Melbourne Victory have confirmed Connor Chapman and back-to-back Victory Medalist Damien Da Silva have departed the club.
Da Silva will leave Australia at the conclusion of his contract after 42 appearances for Victory across two seasons.
The Frenchman earned the Victory Medal in both of his seasons at the club – an honour awarded to the club’s best and fairest men’s player across each campaign – and played a vital role in guiding the club to the 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final.
Victory director of football John Didulica said Da Silva’s two Victory Medals were tangible proof of his impact at the club.
“Damien arrived at the club mid-season in 2022-23 and showed a level of consistency and quality that saw him become a leader in the squad immediately,” Didulica said.
“To win back-to-back Victory Medals is an incredible feat and we will be grateful for the legacy of hard work and professionalism Damien drove.”
Chapman meantime departs to an overseas club after 40 appearances in two seasons in Melbourne. Victory will receive undisclosed compensation for the defender.
The 29-year-old spent one-and-a-half seasons at Victory; Didulica says Chapman’s ability to play a number of positions across the pitch made him a vital asset to the club on the journey to the 2024 Grand Final.
“Connor played an important role for the club over the past two seasons and demonstrated his versatility in a wide range of positions,” Didulica said.
“He made a considerable contribution towards the team’s journey last season which resulted in the Club making the Grand Final.”
