From Rookie to Grand Final Ace in Just 115 Days

Arthur Diles had yet to step into a senior professional head coaching position until December. Now, at 43, he is gearing up for a momentous Melbourne Derby in the Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final.

Life and football often have a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and the journey Arthur Diles has taken towards the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final exemplifies this notion.

At the start of the season, Diles was serving as an assistant to Patrick Kisnorbo at Melbourne Victory. He had initially joined AAMI Park under the guidance of former manager Tony Popovic in 2023, supporting the 2021 A-Leagues champion as they entered a new phase.

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However, just six months into Kisnorbo’s tenure, chaos erupted at Victory. The sudden departure of the former Socceroo left the club and the league in disbelief.

Enter Diles.

With Victory sitting third in the league, the three-time champions initially turned to Diles, a former assistant at Western Sydney Wanderers, Xanthi, and Newcastle Jets, in hopes of stabilising the situation while discussions of a permanent replacement for Kisnorbo swirled around.

Diles faced a challenging start with three draws and three defeats in his opening six matches. Fortunately, the script flipped, as he has only lost four of his last 16 games, steering the team towards a landmark Melbourne Derby Grand Final in the Isuzu UTE A-League.

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“That question is quite frustrating for me,” he reflected on Victory’s winless beginning following a victory in the Elimination Final against Western Sydney Wanderers.

“Many people suggested that we went six games without a win, but that’s overlooking the draws. We didn’t let that get to us too much.

“Our process was strong during that period. The results might not have reflected it, but we were playing well and there were many draws. We remained committed to our plan, knowing it would eventually turn the tide—and it did.”

“In the end, we’ve never lost our belief. The players have trust in each other, and there’s significant confidence in their capabilities – as there is in us. We truly believe in our players, and they keep improving.”

“We’re not at our destination just yet; there’s room for growth, no doubt. But for now, we’re focusing on preparing for each game as it comes.”

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It’s been a whirlwind ride for the relatively unknown Australian coach.

Previously, Diles had never occupied a senior head coaching role in men’s football until he was appointed on a permanent basis in January.

Now, the 43-year-old has Victory poised for an incredible Championship run—their first since the 2017-18 season.

“Taking on this role under such exceptional circumstances was certainly unique. The busy period through Christmas and New Year, including trips to Sydney and New Zealand, fit into a packed schedule, but I believe our group handled the turmoil splendidly,” he noted after signing a contract that extends to the end of the 2025-26 season.

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Throughout this process, Victory has surpassed expectations under a rookie manager.

They triumphed over the league’s standout team, Western Sydney Wanderers, during a thrilling Elimination Final after finishing the regular season in fifth place.

Despite the Wanderers enjoying a 12-match unbeaten streak— their best in 12 years—Victory disrupted their momentum.

This has become a pattern under Diles. In the Semi-Finals, reigning champions Auckland FC came to a drenched Melbourne, having won the first leg 1-0. Yet in front of a sold-out crowd of over 29,000, Victory turned the tables in the second leg with a 2-0 victory, thwarting Auckland’s aspirations for a Premiership-Championship double in their debut season.

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“This is a significant moment for us as a football club, a culmination of our hard work,” Diles remarked.

“I have no doubt our supporters will be there at the Grand Final; that’s a given. I’m not sure what the other side is planning, but our fans will show up in full force. They will be vocal, fulfilling their role as our 12th man as they always do.”

Having been a professional head coach for only 115 days, Diles now stands just 90 minutes away from cementing his place in both Victory’s history and that of the A-Leagues.