Melbourne Victory 2024/25 A-League Men’s season review

As Tony Popovic left his post, the future of Melbourne Victory would become heavily dependent on important choices that would shape the future of one of Australia’s biggest clubs, in the second part of Round Ball Australia’s season review series.

Victory’s decision to hire Patrick Kisnorbo backfired dramatically, and from there, they went from title contenders to a team with doubts around whether they would even make finals altogether.

Those concerns were laid to rest when the club secured another Grand Final appearance, only to be pipped by a well-organised Melbourne City outfit in the decider.

However, should 90 minutes of football determine how their overall season should be judged?

Season Grade: A

To fall short at the final hurdle for the second consecutive season is a painful pill to swallow for Victory fans, but given the context, it should still be viewed as a successful campaign.

Without warning, the club was blindsided to learn about Patrick Kisnorbo’s decision to hand in his resignation in favour of an opportunity in Japan before the new year, sparking panic amongst everyone involved at Victory.

But there was no time to waste, and despite never coaching at senior level, Arthur Diles was handed the reins. It was a massive risk, yet at the same time, who was realistically out there on the market?

After managing to weather the storm in his first six games without a win, positive results became more consistent without playing at their absolute peak, and that was mainly down to their explosive firepower up front, with the likes of Daniel Arzani, Nishan Vilupillay and Zinédine Machach spearheading a talented attacking third.

Ultimately, they finished outside of the top-four, but it was the two ties against a high-flying Western Sydney Wanderers in the elimination final and a stunning comeback over regular season premiers Auckland FC in the semi-finals that warrants an A grade. The second leg against the Black Knights was Victory’s best display of the season — a show of bravery, grit, and defensive discipline, proving that they aren’t just a team who loves to dominate games with attacking flair.

WHY ALWAYS US 🔵

AKL 0 – 2 MVC | #AKLvMVC pic.twitter.com/bW376zmh6V

— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) May 24, 2025

You’re leaving?

When Patrick Kisnorbo was announced by the board as the club’s next manager after the departure of Tony Popovic, the decision was met with mixed reactions from a hopeful but sceptical fanbase.

A former coach at cross-town rivals Melbourne City, Kisnorbo guided them to their maiden championship, quickly cementing his status as a club legend, which is why Victory and City supporters found the 44-year-old’s sudden switch difficult to process and comprehend.

But despite the pressure and scrutiny reaching their peak, he quickly won over Victory fans through the side’s evident entertaining and attacking philosophy as they: qualified for the Australia Cup Final, only lost one game in their first seven in the A-League, and convincingly won the season’s first derby 3-0 against City.

Yet only four days before the highly anticipated Christmas Derby, Victory released a jaw-dropping announcement, confirming Kisnorbo’s immediate departure to take up an opportunity as an assistant coach at Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos.

From there, the club was placed into unwanted limbo, and it was a decision that made massive headlines heading into the season’s second derby.

Dancing Daniel

In terms of pure standouts, it’s impossible to look past Daniel Arzani — for his story if anything. Once touted as Australian football’s next big thing, the talented winger had to prove himself all over again after a disappointing spell with Scottish giants Celtic and a series of underwhelming loans.

Rumours of a falling out between him and then-coach Kisnorbo ignited when the 26-year-old was left out of Victory’s squad for the Australia Cup Final unexpectedly. From there, his confidence dipped, even when Arthur Diles appeared in the fold, but it wasn’t until Tony Popovic’s comments before Socceroos selection, where Arzani find a much-needed spark.

From there, he was unplayable at times, carrying Victory to an unlikely Grand Final berth with his dancing feet and mesmerising trickery.

A special mention has to go towards the dynamic midfield duo of Ryan Teague and Jordi Valadon, who complement each other’s game styles as if they have featured side by side for the last decade.

And it would be unfair not to highlight the impact of Bruno Fornaroli, who, at 37, defied the odds to put in performances which made him look as if he was ageing like fine wine.

A rumoured falling out with Kisnorbo and a potential move in the January transfer window would’ve paved the way for the Uruguayan to drop his head and cause a scene in the dressing room. But that’s not his character. Instead, he rolled up his sleeves and was rewarded with his phenomenal work ethic by eventually getting the nod in the starting lineup ahead of Nikos Vergos for the Grand Final.

Who stays, who goes?

Another Grand Final loss is no failure by any stretch of the imagination, especially considering the trials and tribulations in which Victory endured. For that, they should look to the future with high hopes and a certain level of optimism.

The likes of Teague and Arzani will no doubt attract interest from overseas, in what should offer the club a headache in the upcoming transfer window about how to replace them.

With clubs around them still going down the path of prioritising youth, Victory are still in a healthy position where they can capitalise and take advantage with further deep finals runs in the next few seasons.

The future is still bright.