A League / Paul Bugeja / 09 February 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

Melbourne Victory appears to have risen above its injury problems and may emerge from a difficult period stronger, thanks in part to the signing of Central Coast's Nik Mrdja, believes Frank Duval.

Gutsy Matthew Kemp became the latest Victory player to succumb to injury on Friday, joining Archie Thompson on the sidelines.

It was a bitter blow for one of the A-League's most determined and fittest players, and while he will undergo an MRI scan this week, it appears his knee injury is serious.

However, in losing one player in its 2-0 win over the North Queensland Fury, the introduction of striker Nik Mrdja unveiled fresh options for Victory.

The tall and powerful Mrdja went close on a couple of occasions and will be a massive boost for Victory at corners and free kicks, always a weakness with a team having never boasted a tall striker.

When Mrdja's on the pitch it will require some tinkering with Victory's direct style of play, but on balance that's a good thing. At different times this year, Victory has looked impotent against teams that defend well and some extra variety and width will make them more of a threat. Although, when Carlos Hernandez, praised by Victory coach Ernie Merrick as the best attacking midfielder he's worked with, plays like he did on Friday, stopping Victory appears a forlorn task, whatever formation they play.

The Costa Rican was superb with his precise finishing and passing at Etihad, and even did some timely defending to help his defenders post a clean sheet.

Gold Coast's failure against Wellington means a draw against Sydney is enough for Victory to clinch the title, in a year where not a lot has gone to plan for them.

With the new string to their bow in Mrdja and the stunning form of Hernandez, they are a terrific chance to get the result they need away to Sydney and win back-to-back championships, even without Archie Thompson and Kevin Muscat.

And, Victory's chances of winning the finals series are perhaps better still once Muscat returns and if Thompson recovers from his foot injury to take the pitch again.