Has City found its Heart?

Since being re-branded under new ownership in 2014, Melbourne City has been secure in it finances, but now it might have acquired something it couldn't buy; an identity.

Wade Dekker of Melbourne City FC celebrates scoring a goal against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium. Source: Getty Images

The list of players missing was impressive. Internationals Hughes, Franjic, Zullo. Seasoned campaigners Gameiro, Novillo and Williams. Prominent young guns Melling and Mauk. And yet for 45 minutes, it’s Melbourne’s Sky Blues who bossed Sydney’s version.

A goal on the stroke of half time changed the momentum, and swung the game back into the balance, but after a see-saw match, it’s fair to say that the latest incarnation of Melbourne’s second side, emerged with its reputation enhanced.

It’s been a long, and at times, bumpy road. A club that struggled for an identity, and a purpose, a club that tore up the plan and embraced global franchise, and the sudden expectations it brought. But a club that struggled with the sudden growing pains that came with the City group.

An experienced finish by the debutant. What did you think of @WadeDekker's goal? Highlights: http://t.co/5fhGJ0WRj5 pic.twitter.com/DTNd725e0H — Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) October 11, 2015

Off the pitch, City has forged an impressive path. State of the art training facility. Key back room appointments. Cutting edge technology and support.  On it, it has huffed and puffed, but finally the fruits of the labours may be appearing.

The starting line up on Saturday night contained three youngsters, Wade Dekker, Paulo Retre, Hernan Espindola, in the City system since 2013. On the bench a fourth, Stefan Zinni.  Watching elsewhere three more, in Ben Garuccio, Stefan Mauk, Marc Marino, all with sporadic game time over the past eighteen months.

Post-match van’t Schip said “….we know that for a whole season in the end we need all the players, the players have more experience and we got in to play regularly with our first team. But it’s great that we have those boys behind.”

So it’s clear that it’s necessity rather than choice for John van’t Schip to use the kids, but in the City squad, there is now a group of young players ready for the first team. 

Last season City won the NYL – Dekker topped the scoring charts, Espindola not far behind. Mauk has long been touted as a future star. Franjic is out for another two months, but Retre looks more than capable of filling his shoes, and if JVS takes off the shackles, Paulo will be a threat going forward.

City’s recruitment has come under fire, and you can certainly question the merit of using up visa spots on the likes of Aaron Hughes and Thomas Sorensen, regardless of the quality.  But you get the sense, that it’s part of a bigger picture.  Bring in the battle hardened, experienced guys.  Teach this talented group of kids senior football. Align that with the best facilities in the league, and some of the best sports science and City may have finally found a formula, not just for success, but for its very soul.

The question now is, can the kids stand up to the Melbourne Derby heat?