While he may still be a target for opposition fans he is loved by the hordes who pack out Telstra Dome for Victory games. They see in him the embodiment of what they want their team to be: hard, committed but skilful too, able to stop others playing but also able to create for himself and his team-mates. There is not a coach in the league who would not want Muscat in their side, not just for his presence and leadership but also for his footballing ability.

Former Sydney boss Terry Butcher revved up the Melbourne faithful before the light blues took on their inter city rivals in round 10 by declaring he would love to sign the Victory skipper, while Queensland Roar coach Frank Farina always picked him for the Socceroos when he was national team manager.

Victory coach Ernie Merrick describes him as the most wonderful leader he has ever dealt with, the man who sets the standards for the rest of the team. “What a leader. Kevin sets the tone, he is a winner,” Merrick declares quite simply.

He has certainly been a winner this season, his switch to midfield bringing him fresh accolades late in his career – and giving him the opportunity to remind people that he is not just a stopper, but someone who can really play. Melbourne have been unrecognisable since Merrick revamped his midfield, putting Muscat in the anchor role and pairing him with new signings Grant Brebner and exciting Brazilian Fred. It has given Muscat a new lease of life.

“I played predominately as a right back but I have really enjoyed the move to midfield. Having a full, uninterrupted pre-season with no injuries – the first time for three years – helped too.

“In the pre-season Ernie said he was going to try me in midfield for the first few friendly games. We played near enough every state league team in Melbourne and I was quite comfortable, and from there on in we decided to stick with it. I feel that I have been able to influence games and be involved a lot more. Grant and I enjoy playing with each other and complement each other quite well.

“I don’t think I have got too much slower, but now I feel I can get on the ball, be a bit more creative, be more involved rather than just stop people from getting crosses or shots in. All of a sudden Ernie has asked me to get forward and make things happen rather than just be a destroyer, and to be honest, I have enjoyed it. Over a period of time in Europe where the competition as a whole is probably a higher standard I probably would not have been able to play in there, but I have really enjoyed it here.”



While the standard of the A-League is obviously not at the level of the biggest leagues in Europe, the Victory skipper (who played in the Premiership and Championship, as well as Scotland’s Premier League with Glasgow giants Rangers) believes the level has lifted perceptibly even after just one season.

“All the teams have improved,” he declares, although nowhere as much as Melbourne, which finished season one as the worst Australian side and season two with the Premier’s Plate. “We learned so much on and off the park from the first season in a number of areas... in terms of the whole club, the way it’s run, our training facilities, the opportunities we have had. [From the start of this season] we can hold our hands up and say we are given the best opportunities that we can be to succeed, right from the facilities, the sports science, travel arrangements, everything. It’s been superb.”