A-League headed for Morwell

Melbourne Victory will bring big-time football back to Morwell when the reigning A-League champion plays a friendly against the Brisbane Roar at Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Stadium next month.

The formative home of Victory ambassador Archie Thompson, who played at Morwell alongside fellow A-League legend John Hutchinson for Gippsland Falcons in the NSL, will return to the national spotlight for the 1 September friendly.

Local fans will be treated to a first look at the boys in the Big V in their first pre-season hit-out ahead of the title defence campaign opener against arch-rival Melbourne City in October.

“Pre-season games against A-League opposition play a big part in our preparation for the new season, it’s important for the playing group to get minutes into the legs,” Victory coach Kevin Muscat said.

“We’re looking forward to the change of scenery and hope to see a large number of Victory supporters in Morwell.”   

The club has become a regular presence in Gippsland, with a W-League game in Morwell last year followed by Latrobe Valley junior clinics in March and an Indigenous gala day at Churchill earlier this month.

Victory will also bring a host of community activations to the region ahead of the big game including a 25 August Miniroos hub and 31 August Super Clinic on the eve of the game.

The event forms part of the State Government’s $85 million Latrobe Valley Sports and Community initiative.

Quotes attributable to Latrobe City Mayor Darrell White

“Latrobe City has a long tradition of sporting excellence and we are excited to host two A-League powerhouses in our municipality with the backing of the Victorian Government and Latrobe Valley Authority.

“Council is undertaking a major redevelopment of the Morwell stadium to create a new hub for Gippsland football, which will be utilised not only to attract these magnificent events but also to develop, nurture and inspire the next generation of Gippsland’s elite athletes to follow in the footsteps of Archie Thompson and reach their full potential.”