Fans have waited five years to see Melbourne Victory hoist the Premiers’ Plate.
As they head to AAMI Park on Sunday, they’ll know for sure if their team has done enough to clinch the trophy.
Should Sydney FC fail to beat Wellington Phoenix away from home just a little earlier in the day, Victory’s position at the top will be unassailable.
Standing in the way of celebrations is Central Coast Mariners. A team Victory has beaten in their last four encounters, conceding just three goals to their impressive 11 goal tally.
The Mariners will be feeling deflated coming into the last round, knowing that they won’t be a part of the finals series sitting at eighth spot on the ladder.
But they shouldn’t be discounted. They gave Wellington Phoenix a run for their money last week after getting two goals past early in the match. Sadly it wasn’t enough to secure the win, with the Phoenix overrunning them after half time with three goals.
Victory managed to sink Brisbane Roar again in a 1-0 clean sheet last week, but know that complacency can hurt them badly.
Newcastle Jets managed to steal a win from Victory just two weeks ago.
But, if everything goes to plan, former Victory captain Kevin Muscat will be able to hoist up his first Premiers’ Plate as coach. Taking over from Ange Postecoglou in 2012, he’s been able to ferry the team to new heights by following Postecoglou’s mantra and signing well. Besart Berisha and Carl Valeri are case in point.
For Mariner fans, it will be the last chance to see John Hutchinson in action for the club as he leads the players in his 228th final appearance.
It’s fitting his final swan song will be in front of friends and family in Victoria.
“For me personally, going back to Victoria, where I’m from, Mum and Dad and all my family and friends will be at the last game that I ever play as a professional, it’s a nice feeling, they get to watch me one last time and I get to play the sport that I love,” he says.
“I just want to play. I’m disappointed that my playing career is coming to an end but it’s time. The mind and the heart still want it but the body starts slowing down and starts hurting after games more and more.”