Defining moments of 17/18: Bragging rights

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We look at the key moments from the 2017/18 Hyundai A-League season that shaped our run to the 2018 Championship.

The Round 22 Melbourne Derby was being played up as ‘the decider’ by Melbourne Victory’s rivals and sections of the media.

Melbourne City had won the Round 2 derby at Etihad Stadium, while a late Mark Milligan penalty secured the points for Victory in the Christmas clash.

For Victory, there was nothing to decide, it was business as usual.

Kevin Muscat’s side came into the game on the back of a strong 3-0 win over Adelaide, while City was looking to bounce back from consecutive losses.

The clash got off to a frenetic start, Victory thought it had taken the lead after just 52 seconds when Kosta Barbarouses struck, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

However, Victory would go 1-0 up in the 12th minute.

Besart Berisha played in Barbarouses with a neat pass and the New Zealand international made no mistake with his finish in a one-on-one with Dean Bouzanis.

City was given the chance to level in the 54th minute after a Leigh Broxham handball in the area and Bruno Fornaroli converted from the penalty spot.

WATCH: Leroy George sends Victory ahead

But Victory restored its lead in the 62nd minute as Leigh Broxham and Leroy George combined.

Broxham clipped in a beautiful cross to the back post, George making no mistake with his header for his fifth league goal of the season. City couldn’t find a reply and from Victory’s point-of-view, there was one word to describe the result: