Last week Melbourne City donned the traditional red and white strip against the Central Coast Mariners, the team they played – as Melbourne Heart – in their first ever A-League match.
It was both a celebration of their tenth anniversary in the competition and a reminder of the highs and lows of the last decade.
Overall, it is fair to say it was a decade that did not deliver. During the last ten years City are the only existing Australian based team yet to make a Grand Final. They only have on piece of silverware, a FFA Cup crown in 2016.
The biggest thing that has happened was the takeover and the name change to City. Even over the past five years when they have been regularly making the finals, City has still been in the shadow of their crosstown rival Melbourne Victory.
While City have been getting knocked out in elimination and semi finals, Victory have been making and winning Grand Finals.
This success has strengthened Victory’s identity as the powerhouse club in Victoria, while City’s perpetual finals shortcomings has cemented them as the underachieving little brother.
However, ten years after the Heart first kicked-off, things on field are looking better than ever before.
Through their first six games they have only suffered a single loss, sit at the top of the table on 13 points and went on a FFA Cup run that saw them reach the final.
So what is the difference?
Firstly the new coach. French veteran Erick Mombaerts has a wealth of experience manning the sidelines, and has been a part of the City Football Group for several years.
He’s brought a new style that is aggressive and high pressing. A style that is reflective of club ownership. A style that is yielding goals.
City have scored a competition high 13 goals this season, with seven different players hitting the scoreboard.
This change is a welcome relief to that of the previous regime, which was regularly criticised for being lifeless and dour. One that ironically seemed to be lacking heart.
Also, City now have one of the deepest and most talented squads.
Jamie Maclaren has been starring for Australia at international level while Harrison Delbridge has developed into perhaps the competition’s most dependable centre backs. Off-season additions in Josh Brillante, Adrian Luna and Craig Noone have all brought experience and level-heads to the squad.
There is also a smattering of young stars throughout the squad including Connor Metcalfe, Ramy Najjarine and Tom Glover all of whom will represent the Olyroos.
Finally, City have turned their home ground into a fortress.
They are undefeated in their last 15 matches at AAMI Park, a streak dating back over twelve months.
Prospects are rightly high this season. The feel is different, and the fans can dare to dream big.
It may have taken ten years, but finally this team has a platform to fulfil its potential. They’ve found their identity and direction. They’ve found their heart.
Feature Image Credit: Ngau Kai Yan
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