More to come from Victory: Popovic

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Last season’s 6-0 and 7-0 derby thumpings seem like a distant memory for Melbourne Victory after a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Melbourne City – and coach Tony Popovic believes there’s still plenty to come from his charges.

With Victory trailing 2-1 on Saturday night, Nick D’Agostino scored an 81st-minute equaliser to snare a crucial point in another key game of the club’s refreshed A-League Men era under Popovic.

“It just shows the improvement of the team,” Popovic said. 

“We’re improving, we’re growing, we’re certainly adapting to some of the problems that we’re having on the field and the players that came on once again had a great impact.” 

“Nick and Robbie (Kruse) looked really dangerous when they came on, young Nishan (Velupillay) in a big derby. Chris (Ikonomidis) got some minutes, valuable minutes, that he needs.”

Popovic expected more fluidity as the season progressed.

“I’ve maintained that since the first game … every press conference I’ve said this team can and will get better,” he said. 

“It’s factual – players that haven’t trained, haven’t played, came late, missed pre-season. Of course they can get better.

“But we’re picking up points as we’re evolving as a team and we’re showing amazing attitude and resilience which is positive for us moving forward. 

“In time, we’ll be a better team and we need individuals to keep growing and hopefully we can have a little bit more luck with some injuries.”

Marco Rojas came off in the first half but Popovic was confident it was just the after-effects of a knee knock suffered in training.

Victory will likely field youngsters in Wednesday’s FFA Cup trip to Gold Coast Knights.

“Players always say they love playing games ,” Popovic said.

“We have an opportunity where we’re still in the Cup and it’ll be a chance I’m sure, some young players will have to play

“Whether by choice or not, some players won’t be able to back up mid-week. Then we have another great game against Western United. 

“So if you’re anyone at Melbourne Victory, as a footballer right now it’s something to look forward to.”

Meanwhile City will sweat on Nuno Reis, who appeared to injure his hamstring and was substituted in the second half, with coach Patrick Kisnorbo citing “tightness”.

Kisnorbo played down a training knock that saw Mathew Leckie miss Saturday’s game as “nothing major” but he will be monitored ahead of Wednesday’s FFA Cup clash with Wellington.