Melbourne Victory

After the sheer embarrassment of the wooden spoon last season, big changes were needed as they deserved to finish bottom. They changed managers, fans protested at training - toxic times. The changes started with the appointment of a proven winner as manager in Tony Popovic. He brought in proven match-winners like Spiranovic in defence, a centre-back Popovic knows well. Ikonomidis, Hamill, Davidson, Brilliante - all excellent, solid, experienced performers at this level, and Margiotta is one of the best finishers they've ever had - if they can get him fit and confident. The only player they may have missed from their departed players is Traore, a very solid left-back. He's been perfectly replaced by Davidson though. Some others were regulars but not very good ones. This team looks a lot more solid/experienced now. Their biggest weakness is getting all of the new signings to galvanise. Popovic did that really well at Perth Glory though; they were 4-5 weeks ahead of everybody else because of his early start with training. Margiotta is their only natural goal-getter, which is a risk because he's injury-prone. Strengths: there is quality everywhere you look. They'll be brilliant at set pieces, and brilliant at creating chances; arguably more attacking depth than any other club in the competition this season. Should see great control of games with Brillante and Brimmer in midfield. Very physical team. Very athletic full-backs; will probably switch to a more familiar wing-back formation. Irreplaceable players - Brillante, Davidson, Margiotta (assuming he settles).