Ansell: It means everything to me to play for Victory

Nick Ansell

New Melbourne Victory signing Nick Ansell says his time playing in Korea helped develop his game significantly.

Ansell, an A-League Championship-winner with Victory in 2015, spent the past two seasons overseas with Jeonnam Dragons and Gyeongnam FC.

He said the high-quality strikers he lined up against forced him to lift his standards and improve his game.


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“I think the K League is a great league and the football is of a high standard,” Ansell said.

“When you’re playing in a different league to what you’re used to, you learn a lot of things and add to your game.

“The one-on-one battles is an area I have definitely improved, you come up against some great foreigners in Korea so you definitely learn a lot.”

Ansell is one of only a handful of people who have both supported, and played for, Melbourne Victory since 2005.

It was the many positive memories he has involving Victory that drew him back to the A-League.

“Melbourne is my home and I can’t be happier.

“Before I even put on a shirt to play for the club, I was a fan.

“I used to go to the games when I was younger with my family and a few friends so it is a club that I really love, it means everything to me and it really is an honour to be back playing here again.”

After working his way from Victory’s youth setup to a senior debut in 2012, Ansell knows more than most what it takes to make the step up.

Therefore, he is keen to support the talented youngsters currently trying to make their mark at the club.

“I think it’s fantastic to see the young players coming through. 

“I can only help them with my experiences in Europe, Asia and obviously winning the Championship with that team in 2015.

“I can guide them every day in trying to get better as individual players, which also benefit us as a team.”