French star’s return a boost to Victory’s hopes of beating the Mariners in A-League grand final

Having missed Melbourne Victory’s past two matches through suspension, Zinedine Machach will be desperate to have an impact in the A-League grand final.

Zinedine Machach (centre) is happy to be back for the A-League grand final. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images

Victory coach Tony Popovic is remaining coy on whether returning star Zinedine Machach will be inserted into his starting side for the A-League grand final, but admits the Frenchman’s availability is a huge boost for the Melbourne club’s hopes of winning the championship.

The Victory will start as underdogs in Saturday night’s decider against the Central Coast Mariners, who will host the final at Gosford’s Industree Group Stadium.

However, the return of attacking midfielder Machach from a two-match suspension after he was sent off in his team’s elimination final thriller against Melbourne City on May 5 has lifted spirits in the Victory camp.

“He’s definitely in the squad,” Popovic said on Friday when asked if Machach would start,

“He’s fit and healthy, so that’s the priority. He’s had to cool his heels a bit for the last few weeks, and I’m sure he’s been very supportive, which I know he has of the staff and the playing group. in trying to get us this point so he can another opportunity.

“He only played 30-odd minutes against Melbourne City (before being sent off), so he’s had almost three weeks to wait and watch.

“He’s very happy. He’s a bubbly personality regardless and having him around the group this week knowing that he’s available is a lift for everyone.”

Central Coast Mariners coach Mark Jackson (left) and his Melbourne Victory counterpart Tony Popovic are eyeing the A-League title. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Victory captain Roderick Miranda echoed Popovic’s sentiments.

“Zinedine has been a really important player for us throughout the season, so having him back in the final, the most important game of the season, is really important for every player,” Miranda said.

“Hopefully he can help us again, not only him, but every player that will play the game can help us.”

Despite the Mariners having won last year’s title, as well as this season’s premiership and AFC Cup, Popovic rejected suggestions that his team – which finished 11 out of 12 teams last season – had “nothing to lose” on Saturday night.

“At Melbourne Victory you can’t think that way,” the 50-year-old mentor said.

“Two years ago we won the (Australia Cup) and finished second, and last year, in terms of results, for many reasons, it wasn’t a good year for us.

“Where we are now is where Melbourne Victory is expected to be. They’re expected to be challenging for titles, (and) competing every year at the very top.

“We are here because we’ve earnt the right. We deserve to be here at this stage, and at Melbourne Victory this is the least that’s expected.”

The grand final teams have met three times this. Two of those matches have finished in draws, with the Mariners winning the other clash 1-0 in February.

Miranda said: “It’s not easy to defend against them, (and) to attack against them. That’s why they are in the final, that’s why we are in the final as well, because we have the same qualities.”

Mariners coach Mark Jackson wants his players to embrace the grand final occasion, saying it was impossible to class it as “just another home game”.

“We try to say that but we know it’s a special game,” he said.

“We’ve had the mindset of not hiding away from these big games during the season. We’ve had big games over the last four weeks and we’ve dealt superbly well with them.

“We’re going to enjoy the occasion for sure, but we’ve been really focused this week.

“The work that we’ve done this season has got us to this moment, and we’re going to trust that work to take us through.”

2024 A-League Grand Final

Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory

Saturday, 7.45pm

Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

Referee: Alex King

Originally published as French star’s return a boost to Victory’s hopes of beating the Mariners in A-League grand final