Number Five: Tando Velaphi
Victory (2011–2013): 3 senior appearances
City/Heart: (2013–present): 4 senior appearances
When still playing for Perth Glory, this happened: “TANDO Velaphi has revealed his long-term plan to leave WA for Europe in a bid to force his way into the Socceroos squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.”
Then it didn’t happen, because he went to Melbourne Victory, got injured and fell behind in pecking order to Ante Covic, then Lawrence Thomas, then Nathan Coe. Ange Postecoglou finally shafted him and he went to Heart, only to be behind Andrew Redmayne in the pecking order. Just as he seemed to have worked his way into a starting spot, he received his marching orders against Central Coast Mariners. A tough road for the 27-year-old.
Number Four: Mate Dugandzic
Victory (2009–2011): 40 senior appearances, 7 goals
City/Heart: (2011–present): 69 senior appearances, 13 goals
Hard to believe Dugandzic is now 25-years-old, having been touted as one of the A-League’s best young players for some time. Made his mark early at Melbourne Knights before trying his hand in the Croatian league. That didn’t work out, so he came back to Melbourne and then the A-League at Victory, where his performances earned him interest from Belgium. Turned that opportunity down and moved to Heart. Can be considered a stalwart for City now, where his stint has been both brilliant and disappointing at times, with silverware still eluding him.
Number Three: Aziz Behich
Victory (2008–2010): 5 senior appearances
City/Heart: (2010–2013; 2013-2014): 89 senior appearances, 2 goals
Victory fans won’t forgive Behich for fluffing a simple chance late in the grand final against Sydney FC. He forged a decent career at Heart, earned a transfer to Turkey but seemed to struggle and was loaned back for another season. Now he looks to have taken a leap forward at Bursaspor and is in Ange Postecoglou’s first team for the Asian Cup, something Victory fans may or may not reconcile with.
Number Two: Fred
Victory (2006–2007): 20 senior appearances, 4 goals
City/Heart: (2011–2013): 38 senior appearances, 3 goals
Fred is still talked about as one of Victory’s most influential players, having seemingly single-handedly won the 2006-07 championship. Yet 20 games and 4 goals later, Fred was gone after one season to the USA where stints at Philadelphia and DC United ensued, along with a loan at Wellington Phoenix. He returned to the red side of Melbourne, and to rub salt into the Victory fans’ wounds, also became captain and celebrated after scoring a goal in the derby. Spoke about playing into his 40’s but injuries and an inability to run out a full game let him down. Now back at Philadelphia.
Number One: Harry Kewell
Victory (2011–2012): 25 senior appearances, 8 goals
City/Heart: (2013–2014): 16 senior appearances, 2 goals
His arrival marked a watershed moment for the A-League, but his time at Victory became synonymous with the Durakovic era: one that promised so much, but delivered so little. Arrived late, underdone, unfit. After leaving Victory due to personal reasons and playing a short stint in Qatar, he returned on minimum wages to Heart. Was still talked about being good enough for the 2014 World Cup, despite his injury riddled stint. Remembered for a howler penalty miss against Sydney FC, but made amends by scoring against Victory in a 4-0 derby rout. Then he retired.
Current formation and line-up:
*Fans
Victory: (2004–2009)
City/Heart: (2009–20014; 2014-present)
Ship jumpers have ranged from those who wanted to be part of a team from its inception, to those that disliked Muscat’s thuggery and Merrick’s mundanity. However, the new dawn has yielded one finals appearance, with the team often lingering closer to the bottom of the table than the top. The City Football Group may yet bring about some cheer, but it’s been a tough road for the supporting converts so far.