For the second time in three years, Melbourne Victory will have to qualify for the Australia Cup Final Rounds via the Playoffs when they tackle Newcastle Jets in Darwin.
But the last time Victory did it the hard way in 2021, they went on to win the whole tournament.
The match will be played out of Darwin Football Stadium, with the winner set for a Round of 32 clash with Brisbane Roar at home.
As it was in 2022, the Australia Cup 2023 Playoffs features the four clubs that finished 9th to 12th in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men 2022/23 regular season.
The 2022/23 season for Victory can be summed up as disappointing, failing to build on its Australia Cup success and second-place finish in the preceding 2021/22 campaign.
Tony Popovic's side were eliminated at the Round of 32 in last year's edition by Western United - the same side who knocked them out in the 2022 A-League Men's Semi-Finals - before stuttering to 11th spot with 28 points.
However, a new season begins renewed optimism and Victory will be looking to make a positive start in 2023/23, starting with a do-or-die match with the Jets, who finished last year in 10th on the ladder.
Club: Melbourne Victory
State: Victoria
Home ground: AAMI Park
Founded: 2004
Australia Cup Final Rounds appearances: Nine
Best result: Winners (2015, 2021)
Head Coach: Tony Popovic
Australia Cup Record
- 2014 – Quarter Finals
- 2015 – Winners
- 2016 – Semi Finals
- 2017 – Round Of 16
- 2018 – Round Of 16
- 2019 – Round Of 32
- 2020 – Competition not held
- 2021 – Winners
- 2022 – Round of 32
Ins and Outs
In: Franco Lino (promoted - scholarship contract), Joshua Inserra (promoted - scholarship contract), Jordi Valadon (promoted - scholarship contract), Daniel Arzani (Macarthur FC), Adama Traore (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Re-signed:
Out: Matt Acton (Brisbane Roar), Lleyton Brooks, Kadete, Tomi Juric, Nani, George Timotheou (Gungahlin United), Fernando Romero (loan ended), Bruce Kamau (loan ended), Joshua Brillante (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Match Details
Newcastle Jets FC vs Melbourne Victory FC
Date: Monday, 17 July 2023
Venue: Larrakia Park - Darwin Football Stadium
Kick-Off: 7.00pm local / 7:30 pm AEST
Tickets: Buy Tickets Now!
Australia Cup 2023 Final Rounds Playoffs Proudly supported by:
H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel & H on Smith Hotel - the official accommodation partners of the Australia Cup 2023 Playoffs
Thrifty Car and Truck Rental Darwin - the official vehicle partner of the Australia Cup 2023 Playoffs
NT Major Events Company - Supporting a diverse range of events that represent our unique character and Territory culture. ntmajorevents.com.au
If you seek different, the Northern Territory is the holiday for you.
Unleash your sense of adventure in the Northern Territory's tropical capital. Beyond the game, immerse yourself in thrilling experiences, from two-wheeled escapades to encounters with wildlife. With endless options, you'll wish you had more time to explore.
Discover insider tips and travel inspiration at northernterritory.com.
