A match that promises so much is more than likely going to live up to the hype, as was proved in a bore 0-0 draw at Saturday’s Melbourne Derby. There was much to learn from it, but what?

Melbourne

Dictating the play

It was clear from within the opening 90 minutes of the Victory season that not much had changed approach wise. It all looked very familiar as the main purpose was to keep the ball on the ground and use the spaces wide. Much of the starting side looked very sound on the ball, always looking to move the ball forward. Pablo Contreras’ distribution into midfield gave his side drive from the top half, it was the final ball that proved the issue.

Lacking the edge

Whilst comfortable on the ball, a very gun-shy attack fired blanks. Clear opportunities came few and far between, too many indecisive movements or overly ambitious passes led to a frustrating night for the blue side of Melbourne. Blocked in the middle, with Mitch Nichols and James Troisi dropping into midfield to receive the pass, there left open space for Heart defenders to sit in and pick off attacks. Leigh Broxham and Rashid Mahazi both play good, hard-working and “fill your boots” games, but played too similar and lacked that creativity, leaving Nichols stifled.

New recruits

Undoubtedly the positive of the Victory performance was the debuts of Contreras, Nicholsi and Mahazi. Contreras may prove to be the difference to where Victory will finish this season, he already looks a calm presence and organiser. Mahazi looked like he can provide another option for Ange, not looking deterred at all by the derby lights.

Nichols provided plenty of run, the best of which saw him track back and play his role defensively, his energy served Victory in a great first outing for the former Roar midfielder.

Plenty to look forward to on-field

Mark Milligan and Kosta Barbarouses are likely to be members of the best XI as does Gui Finkler, so who misses out? The depth of this Melbourne squad is unlike any other that has come before it at the club. Match fitness and sharpness in front of goal will come, and open competition will be had for spots. The potential is there, as is the right coach and squad.

All not rosy off-field?

News came out over the weekend that Milligan is likely to miss between four to six weeks, as the club debates whether or not their captain requires a minor operation on his knee. It doesn’t need to be explained just how important Milligan is to Victory, he’ll be needed sooner than later.

Holger Oscieck’s abrupt (but much needed) departure from the Socceroos job should see Ange Postecoglou in the picture as his replacement. So, to the start the season, Victory may have to do without its coach and captain for an extended period of time. It can all turn very
pear-shaped quickly.

Saturday night also provided one of the most bizzare atmospheres I’ve ever been in as four sets of fan groups chanted over the top of each other. That is a not a positive, something that shouldn’t be repeated and ended. The club’s active support is a shell of its former self, after the split between the Blue and White Brigade and Northern Terrace groups due to a difference in view of the new heavy security measures on active support in Victory games. It is farcical and will only frustrate fans, it needs
to end.

Heart

The debut of Harry Kewell

‘Twas a tale of sound and fury, signifying nothing. The former Victory man made his Red and White debut and wasn’t given the warmest of receptions. Kewell looked in decent shape and will only be better for the run, his creativity and eye for the pass stood out in a side that didn’t provide much of either. Playing just ahead of his midfield comrades Massimo Murdocca and Andrea Migliorini and in front of a very quick front three, he has the perfect role for himself.

The debut of Patrick Kisnorbo

The former Leeds United defender looked in good shape and held it all together in defence, making the sweeps and picking off isolated Victory attackers. He has a good defensive brain and with Robbie Wielaert, Heart had a solid foundation that stayed strong all game. They were well assisted by a team and shape that seemed content to stay in it and hit on the counter.

Aloisi goes on the defence

John Aloisi always comes well prepared for a Melboune Derby, this was no exception. He clearly set out to nullify Victory’s quick ball movement, and sent Jason Hoffman (on the face of it, an odd choice for full-back) to right back to watch Connor Pain, he did his job. Much more harder to judge was the attacking side, as his first-choice striker Michael Mifsud missed with international duties. His front three was perfect for what he set his team out to do this game, the energetic game of David Williams illustrated that. 

Afraid to lose?

On the flip side, derbies should be synonymous with end-to-end attack and screaming fans, we got neither. The purist side of me says you should dare to lose in a derby, the reward is greater, it is much better to watch two teams desperate to win rather than avoid defeat. This is what was seen on Saturday, it contributed to a damp squib. Aloisi took the pragmatic side, opting to go safe and that sometimes needs to happen, but does it really need to happen in week one? No.

Plenty to look forward to, if it works out.

The depth is there in the Heart squad, evident as last season’s first choice centre-back Patrick Gerhardt was even left on the bench. For that extra grunt and size that is needed against Central Coast, he should get a run in midfield next week. The question is whether the tactics will be there for this squad. Good signs are there and the squad is stonger, as seen by the role of Kewell and the signings made. There is much to be excited about, for the Heart fans sake, let’s hope it is lived up to.