Big Dome crowd expected to Roar this Sunday

Melbourne Victory officials have announced that over 20,000 tickets have already been sold for its top of the table Hyundai A-League clash against Queensland Roar at Telstra Dome this Sunday.

Brazilian striker Fred returns to coach Ernie Merrick’s 16-man squad after serving his three match ban for violent conduct, which was issued following the last match at Telstra Dome against Sydney FC in Round 2. Merrick will wait until just hours before the Round 6 clashed before deciding on a final line-up.

The two Australian sides that missed out on finals action in the inaugural A-League season have had the most impressive starts to the 2006/07 season with Melbourne recording perfect record of five wins, while Queensland also remain undefeated with three wins and two draws.

Merrick has the luxury of being able to select from 20 fully-fit players this Sunday, which has caused welcome difficulties in determining who will miss the all-important game.

“We've got the whole squad and we don't have any injuries. (Daniel) Piorkowski has been cleared with no problems, so we've got 20 players available,” Merrick said.

Fred is eager to return and feels the match against Roar is his chance to repay the team for his absence. He has taken part in extra training sessions while the team has been away to ensure he would be match fit.

“I feel like I owe the team a bit because obviously I have missed three weeks and I want to get back this week and show the team I can give something back,” Fred said through translator and team-mate Rodrigo Vargas.

“A champion team is not just one player or 11 players, it is a whole squad of 20 players and I want to be a part of that.”

Neighbours star Nicky Whelan was on hand this morning at training to rub shoulders with the players and give them some words of encouragement before the match. The Inside Sport 2004 Sports Model of the Year is not just a pretty face; she’s a smart lady who has a real passion for the world game.

“I’m really into it, I think football is fantastic,” Nicky said. “It’s a very skillful sport, very tactical, and it’s full of passion and excitement.

Victory CEO Geoff Miles has also thrown the club’s support behind the Melbourne Storm, who will contest the NRL Grand Final against the Brisbane Broncos this Sunday night. Melbourne fans will be able to watch the big match at the Victory Social Club in the Victory Room at Telstra Dome, in the LiveWire Entertainment Precinct and on the concourse outside Gate 1 of the stadium.

“We congratulate Melbourne Storm on a fantastic season and wish them well for Sunday’s NRL Grand Final,” Miles said.

“I’m sure all Melbourne Victory fans are right behind the Storm as they bid for championship honours on the weekend and we are confident that both Victory and the Storm will fly the flag successfully for all of Victoria on Sunday.

“Sunday offers a unique opportunity for Victorian sports fans to support both Melbourne Victory and the Melbourne Storm, taking in our game against Queensland Roar live and then watching the Storm on the big screens at Telstra Dome.”

The match between the Storm and the Broncos kicks-off from 7:00pm, directly following Victory’s match against Roar.

Melbourne Victory Squad: 1. Michael Theoklitos (gk), 2. Kevin Muscat (capt), 3. Daniel Piorkowski, 6. Steve Pantelidis, 8. Fred, 9. Daniel Allsopp, 10. Archie Thompson, 11. Vince Lia, 12. Rodrigo Vargas, 13. Kristian Sarkies, 14. Adrian Caceres, 15. Adrian Leijer, 16. Simon Storey, 17. Grant Brebner, 18. Alessandro, 20. Eugene Galekovic (gk). *One to be omitted.

In: 8. Fred (from suspension). Out: nil. Unavailable: nil.

A-League Round 6

Melbourne Victory vs Queensland Roar
Sunday Evening, October 1
Telstra Dome, Melbourne
Kick off: 5:00pm (local/AEST)

The match will be the first live Australian sporting event on Australia’s newest sports channel, Fox Sports 3. Broadcast begins at 4:30pm (AEST) with a full preview before kick-off.

Tickets for the match are currently available from any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 136 100 or online through ticketmaster.com.au

Melbourne Victory memberships, including both reserved seats and general admission, are currently available from the Victory Club Shop at 242 Lennox Street in Richmond, by calling 1300 783 013 or online through melbournevictory.com.au.