Victory move three clear at the top
A Carlos Hernandez masterclass has maintained Melbourne's course for the Premiers' Plate, with the Costa Rican scoring a goal in each half as the Victory defeated North Queensland 2-0 at Etihad Stadium.
Hernandez took his season's total to 12 with two superb efforts either side of half time, the first from open play, the second from a free kick.
The win moves Melbourne, which was without Archie Thompson and Kevin Muscat and lost Matthew Kemp to injury during the game, three points clear on top of the table.
It means that regardless of this weekend's results, a point against Sydney next week will be enough for Melbourne to claim a top-two spot and the double chance that goes with it.
However, it may have to win the championship without Kemp, who suffered a serious knee injury and is likely to miss the rest of the season.
Gold Coast has the chance to join Melbourne at the top of the table when it takes on Wellington on Saturday night, while Sydney hosts Perth on Sunday.