Muscat will play his 500th senior game against Sydney FC tomorrow night and this week has seen considerable focus and reflection.

Coach Ernie Merrick believes Muscat is grossly underrated and fellow defender Vargas agrees that Muscat deserves so much more than to be simply labelled a hard man.

"He has been a huge part of Melbourne Victory and of Australian football. I can remember watching him and following him in the old NSL," Vargas told au.fourfourtwo.com. "I think it's fair to say he maybe doesn't get the acknowledgement he deserves.

"He brings a great deal to a team, he's a very good footballer and incredibly dedicated. I think it's wrong for some people to just see him as a hard man."

Meanwhile, Vargas admits the absence of a defender on the opposing side this weekend is a boost for Victory.

Simon Colosimo will miss Saturday's clash through suspension, Sydney deciding not to appeal a one-match ban - much to the annoyance of Colosimo.

Vargas added: "Simon has had a very good season for them so far but it's not just about one player."