Ahead of the sold out clash, the Victory boss brushed off questions about Kewell’s goal return after just one goal (from a penalty) in nine games this season following his much hyped arrival into the league.

“The last month and a half, Harry’s been a different class,” said Durakovic. “He’s getting very fit, getting to know the players and Archie and Carlos well.

"Everybody is starting to click the way I want these guys to play. I’m very happy with the way he’s playing. The way our forwards our playing. The way our midfielders are playing"

Victory have slowly improved as the season has gone on with last weekend’s win over Phoenix reinforcing Durakovic's claim to be stamping his mark on the side - particularly in the first half.

“Our team shape, passing, structure, communication – especially Harry, Carlos and Archie is going really, really well," he added.

“The last four weeks we’ve been creating chances to win games by at least four or five goals. At least we are creating chances, and sooner or later those chances will go in.”

The former Socceroo assured the fans that his star striker will start to bust nets.

“It will come. The goals will come," Durakovic said. "As long as we’re creating chances and Harry’s chances will come.

"And sooner or later he will hit the back of the net and nothing will stop him.”

As for Heart, coach John van’t Schip said the side was growing as a team but played down suggestions the club was at an all-time high in its short history.

“We’re happy with the last few games and how they went but that doesn’t mean anything if you look at the table," he said.

“Everything is very close. We also know we can have a few games and we’ll be a little bit less [in form] and it’s all the other way around again."

The cagey press conference reflects the closeness of the two sides with online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au offering Victory at $2.60 and Heart $2.65.

Van’t Schip added: “We have to be humble and know where we are and keep on working.”

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