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You could be forgiven for writing off Victory in the pre-season after they were rocked by the departure of former coach Vicki Linton only a few weeks leading up to the season. They remained without a coach until a week before the competition. Even the appointment of former Gold Coast United coach Mike Mulvey raised concerns over whether the team could gel together quickly enough to avoid any disruptions on the pitch.
Melbourne had also lost international stars Jodie Taylor and Kendall Fletcher, who returned back the UK and USA respectively, as well as Katrina Gorry who joined Brisbane Roar before season start. Mulvey was keen to replace them by signing up another batch of international stars and did not disappoint when revealing FA player of the year Jessica Fishlock, US international Jessica McDonald and Swede Petra Larsson.
As it began, two losses in the first two games and season ending injuries to captain Louisa Bisby and 2011/2012 Young Player of the Year Ashley Brown raised concerns over whether Melbourne could remain competitive throughout the season. However their first win of the season over Newcastle brought on a wave of form, including their first ever win over Sydney FC in the W-League competition.
The women also claimed a major scalp in Round Five, breaking Canberra United's 18-game winning streak which ran from January 2011. Both teams were depleted after mid-season international duties, however Victory's depth ensured they were the least affected.
Whilst away with the Matildas, Stephanie Catley capped off her magnificent season by claiming the Under 20 Female Footballer of the Year award. The youngster constantly caused problems down the wing for all teams throughout the duration of the season and it's for this reason she'll have the honour of leading her team out on Sunday afternoon.
Victory were once again rattled mid-season with the departure of coach Mike Mulvey to Brisbane Roar in the A-League after his exceptional performance with the women. Assistant Fabrizio Socin was handed the reins for the remainder of the year.
Jessica Fishlock was given an emotional farewell in the second last game of the season after the Welsh international's loan spell came to an end after six games and two goals. She was farewelled by 1,257 fans, a Melbourne Victory home crowd record, proving she has left a lasting impression on the faithful. The midfielder went out in style after Victory dominated Adelaide 4-1.
A 3-3 draw in the final game of the season to bottom-of-the-table Newcastle Jets meant Victory finished third, their best ever result in the W-League. However they were denied a maiden home semi-final and had to make the difficult trip over to Perth to seal a spot in the Grand Final.
After a hard fought 1-1 draw the visitors eventually went on to win the game 4-3 on penalties with a controversial decision that Jessica McDonald re-take a penalty the deciding factor. The US striker did not make the same mistake the second time round. Her match winning penalty was accompanied by a further seven goals throughout the season making her Melbourne Victory's leading goalscorer in her first year with the club.
Praise was also loud and clear for young goalkeeper Brianna Davey who saved two important shots in the penalty shootout. She also helped Melbourne concede fewer goals than any other side, with only 14 goals going past the Matilda throughout the season. At only 18 years of age she has constantly proved why she will be one to watch in years to come, both for club and country.
Melbourne has the honours of hosting the W-League Grand Final on Sunday against rivals Sydney FC in what will be a terrific weekend for the Victorian/New South Welsh rivalry. While Sydney will go into the game on a high after beating red-hot favourites Brisbane in Queensland, Victory have the mental edge over the Sky Blues this season, defeating them 2-1 in Round Four and playing out a 1-1 draw in Round Eight.
Whatever the result come Sunday evening, Melbourne Victory players, coaches and fans will be extremely proud of what the ladies have achieved in the season full of drama. It was not the Victory of old, who always seemed to fall short at the last hurdle. This time the girls have been brave enough to overcome all obstacles and fight their ways in to the big on the final day of the season.
Good luck girls!