Despite the A-League season finding itself on the backburner due to the Asian Cup break, the Corner Flag is celebrating the ten and five year anniversaries of Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart/City respectively with a range of top ten/fives for each club.
They are etched into the hearts of Melbourne Victory supporters and engrained into the very fabric of the club. Whether is be through years of loyal service or a moment of brilliance, every club has a cult hero or two embedded into its history. While they might not be the absolute ‘legends’ of the club, each player has in their own way adorned themselves to the fans of the Navy Blue.
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Number Ten: Andrew Nabbout
Appearances: 2012-present (42 games, 5 goals)
Nabbout forced his way into the hearts of the Melbourne Victory support in the 2012-13 season after a sublime brace from the bench secured a 3-2 come from behind win against Sydney FC, in only his third appearance for the club. He continued his good goalscoring form over the next month, netting in his starts against Central Coast and Adelaide United, but since then it hasn’t quite worked out for the misfiring forward. He added one goal in 13 appearances the following year, and has made only the two appearances this year. Regardless, “Nabbout is on fire” will always ring strong from the terraces.
Number Nine: Richard Kitzbichler
Appearances: 2005-06 (18 games, 5 goals)
The Olympic Park terraces were introduced to the Austrian midfielder in season one, making an immediate impression with Victory’s maiden home goal. He then became a focal point in Ernie Merrick’s starting 11, scoring five goals in Melbourne’s inaugural campaign. Now retired, the Austrian dazzled the Olympic Park faithful where his name became synonymous with the “tequila” chant.
MORE TOP 10’s > Top 10: Almost Signings
Number Eight: Robbie Kruse
Appearances: 2009-11 (39 games, 16 goals)
An outcast at Brisbane turned hero with Melbourne, Robbie Kruse propelled his career with two electrifying years in a navy blue shirt. The current Bundesliga attacker won Melbourne fans over with his exhilarating pace, penetrating runs and ability to find the net when it counted – scoring a first half hat-trick against Perth Glory in 2010. Kruse formed a devastating alliance with Archie Thompson before departing to German side Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2011, later signing with heavy weights Bayern Leverkusen.
Number Seven: Roddy Vargas
Appearances: 2006-12 (139 games, 6 goals)
Beloved to all Melbourne Victory supporters, Vargas etched a formidable central defensive partnership with Kevin Muscat, winning two titles before ending his A-League career in 2012. An uncompromising defender combined with a hint of elegance and an all-round nice-guy attitude.
MORE TOP 10’s > Top 10: Biggest Flops
Number Six: Adama Traore
Appearances: 2012-14 (52 games, 1 goals)
Probably Jim Magilton’s only redeeming action at the club was to sign Adama Traore from Gold Coast United before the end of his tenure. The Ivorian made such an impact at left-back that his citizenship was fast-tracked in the hopes of rushing him into the Socceroos team, before technicalities scuppered that opportunity. Fans fondly recall his tackling at the back, marauding runs forward, assists, powerful shot, and friendly nature. Now at Basel, Traore is on the verge of Champions League action.