Donachie back in play

MELBOURNE Victory defender James Donachie will make his first appearance since starring in last May’s grand final win in Newcastle, when he lines up away against Wellington Phoenix tonight.

Star Swedish striker Ola Toivonen has been left behind, wrapped in cotton wool for the final Melbourne derby of the season on Saturday week at Marvel Stadium.

Second-placed Victory faces a banana skin visit to Auckland, with a 20,000crowd expected to cheer on Wellington Phoenix in their one-off game at Eden Park.

Keisuke Honda is again expected to feature off the bench, after his 30-minute comeback last week, with defender Georg Niedermeier poised to get more minutes after coming on alongside the superstar.

Victory midfielder Terry Antonis is suspended for the clash with Anthony Lesiotis, Josh Hope or versatile veteran Leigh Broaxham poised to move into midfield.

Donachie, who returned to Victory in a virtual trade for Nick Ansell, looks set to get regular minutes moving forward with Niedermeier confirmed as the visa omission for the Asian Champions League.

Moving to Jeonnam Dragons after Victory’s title win, Donachie shone in an otherwise woeful season, with relegation to the second division triggering his exit.

Wellington’s decision to shift the game to Auckland has been justified, with their impressive form helping drum up interest.

Mark Rudan, who has been linked with A-League expansion side, Victoria’s Western United, has led Phoenix to sixth on the A-League table.

Phoenix is within touching distance of Melbourne City in fifth and fourth-place Adelaide United.