Victory skipper Carl Valeri is one of several veterans calling it quits at the end of this campaign, along with Brisbane Roar skipper Matt McKay, Sydney skipper Alex Brosque and Western Sydney Wanderers/Perth Glory super sub Brendon Santalab.

But with Victory heading into this weekend's game needing a win over Adelaide United to cement second spot - and a vital week off before the semi final - Muscat wasn't letting emotions get in the way of his focus on the bigger picture.

"I struggle with it to be honest, because in this country, crossing the road is a milestone," he said. "There's a milestone every five minutes.

"To be honest I haven't given it too much thought. I competed against all those players possibly as a player and now as a coach.

"It's inevitable, it happens to everybody. Listening to all those players, especially Carl, it sounds like they are very content in their decision.

"There's more room for everyone else now..."

And Muscat wasn't expecting his players to pull an extra level of on-field magic out of a hat to send Carl off.

He added: "There might be a little bit of a different thought process if you see Carl in the dressing rooms or as his last games approaches.

"But if you've left something in the tank waiting for Carl to retire, it certainly says something about you as an individual...if you can see where I'm going with that."