It was a day for the fans at AAMI Park on Sunday, as Melbourne Victory opened up their doors for an open training session.
The occasion served as a great opportunity for supporters of all ages to get a first-hand look of their favourite players and new signings ahead of the upcoming A-League campaign.
The day began with the presentation of four of the clubs’ five new signings- Carl Valeri, Daniel Georgievski, Matthieu Delpierre and Fahid Ben Khalfallah. New marquee man Besart Berisha was unable to attend, welcoming his newborn daughter Isla into the world.
Could it be a metaphor for the birth of something special at AAMI Park this season?
Both chairman Anthony Di Pietro and manager Kevin Muscat made their ambitions for success clear, not just in the A-league, but also the FFA Cup – a competition that the club has already reached the quarter finals of at its first attempt.
The highly anticipated intra-club training match followed the formalities. It was the first opportunity for some to witness all four signings in action, and get an idea of just how well the team has gelled with under three weeks until the season begins in earnest on October 10.
The 30-minute encounter was good value for both players and fans, ending in a 2-2 draw. The pick of the goals came from captain Mark Milligan’s left boot, as he hit a first time volley from 45 yards out into the back of the net after a Lawrence Thomas clearance.
Of the new signings, Khalfallah was perhaps the most impressive, drawing murmurs from the crowd with some precise long passes and clever footwork on multiple occasions. Valeri was consistent in midfield, as was Delpierre at centre back. Georgievski was solid, playing as a left back for most of the contest, still leaving fans with questions about the fullback combination this season. Which one of Dylan Murnane, Jason Geria or Scott Galloway will cement the final left or right back position?
The general mood from the fans is optimism. With two semi final finishes in as many campaigns, many are hoping the navy blues will go one step further this time around.
Lou Jovanovski stated in no uncertain terms his expectations for season 2014/15.
“Win the grand final of course,” he exclaimed.
“We’ve got some new recruits which look exciting, the team looked good during that game so I’m looking forward to the season, it’s going to be great.”
Of the new signings, Jovanovski was most impressed with Fahid Ben Khalfallah’s performance.
“He was fantastic, he was unbelievable on the wing there, he was great.”
Anthony Mancuso has been a member since day one, and was hoping his heroes could be the inaugural champions of the FFA Cup.
“I’m positive. Considering we’re taking the FFA Cup pretty seriously, our signings have been very good and strong.” Mancuso said.
“It [the FFA Cup] is a good one to start with, so let’s take it from there.
“If we take it seriously, it’s good for everyone to be the first ones [to win it]”.
Following the match, the players took the time to sign autographs and take photos with fans, ensuring a great end to a day enjoyed by all. If the open day is anything to go by, Melbourne Victory and their fans are in for an exciting season ahead.
Melbourne Victory open their A-League campaign against the Western Sydney Wanderers on October 10 at Etihad Stadium. Kick off is at 7:40 PM AEST.