Victory held: Everything but the Glory
Sometimes you do everything in your power to win but it just doesn't happen.
Michael Lynch, The Age's expert on soccer, has had extensive experience of high level journalism in the UK and Australia. Michael has covered the Socceroos through Asia, Europe and South America in their past three World Cup campaigns. He has also reported on Grands Prix and top class motor sport from Asia and Europe. He has won several national media awards for both sports and industry journalism.
Sometimes you do everything in your power to win but it just doesn't happen.
Melbourne City boss John van't Schip has hit back at claims by his predecessor and now Brisbane coach John Aloisi that his team is aggressive and seeks to intimidate opponents and referees in matches.
For any sportsman, or any club, winning that first trophy is crucial.
When you have been top dog in town for so long its difficult to handle your rival being the centre of attention.
A player so improbable that his achievements, especially on the big stage, seem scarcely believable.
Victorian racing officials will not get involved in a bidding war with their NSW counterparts as pressure is mounting on them to increase prizemoney in the wake of stake hikes in Sydney and the NSW country and regional centres.
John van 't Schip was there at the beginning, so if anyone has earned the right to be there at the moment of Melbourne City's greatest triumph, it is he.
Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold could only shrug his shoulders and smile.
Socceroo legend Tim Cahill has scored some spectacular goals and enjoyed some massive moments in his lengthy career in the national team and in the Premier League.
The standard bearer for the Australian game delivers on the biggest occasion in City's history.
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