Classy Victory clinch record Premiership

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The league's biggest club ended their longest wait for a trophy on Sunday night when Melbourne Victory claimed the A-League Premiers' Plate.

Six years on from their last minor premiership, Victory are again top of the league, lifting the Premiers' Plate on the final day of the A-League regular season.

In defeating Central Coast Mariners 3-1, Kevin Muscat's side finished with 53 points, three clear of second-placed Sydney FC who won 2-1 over Wellington earlier on Sunday.

Muscat, who captained the club to the 2008/09 minor premiership and championship double, said he was "over the moon" after steering Victory to the Premiers' Plate in his first full season as manager.

As a veteran of English football, which does not have finals series, Muscat suggested there was a temptation to relish this occasion more than a grand final win.

But Muscat said his eyes are set on finals glory.

"If you ask any traditionalist, they'd put these nights ... down as the biggest nights," he said.

"Australian sport loves grand finals and so do I.

"It was a very good night for us, a massive night for the football club."

Victory now have a week off from finals due to their ladder position, with Muscat saying the players would celebrate with gusto.

"You've got to enjoy the good times and tonight is certainly a good time," he said.

"We've won the most games, scored the most goals, conceded the least goals.

"It's a massive achievement and the playing group should be really proud of themselves."

Daniel Georgievski, Archie Thompson and Besart Berisha scored Victory's goals, with Eddy Bosnar netting in reply.

Sydney also have a week off, pushing Wellington to fourth with their win in New Zealand.

On Saturday, Adelaide United surged to third place with a 4-1 demolition job of Melbourne City.

The results confirm the first week of the A-League finals series, with matches to be hosted in Adelaide and Wellington.

On Friday, Brisbane will travel to play Josep Gombau's Adelaide United.

The Phoenix host Melbourne City in New Zealand on Sunday.

Winners from week one will play Victory and Sydney FC in week two for a place in the A-League grand final.

Mariners coach Tony Walmsley said while Victory's strong attacking finish to the regular season makes them justified favourites to win the grand final, the others are still a good chance.

"It's finals football, it could go anywhere," he said.

"I'd say Melbourne Victory but I'm not a punter so very hard to say."

A-LEAGUE FINALS: WEEK ONE

Friday May 1 - Adelaide (3rd) v Brisbane (6th) at Adelaide Oval - 7:00pm local, 7:30pm AEST

Sunday May 3 - Wellington (4th) v Melbourne City (5th) at Westpac Stadium - 7:00pm local, 5:00pm AEST

A-LEAGUE FINALS: WEEK TWO

Saturday May 9 - Sydney FC (2nd) v highest placed qualifier at Allianz Stadium - 7:30pm local and AEST

Melbourne Victory (1st) play the lowest ranked qualifier. If that is Melbourne City, they will play on Friday May 8 at Etihad Stadium - 7:30pm local and AEST. If it is Wellington or Brisbane, they will play on Sunday May 10 at AAMI Park - 5:00pm local and AEST.

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