New Zealand recruit, Kosta Barbarouses will have his first shot starting for Melbourne Victory this week, his first and last with coach Ange Postecoglou.
The 23-year-old forward has come back from international duty for the All Whites, and was subbed in Victory’s last match against Adelaide United.
Now, with a home match, Barbarouses will be able to show his worth, tipped to be on the starting line.
Yet, the young star won’t be the centre of attention, with the parting coach taking up much of the pre-match hype.
Postecoglou’s A-League story will be finishing with this match against his old team, Brisbane Roar, as he picks up the Socceroos hat next week.
As a man of his word, his mind won’t be jumping ahead, with an important job to do tonight.
Brisbane Roar is the only team in two rounds to secure two wins, and tops the ladder at the moment.
Striker Besart Berisha has been ruled out of the match thanks to a hamstring injury, meaning Brisbane’s attack will be severely tested and Victory should have plenty of confidence after their comeback in round two
Melbourne Victory showed promise in last week’s draw against Adelaide United, and if some questionable referee calls went the other way, Victory could have come home with their first win.
They sit with two draws for the start of the season, and has left Postecoglou a little disappointed.
His successor will be looking to harness more out of the team to get it jumping on open chances.
Postecoglou has endorsed his own assistant coach, Kevin Muscat for the role, while Muscat himself has remained silent.
“He’s done his apprenticeship and worked very, very hard these last 18 months and he’s been a big part of what’s happened in these last 18 months,” Postecoglou said this week.
“I think he’s an outstanding candidate to take over the job”.
Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: 7.30pm local (7:30pm AEDT)