A-League Men: Damien Da Silva, Connor Chapman depart Melbourne Victory
The fallout from Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic’s departure may have led to a key player’s departure.
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Melbourne Victory’s next coach will be tasked with a major overhaul of the club’s defensive unit after duo Damien Da Silva and Connor Chapman both announced their departures.
Da Silva will leave after claiming the Victory Medal as the club’s best and fairest player in both of his two A-League Men seasons.
The 36-year-old Frenchman’s contract was due to expire at the end of June, with his exit coming in the wake of coach Tony Popovic’s decision to pursue an overseas move.
Victory football director John Didulica said the club would be “grateful” for the veteran centre-back’s leadership after he helped deliver last season’s grand final appearance.
“Damien arrived at the club mid-season in 2022/23 and showed a level of consistency and quality that saw him become a leader in the squad immediately,” Didulica said.
“To win back-to-back Victory Medals is an incredible feat and we will be grateful for the legacy of hard work and professionalism Damien drove.”
Chapman, 29, has secured an overseas move, with Victory receiving an “undisclosed compensation” for his departure.
Victory confirmed last month the departures of a swath of players including experienced trio Jake Brimmer, Chris Ikonomidis and Stefan Nigro, while stalwart Leigh Broxham retired at the end of the season.
The club has been linked to former Melbourne City coach Patrick Kisnorbo and championship-winning Victory captain Mark Milligan as possible replacements for Popovic.
Kisnorbo most recently managed French side Troyes but departed after one year last December following the side’s relegation to Ligue 2.
Milligan is an assistant coach at Adelaide United.
Originally published as A-League Men: Damien Da Silva, Connor Chapman depart Melbourne Victory
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