Marquee striker ready for Victory homecoming

Melbourne Victory’s newest Brazilian recruit, Alessandro, and marquee striker Archie Thompson, are both battling to be part of the club’s first home game of the season this Saturday.

Alessandro is still awaiting an official clearance from Brazil, while Thompson is awaiting medical advice on his groin before being cleared to play.

Victory will play its first home game of the 2006/07 season against the Central Coast Mariners this Saturday (kick-off 3:00pm) at Olympic Park in round three of the 2006 Pre-Season Cup.

With only one point from the opening two rounds, Victory will be keen to defeat last season’s Hyundai A-League Grand Finalists and ensure it progresses to the next stage of the pre-season competition.

The match also comes as the first opportunity for Victory fans to see the club’s newest recruits in action at Olympic Park with Adrian Caceres, Grant Brebner, Rodrigo Vargas and Brazilians Fred and Claudinho all expected to feature on Saturday afternoon.

Football Operations Manager, Gary Cole, expected the players to be given the all clear by Saturday, but in both cases there was plenty of work still to be done.

“Archie had a scan on his groin yesterday afternoon and he’s in with the medical people now. We should have more information about his progress tomorrow.”

Cole also revealed that Football Federation Australia had joined the battle to have Alessandro cleared by the Rio Grande do Sul state federation.

“One of the state federations in Rio decided to institute a fee on the transfer and that’s stopped the process.

“The FFA have written to the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) overnight asking for a please explain and also making a note of the fact that under FIFA rules you can’t charge for an international clearance.”

Despite the off-field distractions, Cole is confident the Victory can record their first win of the Pre-Season Cup, which could see them join Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide at the top of their group.

“We’re hoping for a win, there’s no doubt about that.” Cole said.

“It will be a tough game. Central Coast are a very good team, they’re very well organised and very well drilled.”

In other squad news, Steve Pantelidis is expected to return for Victory following his red card against Adelaide United in round one of the Pre-Season Cup. Mark Byrnes remains doubtful after sustaining a hamstring injury last week against Perth.

Tickets are currently available through Ticketek.com, by calling 132 849 or at the gate. Prices have been reduced for the Pre-Season Cup with adult tickets $10, concession $5 and children under 13 free.

Melbourne Victory members for 2006/07 A-League season receive free entry, while memberships will be available for purchase and renewal at Olympic Park prior to the match.