Skipper Carl Valeri believes Melbourne Victory can kick on after ending their losing start to the A-League season by beating Newcastle Jets.
Victory had lost their first two matches at home to rivals Melbourne City and Perth Glory, so when Terry Antonis struck with a second-half goal at McDonald Jones Stadium it delivered a badly-needed three points.
It was a tough assignment, against the side who finished second in the league last season and made it to the Grand Final.
Kevin Muscat's team repeated the single-goal victory they had managed in that decider at the same venue, with Keisuke Honda linking up with Antonis for the goal.
Valeri feels the win can now catapult the club's season to a new level, starting when they host Central Coast on Sunday.
"To get the three points is extremely important because it gives you that belief to build," he said. "So it was extremely important for our morale, for us mentally - that's our starting block now, so we're going to build on that and take it into the game against Central Coast."
Valeri is pleased with the way Antonis and international marquee Honda have struck up an understanding on the field.
Both of the 24-year-old's goals this season have been assisted by the Japanese ace.
"They're both fantastic players, I love playing with them and I love watching them play," said the captain. "I'm really happy for Terry, I think he's one of the best midfielders in the league.
"It's a great partnership, I'm very proud to have them in my team. I think we've got a lot of quality in our team."
Melbourne Victory are 5/1 to win the Grand Final and 4/11 to win their next game against Central Coast, who are 7/1 with the draw 15/4.
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Skipper Carl Valeri believes Melbourne Victory can kick on after ending their losing start to the A-League season by beating Newcastle Jets.
Victory had lost their first two matches at home to rivals Melbourne City and Perth Glory, so when Terry Antonis struck with a second-half goal at McDonald Jones Stadium it delivered a badly-needed three points.
It was a tough assignment, against the side who finished second in the league last season and made it to the Grand Final.
Kevin Muscat's team repeated the single-goal victory they had managed in that decider at the same venue, with Keisuke Honda linking up with Antonis for the goal.
Valeri feels the win can now catapult the club's season to a new level, starting when they host Central Coast on Sunday.
"To get the three points is extremely important because it gives you that belief to build," he said. "So it was extremely important for our morale, for us mentally - that's our starting block now, so we're going to build on that and take it into the game against Central Coast."
Valeri is pleased with the way Antonis and international marquee Honda have struck up an understanding on the field.
Both of the 24-year-old's goals this season have been assisted by the Japanese ace.
"They're both fantastic players, I love playing with them and I love watching them play," said the captain. "I'm really happy for Terry, I think he's one of the best midfielders in the league.
"It's a great partnership, I'm very proud to have them in my team. I think we've got a lot of quality in our team."
Melbourne Victory are 5/1 to win the Grand Final and 4/11 to win their next game against Central Coast, who are 7/1 with the draw 15/4.
Source: bet365.com