City Views – Five Years On…
Today marks five years since Melbourne Heart played Central Coast Mariners on a Thursday night at AAMI Park. Much has happened to the second Melbourne club over the last five seasons and it’s impossible to sum up our short history in one or two words. Disastrous would be over the top and more apt to North Queensland Fury or Gold Coast United fans; at the end of a day we still have a club (of sorts) and we can attend AAMI Park on a regular basis this summer. Saying the last five years has been successful would be a statement based on pure delusion.
Five years ago the identity of the club was clearer than it was in the present day; we attended games because we wanted to support a team in Melbourne who weren’t the Victory. Heart supporters wanted that point of difference whilst also wanting to be part of something from the start. On opening night 11,050 fans turned up to witness history, for the most part the game failed to realise any great heights but the current administration would give anything to see that crowd turn up against the Mariners this season.
The last five years has seen a revolving door of players come through the club, some suitable for the A-League others downright embarrassing (Steven Gray, Michael Mifsud or Maycon anyone). The club is still trying to find the formula to what makes a successful A-League team and how to put together a Championship winning squad. In its present form the club is moving forward to achieve that with the development of the new training facility and a clearer pathway for younger players to join the senior squad. With the club now 100% owned by City Football Group the financial security of the club seems assured and the next five seasons should be far more successful.
Momentum was gained last season but we are still unsure if it’s more an improvement at our club or vast incompetency that’s currently sweeping through the league.
Five years ago today I entered AAMI Park with the same hopes and dreams many other Heart fans did, whilst those haven’t been met over this period I definitely wouldn’t change it for anything. Heart/City has reinvigorated my want for domestic football in Australia and that can only be a great thing.
Sadly I don’t think there has been a time where as a fan I’ve felt so detached from the club. With deep pockets and big promises City Football Club announced themselves on the club, not only as the saviour of Melbourne Heart but a new type of football club for fans. On the field we are still in a canter and off the field fan engagement has grinded to a halt. The gap between Victory and City is continually widening and our owners hardly seemed concerned with their little club in Melbourne.
The journey of the last five seasons sure has been a bumpy road, let’s hope Melbourne City become the club I know it can be. Whilst I’m unsure that day will arrive, I will still wait in hope, attend AAMI Park, and write this sporadic column (sorry).
Thanks for the last five years Heart/City fans, it’s been fun.
MY FAVOURITE HEART/CITY XI
BOLTON
MARRONE GOOD COLOSIMO BEHICH
WORM MOOY ENGELAAR DUFF
SIBON ALOISI
TERRA, SKOKO, HAMILL, KEWELL, MELLING
SOME KEY GAMES
Round Nine 2010/11 – Melbourne Heart 2 defeated Melbourne Victory 1
The inaugural Melbourne Derby was (as still is) the defining moment for the club. It was the ultimate David vs. Goliath battle with John Aloisi opening the scoring. Alex Terra scored the winning goal in the 56th minute and Heart managed to hold on for the last 15 minutes with only 10 men.
Round Six 2012/13 – Melbourne Heart 4 defeated Brisbane Roar 1.
Even though the season was a disaster this Friday night still burns strong. The team played the defending Champions off the park that night. A late consolation goal to Brisbane lost the clean sheet but every supporter went home extremely happy that night.
Round Eleven 2014/15 – Melbourne City 1 defeated Melbourne Victory 0
Moments in football matches have the potential to make you forget the last 90 minutes of your life, thankfully the 90th minute winner from Eric Paartalu will be the only thing remembered from this derby. Not many things beat a last minute derby winner in football; this memory will live for a long time with City fans.
Round Twenty-Six 2010/11 – Melbourne Heart 1 drew with Central Coast Mariners 1
A rain soaked AAMI Park greeted the Central Coast Mariners. Kickoff was delayed for what seemed an eternity and for many and finally a decision was made to play the game after the referee was cheered by the small but boisterous Heart fans when he saw the ball roll into the back of the net which meant the game could go on.
Round Seventeen 2010/11 – Melbourne Heart 0 lost to Newcastle Jets 2
When you play a team with 10 men for 80 minutes and lose 2-0 this game shouldn’t be remembered, but for the hardened fans who attended that night this game will live on forever.
When you think about it, this game sums up the club pretty well; a delayed start followed by a disappointing result watched by a small loyal group of fans.
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