Newcastle Jets coach Ernie Merrick and Melbourne Victory’s coach Kevin Muscat share a long history and have much in common. The two coaches have led Victory to their three A-League Grand Final triumphs, with Merrick winning twice and Muscat winning once, albeit more recently.
In today’s Grand Final showdown between the Jets and Victory in Newcastle, Muscat will be trying to lead his club to a record-setting fourth A-League championship and in so doing equal Merrick’s feat of winning two titles for Victory. Merrick on the other hand, will be trying to lead the Jets to their first title in 10 years and in doing so, complete a remarkable turnaround in the club’s fortunes, from finishing bottom last year, to capturing the title.
Victory have the advantage of recent Grand Final experience having pushed Sydney all the way to a penalty shootout in last year’s final. With that heartbreaking defeat avenged last week in their upset semifinal win against Sydney, they’ll take some confidence into Saturday’s match. But history counts against them, as only one team has ever won an away Grand Final travelling interstate. Also, Victory hasn’t won a match against the Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium in their last 10 attempts, losing twice there this year.
While both teams have multiple goal threats, they have contrasting styles. Newcastle, under Merrick, have been able to execute an attacking, entertaining brand of football based on a direct style aimed at creating as many chances as possible and scoring highly. The team aims to get the ball forward quickly to their most dangerous players in space, with long balls.
Victory, on the other hand, favour short passes and swift counterattacks. As well as the coaches’ tactical duel, the match promises to produce individual duels all over the park. Former Victory fullback Daniel Georgevski has the task of containing arguably Victory’s best player this season, left winger Leroy George. On the other flank, Jets’ left back Johnny Koutroumbis will be up against the more experienced Kiwi intenational Kostas Barbarouses.
Jets’ leader in the centre of defence Nigel Boogaardt has the task of looking after Victory’s proven Grand Final performer, Beshart Berisha. In the middle of the park, Victory’s semifinal hero Terry Antonis, together with skipper Carl Valeri and James Troisi, will be up against teen sensation Riley McCree, Steven Ugarkovic and Venezuelan import Ronny Vargas.
With the absence of an injured Rhys Williams, Thomas Deng will partner James Donachie in the heart of the Victory defence and will be attempting to shut down the potent Jets attack of Rory O’Donovan, Dimi Petratos and Jason Hoffman.
And what if the match goes into extra time? With Williams out and Christian Theoharous also likely to miss due to injury, Victory may have less depth off the bench.
Newcastle Jets predicted starting XI: Glen Moss, Johnny Koutroumbis, Nigel Boogaard, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Daniel Georgievski, Ronnie Vargas, Steven Ugarkovic, Riley McGree, Dimitri Petratos, Roy O’Donovan, Jason Hoffman.
Melbourne Victory predicted starting XI: Lawrence Thomas, Stefan Nigro, James Donachie, Thomas Deng, Leigh Broxham, Carl Valeri, Terry Antonis, Kosta Barbarouses, James Troisi, Leroy George, Besart Berisha.
Prediction: with the crowd behind them and home ground advantage, Jets to win the match 3-2 after extra time with Petratos to win the Joe Marston medal for player of the final.
