Melbourne Victory Start 2024 VPL1 Season Strong with Win Over Northcote City

Melbourne Victory kicked off their 2024 VPL1 campaign in style with a convincing 3-1 triumph against Northcote City, marking a strong start to the season under coach Joe Palatsides.

The team’s lineup featured a blend of experienced players from the previous season and fresh faces, including Luka Kolić, Jesse Hoey, and Marc Petheriotis, along with the familiar name of Fabian Monge in a new role.

At the historic John Cain Memorial Park, a sizable crowd gathered to witness Victory’s return to the second tier of Victorian men’s football after their promotion last year.

Despite Northcote City initially threatening with a disallowed goal, Victory displayed promise with Alex Menelaou’s near miss, setting the tone for an engaging first half.

Before halftime, Adem Duratovic capitalized on Jesse Hoey’s build-up play to give Victory the lead with a smart finish, boosting their confidence for the next period.

Early in the second half, Victory extended their advantage as Hoey found the net again after a scramble in Northcote’s defense, underpinning their control of the match.

Northcote sparked some hope with Michael Domfeh pulling a goal back, but Victory’s defense held firm while Luka Kolić sealed the victory with a stunning late free-kick.

Reflecting on the performance, Palatsides praised the team’s blend of youth and experience, pointing out standout players like Kolić, Duratovic, Menalou, and the promising debutants Petheriotis and Hoey.

Looking ahead, Victory faces a challenging away fixture against Preston Lions next as they aim to build on their positive start to the season.