Muscat prouder of Melbourne this season than any other

Melbourne Victory skipper Kevin Muscat says he is prouder of his team this season than any others.

The veteran defender/midfielder believes 2009/10 has thrown up more adversity for the Victory than any season before it and if they happen to salute in the Grand Final against Sydney FC on Saturday, he admits he will more proud of the club than he ever has.

“It's well documented how proud and honoured I am to be involved with this football club, but this season probably more than most," Muscat said.

"We were up against it for quite a bit and we did stay strong.

"There were a number of excuses made for us, to be honest but we never used any of that.

"We said the (Asian Champions League) travel was going to be tough on us and we probably won't be at our best, but not once did we use it as a reason for losing.

"The fact that we've had the two long-term injuries to Billy (Celeski) and (Matthew Kemp), two regulars.

"The fact that Archie (Thompson), (Robbie) Kruse, myself, Rody (Vargas), Grant Brebner, Evan Berger (have all had injuries), not once have we used that.

"We always said there is a positive because this squad has got a lot of depth ... we hung our hat on that and it's proved to be right."