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Jan 28, 2021   |  12:46AM AET

Kruse pays tribute to Victory supporters

Kruse pays tribute to Victory supporters

Victory forward Robbie Kruse has praised the brilliance of Jake Brimmer and the club’s supporters, following Tuesday night’s dramatic win over Perth Glory.

Kruse made his first A-League start of the season, as Brimmer scored a late double to secure Victory’s first three points of the campaign.

The 32-year-old looked lively throughout the game before being replaced by Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio in the 79th minute, as he continues to return from a long-term injury.

Progress

“It was really good to get 70-odd minutes under my belt again and my body is feeling pretty good,” Kruse said.

“My knee feels excellent. It’s probably just the rest of my body trying to adjust to playing football again and the demands of the game.”

With Callum McManaman and Rudy Gestede unavailable, Kruse stepped up and made his 78th A-League appearance.

“Hopefully I can keep progressing and string some games together before we see the best in me,” he said.

Brimmer

Former Glory midfielder Brimmer scored his first A-League goals in the win at AAMI Park and Kruse is backing the 22-year-old to become a key player for the club.

“I think he is really growing into that role, a box-to-box midfielder and he has all the attributes to be a really good footballer.

“It was really good that he got those two goals and hopefully he gains a lot of confidence from it because he will be an important part of our team going forward,” said Kruse.

12th man

As well as praising the role of Brimmer, Kruse has expressed his appreciation towards the Victory members and fans.

“Our fans and members are the best in the league by a country mile and probably best in terms of… everyone wants to come here and play because you get to play in a European-like atmosphere.

“They probably got us over the line on Tuesday night and we’re glad we could repay them. It is just a small step for us and we have a huge game Saturday,” said Kruse.

Victory’s attention is now focused on its fourth A-League game of the season – an away fixture against Western United at AAMI Park.