With games coming thick and fast for Melbourne Victory, squad rotation will have to be exercised by Kevin Muscat over the next couple of weeks, delving deep into their squad to do so.
The absences of Jason Geria, Scott Galloway, Connor Pain and Nick Ansell, as well as the suspension of Adrian Leijer make this week’s fixture list of three games in eight days a daunting one for Victory.
Add on the injury concern of Mark Milligan and it seems almost certain that there will be wholesale changes made to the starting line-up against Newcastle Jets.
Rashid Mahazi, Andrew Nabbout and Jimmy Jeggo are likely to benefit from these absentees, but there are still other spots for players from youth team to step into.
Here’s a look at some of the candidates for the promotion into senior ranks.
Dylan Murnane
The young left back made his senior debut at the back end of last season to cover for the injured Adama Traore. His performances were solid rather than inspiring, but that experience should stand him in good stead if he is selected to play against Newcastle.
He was shifted into central defence last weekend in the youth team for their clash against Brisbane Roar and while he scored an unfortunate own goal, he didn’t look out of place. Technically good and a decent tackler to boot, he looks to be the most likely candidate to replace Adrian Leijer in the centre of defence alongside Pablo Contreras.
Murnane has been ever present this season in the National Youth League, and was rewarded with the captaincy in that match against Brisbane. He’ll be the biggest beneficiary with all those absentees in defence, and should he put in some impressive performances, could be the big winner out of this situation.
Christopher Cristaldo
The diminutive forward played a part in the loss to Brisbane Roar last Saturday night. ‘CC’ has already scored his first senior goal, which came in a 3-2 loss to Perth Glory towards the end of last season, and was the top scorer in the National Youth League in 2012/13.
While he hasn’t been banging in as many goals this term, Cristaldo has been played out wide on both flanks as well as through the middle as one of two number tens Victory have played this season.
His slight frame is a bit of an issue for a step up to senior football, but he possesses good pace and a good football brain, allowing him to make good incisive runs.
Nabbout should get first crack at any position on the flanks, but Cristaldo will be next in line waiting in the wings.
Jesse Makarounas
While he is a senior contracted player, he’s worth the mention given he’s played exclusively for the youth team this season.
Having moved from Perth Glory in search of more game time at senior level, the gamble hasn’t exactly paid off so far with only the solitary start and two very brief substitute appearances for Melbourne Victory at the end of last season.
Makarounas is most comfortable in the number ten role, but has also been utilised in the deeper midfield positions this season in the youth team. He’s a creative player and struck up a good partnership with Gui Finkler when the Brazilian was working his way back to full fitness. He’s also a handy set piece taker, who gets plenty of dip on his free-kicks in particular.
He will most likely come into the team should Muscat look to rest his attacking midfielders in Finkler, Mitch Nichols and James Troisi, but with Leigh Broxham likely to shift into defence, there will also be room in defensive midfield.
Milos Ridesic
A new addition to the squad this season, Ridesic has been another ever-present for the youth team. He’s a product of Bentleigh Greens youth system which also helped nurture Pain, so there are high hopes for this young central defender.
Ridesic’s best attributes are his towering frame, and his ability to read the game, which compensates for his lack of pace. He still has plenty of improvement ahead of him, and his first touch has been improving throughout the season so far, as well as his decision making.
His chances of stepping up to the senior team are slim at best with Contreras returning, but should there be more injuries or suspensions Ridesic may just get a call up to the senior side.
Jordan Brown
Probably the most unlikely to make an appearance out of everyone on this list, he deserves a mention because of his undoubted talent.
Brown has been working his way back to full fitness following a long list of injuries and has improved with every game he’s played this season.
He certainly has an eye for a pass, and is a technically sound midfielder. He plays in a deeper role, and works tirelessly to ensure the team’s structure doesn’t fall out of place.
Only a series of unfortunate events will see him step up into the first team at this point in time, as he is still struggling to complete a full 90 minutes. But keep an eye out for this talent, for when he does start to reach his peak, he’ll be knocking on the door of the senior team.