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After a slow start under coach Ange Postecoglou, Victory have been one of the benchmarks of the competition in the last three months.

They have lost just one match in their past eight to sit in second place and - as they prepare for their third derby of the season against Melbourne Heart at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night - Flores said he had his sights set on the big prize.

"I believe in my dream - I came to Melbourne Victory to be champions. Not to be second, not to be third. I want to be the champion. Every day I'm working for that," Flores said after training at Gosch's Paddock today.

"We are improving. We are one team, if you see from the first weeks, (we) make steps forward every weekend. Even if a couple of weeks, we didn't get the three points, we were improving, improving, improving."

Although some have been critical of Flores' form this season, the Argentine feels he is playing his part.

"My role in the team is to work hard and make through balls and sometimes when we miss (the opportunities I create) no one remembers," he said.

"I try to work and improve myself and to try to find Archie (Thompson) and Marco (Rojas) more clear every time.

"I enjoy seeing Marco Rojas and Archie Thompson always in the highlights ... I'm really, really happy to help them."

Flores said both he and the side had taken a while to click into gear in season 2012/13, but believes the overhaul in game plan implemented by Postecoglou has been worth the pain.

"When you change for beautiful things, when you change the philosophy, when you want to switch the passion of everyone - it's not easy," he said.

"For every person in this world, when you want to change your routine, it takes time.

"Everyone thought at the start of the season we'd score seven goals in every game, but slowly, slowly, we get to show we are a good team."

And Flores said that were it not for Postecoglou's footballing philosophy, he may not be plying his trade in the A-League.

"I have a lot of respect (for Postecoglou), and he's one of the important reasons why I came to the club," he said. "I was so jealous when I saw him in Brisbane, when I was playing in Adelaide.

"I wanted to be under him, to be part of one philosophy - the way he drives the team and the way he wants to play.

"I'm really proud ... to be here."

Meanwhile, Victory have re-signed Nick Ansell and Leigh Broxham each for another three years while Lawrence Thomas has earned a new two-year contract.

Postecoglou was rapt to have secured their services for the next few years.

"Leigh has been around this club for many years now and is a very important part of the culture, both on and off the pitch," Postecoglou said.

"He has really highlighted his versatility this season, having excelled in a number of different positions the team has needed him to play.

"There's absolutely no doubt he is a massive asset to this club and our ever increasing group of youngsters can learn a lot from the way he approaches his football.

"Nick has slotted seamlessly into our back four and has shown that he can more than hold his own at a professional level.

"We were very pleased to be able to offer him a senior contract at Melbourne Victory and expect him to blossom into a really capable player.

"Lawrence has already shown great improvement throughout this season and is working hard to ensure his 'keeping continues to develop under the guidance of (goalkeeping coach) Steve Mautone."

    >>>    click here to see victory train