Melbourne City’s Mathew Leckie keen for an elusive A-League grand final win

Melbourne City’s Mathew Leckie desperately wants to add an A-League championship to his list of career achievements.

Socceroos stalwart Mathew Leckie has put his hand up to start for Melbourne City in Saturday night’s A-League decider as he hopes for “third time lucky” in his quest for grand final glory.

However, while Leckie believes he’s not only fit enough to start, but also play a major role in the AAMI Park showdown, Melbourne Victory star Nishan Velupillay is doubtful to be involved due to the ankle injury he suffered last Saturday in his side’s semi-final second-leg success against Auckland FC.

Attacking weapon Velupillay was seen jogging during the early stages of the Victory’s Friday morning training session at the grand final venue.

But it’s unlikely Victory coach Arthur Diles will gamble with the fitness of Velupillay in a match were no passengers can be afforded.

While it’s likely to be bad news for Velupillay, Leckie has timed his return to fitness and form to perfection.

The 34-year-old veteran, now being used in the midfield rather than on a wing, has made just five starting appearances for City this season due to frustrating injury problems.

However, he has featured in City’s past three games off the bench, found the back of net and gradually built up his game time with each match.

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“It’s the most important game of the season and after this there’s a break,” Leckie said.

“You work hard all season to get to this point, and I’m sure everyone’s going to put their hand up (to start), and I’m one of them.

“I’m willing to go out there and just play until I can. Whether that’s to make an impact off the bench or to start a game and see how long I can play, I’m ready for both.”

Leckie is desperate for grand final success, having played in City’s losses in the 2022 and 2023 deciders.

“I came back (to the A-League from Germany) wanting to be successful,” he said.

“I think I came back at a good age, and the one thing that I haven’t been able to do is win a grand final, so third time lucky.

“We’ve had a really consistent season and if we can play to the best of our ability and put it all together, I think we’ve got a real strong chance.”

Leckie said the fact the decider was also a Melbourne derby would add the occasion and atmosphere in front of a sellout crowd of almost 30,000.

“There’s nothing better than a full stadium and the experience of being out there to compete on that stage,” he said.

“(To) potentially do something special is all the motivation every player needs to go out there and give everything.

“We understand Victory’s strengths and they’re a quality side. They’ve also got the right mentality and the players to give us a hard time, so we’ve got to be on our game.”

Victory left-back Kasey Bos is expected to play after being sidelined last weekend due to a lower leg injury.