them play!
Can you remember the day you were first offered a full time contract - how was it?
The day I was offered a full time contract was on the first of December of this year and it was just so surreal! It was probably the greatest moment of my life and it just shows that level of appreciation for your effort and dedication that you put in.
And earning a contract at Heart clearly reflects on your performance for the Knights winning the Under 21 VPL Player of the Year
Yeah it wasn't too bad I guess! I was just concentrating on playing consistent football for the Melbourne Knights and hopefully earn a chance in the Hyundai A-League. It went well and I had a consistent season, I couldn't be more grateful to the Knights for the chance I was given to perform week in / week out and to be seen.
As a role model to many young players who dream of turning professional, what words of encouragement would you pass on to guide them?
Just to work hard and never give up; a lot of hard work and dedication! Everything works out and patience is a virtue. The more you are dedicated and the more you put into it, the more likely you are to get the rewards.
When you first started your career in Australia, were you content to stay and build a career domestically, or are you determined to eventually move overseas?
It's every boy's dream to play professional football but also to move overseas and make a name for yourself. There's never anything better than bettering yourself and challenging yourself by playing with bigger names, bigger players and bigger clubs. Right now though, I'm just concentrating on playing good football for Melbourne Heart and I'm very appreciative to the club for the chance they've given me.
Clearly there are many sporting clubs in Melbourne, how do you view your role as a player in raising awareness for both the club and the league?
The professionalism is second to none at Melbourne Heart, just from what I've heard from other A-League clubs. They've put their name out there and have done all the right things and have excelled in all expectations. I'm definitely grateful to be a part of this new club as I've been here from the beginning.
As a player at a brand new club, what goals did you set yourself for the inaugural season and are you close to achieving them/have achieved them?
My goal at the start of the season was to play consistent football for 90 minutes week in / week out at the Knights. I'm adapting to the A-League, I wouldn't say I've fully adapted but I'm still focusing on playing 90 minutes and getting picked to start for the Heart and I'd obviously like to score a few more goals!
With players like Nick Kalmar, Aziz Behich, and Kliment Taseski all coming from the VPL, what advice would you give to players who are within a stone's throw of a professional career?
Just to realise that there's always someone watching and to continue working hard as sooner or later you will get a chance.
From playing in the VPL to facing off against Everton earlier this season, it must have been an incredible experience! What did you learn from playing against such a classy opposition?
It was a very surreal moment! I definitely learnt a lot from that game; their style of play is much quicker and stronger. I just remember playing against Louis Saha!
With Euro-experienced role models like JVS and Jesper Olsen, how has their technical instruction differed to previous coaches? Has it helped your game?
Yeah it definitely has! They're very experienced in both coaching and as players. Their judgement and everything they say I can take in and continue to develop through constructive criticism. They've definitely been a wonderful and very big help in the last six months of my career. From being where I was before and where I am now, it wouldn't have been possible without them.
What has been the main difference between playing for Heart and the Knights?
I think just professionalism. The fact that we're training every morning and doing double sessions is a big difference. And then you take the next step where you actually play the games which are a lot faster.
Who's the class clown at the club?
There are a few little jokers around the club, I know that Aziz Behich would have to be up there! He likes to have a bit of a laugh and a usually pulls a few pranks.
Do you play FIFA or Pro Evo? And who's the best at the club?
I play FIFA but don't play it as often as some of the other boys at the Club. Nick Kalmar and Ante Tomic would have to be pretty good at it!
For all those who have ever wondered what you get up to during the week, please take us through an average day at the club:
On an average day I'd wake up at around 8 o'clock and then have breakfast which would just be a selection of cereals and toast. I usually get to training at 9 o'clock (we start at 10:30) but I like to get there early. We train until around 12 o'clock, hit the showers and then have a team lunch. Depending on the afternoon if we have a gym session or yoga session, we might go for a coffee until the afternoon session. I may have a nap in the afternoon!
I'm certain that the Australian football community would combine in wishing Zahra a speedy physical and emotional recovery and eagerly awaits his top flight return!
Many thanks again to Heart's media manager Simon Chiarelli and Adrian. Get well soon mate!
