Melbourne Victory holds a clear historical edge over Melbourne City with 28 derby wins to City’s 17, but City’s rise under City Football Group ownership has made every encounter in the A-League’s most-watched fixture unpredictable.

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Head-to-head matches played: 64 (as of March 2026) ·
Melbourne Victory wins: 28 ·
Melbourne City wins: 17 ·
Draws: 19 ·
Most recent meeting result: Melbourne Victory 3‑1 Melbourne City (Feb 21, 2026) ·
First meeting: October 2010
Data from FBref

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Melbourne Victory leads the head‑to‑head record with 28 wins (FBref)
  • Melbourne City was originally called Melbourne Heart (MyFootball)
  • Both clubs share AAMI Park as home stadium (MyFootball)
  • The rivalry began in 2010 (MyFootball)
2What’s unclear
  • Which team is “better” is subjective and depends on criteria used
  • Exact individual player salaries are not publicly disclosed
3Timeline signal
  • Most recent derby: Melbourne Victory 3‑1 Melbourne City on Feb 21, 2026 (FBref)
  • City’s next scheduled fixture: TBC – check A‑League official site (FBref)
4What’s next
  • Both teams are likely to meet again before the end of the 2025‑26 season in a return derby
  • City will aim to close the head‑to‑head gap under their City Football Group ownership

Eight key facts that define the Melbourne derby landscape.

Label Value
Club (City) Melbourne City FC
Club (Victory) Melbourne Victory FC
First derby match October 2010 (MyFootball)
Total derbies played 64 (FBref)
City wins 17 (FBref)
Victory wins 28 (FBref)
Draws 19 (FBref)

Who is better, Melbourne City or Melbourne Victory?

Head‑to‑head record overview

Over 64 competitive meetings across all A‑League and finals matches, Melbourne Victory has won 28 times, Melbourne City 17, and 19 have ended in draws (FBref). This gives Victory a clear historical advantage, though City has narrowed the gap in recent seasons.

The early years were balanced: MyFootball notes the record stood level at four wins apiece from 2010‑11 through 2013‑14. Victory’s strong 2014‑15 campaign shifted the momentum, and they have maintained the lead since.

The pattern

Victory’s early derby dominance (2014‑2018) built a buffer that City has been slowly reducing. The head‑to‑head record still favours Victory by 11 wins, but City’s recent form suggests the gap may continue to shrink.

Recent form comparison (2025‑26 season)

  • February 21, 2026: Victory 3‑1 City (most recent derby) (FBref)
  • November 9, 2024: Victory 2‑3 City (FBref)
  • March 17, 2024: Victory 0‑0 City (FBref)
  • December 23, 2023: City 1‑0 Victory (FBref)

Both teams have won multiple A‑League championships: Victory has four titles (2007, 2009, 2015, 2018) while City has one (2021). In premierships (regular‑season titles), both have three each. The recent derby results show a competitive contest, with Victory taking the most recent meeting 3‑1.

The implication: Victory’s historical edge remains clear, but City’s trajectory under City Football Group suggests the balance could shift over the next few years.

Bottom line: Victory’s 28 derby wins give them the historical claim, but City’s three recent premierships and growing squad depth make them a closing challenger.

Who is Melbourne Victory’s biggest rival?

The Original Rivalry context

Melbourne Victory’s primary rival is Melbourne City, a fixture known as the Melbourne derby. MyFootball describes the rivalry as “the biggest fixture in Australian club football”. It began in 2010 when Melbourne City (then Melbourne Heart) joined the A‑League, creating a natural city‑based derby.

The rivalry is sometimes called “The Original Rivalry” to distinguish it from other derbies in the league, though that term has also been used for other clashes. Victory’s fan base, known as the Blue and White Brigade, and City’s supporters create an intense atmosphere at AAMI Park, the shared home ground.

Why this matters

For Victory supporters, beating City is the number‑one priority each season. The derby consistently draws the highest attendances in the A‑League and generates more media coverage than any other regular‑season fixture.

Other rivalries in the A‑League

Victory also has traditional rivalries with Adelaide United (dating back to the early A‑League years) and with Sydney FC, but neither carries the same local intensity as the Melbourne derby. For City, the Victory rivalry is equally defining, as they have never faced a more frequent or emotionally charged opponent.

Bottom line: Victory’s fiercest rival is Melbourne City. The shared stadium, contrasting club histories, and frequent high‑stakes meetings make this the A‑League’s most watched fixture.

What was Melbourne City FC called before?

Melbourne Heart era (2010‑2014)

Melbourne City was founded as Melbourne Heart FC in 2009 and played its first A‑League season in 2010‑11. MyFootball confirms the Heart won the first ever Melbourne derby 2‑1 against Victory on October 2010. The club operated under the Heart identity for four seasons, building a supporter base in Melbourne’s north.

During those early years, the derby record was level at four wins each, with the fledgling club holding its own against the established Victory.

Rebranding to Melbourne City

In June 2014, City Football Group (CFG) – the ownership group behind Manchester City – acquired the club and rebranded it as Melbourne City FC. The change brought increased investment, a new logo, and a shift in the club’s competitive profile. Since the rebrand, City has won its first A‑League championship (2021) and multiple premierships.

The rebranding also altered the derby dynamic. City went from underdog to challenger, and the head‑to‑head record tightened after 2014. MyFootball notes that Victory’s strong 2014‑15 season initially kept them ahead, but City’s growth under CFG has made every derby unpredictable.

The catch

Despite increased spending, City still trails Victory in overall head‑to‑head wins (17 vs 28). The financial muscle has not yet translated into derby dominance.

Is Melbourne City FC a good team?

A‑League achievements

Melbourne City has won one A‑League Championship (2021) and three A‑League Premierships (regular‑season titles in 2021, 2022, 2023). FBref data shows they have consistently been near the top of the table in recent years. By comparison, Victory has four championships but the same number of premierships (three).

Asian competition performance

City has qualified for the AFC Champions League multiple times since 2021, reaching the knockout stages in 2022. Their performances against Asian clubs have been mixed, but the experience has helped raise the squad’s standard.

Current squad strength

As of the 2025‑26 season, City sits 6th on the A‑League ladder, Victory 7th. City’s squad includes internationals and marquee players funded by CFG, giving them depth comparable to any A‑League side. The derby results in 2024‑25 and 2025‑26 show they can beat Victory on their day, though consistency remains a question.

Bottom line: Melbourne City is a strong A‑League club with recent titles, regular Asian qualification, and a squad that can challenge for silverware every season. They are not yet the derby dominator, but they are firmly a top‑tier team.

How much do Melbourne City FC players get paid?

A‑League salary cap structure

The A‑League operates under a salary cap system designed to maintain competitive balance. For the 2025‑26 season, the cap is approximately AUD 2.5 million per club, with additional allowances for marquee players and guest players. Exact individual salaries are not publicly disclosed, but the cap limits overall spending.

Marquee player exceptions

Melbourne City, because of City Football Group ownership, has been one of the higher‑spending clubs. They have used marquee player slots to bring in international stars such as David Villa (on loan in 2014) and current designated players. While no specific salary figures are available publicly for City players, the club’s wage bill is believed to be among the highest in the league.

Comparison with other clubs

Victory, owned by 777 Partners since 2022, also spends competitively but has historically relied more on Australian talent. The salary cap means neither club can outspend the other dramatically on a full squad, but marquee exemptions create some disparity.

The trade‑off: Higher spending gives City access to better international talent, but the salary cap prevents a complete financial domination. For fans, the question remains whether money alone translates into derby success.

Comparison: Melbourne City vs Melbourne Victory

Four dimensions where the two clubs differ most sharply.

Attribute Melbourne City Melbourne Victory
Founded 2009 (as Melbourne Heart) 2004
Owner City Football Group (UAE) 777 Partners (USA)
A‑League Championships 1 (2021) 4 (2007, 2009, 2015, 2018)
A‑League Premierships 3 (2021, 2022, 2023) 3 (2007, 2009, 2015)
Stadium AAMI Park (30,050 capacity) AAMI Park (30,050 capacity)
Derby wins (all‑time) 17 28
Most recent derby win Nov 9, 2024 (3‑2 away) Feb 21, 2026 (3‑1 home)

The club identity: one is a traditional foundation club, the other a rebranded corporate-backed side funded by a global football group.

Timeline of the Melbourne Derby rivalry

  • 2004 – Melbourne Victory FC founded (MyFootball)
  • 2009 – Melbourne Heart FC (later Melbourne City) founded (MyFootball)
  • October 2010 – First Melbourne derby played (Heart won 2‑1) (MyFootball)
  • June 2014 – City Football Group acquires Melbourne Heart; rebranded as Melbourne City FC (MyFootball)
  • 2021 – Melbourne City wins first A‑League Championship (FBref)
  • February 21, 2026 – Most recent derby: Melbourne Victory 3‑1 Melbourne City (FBref)

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Melbourne Victory leads the head‑to‑head record with 28 wins
  • Melbourne City was originally called Melbourne Heart
  • Both clubs share AAMI Park as home stadium
  • The rivalry began in 2010
  • Victory’s early derby dominance shifted the all‑time record
  • City won its first championship in 2021

What’s unclear

  • Which team is definitively “better” – depends on criteria (trophies, derby record, recent form)
  • Exact individual player salaries are not public
  • Future ownership changes could alter spending power

Voices from the rivalry

“Melbourne Heart won the first meeting 2‑1, an outcome that hinted at the competitive nature of the rivalry to come.”

MyFootball – Derby Dossier

“Victory’s 2014‑15 campaign was a turning point, pushing them ahead in the all‑time standings.”

MyFootball – Derby Dossier

Bottom line: Victory fans can point to 28 derby wins and four championships. City fans can point to a rising trajectory, three recent premierships, and the backing of one of the richest football groups. For neutral A‑League followers, the Melbourne derby remains the must‑watch fixture of the season.

Related reading: Melbourne City vs Melbourne Victory head-to-head history · Melbourne Derby dossier: what you need to know

Additional sources

m.aiscore.com, skysports.com, fotmob.com, sofascore.com, aiscore.com, bbc.com, fctables.com, footystats.org, futbol24.com, ultimatealeague.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is the capacity of AAMI Park?

AAMI Park has a capacity of 30,050 for football matches (MyFootball).

When is the next Melbourne derby scheduled?

The A‑League fixture list for the remainder of 2025‑26 has not yet confirmed the return derby; check the official A‑League website for updates.

Where can I buy tickets for Melbourne City vs Melbourne Victory?

Tickets are sold through the official A‑League ticketing partner, Ticketek, and directly from each club’s website.

Do Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory play in the same stadium?

Yes, both clubs share AAMI Park as their home ground (MyFootball).

How many times have Melbourne City won the A‑League championship?

Melbourne City has won the A‑League Championship once, in 2021 (FBref).

Is the Melbourne derby considered the biggest in the A‑League?

Many analysts and fans regard the Melbourne derby as the A‑League’s premier fixture due to its history, attendance, and competitive intensity (MyFootball).

What colors do Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory play in?

Melbourne City wears sky blue (home) and white (away); Melbourne Victory wears navy blue (home) and white (away).

Who owns Melbourne City FC?

Melbourne City FC is owned by City Football Group, the transnational holding company that also owns Manchester City (MyFootball).

For A‑League fans, the Melbourne derby is more than a match – it’s a statement of identity. Victory’s historical edge is clear, but City’s trajectory under global ownership threatens to rewrite the balance. The next few seasons will decide whether this becomes a rivalry of equals or remains a story of Victory’s enduring dominance.