Sean Walsh blogs on the Victory for BPL.

No, not Gold Coast United players, just the organisation and fans (or lack therof).

The first half of the Gold Coast/Victory game was a an advertisement for the game in this country. Good defending, wonderful passing and movement, crowned with a teasing defence splitting pass and well taken goal. This was irrepressible stuff. Except it was played in what appeared to be an empty stadium. During the half time break I imagine the leaders from each team called a meeting, a quorum gathered and a motion was carried to provide the Gold Coast faithful with the football they deserved. The fluency of the first half disappeared and 45 minutes of largely error-prone dross resulted.

With thanks to Robbie Kruse's superb finish Victory took the points they probably deserved. Other than Culina, Gold Coast were toothless up front and will have to hope Djite hits the ground running if they are to be a contender this season. They're a solid team but mid-table looks their lot at this point in the season.

Victory appear to be running into some really solid form and will face a stiff test at the Mariners this weekend. Always hard to beat but is it too much to hope they will actually show some inspiration this week. Perez looks a real find but his deserved ban robs the team of a vital ingredient. They may find that it's dangerous to put all your eggs in one basket in this manner as the season progresses.

So where does the Victory team sit after the first month of the season. A pass mark so far. Mid table despite delayed recruiting and injury problems is a sound platform to attack the middle of the season. Here is how I see the first choice squad.

PETKOVIC - C - Poor start but resurgence in form last week eased my nerves somewhat. His ability to quickly release to the front players causes problems.

MUSCAT - C- - Early in the season has given the ball away too much. Hopefully this is just a man finding his touch not and old man on his last legs. May be the chink in Victory's defensive armor.

VARGAS & LEIJER - B - Both solid so far this year. Vargas needed a good start to put what was a poor season for his standards behind him.

SUKHA - B+ - Possibly our most consistent player so far this year. If not for his inability to run out the early games would have bagged an A.

FERREIRA - Mark pending - Obviously won the battle with Foschini as the defensive sub and now finds himself in the team due to Berger's absence. Has looked like he can fill a role. All three will fight for the defensive substitute position when Kemp returns to full fitness.

B1 & B2 - C+ - Have both filled a role without setting the world on fire. If we had conceded fewer goals the mark would have been higher. Broxham may one day be considered a great servant of this club. I doubt he has the talent to progress above this standard and may just be able to fill a defensive midfield /utility role for the Victory for the next 10 years.

HERNANDEZ - B - But rapidly moving towards his A+ of last season. Has battled hard despite lagging fitness. Efforts to close down the opposition last week point to near full fitness. Superbly strong on the ball. Best dead ball in the league and as good a passer too. Class.

DUGANDZIC - B - Slight inconsistency but has shown he can test even a good defence. Needs to continue to develop to hold off the likes of Little Richard, Pondlejak and Angulo for his spot.

KRUSE - B+ - Has done little wrong since his return and greatly improves the whole by threatening to get in behind the opposition. Should hold his spot when Little Richard is available.

Supporting Cast - Pondlejak, Angulo, Kellaway, Foschini, Berger – At least three players that would be first choice elsewhere and the other two are very handy depth at this level.

First choice players to be added. Ricardinho (Little Dick), Kemp, Thompson, Celeski.

In all Merrick is to be congratulated for assembling such a good squad in depth. I like where this is heading.