Brebner: We have a youthful energy

Head Coach Grant Brebner has highlighted the youthful energy within the squad as Victory prepares for Saturday’s Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park.

The club heads into this weekend’s clash off the back of a win in Newcastle, where Dylan Ryan and Lleyton Brooks scored their first A-League goals to secure the three points.

Youth

“We went to Newcastle with a young group of players and they performed,” Brebner said.

“I don’t think the first half was particularly great but at half-time we addressed a few things, put the game plan into play and got the reward.”

Victory was without a number of key attackers last weekend but prevailed through Brooks’ 78th minute winner – assisted by Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio.

“We have added Elvis Kamsoba and Robbie Kruse to the squad this week and we’ve still got another game or two for a few of the other players,” said the Head Coach.

Momentum

Victory will be hoping to build on the win at McDonald Jones Stadium with a strong performance against its rivals.

“There is the momentum of trying to get two wins on the bounce, but I think this game is a one off – the Derby,” said Brebner.

“If we’re looking for anything else as motivation other than winning on the night, we’re probably clasping at straws.”

“This game takes care of itself and we’ll be up for it,” he said.

Possession

Victory was handed a heavy defeat at Marvel Stadium in the last meeting between the clubs, a result which has been addressed by Brebner and the squad.

“We’ve worked hard defensively in recent weeks and we’re well-rehearsed in what City’s movement looks like through the thirds,” he said.

“We’ll have to combat that but if we’ve got the ball then we don’t have to worry about them.”