To see the A-League season launch...

 

While no silverware will be handed out at Sydney Football Stadium, Victory know all too well how much difference a single goal, a single point or single victory can make.

Victory pipped Adelaide to the Plate by a single goal a couple of years ago. Last season, they were pipped for the same honour on the last day of the regular season by the Sky Blues.

The defender, who netted his side's goal in last season's Grand Final defeat, is looking forward to getting off to a good start.

"What happened last year (against Sydney) was disappointing but it's gone," Leijer told au.fourfourtwo.com. "It's been a good pre-season and we're looking forward to getting going again.

"Every game is important, we saw last year how it came down to the last game between ourselves and Sydney (for the Premiership) then the last time Melbourne won the Plate, it came down to one goal in the goal difference I think.

"It won't be won or lost on day one but it's a very important game and we're going there for three points."

While confident about his own team's chances of success, the defender believes most other sides will be feeling positive as well.

"I think this will be the strongest year of the A-League yet," he said. "All the squads on paper look very good and the stronger the competition, the better it is."

The derby with Melbourne Heart is something Leijer is particularly excited about.

"Heart, it's awesome," he added. "I'm very excited. The first proper derby in the A-League. You certainly pencil that one when fixtures come out.

"It gets people talking about football and we're looking forward to it."

To see the A-League season launch...