“And with this, four weeks and ‘bang’ you’re back in it. The players will appreciate that.”

Victory are set to play again on July 16, four months after their last game when they face Western United in an A-League blockbuster at AAMI Park.

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Pic Special: Victory return to training

With a return date now confirmed, Melbourne Victory were first back on the paddock to get ready for the season restart next month, under the watchful eye of new interim boss Grant Brebner.

“I really want our players to play with freedom and embrace the brand of football our club has been known for over the past 15 years,” Brebner said this week.

The former Hibs player was Victory's assistant coach but takes over following Carlos Salvachua’s decision to return home to Europe.

Ex-Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Wales international  Jeff Hopkins will be an interim assistant coach for the remainder of the season. Hopkins has been W-League and Academy head coach at the A-League giant.

“Brebsy's amazing, I’ve seen snippets of him coaching the youth, and he’s got a great understanding and relationship with the players,” added Thompson. 

“Like Adelaide United with assistant coach Carl Veart who’s an Adelaide boy, taking over for the resumption of their season, these are former players who know their clubs so well,"  said Thompson, a former Socceroo and one of the greatest ever A-League strikers. 

Thompson spent seven trophy-laden seasons in front of midfielder Brebner at the A-League behemoth. 

Brebner, a former Scotland U-21 player who went through the Manchester United youth system, won multiple trophies A-League with Victory between 2006 and 2012. 

Victory, like most A-League clubs, returned to training this week. 

Brebner coaching the A-League side Victory this week

Brebner, who spent five years at Hibs making over 150 appearances for the Easter Road outfit, has a daunting task. 

Victory have made it clear Brebner is not in the frame for the role in the future. But restoring pride will be seen as a win for the interim head coach. 

Brebner added: “We have a great opportunity over the coming months to lay some strong foundations which the next Head Coach can then build on next season."