The 2011-12 campaign was a turbulent and deeply frustrating season for Melbourne Victory as The Big V slumped to a disappointing 8th-place finish in the A-League, missing the finals series. The year was defined by a chaotic mid-season with manager Mehmet Durakovic sacked after only three wins, followed by the interim appointment of Jim Magilton, and the constant, exhausting distraction of the marquee signing, Harry Kewell. Despite the turmoil, the gifted Costa Rican playmaker Carlos Hernández led the charge with 10 crucial goals, though even his wizardry couldn't make up for the loss of bulldog spirit left by the retirement of legendary captain Kevin Muscat. It was a dark, unforgettable year that saw the club hit a low point before a necessary overhaul.